A/N: Welcome back to chapter 3. This is were the action begins. I hope you enjoy it.
I'd like to thank everyone who found the time to read, review, fav or follow my story. It means so much to me and it also gives me the motivation to continue writing.
Chapter 3
The East armies positioned themselves across the Bald Mountain valley. The thick clouds which had clotted the morning sky were slowly starting to clear. The arising pockets of sunlight created shafts through the grey, gently dissolving the dense fog and reflecting on the soldiers' polished spears and shields. These glimmered despite the still timid rays. The fresh air which usually carried the smells of nature's wonders and the sounds of birds and wildlife from the nearby forests was overpowered by the pounding of horse hooves and the clanging of armour. King Stefan had chosen this natural trough to assemble his troops and draw out Sir Galahad's forces for a very strategic reason. Thick trees littered the surrounding slopes, providing a perfect secure hiding spot for his archers. In contrast, the deep and narrow floor was mostly void of any form of vegetation, giving his enemies a clear view of his imposing army.
King Stefan had arrayed his allied forced across two lines. Three rows of heavy cavalry armed with shields and swords led the entire front line. Behind the mounted knights stood the infantry made up of spear and sword wielding troops. These were arranged in a seven rank deep formation. The Auradonian soldiers took up their position in the centre.
Ben straightened himself, pulling the reins of his horse as he stopped beside Gaston. Doug joined him on his right-hand side. Camelot's flags came into view as Sir Galahad's troops descended one of the hills and slowly marched towards them. A hushed silence fell across the entire valley. Ben could easily tell that the enemy's forces were significantly smaller in number, but his hands started sweating anyway, his heart pounding hard in his chest in anticipation. They stopped some several thousand feet away from them, keeping a safe distance.
Ben's attention then shifted to his side as King Stefan slowly made his way along the entire front line. He drew his sword and started to address the troops.
"My fellow men. We've come here today to defend our lands against the threat of the West. Now that we're itching closer to victory, King Arthur thinks he can blind us with easy talks of peace and reconciliation. But these are all lies! All he's ever wanted in these last ten years is to conquer us. Remember how he was going to use the magical powers of the Fae people to achieve his goal." He cried before stopping just in front of the Auradon's armies.
For the first time in his life, Ben came face to face with the king of the Eastern Realm and he involuntarily gulped. He'd heard stories, mostly from his adoptive father and Doug, about the great physical strength and charismatic personality of their ruler. And now, as he stood right in front of him, Ben felt struck and it was hard not to be. It wasn't just the imposing and square physique of their middle-aged king that had impressed him, but rather the control over his facial features and body language as he rallied the soldiers. There was something captivating about the way he spoke and acted with confidence and undying charisma that simply drew Ben to him. He couldn't remove his gaze from him as Stefan continued his address.
"He just wants us to let our guard down in a last futile attempt to destroy our homes and enslave us. But we'll stand together on this day and no invader shall pass. We won't go down quietly without a fight. So let's all unite and show the West what it means to fight to protect one's freedom." He raised his sword and held it high above his head. "TO VICTORY!"
"TO VICTORY!" A loud roar erupted from the soldiers in response.
Stefan shifted position, ready to turn around and take his place at the front of the army but stopped when he spotted the unfamiliar young knight at Gaston's side. "Lord Gaston!" he called. "Who's that young knight by your side?"
Gaston outstretched his hand and let it rest on Ben's shoulder. His large, proud smile was clearly visible despite his protective helmet as he replied. "This young knight is Benjamin, son of the late King Adam, your majesty." He paused. "I've taken care of him ever since his father's death and he's now become like a son to me. I've also been training him to succeed me as the next ruler of Auradon!"
Ben's face instantly brightened as he turned to gaze at his father. A warmth feeling started to spread through his entire body and Gaston flashed him a radiant smile in return. Apart from this being his first battle, it was also the first time Ben had accompanied Gaston on official royal business. His adopted father had spent the last few years teaching him all he needed to know to become king, from the art of fighting to patiently explaining to him all the laws necessary to upkeep order and prosperity in the kingdom. But this meant that Ben had spent most of his youth in Auradon City and rarely ever left the safety of the castle as he focused on his studies. And while the people of Auradon knew that the young prince had been adopted by Gaston upon the death of the late King Adam, they'd yet to see him by his side, despite the increasing rumours that Ben would one day succeed him. And now after all the hard work, Ben felt ready. He was eager to get out there and make a difference, to visit his kingdom and get to know the people who would one day be his subjects. But still, even though he secretly hoped he would, he didn't expect Gaston to publicly acknowledge him as his heir so soon. Ben was so engrossed in the feeling of gratitude towards his guardian that he failed to notice the darkening of Stefan's expression.
"The battlefield will decide whether or not he's fit to be Auradon's next king." Stefan thundered loudly before abruptly riding away, ready to lead the troops. The soldiers nervously readied their weapons as they waited for Stefan's signal.
Ben took a deep breath as he withdrew his sword from its scabbard and grasped the reins of his horse tightly with his free hand. The hair lifted on the back of his neck as a loud war cry echoed from the enemy's leader across the valley. The sky suddenly darkened as a small cloud of arrows headed in their direction.
King Stefan didn't waste time and raised his hand immediately, commanding the infantry levels to advance. These quickly formed a shield wall while Ben and the rest of the mounted knights dispersed and took their position on the wings. The first volley of arrows was soon over without doing much harm. Stefan then let out a cry of his own and the East armies broke the ranks and charged, thundering across the field.
Ben rode beside Gaston and Doug before separating as they smashed into the soldiers before them. The West's ranks broke apart and the East's cavalry cut deep into the enemy lines. Ben clasped his thighs around the saddle of his horse as everything slowed around him. So this was war? The sound of swords ringing against each other and the cries of pain from the injured fighters echoed all around him. He felt his heart pounding so loudly that for a moment he couldn't even remember his own name. An enemy soldier fell to the ground beside him and his blood sprayed into the air, landing on his cheek. Ben's eyes widened and the gravity of the situation weighed on his shoulders. His mother had been right, there was more to war than just glory and honour. He swallowed and thought of Gaston and all the hours they'd spent training outside under the scorching sun. He thought of the promise he'd made to himself as he'd gazed at his father's grave. He'd make them both proud. There was too much at stake. He had to defend his people. Adrenaline rushed through him. With renewed energy, he raised his sword and started striking down soldier after soldier as these came across his path.
"Ben, behind you!" he heard Doug's voice shout from beside him. Ben turned. He spotted a soldier about to throw a spear in his hand, attempting to stab him in the back. His reflexes kicked in and he jerked. The spear flew harmlessly through the air before sticking in the ground a few metres away from him. But the sudden movement made him lose his balance, knocking him and his horse to the ground. His senses were immediately assaulted by the smell of blood from the fallen warriors around him. It was so strong, so overpowering, that he could almost taste it. His stomach lurched and he yelled, an irrational courage searing through him.
Ben raised himself from the ground using his sword and lunged forward. He met his next opponent in a ringing clash of sword on sword. He brought up his other arm and using his shield managed to force him to the ground. Wasting no time, Ben bent down and impaled his stomach. But before he could get up, the fatally-wounded soldier gripped him by the collar and the two locked eyes.
"May you be damned!" was all the soldier managed to gasp before he was engulfed by a coughing fit, blood dripping from the side of his mouth. Ben's entire frame stilled and his eyes widened as the man went limp in his arms. Suddenly feeling dizzy, he forgot all about the raging battle around him. He tried taking a few deep breaths. He rapidly blinked his eyes when a thundering voice broke through his fogged mind.
"Benjamin of Auradon!" Ben's head snapped up and he instinctively dropped the dead enemy to the ground. He was surprised to find himself face to face with King Stefan, still on his horse. "If you want to prove your worth, stop that archer," Stefan paused to indicate a spot on the opposite hills with his sword. "Up there! On those hills!" He commanded before turning away to strike down another soldier.
Ben looked up and his mouth opened a little as he stared at him. The archer was certainly easy to spot despite the distance, a head of wild purple hair framing his face. And from what Ben could make out, he also wasn't wearing any kind of protective armour. He would be easy to capture. He lifted himself from the ground and lunged forward, towards the hills, stopping only to pick up a short length of rope he found near a fallen horse. He tucked it around his belt.
Using his momentum and the shield still attached to his armoured arm, Ben managed to dodge and throw a number of his opponents over his shoulder. He continued to move forward and rammed his right shoulder into a knight standing in his way, fully expecting him to fall on the ground. But the knight barely moved and instead turned around, fiercely striking Ben across the cheek. Ben staggered back a few steps, nearly losing his footing in the process. He recovered, straightened himself and dashed forward with his sword straight out in front of him. Ben tried to slash at the knight's neck, but he parred him with ease, shoving Ben back hard. He decided to change tactics and instead tried to swing his sword at the knight's torso. But the knight once again anticipated him, merely sidestepping his blade and elbowing his jaw. Ben fell harshly, his back landing on the ground with a loud thud. The force of the impact made him lose his sword, which flew out of his grasp. As his neck snapped back, his helmet came loose and fell off onto the hard ground beside him.
The knight brought his sword down towards Ben's chest, ready to strike him down, but he surprisingly stopped at the last minute frozen in place, the blade mere inches away from his neck.
Ben's brows shot up in surprise. He slowly shifted his gaze from the sword's tip to look up at the knight's now widened eyes. Wasting no time, Ben used the knight's hesitation to look around him, desperately trying to find something, anything he could use as a weapon to escape or at least defend himself. He gulped, finding none. "Aren't you going to kill me?" he suddenly exclaimed, his heart pounding hard in his chest.
The knight took a small step back. "You're Benjamin of Auradon!" he stuttered.
Ben's eyes narrowed in confusion as he carefully eyed the knight in front of him. He was wearing an elaborate helmet and a flowing blue cape. Ben's muscles involuntarily tensed. Something wasn't right. Who was this knight and how did he know who he was? "Yes, I am! But who are you? How do you know my name?" he asked loudly, finally finding his voice.
The knight completely ignored his questions and suddenly exclaimed, "How could you, of all people, want to die to defend Gaston?" He paused. "The man who killed your father!"
Ben's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" He repeated angrily, shifting his weight. He tried to exert force on his elbows in an effort to stand up, despite the tip of the knight's sword still dangerously close to his throat. "Who are you?"
The knight shook his head before exclaiming, "I won't be the one to kill you!" He let out a loud cry and abruptly turned away engaging another warrior.
The sounds around Ben muffled as a knot formed in the pit of his stomach. He laid on the ground, his muscles feeling frozen, as his mind replayed what the knight had just revealed to him. His thoughts kept swirling so quickly in his head that they were too hard to follow. He felt light-headed. Ben shook his head refusing to believe it. The knight was lying. He was his enemy and all he wanted was to confuse him. How could Gaston have killed his father? But then why did the knight spare his life?
"Ben!" Ben's thoughts were interrupted as a shield appeared in front of him, his vision distorted. The thud of arrow followed as it rebounded on it before hitting the ground beside his head. He looked up and was met with Doug's concerned expression. "You okay?" he asked.
Ben blinked, remembering his mission and the stakes of this battle. He nodded. "I owe you one!" He replied, picked himself up from the ground and reaching out for his sword. He flashed him a little smile and made his way towards the hills as King Stefan had ordered.
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Mal surveyed the battlefield below her with a pleased expression and a sense of exhilaration. A luminous warmth seemed to enfold her as another one of her arrows found its target, who fell to the ground unmoving. She had skilfully avoided all attempts from the enemy's archers to hit her by finding cover behind the tree by her side. She smirked. No one would be able to stop her now.
Suddenly the hairs on the back of her neck stood up as her senses alerted her to a rustle of leaves behind her. But before she could turn around, she felt the tip of a blade on the side of her neck. She cursed inwardly. Her cockiness had made her forget her father's most important lesson…always pay attention to your surroundings. She cautiously lowered her bow and turned around to face her enemy.
Mal's adrenaline spiked as she locked eyes with a young knight. Silence engulfed them. He was tall, with short brown hair and couldn't have been too much older than her. She froze. There was something about his deep hazel green eyes that she'd never seen in any of the other kids who lived in the convent. It was as if his gaze bore a hole into her soul. Her heart started racing. She fought hard to try and keep a blank expression. She had to hide the fear that had started to build up in the pit of her stomach.
"Who taught you to shoot arrows like that?" he suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
The knight's question made Mal think about her dead father. Her body tensed and she lifted her chin defiantly. She frowned inwardly as she quickly scanned her surroundings looking for a means of escape. She found none. If she only had a sword with her. This was the end. But if these were her last living moments, she'd make them count. She wanted to inflict as much damage to the enemy as she could. She consoled herself with the knowledge that with her death, the East wouldn't ever win this war.
She squared her shoulders and gazed back at him, her eyes hardening. "I practiced every day, imagining Stefan and Gaston as my targets!" Mal snapped back in return. She smirked inwardly as the knight in front of her blinked in stunned surprise.
"Has anyone ever taught you that you shouldn't lock eyes with your enemy?" The knight replied, as he straightened himself and pressed the blade closer to Mal's exposed neck.
"Just get on with it. Kill me!" Mal replied in a raised tone, not backing down.
"Only a fool would kill such a talented archer!" Ben replied, refusing to be the first to break the eye contact. He curled his lip in a half smirk.
Mal's eyes blazed. No one had ever dared to challenge her this way. "And I've never met such a noble and merciful warrior who'd spare an enemy's life." She snapped.
"That's because you've never crossed paths with Benjamin of Auradon." Ben replied, raising his chin. His eyes gleamed as his lips curled up to the side in a little grin.
Mal froze for a few moments in stunned silence at the mention of his name. This was the man they were going to force her to marry. A sudden heaviness overtook her limbs as her thoughts blanked out. "Benjamin of Auradon!" she managed to stutter.
Remembering Stefan's orders, Ben lunged forward. Keeping his sword trained on her neck, Ben pushed Mal back until she hit the side of a tree and reached out for her bow. "Yes, that's me!" he replied, tossing her bow to the side. "Now, come with me!" he ordered lowering his sword, leaping towards her, fully intending to grab her arm.
This was the break Mal needed. This was her only chance to escape. She figured out she could easily outrun the knight since he was wearing what looked like heavy armour. On instinct she shifted position and broke away in a sprint. But she'd only made a few metres when a heavy body mass crashed into her, making her fall to the ground.
"Where do you think you're going?" an angry voice thundered. She struggled with all her might but it was useless as the knight forcefully pulled her arms and tied them tightly behind her back. "Now get up!" he ordered, yanking her back up to her feet. "Let's go!" He pushed her forward, keeping the sword on her back as they made their way back down the hill.
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Nightfall had fallen upon Auradon's castle, but the chambers were ablaze with light. Music, laughter and the clatter of dishes and knives resounded from the open windows of the great hall. Servants were busy hurrying along, bearing large platters of food and wine chalices as the evening banquet progressed.
Claudette spotted Gaston entering the large oaken door. She let out an inaudible sigh of relief and a bright smile lit up her face. Over the last ten years, she'd gotten pretty used to seeing him leave for battle. But that didn't help the tightening in her chest as she waited for him to return. A serious injury, or even death, was a possible outcome every time he took part in the Great War. She hurried to embrace him tightly. They broke apart after a few moments. "You're okay? Are you hurt at all?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
"I'm fine, love." He replied smiling in a hushed and tender tone. He picked up her hands and brought them to his lips, kissing them gently. He released them as his smile disappeared and was replaced by a grave expression. "But the West's forces have managed to push us back. We didn't even get close to the convent!" He paused, lifting a finger to the air and adding to the dramatic feel of his declaration. "But they won't hold off against another assault!" He added with a confident smile.
"And Ben? Where is he? Did something happen to him?" Claudette asked wrinkling her brow as she gazed around the room, looking for him. She'd expected him to be right behind his father. He'd promised her that he'd come straight to her after the battle.
Gaston's face lit up immediately as his eyes sparkled. "Yes, something did happen to him, Claudette!" his voice thundered across the dining hall, getting the attention of his guests. "King Stefan had only words of praise for him!" He grasped her hands tightly. "And you should've seen him fight with such courage and strength!" Claudette's bright smile returned as she got caught up in her husband's enthusiasm. "King Stefan ordered him to stop an archer that was decimating us. So, he crossed over the enemy lines and managed to capture him! He was amazing!" Gaston suddenly let go of her hands and picked up a wine goblin from the nearby table. He stopped in the middle of the room and lifted the glass to the air. "A toast for my boy! To Ben's glory!" he exclaimed. The room erupted in a loud cheer as the guests lifted their glasses in response.
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The wind whistling in the outside alley and the fire crackling were the only sounds heard in the dimly lit room. Light flickered from tallow candles scattered around the place while the dirt floor was covered in straw. Lonnie dipped her ladle into the cauldron that was resting on top of the fireplace and poured the stew into a wooden bowl. She turned around and stopped to gaze worriedly at Ben who was sitting beside a wooden table in the centre of the room.
She'd been unable to focus all day, her stomach knotted into a ball, as she nervously waited for news from the battlefield. It was only two years ago that Lonnie had come to the realisation that she'd fallen in love with Ben. How could she not? He'd befriended her almost immediately, a few days after her arrival at the castle. The day she'd met him, almost nine years, was forever etched in her mind, as if it was just yesterday.
She'd been walking along one of the castle's long corridors making her way towards the kitchen while trying to balance a large, heavy tray filled to the brim with cups and plates made of the finest materials she'd ever seen. But she'd tripped and fell to her knees, making all the expensive items fall to the ground and shatter around her. The loud noise had alerted the kitchen staff who'd rushed to the scene. The head cook had emerged from the kitchen, angrily shouting at her and was about to grab her by the arm when a voice rang out telling him to stop. Lonnie had turned around and watched as a well-dressed boy about her age walked up to them and addressed the cook, taking the blame for the incident. He insisted that he'd involuntarily startled her, making her drop the tray, and that she shouldn't be punished for it. The head cook had straightened himself and nodded rigidly at the boy. He'd given him a bow, addressing him as his highness. He'd then turned to Lonnie ordering her to clean up the mess, before walking away. Lonnie had stood there frozen as Ben shot her a bright little smile before crouching down to the ground to help her clean up. Lonnie smiled inwardly at the memory. To this day, the head cook still didn't like her and glared at her whenever they crossed paths.
But Ben had done so much more than save her job that day. He'd stirred something deep within her. She'd never told him this but that day was the first time in her life that someone outside her family had genuinely cared for her, enough to help her out. She hadn't been able to speak to him for a few days, but eventually managed to work up the courage to thank him and the two quickly became close friends. And Ben was still just as noble as ever, helping anyone who needed his support.
Lonnie couldn't describe with words the joy she felt as soon as she saw him return safely from the battle. She'd hugged him tightly as soon as he'd entered her modest home. But something in the hollow expression in his eyes as he greeted her, immediately alerted her that something had happened during the battle. He'd listlessly taken a seat at her table and hadn't uttered a single word while she prepared dinner. She bit her lip before slowly walking towards him.
"Ben, what's wrong?" she questioned.
Silence fell between them. "Today, I fought a very strong and skilled knight!" Ben finally muttered, a few moments later, in a low and hushed tone. His shoulders were still drooped as he gazed at his clasped hands. He looked up at Lonnie when she placed the bowl in front of him.
"And did you kill him?" Lonnie asked.
"No." Ben replied. He paused. "He disarmed me and forced me to the ground."
She poured him a drink before returning to his side. "And then what happened?" she murmured.
Ben's eyes clouded over, and he returned to gaze at his hands. "He could've killed me but instead told me I was defending my father's killer." He blurted out. A tremor ran down his arms as he spoke and he closed his eyes, willing the world to stop spinning around him.
Lonnie's eyes widened in surprise. But she came back to her senses quickly and shook her head vehemently. "Don't tell you actually believe something like that?" she shouted. "It's madness!"
Ben stood up from his chair and began pacing around the room. He stopped, turning back to face her, his eyes bright with unshed tears. He blinked trying to force them back down. "Don't you think I know that?" He snapped back. "But then why did he spare my life? I'd prefer he killed me rather than find out something like this!"
Lonnie stared at him, trying to understand what was going on in Ben's head. He was in pain. His tormented expression gave away that much. Her eyes softened. She approached him and put her hands on his shoulders. "Ben." She spoke softly, "We've known each other since we were little kids, since the day I came to work in Auradon's castle. I've always served Gaston and Claudette and I've seen with my own eyes the strong bond you share." She let out a deep pained sigh. "You're so lucky to have found a family who've loved you after your father's death!"
Everything around Ben was a blurry haze, a smudged world. He just wanted everything to return back to how it was, just before he left to fight that morning. "Lonnie you know I'd do anything to protect my family. I love them too!" Ben retorted. "But…" He paused, pressing his lips together and looking away. It was true that the knight was his enemy and that he shouldn't trust a word he said. All the West ever wanted was to conquer them and this could all be a ploy to turn him against his father. But something in the knight's surprised expression as he realised who he was, appeared genuine. The doubt was eating away at his soul. It was a pain, like a hand pressing hard onto his heart and violently shaking him from within. All Ben wanted was for it to stop and there was only one way he could do it. "I've got to find that knight." He stated walking to the door, reaching out for his cape. "I need to know the truth!"
"Ben, wait!" Lonnie tried to reason with him.
But Ben was no longer listening to her. His mind couldn't stop thinking about that knight and how he'd find him. His pulse fastened as he remembered about the archer they had caught that afternoon. He then turned around and locked eyes with Lonnie. "Lonnie, promise me you won't tell a soul about this, especially not my father."
She nodded against her better judgement. "Ben, you know I'd do anything for you."
"Thank you." He held her gaze for a moment before breaking the eye contact.
"Don't let anyone ruin your family!" Lonnie called out one last time but it was too late. Ben had already put on his cape and walked out of the door without looking back at her.
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"WHAT?!" Doug exclaimed as he dropped his hands from the horse he was brushing and turned around. "Are you kidding, Ben? Do you realise what you're asking me to do?"
"I know, Doug." Ben paused, his lips forming a grim line. "But you're my best friend and I need your help. You're the only one I can trust."
Doug shook his head and looked away. "I can't Ben. I'm sorry."
"Doug!" A gruff, angry voice suddenly rang out. Doug let out a heavy sigh as he hunched his shoulders. Both boys turned around to face Dopey, who had just entered the stables.
"Yes father," Doug greeted.
"I want you here at day-dawn tomorrow so we can go practice!" Dopey thundered, "I watched you fight during today's battle and I'm disappointed with the way you're gripping and handling your sword. That's not how I taught you!"
Doug lowered his chin to his chest, unable to look at his father in the eyes. "I'll do my best to improve, father."
"And you will!" he exclaimed. Dopey threw a subtle side glance in Ben's direction before storming off.
Ben watched with sad eyes as Doug returned to brush his horse. He slowly approached his long-time friend and lifted up a hand to his shoulder. Ben knew that his father's approval meant everything to Doug but, unlike him and Gaston, Dopey used every possible occasion to remind him that he wasn't good enough. No words were spoken between them, but after a moment Doug looked up and flashed him a little smile.
The moment was broken as the stern and serious gaze returned to Ben's face, pacing from his eyes to his lips. He tightened his grip on Doug's shoulder. "I need to do it, Doug. Help me, please!"
Doug ran his fingers nervously through his hair. "Can't you just ask Gaston for an explanation instead?"
Ben dropped his gaze and spoke softly, "You know I can't. Imagine if this all turns out to be a lie. Gaston would be devastated if he knew I've ever doubted him."
He'd never admitted it openly to Ben but growing up, Doug had been jealous on more than one occasion, of the close relationship Ben had with both Adam and Gaston. Doug had been young when Adam was killed but he still remembered clearly the loving way the late king would look at Ben whenever he entered a room. And not a day went by that Gaston didn't clap Ben proudly on the back complimenting him on his improvements. All he'd ever wanted was for his father to act towards him or look at him the same way, at least once. Pushing those thoughts aside, Doug turned his attention back to the present and to his best friend's request.
They'd been inseparable ever since they were little kids creating mischief and running around the castle. Ben always treated him like a brother despite the fact that he was the crown prince of Auradon. And they became even closer when Adam had been murdered as Ben turned to him for comfort. Ben had been inconsolable and eventually only Gaston's and Claudette's love truly helped him recover from such a tragic loss. Doug could understand his friend's need to discover the truth behind that knight's dramatic revelations. And he owed it to Ben for all the times he supported and helped him throughout their youth. So, with a heavy sigh, he took his decision and nodded. "Okay, I'll help you. Give me an hour."
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Ben and Doug slowly made their way across the narrow passageway leading to the small and cramped cells. The torches flickering in the iron sconces provided the only source of light within the castle's dungeon. They walked silently, checking each cell, careful not to make sudden loud noises that could alert the guards to their presence. Dampness coming from the mildew which scabbed the stone walls seeped through their bones as they walked. Ben stopped in front one of the cells and grabbed Doug's arm.
Ben looked through the iron bars and recognised the familiar archer as he lay asleep on the dirty straw scattered across the cell's floor. "It's him." He stated.
Doug nodded and opened the cell door using the keys he'd stolen from his father. The key clicked in the lock, before the door squeaked open and they quickly entered the cell.
The noises alerted Mal to their presence, waking her up from her restless sleep. She immediately scrambled to a half-sitting position and backed away from them in fear. "Who are you?" she started to scream, "Help! What do y-Mmmm!" Her cries were muffled as Doug got hold of her from behind covering her mouth. Mal's eyes widened in panic as she tried struggling against Doug's tight grip. "Quiet!" he ordered. She stopped when Ben crouched down in front of her and they locked eyes.
"Listen to me." Ben spoke softly. "No one wants to hurt you. I just need to ask you a few questions. My friend here will release you, if you promise me you won't cry out for help."
Mal felt her heartbeat race in fear as beads of sweat started forming on her forehead. She froze. Once again she saw something in his eyes, something in the way he looked at her. She couldn't explain it but for just a moment she believed she could trust him. So she slowly calmed down as she tried to regulate her breathing. She slowly nodded. Doug released the hand still covering her mouth and gently let go of her.
Ben reached out and griped her softly by the arms. "During today's fight, one of your knights spared my life. He was wearing an elaborate helmet and a light blue cape. Did you see him? Do you know who he is?" he asked.
Mal nodded. "His name is Sir Galahad." She whispered.
"Sir Galahad!" Ben exclaimed, breaking eye contact with her and lowering his gaze to the ground. They stood silent for a few moments until Ben abruptly rose to his feet, pulling Mal up with him. He kept his grip on her arms. "I need to find him. I'll even set you free if you take me to him. I promise!" Ben explained.
"Why should I believe you?" Mal challenged, getting back a hold of herself.
Ben's eyes hardened. "Because things don't usually end well for the prisoners of war. I'm giving you a way out."
"You're a bunch of blood thirsty criminals!" she accused.
"So what have you decided?" he asked, ignoring her outburst. "Will you help me?"
Mal gazed at him intensely, trying to scrutinise his eyes for any sign of deceit. She wondered whether she could really believe that he would keep his part of the deal. Till now he hadn't given her any reason to doubt him, even though he was her enemy. And this was her only real chance to escape from this dungeon. She'd be a fool not to take it. She just would've to tag along until she could find a way of escaping. She squared her shoulders, her mind made up. "I'll take you to his castle and then you'll let me go!" she replied.
"Smart choice." Ben smiled with a slight smirk. "Now let's go!" he ordered, gripping her right arm tightly and pushing her towards the cell door. "You know what to do!" he told Doug as he exited pulling Mal along with him.
Doug crouched down and started pulling the door sharply from its hinges.
̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- THE BLACK ARROW ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴- ̴-
The ringing of bells resonated across the entire castle as the soldiers ran frantically across the bailey. Gaston's voice thundered across the open courtyard. "No one and I mean no one escapes from Auradon's dungeons! I want everyone ready in ten minutes!" he ordered facing his generals. "Search every square of this castle!"
"The door seems to have been broken from the inside, Sir!" One of the soldiers stated breathlessly as he reached Gaston. A loud growl escaped his throat.
He anxiously looked around, suddenly realising that Ben was nowhere in sight. "Where's my son? Find that maid he's always with. I want to know where my boy is?" he shouted.
"Sir!" Doug stated, running up to him. "Ben followed the escaped prisoner. He was wearing one of our uniforms, but Ben managed to recognise him anyway. He disappeared into the forest. Ben decided to chase him, and he asked me to return to the castle to ask for backup."
Gaston's eyes hardened turning to face his generals. "Form small groups of soldiers. Search every inch of the forest and the nearby valleys and don't return until you've found him!" He bellowed, storming off.
Dopey grabbed his son tightly by the arm as Gaston walked away. "YOU should've followed the prisoner, not Ben!" he growled before hurrying away.
A/N: So what did you think? Was the initial fight sequence intense enough? I'd love to hear your feedback.
Ben and Mal have met and all I can say is hold on to your seats, the adventure is about to being. It will be a bumpy ride. Tune in next weekend to find out what happens next.
Who has watched D3? I loved it from beginning to end. The dance numbers, the songs, the acting. I can't believe that it is the end of the franchise. These last 5 years have been so amazing and the characters will forever remain in my heart.