Chapter 12: Chapter Three, Part Five: A New Contender
From the Scrolls...
"I knew Marshall was a fucking traitor," I yelled, as I launched at the vigilantes. There were eighteen of them. All clad in long red robes, and masked with dark maroon veils. They all had their characteristics Ruby daggers.
"The troops aren't here yet, Lewis," Zephyr tells me.
"They are lagging behind. They are going to arrive just in time for the corpse," I positioned my sword, for a swift strike.
"Zephyr, duck and roll in the middle. Save your wings. We are going to rip that carriage and get Vanya, alright?" I said, and Zephyr neighed.
Zephyr rocketed straight in the air and then dropped from the height. The thrust of air acting against us, as his hooves touched the top of the carriage. The Red Daggers were alarmed.
"Isn't it the bastard child himself, Lewis Canton," one of them laughed.
"Just say the word, Lewis. I can take them all down," Zephyr neighed.
"Hold down, my friend. We just want to take Vanya home. Safely," I rubbed his neck.
"You all had your share of fun. Now, it's time for mine," I struck at the closest Red Dagger. It sent him flying across. The next one came in, hitting Zephyr, only to be overwhelmed by the gust of his wing. His feathers slicked into the limbs of one, painting his white feathers red.
"Let the Lady leave, and there would be no more harm," I screamed. At least for the moment.
"Lewis, watch out," a dagger came flying and I ducked just in time for it to scratch past my ear. "Be careful. They are venomous," I tell Zephyr.
"Yield, Bastard. We want the lady for ourselves," one of them spitted.
I propelled off of Zephyr's back, rolling to the ground as I searched for the carriage's door. To my amazement it was open. Another Red Dagger found the time to strike in.
"How do you feel about losing an ear?" I hit him with the back of my sword's hilt. His head bobbed forward, as I pushed him to the ground.
"Lewis, you are surrounded," Zephyr neighed out loud.
"It's empty. The carriage is empty," A Red Dagger announced. I must have missed something.They all turned to me, circling me around. I heard the sound of approaching hooves. "Zephyr, no!" Zephyr kicked right into the chest of one, taking two others with his wings while making a clearing.
This was my moment. I turned around and struck at the three standing on my back.
"Lewis, watch out!" Zephyr neighed, as I watched him fly over and take down two others. We were outnumbered, and Zephyr was brave than most but I couldn't risk him. And Vanya. Vanya was missing.
"Zephyr, we have to take them all down. The troops will be here any minute," I tightened the grip around my sword. My legs thrusted upwards, high into the air as I tried to escape the strike on my feet. Bloody daggers.
"Enough of this child's play," one of them barked. "Everyone retreat now. He is just wasting our time. Fucking bastard," he spitted.
No. Not again. I cannot let them slip by. Just like that. Now when I am like this. I lost most of my powers in a losing battle. And now when I need them.
"Watch out, Lewis," Zephyr's wing sliced through, cutting the man in half.
"No more foolish blood shed. I repeat. Leave," the man screamed, as everyone sprinted into the opposite direction.
"Zephyr," I watched as more blood painted his marvellous body. Vanya was missing and now, Zephyr was tainted with bloodshed. And I was helpless.
"Hop on. I am alright. We still have to save the lady," Zephyr insists. I get on the saddle, rubbing his back. "You're the only one I can trust, Zephyr," I closed my eyes. Vanya. Where are you?
"Everyone, follow the trail. Your Highness, we are here," Marshall's voice echoed as the troops closed in.
"Prepare me a warm bath for Zephyr," I barked. "I don't want him marching around with that filthy bood. And follow their trail," I was losing my head. Vanya, where are you?
"Clear the corpses. Hang their heads. And find-"
"Your Highness... Your Highness," another footman comes in.
"There's a message from the House Of Versailles," he begins, huffing and panting. Huh? What's Versailles up to? Wasn't pushing Vanya to a courtship with me enough?
"Hand it over," I said. Whatever it was, I didn't want Marshall to be involved. Some things were better when kept from him. Especially him.
In great impatience, I opened the letter. I scraped the seal of House Versailles - Violets on the envelope.
Dear Brother-in-law,
I am sorry for the delay. I had hoped that after one strong matrimonial bond, our family's ties would be strengthened with another.
Although reluctant, Vanya does see you like the man that you are. Inextricably charming, and someone of great stature.
I am well aware of the rumours going around your court. It has come to my notice that you are in search of a bride. Won't you rather have someone who is far more capable and worthy of the title of a Queen, then a mere stranger you are forced into a courtship?
Vanya's carriage has already left for your palace. I would like to believe that you would make good use of the opportunity. Unlike other women, Vanya is someone who likes her pleasure rough and raw. I trust you to go all the way with her.
Do not be mistaken. As much as I love you, I also value my sister by ten folds. I am writing to you to let you know that I expect nothing but the best to come out of this arrangement. If any harm is to come to Vanya's way, there would be consequences.
Please know that your brother Theodore is back from the voyage, and would be heading for another one soon. I hope you would understand how important he is for the House Of Versailles, and it is indeed an honour to have him around. I would hope such peace shall remain intact for ages to come.
Long Live the King From The Man.
Your beloved sister-in-law,
Lady Versailles
House Of Versailles