Chapter 5

Igorcalled Morris, his general, to have a word with him. He needed advice on how to proceed next. He needed Intel on how things were at the King's court, he needed a spy.

“We need someone we can trust. We need to be up to date with every detail from the castle so we know when it is the right time to strike, master….”, Morris was saying while examining Igor's every reaction. He didn’t want to upset him more than he knew he already was as he hadn’t succeeded in whatever he had tried.

“How about your wife, Morris? She could infiltrate, work in their kitchen, mop the floors, wash the dishes, whatever, and find out all the gossip and rumors and send word back to us. This way, we'll always know what's going on there.”

“Janette?” Morris could hardly utter his wife's name. He was fond of his wife and the idea of sending her as a spy, away from him, didn’t sound too good. But on the other hand, he couldn’t say no to Igor, the bastard!

“Yes, her, or did you remarry while I was away!?” asked Igor searching Morris' s face for anything that could betray his true feelings about what he was being told.

Now, Morris was pale. His face was so white that he looked like a ghost. He was just staring at some invisible point beyond Igor. He couldn’t face Igor, he hated him too much right now. He wished he had never returned from his mission, Morris wished Igor would just accept defeat and be content with what he had. But he knew him better… Instead, he just said swallowing a lump in his throat: “Yes, master, Janette could get a job at the castle. She could find out all we need and send word back to us.”

“Good, good…” was all that Igor said with a large grin on his face. This way, they could attack when Daniel's army was most vulnerable in order to stand a chance against them. Janette's role was essential. And indeed, she was trustworthy. Morris had married her when she was very young and they had been together ever since. If he thought about it, they must bemarried for about 10 years or so already. Igor also knew that Morris wasn’t too happy about his decision but he also knew he wouldn’t dare refuse him. And besides, he wasn’t going to wait forever, he would strike at the first opportunity that came. So Morris wouldn’t have to wait too long to be reunited with his wife.

Meanwhile, Igor trained every day from dusk till dawn, together with his generals and his army. He wanted them to be fit and ready, he wished for the attack on Green Valley to be a success on his part, he wanted the throne. His soldiers were training really hard, but they were expensive. And his provisions were running low, so he hoped that Janette would send them as soon as possible the good news, the news that they could start the attack.

Almost two months later, the news finally arrived. Janette herself had returned and was asking for a meeting with him. So Igor sent word for her and Morris to enter his council room as he was more than ready to receive them.

Igor couldn’t stand still, he was waiting impatiently by the window when the knock on the door finally came. He didn’t just tell them to come in, as he would have done had the situation been more relaxed, but being as it was, he hurried to door himself and opened it. Janette and Morris were waiting, hand in hand, for him to let them in. So without wasting any more time, he showed them in and pointed towards the chairs that had already been prepared for them around the small table.

Janette was waiting to be allowed to speak before she started saying what she had to say.

Igor addressed her as he realized she wasn’t going to talk without his permission.

“Well!? What happened that made you come back with the news yourself?” asked Igor, cold sweat running down his forehead.

“Your highness, this is the best moment to attack. The king is away for a few days with a large part of his army and the Queen is nowhere to be found. I was supposed to get her dinner but she wasn't in her quarters and no one seems to know where she is. And her friend is also missing. So I reckon they are together. But not with the King, as he wouldn’t take them along. So I don’t know when the Queen will be back, and as for the King, it is as I said, he won't be back for a few days….”

Igor was listening carefully. He almost couldn’t believe what he was hearing. This was the moment of truth. He could feel his heart rate slowing down again and he stopped sweating.

“You did good, Janette, very good. This is for your trouble….”, said Igor as he placed a heavy bag in her hands. As soon as she got it she lifted it to have a better feel of its weight and a large smile covered her face. She was obviously content.

“If you would excuse us now, Janette…..” added Igor to make her realize it was time she left the room and let the men further discuss what it was to be done next.

“Of course….” She said as she hid the money bag in her bra and winked at her husband. He pinched her butt as she turned to exit the chamber and she giggled.

As soon as she was out the door Morris had a broad smile covering his face. He was proud of her. She had done well and now Igor was pleased. Which meant that his position as his favorite general was secured once again.

“Your wife's help is priceless, Morris. We march all night and attack tomorrow as soon as we reach the castles gates. Gather the troops. Feed them well before we leave. Oh, and say goodbye to Janette till we return…”

The smile on Morris's face was gone as if it had never been there. It was replaced by a cold sadness and a blank stare.

“Oh, one more thing, Morris….” Added Igor with his back to

Morris, already deep in thought, “send word to Margo to get ready. She will accompany us this time. Tell her it's an order and that she'd better not make me drag her by force out of her lair.”

Morris left and slammed the door behind him. He was upset because his wife had just returned and now he had to leave to fight Igor's war. He just hoped he would return safely to her after it would all be over, whenever that was…

Two hours later all his army was already marching towards Green Valley, Igor in front of them, leading the way accompanied by Morris and Margo, with Morris on his left and Margo on his right. There was fire in his eyes. It would be the final battle. He would either take over and get the throne or die trying. There was no going back and he wasn’t going to accept defeat. He'd rather die. Margo too was lost in thought. As if she read his mind. As for Morris, he was worried too. He was well aware that he could lose his life and never see his wife again. But he had no choice. There was a gloomy look on all their faces. As if they were marching towards their deaths. Which maybe they did….

Someone in the back started singing a war song to dispel the tension. Soon, the rest followed. Even Igor relaxed. A grin replaced his worried look. His soldiers were right. They needed this for encouragement. And they all knew they needed victory if they wanted their bags full of coins again. Igor caught a glimpse of Margo to see if she seemed worried or not. But she seemed… indifferent. Well, he thought, better than if she had a worried look on her face. That would have only added to his own worries. So this was better.

The more they approached their goal, the faster they rode. In the evening, they could see the castle just up ahead. It was as if that had given them extra strength or as if it had given them wings because they were now riding as if their lives depended on it. The took the castle by storm. The King was indeed absent and so was his wife, the wench from whom he hadn’t been able to snatch the darn ring. But by the way it looked, Igor thought that maybe he didn’t even need it.

A fierce battle followed. Although the castle was poorly defended as a large part of the army was with the King away on his task, the ones that were there to defend the people of Green Valley fought bravely against the invaders. But they had been taken by surprise and unprepared and many perished in the first hour of the attack until they could mobilize a bit. Then they fought back as hard as they could. Their lives were at stake, as well as the lives of those they were protecting, the people of Green Valley, their families and friends. But the fact that the King wasn’t there to lead them weighed a great deal. His army needed him, they needed Daniel, they needed his advice and courage and strategy.

The clanking of metal was heard continuously through the night and the screams of the wounded only made things worse. There were casualties on both sides but Daniel's army suffered more. Igor had benefited from the element of surprise and this took a great toll on Daniel's army. But Daniel's army was well trained and disciplined so they quickly recovered from the initial shock of the attack and they fought back hard.

People were dying on both sides. Igor and Morris were killing frantically right and left with a savage look on their faces. Victory would taste so sweet….

Chapter 6

“Zeno, I want you to put this knave behind bars!” said Daniel as he pushed Lord Stein towards Zeno.

“As for this one…. Put him in another cell. He was just doing what he was paid to do. His fault is not so great. As for Stein, he is beyond redemption. I never want to see him again!” said Daniel, sparks of anger in his eyes.

“But my King, this one, Devon, tried to kill you….” Said Zeno wondering if he wasn’t just as dangerous.

“Don’t ever question my judgment, Zeno! I've made my decision on the matter. We'll see later what is to be done with Devon. Stein is the one to blame, Devon was just a tool, but Stein was the brain. Would you punish your tools, Zeno? Would you punish you hammer for knocking the iron of your blade which you use to kill or to defend yourself!?”

“Uhh… no, I guess not. Now I see your point, my King. You are wise just as you are brave. I am honored to serve you!” exclaimed Zeno with sincerity, all to Devon's surprise as he thought he'd just be hanged for what he had tried to do, no further questions asked.

Later that night while Daniel was discussing state affairs with Zeno and the women were safe in another chamber, a frantic knock was heard on the front door of Zeno's mansion. Then one of Daniel's soldiers barged in with a young kid in his arms trying to break free. Daniel's army was now stationed outside Zeno's mansion as they had been informed of everything that had happened. Nick was particularly ashamed as Daniel had been kidnapped while he was supposed to protect him. Instead, he had slept while the King was kidnapped. Nick made a promise to himself that he'd be more attentive and such a mistake would never take place again. So when the soldier with the kid in his arms barged through the door, Nick who was by Daniel's side, jumped up and drew his sword. But Daniel made a sign for Nick to relax and put his sword back in its scabbard.

“What’s the meaning of this, Steve?” said Daniel addressing the soldier in front of him. “Who’s the kid and what does he want!?”

But the kid kicked Steve in the groins and set himself free from his grip and then ran straight to Daniel. But as he was obviously no threat, nobody drew their swords anymore and just waited for the events to unfold.

The kid bowed before the King and then started talking while large tears were rolling down his cheeks.

“The castle is under attack, the castle is under attack!” he was finally able to utter.

Meanwhile Angela and Rose had also come from their room curious what that commotion was all about.

“Who are you, kid? And what are you saying!?” Daniel asked, dark clouds covering his judgment already.

“I’m just a beggar, sir. But your wife has always been good to me and gave me food whenever she passed me by in the market. I overheard her say you'd be here with a large part of the army for a few days on business so I knew where to find you. But the people need you back, sir. Something terrible has just happened and I barely escaped. Soldiers attacked the castle a few hours ago and I ran as fast as I could. They didn’t mind a poor beggar like me so here I am….” Said the poor kid, exhausted.

The news fell like a bomb on them. They were all pale and Daniel as well as Angela knew who must have been leading the attack. Good old Igor….

“Zeno, take me to Devon's cell! We need all the help we can get!” roared Daniel while searching his wife's expression to see if she agreed with him. She was smiling at him, so she too was of the same opinion.

Daniel followed Zeno to his dungeons while the women were getting ready to travel again although just a few minutes ago they had been on the verge of going to sleep. He felt sorry for them, but this was beyond his power.

On their way, they passed Stein's cell in a hurry. Stein, seeing them in a hurry realized something was wrong and got up to listen to whatever Daniel and Zeno were saying. When they got to Devon's cell, they stopped. Devon was sitting on the floor, as if meditating. Daniel approached the bars of his cell and clearing his throat, spoke to him in a calm and peaceful manner.

“Devon, I might have use for you if you are willing to accept. I am offering you my forgiveness as well as a job by my side. You are a hired blade, so I want to hire you. For good. Stay by my side, and I promise you that you won’t be sorry.” Said Daniel while examining Devon and hoping he was doing the right thing.

After a long pause of silence, as Devon had kept silent, Daniel turned to leave when suddenly he heard Devon's voice.

“Why would you do that? I kidnapped you… How do you know I won’t do it again if someone offered to hire me!?” Devon asked as Daniel was already with his back to his cell.

“I don’t! But I choose to trust you. You could indeed betray me, but that will be your choice. However, I will do my best to pay you well if you choose to serve me, to protect me, not to kill me, so you won't need more money to kill me. You'll lose more money by doing that than if you choose to work for me. If you work for me, you'll have a shelter over your head and enough money to buy whatever you need. I hope you see the reason behind my judgment and find that I am right. So, what will it be!?”

“I’ll be your eyes in the shadow, I'll watch over you and expose your enemies… I'll work for you, my King!” and Devon knelt there in his cell. He really felt what he said. It was the first time in his life when his life seemed to have a purpose. And the first time when he cared about the royal family. He could recognize that Daniel was a smart man and an able King, the kind of person who deserved his loyalty and admiration, the kind of person who was really up for the job of ruling the kingdom.

Daniel took a step towards Devon's cell and after a quick glance at him, he opened his cell. Zeno was hiding nervously behind his back when Stein shouted from his cell a few paces away.

“Hey, what about me!!?”

“You can rot in there from my part, you get what you deserve, Stein. You are a traitor and there's no forgiveness for you!” said Daniel with determination in his voice.

“How do you know Devon won’t stab you the first time he gets the chance?!” continued Stein.

As a response, Daniel gave Devon back his daggers. He wanted to show him that he was really willing to trust him, to build a bridge of trust between them. Devon took back his daggers swiftly and hid them in his sleeves.

“I’d watch my back if I were you, Daniel….” Lamented Stein as he realized that Daniel was indeed letting him rot in that cell and that nothing he would say would make him change his mind.

“Let me worry about that, ok?” was the last thing Daniel said before all three, himself, Devon and Zeno, got out of the dungeons.

Chapter 7

Igor was excited beyond measure. Victory was sweet. By the looks of it, the castle would be his in a matter of hours. He had also lost many soldiers but he would win the battle. Daniel would have to bow before him, the throne would be his and by the time Daniel would be back… well, it would be too late.

All of a sudden Margo grabbed him by his sleeve, in front of his men. He abhorred her touch, he wanted to slap her for her audacity but he was afraid of the old hag.

“What!!?” Igor yelled at her and his voice was heard above the screams of the soldiers still fighting for their lives a few meters away from him.

“I…. Sense danger my prince….”

“What are you talking about? We are winning, can't you see it and admit my might? Can't you be happy for me?” he yelled, his eyes out of their sockets which further made him look like a mad man.

“It was nice knowing you, my prince… butttyou were never meant to rulllle…” the old witch hissed between her teeth, stuttering. Then she threw a concoction which spread a thick fog the moment it touched the ground. When the air cleared, neither Margo nor her raven were anywhere in sight. They had just vanished along with the fog. Instead, something else appeared. Daniel and the other part of his army was at the castle gates slashing everything in their way. And so was Angela and Devon.

Daniel saw Igor. They locked eyes. If the hatred in Igor's eyes and heart could kill, Daniel would have dropped dead.

Daniel's army attacked the invaders driving them out of the castle, the ones who were able to get away. The others, they killed just as they had killed their comrades who had tried to defend the castle and the people. Igor was desperate now watching in agony as his army was being decimated by Daniel and his soldiers. Angela also fought side by side with her husband while Rose was helping the injured. As for Devon, he proved his worth defending Daniel alongside with Nick. Daniel was glad for his decision to trust and hire Devon. He knew that with the right people by his side, he could use his skill for a better purpose.

Igor and Morris were fighting for their lives, slashing the soldiers in front of them until they were the only ones left. Then Morris decided to surrender and seek mercy from the enemy, from Daniel, hoping he could someday be reunited with his wife. As for Igor, when he saw Morris kneeling down and begging Daniel for mercy, raised his sword and cut off his head in one quick movement.

“This is your mercy, you traitor!” screamed Igor from the bottom of his lungs.

“Give up, everyone around you is dead. Even your witch has deserted you! There is no escape for you!” said Daniel calmly, Angela by his side, as well as Devon and Nick, all of them ready to protect their King.

“You will die before they can kill me!!!” roared Igor in a final attempt to kill Daniel. He raised his bloody sword and rushed towards Daniel with a crazy look in his eyes. He knew it was suicide but at least he was trying to kill Daniel too. Angela was faster and so were Devon and Nick. Angela released an arrow which pierced Igor's heart while at the same time Devon threw his daggers which flew swiftly cutting the air as well as Igor's head. And Nick put himself with his shield in front of Daniel to protect him but there was no need as Igor dropped dead right before Daniel.

As Igor dropped dead at Daniel's feet, a loud and spooky shriek was heard coming from outside the castle walls and a black raven could be seen circling above their heads.

THEEND