Dozens of Kaladorian soldiers swarmed around them, each taking a weapon.
Aria blushed shyly. "Sorry for that I don't know-"
Ben placed his finger on her lips. "No need to apologise," he smiled, pulling a fresh batch of arrows from the wall. "Well we better get going," he said in a much more serious tone. He grabbed a quarterstaff for Julie and a new set of daggers for Peter.
"After you," Ben gently said, his hand reaching out for Aria's.
Aria took his hand with a gentle giggle. Finally, everything was coming together for her.
Fiyeree loaded the carts of weapons and armour onto The Nutcracker. It had been decided that Isabelle would pilot the Nutcracker from the sky while the royals descended below and into the caverns. Even with everything, all the plans and hopes since the start of the war coming together, she couldn't help but imagine how different life for her would have been had she not been born a royal.
Luca raced through the Nutcracker. He didn't want to admit it but he was glad to finally be fighting on the right side of a battle.
"What's happening?" He asked, looking over the Nutcrackers windows. They had descended into the world's atmosphere and Rhatbane's harsh landscape could be seen over the horizon. What used to be tall buildings pointing to the sky had become stacks of crumbling ruins stacked upon each other.
Julie gasped next to him. What had become of the once beautiful Rhatbane? The ship hovered for several moments before slowly landing on the outskirts of the city, Ben's mirage covering the entire fleet's landing. Up ahead, The Dark Order's army could be seen patrolling the city blocks. Behind the patrols was a base, presumably the southern base and behind the base was the entrance to the cavern system. Kaladorian soldiers and rebels began unloading weapons onto the apocalyptic street. Sandbags were placed to form a sort of barrier and blaster machinery was placed behind every defensive wall.
All the royals and New Kaladorian council members stood idly as they prepared for the fight ahead.
"This is one hell' of a hole," Weaver said, strapping a sniper onto her back. She looked at Isabelle who held a simple Kaladorian spear. "Honey, that spear ain't gonna protect you when the guns go blazin'."
"It will be sufficient," Isabelle replied. Next to her stood Jace who seemed to have been persuaded by her to join their cause.
"I'm fighting for the universe's liberation," Jace added, two horns forming from the top of his head. "We'll be moving out in five!" He shouted to the other soldiers.
Tim on the other hand had a simple curved blade and three pocket knives along his torso belt. "Aria," the man said, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You are Kalador's queen, whether you choose to be or not. Always remember that. You've grown to be quite the fine lady and well," he paused, "your mother would be proud. Take care of yourself in the caverns...and kick some dark order butt."
Aria nodded in agreement, a single tear falling from her eyes. "Make sure you stay alive." She said, pulling Tim into a warm embrace. "I can't lose you too."
With that, the eight royals began walking toward the enemy's base, the army behind them following their lead.
"Oh, I'm gonna miss this feeling," Atticus sighed, icy claws growing from the tip of his fingers. Julie gave him an awkward stare. "You know, the pre-fight adrenaline. The fact that you know you'll come out victorious."
Lola chuckled. "Be quiet before you jinx us. We win this or we go out with a bang." Her body exploded into a flame, her hair an everlasting fire blowing in the wind.
YOU ARE READING
Doomsday
Adventure- THIRD BOOK IN THE ROYALTY SERIES - The royals are running out of time. The universe is collapsing. It is up to them to stop The Dark Order, or everything as they know it will change.
