Winnie & Dennis: My Zing Forever

Prologue

The moonlight pierced the river below. The reflection was so bright and pure it would bring a tear to the eye. Marble stone glistened so brightly that it looks like stars were on the surface.

Sounds of war drums beating like a heartbeat in the distance, marching closer and closer to the castle walls. Snarling, laughter and shrieks of anticipation rose in the soldiers as they could taste the blood in their mouths. Blood of victory. It was going to taste bittersweet.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

The war drums of thunder crept closer and closer while General Gari yelled his orders through the sound of drums. Soldiers scrambled into their positions with their swords, spears and arcane magic bows. Their arrows snug in leather arrow holders, filled to the brim of deadly purple arrowheads.

General Gari ordered his soldiers according to how the weather was turning. If the wind kept up, he would have to adjust his archers to the north and ensure that they can get close enough to the entrance of the castle. His plan was foolproof. Most of his soldiers were equipped with grappling hooks to get around elsewhere and flank if need be.

"I am to understand this will not be a problem to reclaim?" The dark figure was tall and shrouded with darkness, its eyes changed from yellow to red.

"Yes my Lord. One kid, some sort of werewolf girl and Dawnstar. She is a warrior and she is ready to fight." Gari said with a sinister grin. Truth was, he wanted to fight her and take her own life with the very sword she wielded. If not, then recruit her to be part of his grand army. But this was unlikely to happen he concluded.

"Possible candidates for our army, the werewolf and child?" The figure asked. They were always looking for recruits. The younger the better, corruption was easier if they were young and they would be formidable warriors. Especially if there was a bond between them.

"I believe they have something special going on for another, Master. But I could not confirm this." Gari scratched his head with annoyance as this small detail escaped him but he figured they would soon find out once the castle is theirs.

"No matter. We shall take them and make the bond apparent if they share no fondness for one another," the figure took two steps forward and gazed up towards the moon. "I foresee the day of reckoning, we must act quickly."

This would not be an easy task, Gari knew. It never was. It had been centuries since they last recruited warriors by utilizing corruption. Time-consuming and not productive. But still, a werewolf and a vampire among their ranks would be beneficial. However, Dawnstar would be a viable asset to their cause and maybe he could persuade her to join them. . . after he defeats her in combat though. He figured this would not be easy either and they do not have time to lose since more of her clan was coming to defend this castle.

"I must warn you, master, her clan will be coming. We won't have much time." Gari said.

"None of our concern," his master said sweeping his hand to the side as a means of dismissal. "They will not be a threat once we are inside and have our army in strategic positions." Gari nodded with approval and agreed. But in the back of his mind, he knew precautions are always mandatory just in case.

"I shall leave you here, master. I must go and inspect the soldiers. Master." he said bowing. And stormed off.

The truth of it was the master is right and always is. But no matter what, he always had a backup plan just in case he was wrong or didn't foresee a particular event. Had been doing this for years before they were banished so long ago. Thankfully, the reason for their banishing was not his fault. But his Master's. Perhaps his judgement was clouded. . .

Meanwhile, within the castle, Winnie was worried and anxious about what was about to come. Her ears would twitch at each sound of the war drums that crept closer and closer.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

She flinched each time. All she knew was that there was hate behind those noises and they wanted this castle. She doesn't want anything bad to happen to her Zing or even their home. Even Dawnstar, although they had a rough introduction with her she seemed nice and was willing to protect their home with her life.

And then there was Dennis. Her precious Zing that she would never let go of and would fight to be able to hold him close. Even right now standing next to him her heartbeat fluttered. . . or was that because of the drums outside? She wasn't quite sure.

"Yes. Good. It will do for now," Dawnstar exclaimed with a sigh of annoyance. They had no line of defence or even anything to hold the line when those things storm inside. She had decided the best place to hold up was in the master bedroom of various important guests. Windows were secured with metal bars thanks to the design of the castle itself. All that was needed was to jam the door shut and defend it until help arrived. If help arrives that is.

"Now stay behind me and make sure the mattress shields you. Dennis, I will need you so when I make the signal, you need to help me alright?" she asked making sure that he understood.

"Yes, I understand! I won't let you down." Dennis chirped. He was nervous though, Winnie could tell. They all could.

"Winnie I will need you to do the same thing but howl. Once you do, I need you to spring the trap. After that, go to the mattress again. Understand?"

"Yes!" Winnie yelled over the crashes of footsteps outside, approaching closer and closer.

At this point, the drums were very close. Almost as if they were in the lobby but Dawnstar had calculated how long it would take them. They had about an hour left before they would arrive and storm the castle. It will be easy for them of course, but she will try to defend it. Even if it is just a small room.

Help would surely arrive but the question was when? Hopefully when it's not too late. . .