Yikes! Attack on the Royal Caravan

Suddenly, the horse began to buck for no apparent reason. Mina felt a presence of evil in the nearby area. She often had such premonitions, and unfortunately they always turned out to be true. But the good part about it was that Mina could sense danger and warn her loved ones in an instant. Even since she was small, the girl had shown a great bond with spiritual beings. Noel had one as well; he just didn't like to use it. Thus, the boy had shut his mind to the spirits' words. Mina, on the other hand, developed hers to the point where she could sense if an attacker was on its way to the palace; as in another plot to assassinate Prince Phil. Not that there were many, with all of his scheming relatives gone and Mina there.

At that instant, a band of trolls jumped out of the clearing. The horse threw his rider and ran off to find safe haven back in his stall. The man landed on the ground, right in front of the lead troll. It appeared as if it was all over for the good driver. For the monster had lifted up its club, ready to strike in an instant.

"Pick on someone your own size for a change," yelled Mina, "LY BRIEM!" With that, she sent a chilling prison of ice to cover the troll attacking the driver. Not only did she manage to freeze him, but she also took out about four others. Not that it dented the attack force any bit, but it was some help to them.

"Source of all souls which dwell in the eternal and infinite. Everlasting flame of blue, let the power hidden in my soul to be called forth from the Infinite. RA-TILT!" chanted both Amelia and Zelgadis at once. Each attack was able to kill from seven to ten trolls, but more kept coming towards the Royal Family.

Noel was trying to run to safety, but he tripped. Being only eight, he didn't think his magic was strong enough to get them by. After all, if he couldn't kill in one hit, the enemy would just regenerate itself over and over again. So he decided to stay out of the way of his parents and foster sister. But due to the sheer number of trolls in the area, there was enough to keep them busy and still chase after the boy Prince.

Mina saw her friend's dilemma and began calling, "Star which passes through heavens' night skies, heed the ancient coven and the Earth, I pledge my life that he may be called forth. FERROUS BLEED!" At once, a heard of wild boar that resided nearby began stampeding through the area. It cut off the trolls' rout to Noel, and gave Mina the time to get over to him. Knowing he couldn't fight well for himself, she had to help him to retreat. So, after casting Levitation, the two flew off into the forest, well hidden from the enemy.

. . .

They were panting, exhausted from the long flight. Also, they were really worried about Amelia and Zelgadis; and the cabby too. Now, they would have twice as many trolls to deal with, due to the fact that there were only half as many targets. But Mina had to do her best to reassure Noel, even though she too was scared out of her wits. "Your parents are great sorcerers, I'm sure they'll be ok. After all, you saw how many trolls they incinerated with only one Ra Tilt. Some day, I'm going to learn spells that powerful too. And I'll start with the Dragon Slave, the spell that Lina Inverse herself uses against many a foe. Who knows Noel, perhaps I'll get time to study under The Great Lina. She can teach me her ultimate spells of chaos."

Noel smiled a bit. Mina was always a real big dreamer, especially when sorcery was concerned. She didn't even remember that Lina was the only one who could call upon the Lord of Nightmares. What would make her think that even studying under the legendary sorceress would give her such power? But if anyone had the power, the will, and the bull headed stubbornness to get it done, it would be Mina Felicia.

At that moment, they heard a rustling in the bushes. Looking up, the duo saw the entire pack of trolls, coming their way. It seems, they were searching for something in particular. Or perhaps, someone. Could there be another plot, one that seeked to use Noel as its focal point? As the Crowned Prince's only grandson, he was in line for the throne after his mom and grandfather were gone. Since Amelia was already married, and her big sister Gracia ran off to L-Sama knows where, Noel was the best choice to launch a plot. It could even be a renegade lord or noble who wanted to put his child on the throne through marriage.

"Time for a little demolition," whispered Mina, "Source of all power, crimson fire burning bright, let thy power gather in my hand. FIREBALL!" She jumped up from the bushes, upturned palm holding the red hot ball of energy. Then, the girl tossed it into the circle of trolls. They were burned to a crisp instantly and fell to the ground. But a few of the trees also caught on fire. If they didn't hurry, the whole forest would go.

"Mina, I think you should have thought before you tossed that Fireball," Noel complained. He and Mina were running to find some water to put out the fire. Neither of them knew how to create it instantly, as neither Amelia nor Zel had the knowledge to teach them. But the fire was spreading fast, and soon all of the clearing was burning. Mina became frantic, where in the world would they find enough water to put it all out?

Suddenly, the sound of approaching storm clouds could be heard. Then, a downpour of rain fell on the clearing. Both of the youths were soaked, they would need to dry off their clothes. But at least the fire had been put out. Noel began to wonder why the rain had started to fall at the very instant they needed.

Mina informed him, "I bet the spirits heard my pleas. They're always answering me when I need help. This I why I told you to learn about them. You see how I can sense danger, keep our enemies at bay, and also send out please of desperation. I can feel them now, the water spirits are present in that storm. They aided us by putting out the fire. Now then, let's go find a place where we can dry off for a little bit."

The two walked on through the woods a few minutes. Finally, they came upon a small cabin in the forest. After making sure nobody was home, they went inside. There, Noel took off his shirt and began to dry it out. He couldn't very well take off his pants, so this would have to do. Mina opened a window and made a fire for them to warm up with. But she didn't take off her cloak, even though it was soaking wet.

'Is she still self conscious about that time? Or did the spirits tell her something again? I don't get Mina sometimes. She can be so insensible. You know she'll be the one who catches a cold after this. I hope we get home soon, this place is starting to creep me out. But why did all the trolls attack us? I saw the number that were still remaining after we ran, and it was the same as those in the clearing. Is it part of whatever vision Mina had? Whatever it is, I have a really bad feeling about the future in store for us now.'

- - - -

Teefa's Last Words…

So, add more mystery and make the kids fight alone. The explanation of "that time" will be coming up soon. We'll meet the third main character in the next chapter after all.