Alright now the bonus chapters are up! (And I have to remind you that they are shorter than most but depending on how the story turns out they may become longer.) Anyways the next chapter will be up shortly. I've been awfully busy with a lab report that I need to finish and check over to perfection. But otherwise I will try to posting as often as I can, I promise. I want to finish this story and I want you all to read it :) But besides that have fun reading and while you do, I shall be having fun thinking of the next few chapters. Next goal is 400! And after that I shall have to find another bonus chapter to write about.
This was a ferocious battle, he thought. What to do? He stared at the large slab of meat before him with an array of expensive spices and herbs surrounding it. Today was his lordship's fifteenth birthday and the task of making dinner was placed in his hands. If he didn't make delicacies for his lordship, Desdemona and Rosalie will have his hide. And when those two women worked together, the result was frightening. He sighed, staring at the ingredients before him again. It was hard to get used to this sense of peace . . . he had always ended up becoming nervous and adrenaline would pulse through his veins and without meaning to, his magic would always result in the food being destroyed. It wasn't long ago that he had served in the Royal Army.
The Royal Army had up to sixteen thousand soldiers when brought together. It was split into battalions with lieutenants heading each and beneath them a trusted major. Lieutenant Randall led his battalion and Bard was his trusted major general. Randall was a man in his middle age, his hair somewhat graying in between his brown hair. And Bard looked up to him. Though at the moment they were at a standstill about a strategy. A higher power had ordered their battalion to move towards a mountain pass that led to Dras-Leona. There had been sightings of numerous Varden members, no doubt going on a raid.
"I'm telling you, it's an ambush!" said Bard, pounding his fist furiously on the table that held a laid out map before them. "They're not camping at the northern end like reports said. They're hiding out in the mountains!"
"Nonsense!" said Lieutenant Randall. "A scout that ran ahead had informed us of their positions. We'll charge them now, giving us the element of surprise. It would be enough to overcome their forces."
"But sir, I don't think that you—"
"Exactly, you don't think because that's what I'm here for, major general Bard," said Lieutenant Randall crossly. "I want you all to stand ready in an half an hour. And if you don't feel you need to come, Bard, stay and I'll have you punished for insubordination once we make it to Dras-Leona."
He scowled but refused to say anything. Shifting his silver mail corselet on his shoulders, he replaced his boots. When the thirty minutes came, Bard mounted his steed, Caliph, gently stroking the horse's mane. "Move out!" ordered Lieutenant Randall from the front of the battalion. Bard urged Caliph forward with the other foot soldiers walking behind them.
No one spoke but as they came near the mountain pass, he strung his bow, glancing from side to side. Everything seemed too peaceful to be called safe. He didn't believe that the area wasn't surrounded. But as they were halfway through the pass, he felt his resolve waver and Lieutenant Randall, who rode before him, turned to face him. "See? There's not one soul—"
But before he could finish the familiar whizzing sound of something cutting the air met his ears and his eyes widened in horror as he saw his lieutenant, the man he had looked up to, jerk in his steed as an arrow pierced his heart. With wide eyes, Lieutenant Randall fell from his steed. Free of rider, the horse bounded off.
"LIEUTENANT RANDALL!" shouted Bard, but all around them, arrows went whizzing by, death carried through the air. "RETREAT! EVERYONE FALL BACK!" But they were stuck; those in the rear didn't know of the chaos and kept marching. Marching to their deaths. Caliph reared, throwing him off before galloping off after Lieutenant Randall's steed.
Scrambling to his feet, he notched an arrow, aiming it for a nearby soldier above him. Letting it go, he watched as one of their numbers fell. This was the worst situation if possible. To be cornered. It didn't take long for their large battalion to become decimated. Pushing his back against the mountain side, he notched another arrow, felling another attacker. But the onslaught was just too great. His wards had thrown every arrow off course but he was getting tired.
That was when he saw a tall figure with dark armor step out from the shadows, blades drawn. A loud roar nearly shattered his hearing. His mouth fell slightly open when a sapphire dragon dove from the clouds, breathing fire upon the troops. Within seconds the entire mountain pass around him was set aflame, the attackers yelling and screaming as they fell to the ground burning. The tall man, Bard saw, was busy hacking down the survivors.
It took less than ten minutes for everything to settle and an eerie quietness settled over them. Moving slightly through the dead bodies, he stared about himself. Dead, they were all dead. Arrows protruded from bodies and swords pierced flesh during the confusion. Lieutenant Randall lay not far off from the head of the dead bodies, his eyes opened in surprise, caught off guard. "Rest in peace, sir." With that he slowly closed his eyes, staring at the man he had admired.
What was he to do now? Return to the capital without his battalion? How was he going to explain to the higher in command what had happened during their mission? How he had managed to come out of it alive but everyone else had died tragically? The sound of boots crunching on the ground met his ears and he turned to find the armored man walking towards him, his blades sheathed away. "Who are you?" asked Bard.
"Gabranth," said the figure. He turned his head side from side as if evaluating the damage. "A whole battalion destroyed and yet you lived throughout the onslaught. That is quite impressive."
"And yet you and your dragon slaughtered them all in a matter of minutes," countered Bard.
"But what will you do now that your entire battalion is destroyed?"
"I don't know."
"Luck didn't help you survive this battle. It was skill and strength and if you don't know what to do with it anymore, then work for me."
Bard jumped when the door to the kitchen flew open revealing Desdemona and Rosalie followed by an excited Finny. "You haven't started yet, Bard?" asked Rosalie incredulously. He shrugged.
"I don't know what his lordship would like; he doesn't eat meat, that's one delicacy off the table." He grumbled staring at the slab of meat before him. Then an idea clicked in his head.
Nearly an hour and a half later was he finally done and setting the banquet table for the occasion. Rosalie had pulled out their finest tea seat and silverware while Desdemona had decorated the halls with bouquets of beautiful follows and Finny stood to the side, bringing in food. Lord Gabranth came in with his mother and took the seat at the head of the table. Saphira was able to fit into the large space with ease and lay next to the banquet table.
Lord Gabranth, unlike his normal attire, wore a pale red tunic and black breeches. His brows rose when he took in the sight of the food before him. A variety of soups, mushroom to carrots, honey cakes, blueberry pies, and in the center a cake made in a semblance of Saphira. "Happy Birthday, Lord Gabranth!"
He didn't smile nor did he frown but rather he stared at all of them and their bright smiles and Bard could see, though it was just barely there, the light in his eyes. It was a rather eventful occasion. Desdemona and Rosalie fawned over him as usual, pouring bits of food onto his plate while serving Lady Selena. Finny was amusing Saphira by tossing chunks of meat at her for her to catch while Bard just sat there, pleased that his cooking come out well for once. This peace, he could get used to it.
Did you all have fun reading it? I'm somewhat sorry for the little long wait. :) I don't have much of a note because I'm going to surprise you all with the next few chapters. :) And hopefully it'll be up soon! Review everyone, don't forget!