Hi all! I'm so sorry I've left this for so long—Thank you all so much, especially those who reviewed and PM'd me :)
As the men cautiously approached the looming front door, the horses whinnied and tossed their heads in apprehension. Nate patted his horse's neck gently and whispered soothing words in its ear, despite the dread he felt crawling up his back. Miranda placed her hand on the gleaming handle, and cautiously pushed the door open. They were met with pitch blackness, putting them all in an immediate state of fear and trepidation. Nate led the way into the dark castle, with Miranda following closely behind, her dragon senses on high alert at everything around her. Suddenly, the main hall was flooded with light, the torches on the walls dancing with bright fire. The horses neighed in fright and the men clapped their hands over their burning eyes, crying out in pain. Miranda merely squinted and ignored the watering in her eyes from the harsh brightness. She hid herself in the middle of the army, hoping to hide her presence from Jacqueline long enough for her to grasp a better handle on her surroundings. Knowing the enchantress as she did though, the Dragon Queen knew it was in vain. Jacqueline no doubt already knew she was coming, but Miranda wanted to take the extra precaution anyways.
"Oh mes chéries, I apologize for the sudden...illumination," an alluring voice purred.
Two of the men's heads snapped up at the French accent and instantly got dopey looks on their faces.
"No!" Nate firmly shouted, pulling his horse next to them. "Fight her seductive lure!"
With great difficulty, the men forced themselves to come back to their own minds and looked sheepishly at their leader. Before they could apologize or defend their actions, the tantalizing voice spoke again.
"I'm sure you will understand..." With a gust of air, the horses disappeared, and the men were gently lowered to the ground. "I can't have horses ruining the interior of my place. I promise I have let no harm come to them...they've merely been transported outside my lair."
The army looked at each other in confusion. Why was the sorceress being so gentle with them? Miranda's eyes narrowed. What was she playing at?
"Please, do come in," Jacqueline's voice purred. "Make yourself at home."
Nate caught Miranda's sharp glance, warning him to exercise caution, and nodded in understanding. He drew his sword and his men followed suit. Cautiously, they crept forward, traveling deeper into the fortress. Their eyes darting around the area quickly, they made their way slowly to the bottom of the staircase. When they looked up, a loud gasp escaped their mouths at the sight standing before them. Jacqueline was standing in a tight-fitting emerald gown that flowed over every gentle curve of her body, and her full lips were curved into a knowing smile. Black gloves adorned her hands, and her hair was coiffed into a fancy undo, leaving her painted face free of any distraction. One of the men whistled low under his breath. "She's heading into battle looking like that?" The men snorted and gripped their swords tighter, determined not to fall into Jacqueline's seductive trap again. Instead of focusing on her plunging neckline, they stared at the hem of the dress and tried to fill their minds with images of saving the kidnapped princess.
"Aw," Jacqueline pouted, as if reading their thoughts. "Do you not find me beautiful?" she let out a small whimper and blinked back tears, "I'm hurt."
Gritting their teeth, Nate's army slowly advanced. Jacqueline simply watched them with a small smile upon her painted lips. When they neared the top of the staircase, she suddenly shot her finger out at them, making them all flinch involuntarily and she let out a cackle. "I would not come any closer mes chéries."
"Enough games. Where is Andrea?" Nate growled, his grip on his sword tightening.
"Andrea?" Jacqueline tapped her lip, feigning confusion. "Who is this Andrea?"
Miranda's nostrils flared in anger from her partially hidden place behind one of the soldiers.
"Andrea! Princess Andrea!" Nate's voice cracked with emotion. "She's my best friend."
"Aw, now now," Jacqueline sighed heavily. "Calm yourself."
"Where is she, you monster?!" Nate's temper flared and he charged at the sorceress, sword drawn.
The woman grinned and inclined her head. Out of nowhere, a blur of white shot out and pushed Nate back, causing him to fall. Dazed, he looked up and gasped when a dark figure stepped out of the shadows, finger raised in his direction. A dark red hood was pulled up, covering the face, but the person's body appeared slender and feminine.
"Now, now," Jacqueline tutted, slowly descending the stairs. Her hand gracefully held up the hem of her dress, ensuring her stability as she floated nearer to Nate's prostrate form. His men scattered, making room for the enchantress, but made no move to lower their weapons. "I would be more careful if I were you darling. My pet," she turned and nodded to the figure, "will not hesitate to kill you if you do so much as touch me."
Miranda's keen senses picked up the signature scent of Andrea's magic, and her heart plummeted when she realized what it meant.
"Oh yes," Jacqueline hissed, cocking her head. "A truly unexpected guest. You may come out now, Miranda. No need to be shy...come greet your-" she snapped her fingers and the figure's hood flew off, "-princess."
Andrea's viridescent eyes glared fiercely at the scene before her. Completely different from her usual sweet persona, everybody, especially the soldiers who had grown up with her, was astonished. With her hair twisted back in a tight braid and the darkness of her visage, she looked incredibly fearsome. Miranda's eyes filled with tears at seeing her beloved in such a state. Squaring her shoulders, the older woman pulled herself together and confidently stepped out of the circle of men. Andrea's reaction was immediate—her face twisted into a horrible sneer and her unintelligible screech reverberated around the hall, causing the army to drop their weapons in haste to cover their ears. Miranda, full of shock, simply stood and stared into her love's blank eyes, which glared hatefully back at her. Feeling her heart break all over again, she couldn't help the lone tear that escaped and fell down her cheek.
"A-Andrea?" Nate stuttered, pushing himself up. "Andy come on, it's Nate."
Andrea broke her contact with Miranda to hiss at the young man.
"No use, no use," Jacqueline sang while cackling. "She will only obey me!" She narrowed her eyes. "Speaking of which, this is not the grand battle I had envisioned. Andrea, my darling, care to remedy this?"
The enchanted woman closed her eyes and started mumbling quickly under her breath. As she did, her hands glowed brighter and wind began to whip around her body. Jacqueline's maniacal laugh echoed around the room, causing the men to shiver in response.
Quickly, Miranda blinked hard to banish any other traitorous tears from making an appearance and reached out telepathically as she saw the situation escalate. Nigel, how far away are you?
We are almost there, my Queen. I have brought many supporters with me. Nigel responded within seconds.
Thank the gods. Jacqueline has Andrea controlled, and the source of power seems to be from the necklaces around both of their necks. Our main goal is to get those necklaces off, but right now, Jacqueline is making Andrea use her magic to create something horrible. In a very short while, we will need all of our forces combined. I have scanned the area for any spells, and have found none. I highly doubt Jacqueline even realizes the sheer number of dragon people that have survived, so I have every confidence that this attack will be a great surprise. Miranda shivered when the wind picked up even more and Andrea's whispered words got even faster.
Give me the word, and we shall rip through the roof.
Hurry my friend.
Breaking her connection with Nigel, Miranda narrowed her eyes and straightened her posture. "You will not get away with this Jacqueline," Miranda said cooly.
The enchantress chuckled and spread her arms. "We shall see my darling. Andrea, now!"
Green eyes flew open, and with a snarl, the princess thrust her arms out, causing a cloud of mist to shoot from them. It surrounded the group, enveloping them in a silky fog. As it cleared, there were cries of surprise as rows of armed soldiers began to form around them. Looming 8-feet, the soulless carried sharp spears and grunted as their bodies fully appeared. Nate's men trembled at the sight. There was absolutely no way that their small army could fight this battle and live to see another day.
"Stay strong my friends. We will not go without a fight," Nate looked at his men. "Form a circle facing outwards and attack on my command. You all are courageous and strong, and I'm honored to be fighting with you." Having said his peace, Nate turned to face the faceless soldiers and set his jaw.
We have arrived my Queen. We have the fortress surrounded.
On my command Nigel, attack.
"Nathaniel," Miranda whispered in his ear, "You shall not fight alone. The dragons are here."
Feeling a spark of hope, Nate tightened his grip on his sword and nodded imperceptibly.
"NIGEL, NOW!"
"FOR ANDREA!"
They both roared and charged.
All hell broke lose.