Destroyers and the Dragons

Page 14

 We spend the rest of the evening talking like we are old friends. I now can see why Evergreen was so careful about his plan. If these were my people I would wish to protect them as well, but under his sister's perfect manners I sense a kindred soul. I am proven right when she puts on the hard leather armor and straps on a dangerous looking sword. I check the time out her window and begin to pace.

     "They should have been here by now," I say.

     "It isn't yet time," she counters.

     "If this is to be successful they must be here soon."

     "Sit your pacing will not quicken their feet." Finally, I hear the call and I look at her. She nods gathers herself and we begin to walk down the stairs towards the front. I am thankful that her dress hides the leather armor underneath.

    "Why are you out?" asks one of the men we pass.

     "I cannot sleep, wedding jitters," she says and smiles coyly.

     "Don't wander around too long," he replies.

     "I am well attended," she says gesturing to me. The man nods and climbs the stairs. I can tell from his coloring he is related to the upstart. We finally make our way down to the main gate, which is barred for the night. Mistress smiles at the guards and then we work the bar off.

     "Why have they not raised an alarm?" I ask as the bar finally comes off. We carefully drop it to one side.

     "Not all here are happy with the new ruler," she says. I nod as the gates open and in comes Evergreen and his men. A horn sounds and all those loyal to the upstart pour out of the castle and into the courtyard. I work to get her off to one side and out of the chaos even though she seems like she'd rather join in the fray. Finally, my target emerges at the back of the group and begins to make his way towards Mistress. I can tell now that this is how he hopes to win the fight by taking her prisoner. I wait as others charge at him and he is slowed down. Finally, I remove the scarf and the overskirt.

     "You dare raise a weapon to your king," he demands as I block his stroke.

     "No, I defend my lady," I say. His hatred makes him blind to the obvious.

     "You stupid woman remove yourself from this place," he yells at me. I swing at him hoping to hit a weak spot in his armor, but it scrapes across the plate instead.

     "You attacked me," he screeches. I dodge another blow while driving Mistress back into the castle.

      "I'd kill you if I could, but my goal is to protect Mistress. Let us retreat to her rooms and no harm will come to you."

     "I cannot allow your treachery to slide," he says, swinging at my head. I duck and am separated from Mistress.

     "You ass of a man," I snarl. We trade blows and all I manage to do is dodge and get driven farther from my target. Nothing goes according to plan, I think as I duck another blow.

      "So let me guess the penalty is death," I hiss dodging another blow. I watch in silent horror as Mistress plunges her sword into the weak spot behind the knee. The upstart screams and turns blindly attacking Mistress. I counter his blind attack barely and feel it in my thigh.

     "Get safely to your room!" I yell, pushing her back as he attacks again.