The courtyard was contained by three stone walls with purple and pink flowered vines growing wildly across their surface. It opened onto a fork in a paved road, lined with trees. One way, leading to the guard's barracks and the other to the main gardens and fountain court, located in front of the main gates. Because of the King's visiting guests and the entourage of entertainers, there were people everywhere.
"Is everything all right?" Lyon, noticing Lara and Sarah had slowed down considerably, knew something was up.
"Just enjoying the view." Sarah side stepped, hoping he wouldn't ask too many questions.
The prisoner who had shown them the way out, came running over to Lyon.
"Your majesty, I have arranged for several wagons to be at your disposal. I can't thank you enough for freeing our people. We are forever in your debt."
"With all your help, leading us out of the castle, consider it paid in full. I trust you have somewhere to go to?"
"Yes. Our people will be safe." Two men, nearby, waved in their direction. "We will be leaving your company now. Thank you again."
Gathering his small party together, the prisoners disappeared behind the courtyard walls.
Lyon, Sarah, Julie, Lara and her grandfather rode in one wagon and John, Alexis, Cassian and Strauss in the other.
"Who let Strauss in the driver's seat? Now be a good boy and let me show you how it's done." Taking a seat beside Strauss, John tried to grab the reins. Everyone knew Strauss's strength lay in ground combat. Driving wagons... not so much.
"We want to get out of here in one piece. I'm driving."
Seeing that he was refusing to budge, Alexis solved the problem.
"Both of you move. I'm driving." As nominated leader of the group by King Lyon, they had no choice but to submit. Although Alexis had to hide a smile at their disgruntled words. They were worse than children.
They decided to separate the wagons going through the main gate. Just in case one of them had problems with the guards.
With the high number of entertainers and the guests, the guards had only been checking those entering the castle, allowing all who were leaving, to pass with no delay.
Once Lyon saw that his first troop's wagon had passed through, he directed his own horses, towards the gate.
They were not far from the gate entrance, when suddenly the trumpet sound of shawm horns echoed against the castle walls. Lyon noticed Lara's fascinated look towards the long thin, woodwind instruments that tapered to a flaring bell, on the bridge area above the gates.
"Close the gates". Soldiers came running towards the exits.
"Hold on." Lyon shouted to his passengers as he pushed the horses past the wagons in front of him, trying to exit the gates before they shut.
Unfortunately, the noise had startled the horses on the cart at the entrance to the gatehouse. In their frightened state and with the sudden movement of the gates closing in front of them, they turned sharply, swinging the wagon straight into Lyon's path. Both drivers tried to veer the other way, but it happened so fast, neither could prevent their wagons from colliding.
Lara managed to grab hold of Sarah before they hit, taking the brunt of the force when they were knocked against the wooden sideboards.
"Sarah are you alright?" Lara had felt the uncontrollable shaking in the slight frame before they crashed.
YOU ARE READING
Wings of Grace
Fantasy'A life for a life'- Who said finding true love was going to be easy for nineteen-year old, Lara Wakesfield? All it took was being pushed off a cliff, transported to another world, kidnapped and engaged in a life threatening sword-fight. But that w...
