Page 23 of A Monarch's Fall

“Lady Adamantia of Ardens, I propose we regroup in the east wing, gather what Ardens’ Guard remain and are available, reassess our position and our enemy and from there quickly locate the Princess.”

“I trust your judgement as commander of Ardens’ Guard,” I said as Sasha took my hand and squeezed.

-

It was eerie that the first corridors we entered, towards the east wing, were undisturbed. Only the art hanging from the walls askew and a few shattered sculptures and vases indicated that they had been shaken during the barrage of explosions. But as we moved further from the foyer, windows held no glass, and the threat of fire smouldered. I watched as Efstratios stomped out a small, smouldering piece of something that had made its way through a split-open window, landing on the carpet and had almost instantly begun to smoke.

“I think a full evacuation may be in order,” he said.

“We will decide upon such a need once we regain full control of the estate,” I replied.

“Yes, Ma’am,” he agreed.

A rebel fled from a room directly in front of us. His face was bloodied, and he was holding his limp arm to his side. He didn’t attempt to engage us; he only ran in the opposite direction.

“Sasha, dear?” I asked.

She knelt and picked a small piece of broken stonework from the litter on the floor and then threw it with deadly precision towards the retreating rebel soldier in front of us. He hit the ground face-first.

“Well done,” I praised.

It always thrilled me to see Sasha’s gift at work. So powerful, so deadly. Petra could own this land, this kingdom. How unfortunate that witching kind seems to despise such leadership. My wife would be exquisite in a crown.

We continued towards the east wing, quietly, careful of our surroundings. It wouldn’t do any good to let our guard down, even in the face of victory; the battle was not won yet.

As we neared the end of one corridor, a pistol was slid across the floor ahead of us.

Efstratios raised his closed fist. We stopped, and I stepped in front of Sasha.

“We’re on your side,” came a voice, followed by open and raised hands exposed from behind the corner. “Please, don’t shoot,” the voice continued.

“Come out,” Efstratios commanded.

A young man side-stepped from behind the wall.

“We’re here to help. We’ve been helping,” he said.

“Who are you?” Efstratios questioned.

“I’m a member of The New Foundation.”

Efstratios raised his gun and aimed. Of course, we both knew there was no ammunition left, but this boy had no such knowledge.

What was The New Foundation doing here? I knew so little about them. Hardly whispers, really. They were a southern group. I had received but one letter from my contacts in Viridis about a new group going by their name.

“I only want to help,” he promised.

I saw that Sasha held a small stone in her hand as she played with the oval rock. Always ready for a fight. Her bloodlust could match my own, and I had to tame my lustful desires. When this was all over, I would confine her to a bed for days, weeks, however long it took to satisfy my desires.

“How many are ‘we’?” Efstratios asked.

“I have four with me,” he answered.

“And where are they?” Efstratios continued.

The boy wavered; he looked back towards where he came from, giving their location away.

“They’re close,” he decided.