Protector of the Crown

Chapter Seventeen

Protector of the Crown

Chapter Seventeen

I stood outside of Leofwin’s house, power coursing through me. I felt brave, confident, and fierce. I felt alive. I felt like the person I really was had been hidden all along and it was finally coming out.

None of that mattered to me: power, strength—none of it. All that mattered to me was Audrey; all that mattered was that she was safe. Taking a look at Avis and Henry, they both seemed calm and confident—the way a warrior is supposed to be. A warrior is meant to be strong and brave, to be able to fight at a moment’s notice. To protect humanity. To protect their loved ones.

“Ready?” Zachary asked walking up beside me.

That was the question wasn’t it. Was I ready? Was I ready to plunge into battle, with no training, only to have my wit and the element of gold to help me. Was I ready? I think I was ready. I felt assured in my abilities. I know I can fight for what I wanted—Audrey.

“Yes, I’m ready to go.” I replied.

“Your first battle is a memorable one, the mistakes you made, the guilt you feel, the accomplishments you make and the pride you feel. But also the honor you feel, even if you think you lost, when you remember what you are fighting for and that you fought for it to the best of your ability.”

“Why are you fighting?” I asked.

“My wife and new-born son. I hope to see him grow up in a world free of these hideous creatures.” He replied.

A new voice joined us, “I am fighting for the prosperity of the future.”  Henry informed.

“I am fighting for humanity’s freedom.” Avis interjected coming to stand next to Henry and grabbed his hand.

Suddenly a loud roar from somewhere behind Leofwin’s house had all in ready positions.

“I’m fighting for Audrey.”

And Audrey’s fighting for you.

Faster than imaginable animals and beasts that were not native to this region were pour out from his house and the forest behind his house. Sharp teeth, claws and eyes all trained to kill us—they advanced towards.

Leofwin leading them in his human form, we met in the center of the battle field. “I’ll give you one chance, you can give now and you and your warriors can live or you can watch them die knowing you could have stopped them.”

“No, Leofwin. You’ll be the one to die today.” I said then we ran at each other swing swords. My gold one clashed with his regular steel.

He noticed the color of my sword, “Oh, so you finally figured it out.” He taunted, “Took you long enough.”

“You knew?” I asked as I broke away and swiped my sword at him, he jumped back from it’s touch, the blade just barely scraping his armor.

“Of course, I did.” He replied. He swung his sword at my neck but I rocked back and brought my sword up to block another one of his attacks. I forced my sword forward watching him lose his balance, taking his weak spot I aimed another swing causing him fall back on the ground. I hovered my sword over his throat.

“If you kill me that will send a message to my men to enlighten her.” He warned.

“Don’t even try it Leofwin, I am tired of your games.” I growled at him. “Give me Audrey.” He lunged at me knocking me off my feet.

He held a dagger to my neck. “Say goodbye Gold Warrior.” He tried to slice my throat my he underestimated my newfound strength and pushed him of me and pinned him down to the ground.