Crowning Glory (In Bloom Book 2)

16: Battle Royale

The enemy came by the thousands when we arrived at a clearing in front of Wild Rose Castle. Several of them were not wearing the same suits of metal the Iron Men and the Silver Owls wore. They were probably mercenaries from other neighboring countries who were tipped off to aid in the war efforts. Lines of archers and swordsmen stood at attention. Dozens of armed excavators and catapults were stationed near every corner of the castle.

"Evacuating Meleanor and the egg is our top priority. We'll have the high ground if we bring them to Black Scale Castle in the Mystic Mountains," Lilia said. "There's also a rich supply of magical energy there too."

From where we stood, we could use teleportation magic to get us inside the castle. The problem was getting Meleanor and her egg out. Using brooms would mark us as easy targets. Given Black Scale castle hasn't moved from its present-day location, it would be too risky to use teleportation magic with the egg in tow.

Lilia then remembered an underground waterway network that intersected at the river flowing down the base of mountains. "She'll probably nitpick how cold and muggy it is, but it's our best option."

Silver leaned into Sebek, but the guard helped to keep him upright, "Silver, what's the matter?"

"I'm not...sure..I just feel..." Silver's eyes were fluttering shut. "so...so drowsy..."

"Hey, your clothes are startin' to glow again," Grim pointed out.

Silver took out his necklace containing the aurora gemmed ring. The magic emitting from it was

Finding something else to focus on, I looked again at the assembly of soldiers below. One man in particular caught my attention.

Although his helmet concealed his face, it allowed his sleek sunshine hair to flow out. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword. Had we been any closer, the shine of his armor could have blinded us. Based on what General Vanrouge told us, only one person could hold such a presence. The Knight of Dawn.

One bald man in a heavily decorated metal uniform walked to the front. He was probably using magic to make his voice sound like it was the only one worth hearing, "We have you surrounded, fae! Nobody's gonna come save you and there's nowhere for you to run!"

From his pudgy physique and the stories I heard from Lilia, I could discern who it was. He even went ahead and introduced himself anyway for those who were still clueless.

"I am Henrick Istvan, the leader of the Silver Owls!" he announced. "Time and time again, we have offered in utmost sincerity to negotiate with the Land of Briar. However...you curs have squandered every attempt! Your insolence and arrogance are irreprehensible! My patience has worn out and our time talk is OVER! From here on out, we'll settle things with our swords! If you're smart, you'll do the reasonable thing and hand over the Princess Flow and Briar Castle to us!"

The armed infantry cheered in agreement.

Henrick continued, "I'll you one last chance, Princess. I challenge you to a one-on-one duel with our commanding officer, the Knight of Dawn! If you win, I vow to leave the castle. I'll give you 30 minutes to think things over. And you better think carefully!"

The Valley's most feared princess against the Knight of Dawn....She could probably wipe him out before his hand even touched his sword. And yet the enemy brought along a massive infantry.

Based on the look I received from Grim, he and I must have been on the same wavelength. Something isn't adding up.

To make things easier and faster, we would teleport in pairs. Lilia went with Silver. Baul took Sebek. The other remaining soldiers went off on their own. Before Grim and I headed off, I glanced again at the human army. At the look of victory on Henrick's face. Though the helmet the Knight of Dawn wore could not hide his affliction.