Battle Cry | Mericcup (REWRITE)

Chapter 2

Merida arrived on the palace, soaking wet. She guided Angus back to his stables before entering the back door of the castle. It was already night when Merida arrived and the kingdom was quiet. Torches were already lit. She could hear the maids cooking dinner at the kitchen where Merida decided to enter. The kitchen smelled like bread and cooked meat. The scent made her stomach loudly grumble. She made her way to the tables and took an apple from the basket.

The maids were too busy to notice her because they started chatting. "I wonder what happened to them?"

One of the maids that was stirring a pot said, "Maybe they were attacked? Who knows? Maudie would be here any moment to tell us."

"Do you think it's bad?" The maid at one of the tables who was chopping asked without looking up. Merida lingered to listen. Merida was in the table near the door which was probably another reason why she had not been noticed yet. 

The maid with the pot shrugged before saying, "It must be. Lord Macintosh looked worried and so does his whole clan."

That caught Merida's attention even more. "Lord Macintosh?" Merida thought. That was when she remembered that there will be a feast at the kingdom by the day after tomorrow. The kingdom were expecting for the lords to arrive today.

"It was a surprise for the guards to only see the clan of Lord Macintosh arrive. They usually arrive almost at the same time." The maid added before wiping her hands on her apron and turned. Merida caught her attention and it was clear that the maid was not expecting to see the princess at the kitchen.

"P-princess." She said. The other maids turned towards her and were also surprised. They curtsied. "W-we did not -"

"What happened?" Merida asked, cutting the maid off.

The maids exchanged looks. "It's the clans, Princess." One of the maids answered. "We do not know the details, but we saw that it was only the clan of the Lord Macintosh who arrived."

Merida scrunched her face. She decided to see Lord Macintosh for herself and went to the throne room only to see her mother and father sitting on their throne with Lord Macintosh speaking. His clan was behind him  while his son stood beside. 

"My queen, they were just behind us." Lord Macinstosh said.

The queen looked worried and was about to respond when she saw Merida. Her face softens. "Merida."

"Mum, what happened?" Merida asked, walking over to her parents. Her brothers were nowhere to be seen as usual. It was only her, her parents, and the clan of Macintosh.

"Merida, I'm so glad you're here." The queen said. "The lords were attacked by the Vikings. Only Lord Macintosh, his son and some of his people were able to arrive here safely. We have no idea what happened to the other clans." 

Merida frowned. "The Vikings? But why? It has been years since they last attacked."

"Princess, I can assure you. I saw what they did." Lord Macintosh said.

"How did you escape?" Merida asked the lord. 

"We almost didn't. But then they just... retreated." He answered before turning to the queen. "My queen, my king, what are we going to do?"

Both the king and queen sat tensely on their throne, drowned in their thoughts. Even though Merida hated the fact that she was about to get married―probably with one of the lords' sons, she still has the heart to worry for them. They were great friends and allies. They are known to be strong and bold, but how can they be killed by the Vikings? Especially Lord McGuffin who had defeated them once.

"What are we going to do?" Merida asked because she really wanted to know too.

"We'll send hundreds of men to search for the other clans. We will fight those Vikings and kill them if we have to." King Fergus answered, his voice was serious. "I will lead the attack myself."

The queen looked even worried. She placed a hand on her husband's forearm because she knew it was also the only way. They cannot waste their time waiting for the Vikings to attack the kingdom itself. 

***

The next day, the whole kingdom were busy preparing for the up coming departure of the king and his soldiers. Merida was back on the Croon's Tooth and was thinking deeply. What could be the reason why the Vikings to attack? After all these years, they took defeat. Why attack again? Her father will be leaving in the morning. 

It was a stupid idea but Merida suddenly thought of joining her father and their people. If this is her way to leave the castle walls and prove that she was more than a princess behind castle walls, so be it. She doubt her mother will let her, but she had to try at least. 

When Merida went back to the castle, she ran directly to her mother. The queen was starting a new tapestry when Merida arrived. She turned to face Merida and curiously looked at her daughter. "What are you doing here?" The queen asked. "And why are you covered in filth?" 

Merida shook her head, dismissing the questions. Queen Elinor turned back to her tapestry when Merida blurted out, "Mom, let me fight with them." Queen Elinor recoiled. She had accidentally pinched herself with the needle. A drop of blood escaped from her finger which she decided to wipe on her gown.

"You can't, lassie. It's too dangerous." Queen Elinor said.

Merida was expecting that answer. "I can handle myself." Merida said, walking a step forward. "I've been training, remember?"

"No, I can't let you!" Queen Elinor raised her voice.

"But-"

"I will not let you. That is final." Queen Elinor said. "Now, go. I have no time for this." She then went back to her tapestry.

Merida grew furious and stomped towards the door just so her mother could see how upset she was. She walked angrily over to her room, whispering to herself. "I will do what I have to do." Merida reached her room and laid on her bed. She stared over at the fire of the torch on her wall.

"My fate does not lie here in the castle. I know it's out there somewhere."