White Knight and the Vanadis

by Seoras

Tigre has an elder brother Astolfo, the White Knight of Brune. A man on par with Roland, how will he handle life when his brothers life is snuffed out at the Dinant Plains. how will he negotiate the politics of civil war brune. will he come out unscathed or will he die in the end like all men do.

5. Chapter Four: Prison Life & Escape

So, I should've probs done this in the first chapter; I don't own anyone except for my OC's like Astolfo and Athily.

Please Leave Reviews I love reading them, well the ones that are nice and constructive. I don't have a Beta, never had one not gonna start now. So, there may be some grammar problems, but I've spent the last hour editing this chapter so yeah.

I would say check out my other stories, but admittedly there pretty junk, now that I've gone and re-read some of them.

Hope you're all enjoying this so far. We're following cannon vaguely, like the timeline and all. This chapter was somewhat fun to write but while flipping between the LN and Anime I got a little confused. But we got there in the end.

As for pairings; well that's a good question, so at the moment we're not going the traditional Ellen pairing. I am open to any of the other Vanadis, except maybe Valentina and Ludmila. Oh, as far as Regin goes. She's going to have a crush on Astolfo, but it's going to be very one sided. Also, I'd like to add while spit balling ideas here, maximum of two wives. He understands now that Tigre is dead and that he can't pair him up with Titta anymore like he had been planning to, it is down to him to rebuild the Vorn Bloodline.

Also, weapons. The Black Bow; so, I've already given Astolfo a sword on par with Durandal, that namely being the sword of Charlemagne who will exist in this story as a mythic king of Brune, same with the twelve Paladins. He also has a Lance that was dug up out of an ancient tomb, as well as a scimitar that he took from a Muozinel general that served the youngest Prince of Muozinel. Who is an OC and will make an appearance in later chapters. My question, do I make Astolfo who grieves for his brother still and will often base some of his decisions on what Tigre would do, do I make him pick up the black bow in some instances as a way of remembering his late brother... Or do I have him leave the Black Bow in Alsace, in hopes that when he has a son or daughter, they will pick up the Black Vorn Bow. It would also make the legend of the King of the magic bullet obsolete. But I'm sure I could do something similar, but for his Lance or Joyuse.

Anyway, that's enough of that... On with the Story!

Xxx. Chapter Four: The Life of a Guest Prisoner. xxX

Not long after his conversation and refusal of Eleonora's offer to become an Earl in her service, to be exact it had been near a week. Which meant that he had exactly thirty-seven days until the ransom needed to be paid, now if Athily's treasure, his spare armour and all the favours he had gained over the years didn't cut it, he would willingly part with Précieuse and the armour he wore to the Dinant Plains.

Astolfo found himself being allowed to walk around the palace freely enough. Well there was always someone watching him, but so long as he was in a public place or the training ground he was allowed to do as he pleased. He would've loved to of done some fishing, but he doubted he'd be given that much freedom.

He was currently following, one of the soldiers that had been tasked with being his personal escort. Apparently, the man was one of the men who had sabotaged the bow that was on the weapons rack. He remembered him as the pretty boy who had taunted him on his first two shots at the target. The man wasn't too bad in terms of company, much more talkative and light-hearted than Limlisha. Who he was sure held a grudge against him for unhorsing her at Dinant.

As for the pretty boy, well he wasn't so pretty anymore. Which Astolfo found hilarious. As punishment for his actions against him, Eleonora had ordered his head shaved. But to make matters worse the pretty boy was rather apologetic and had for the past two days apologised multiple times for his transgressions as well as thanking him profusely for changing the War Maidens mind away from beheading.

While they were walking along, Astolfo noted a pair of maids were struggling with a large and grand looking Elk. Giving Rurick the slip, he walked over and with practiced ease scooped the Elk up and rested the beast on his shoulders. "Where to ladies?" he questioned getting blushes and surprised looks from the two young women.

"Oh, oh! Right this way." The ginger haired one of the two said as she opened the back door to the kitchen.

Walking in he saw a large table that had blood stains covering it. Placing the large beast down he admired it for a second. Grabbing one of the nearby butchers knives went about skinning the beast for them. it was something that he and Tigre would do with their kills before keeping a few choice cuts before gifting the rest of the animal to the local butcher asking him to sell it on the cheap.

For all of about a minute the kitchen staff were caught off-guard by their ladies prisoner helping them with the Elk. Having skinned the beast, he was in the process of dismantling the creature when there was a loud cry. "I LOST LORD VORN!"

"Took him long enough." Astolfo muttered as he reached into the creature and began to pull the offal out. He then found the liver and heart before turning to the maid that was in the process of seasoning some of the fresh jointed meat. "Best parts these are" he said as he placed the heart and liver off to one side. He then grabbed the bollocks of the elk before removing them. "I wonder, you reckon Lady Eleonora would enjoy some little maids?" he questioned lightly as he started peeling the skin off the balls.

"Possibly? The lady is always up to try new things." The maid said as she salted and rubbed thyme into the meat.

Not to long later he left the kitchen and walked straight into the mess hall and sat down with a bowl of simple soup, bread and some ham. A thank you from the head of the kitchen for dismantling the elk so quickly. It was nice to be of service, usually he would do many similar altruistic deeds without need of payment like the chunk of ham he was getting with dinner. But he was still in enemy territory and he liked to think the more he ate the less food the enemy had for themselves. While he was sat there chowing down, he was surprised when one of the maids came out and placed a pitcher or wine in front of him. Just at the same time Limlisha sat across from him with a raised brow.

"Is Rurick still running about looking for me?" he questioned lightly. It was fun messing with the now bald male who was the same age as him.

"Indeed." Was Lim's immediate reply before adding. "Where did you go?"

"I helped some maids with tonight's Elk. When you're poor you learn various skills to help you get by. The head chef and maids were so thankful that I freed up a pair of hands to other tasks that I was given a slab of ham as well as a pitcher of wine." He said before biting into the ham. "Speaking of I must know what glaze the chef used. I'll have to get Titta to use it in the future. Same with this soup, its beautiful. So aromatic in scent and the taste is great."

"I don't see why you're getting excited over simple soldier food." Limlisha said as she had some of her own bread that she dunked in soup.

"And that's the best part, whenever I get back home it will be easy enough for Titta to make." He said with a smile as he chowed down on the food.

It was too long later that Astolfo was wanting to refresh himself, he had been exploring quite a lot of LeitMeritz, part of it was so he could see if there was a decent way to escape the city and the other part was childlike curiosity. Being able to explore such a foreign town was fun. But while it had its charms, Alsace was where he ultimately wanted to return to. It didn't bother him that they lived day to day scraping away a living off the land. He enjoyed it.

He had found a quaint little well and place to bathe the day before, it was out of the way and it allowed him to contemplate his thoughts in silence. It was how he liked it. Usually in Alsace if he wanted to do such a thing, he would go to his garden that doubled as Athily's home and would think there. It was what prompted him to build more wells and dig irrigation channels all over the farmlands so as to make the land more fertile. As a result, their crops had been praised in Aude and Territoire since the last harvest.

Towel over his shoulders, Astolfo rounded the corner and was surprised when he saw a small baby dragon that reminded him of Athily when she was just a small, we white and gold furred and scaled hatchling. Crouching down he smiled softly and spoke with an equally soft tone. "hey there little one. are you lost? You're a long way from the mountains." He cooed softly. As he did, he held out his hand producing a piece of dried jerky he had snagged from the kitchen before he left.

The little blue dragon seeing it hopped over to him before jumping in his arms and picking the jerky out of his arms. Standing up properly he held the small guy out in front of him. "I have a pet dragon a bit like you. Only she's white with gold markings, she also has a bit of a temper. My little brother said I was a bad father in not nipping that in the bud when she was just a hatchling like you are. Didn't help that I spoilt her rotten." As he said that he stepped forwards before coming face to face with a very naked Ellen.

"His name is Lunie." Was all she said as she looked up from her spot on the ground from where she was kneeling.

Astolfo nodded as he took in her form. 'Dam! Mashas when I get my hands on you.' Astolfo grumped as the term 'unfading beauty' ringed in his mind. He was going to belt that old geezer one. "Well, hmm. First of all, sorry for intruding. I didn't think anyone else used this place."

It was at that point Ellen stood up completely exposing herself. "I may not have left Brune before, but even I know men and women sharing bathing quarters is not customary." He said as he tried not to allow his eyes to wander as he noted some water droplets rolling down the valley between her breasts along with her flat toned stomach. 'Soo, the carpet matches the drapes.' He thought as his eyes darted about quickly trying to cover up the fact, he had looked at her vagina.

Gods he was happy he had a lot of self-control. 'this could be some elaborate plan of hers, to try and make me change my mind and join her and Zhcted. HA! That has to be it! No self-respecting lady would stand there so brazenly.' His thoughts raged for a second.

"Speaking of which, didn't Lim make you aware that this well and bathing area is considered women only. I thought that would've been at the top of her list of things to tell you." Eleonora said off headedly.

"Right, excellent. You know a sign wouldn't go amiss then if that was the case. Although in some cases, I'm heartened it was you and not someone else that I accidentally walk in on. you don't seem like the type to scream and react rashly when caught in such a manner. I have no doubt Lim would attempt to kill me." Astolfo sighed out as he turned to walk away. "Well I'll leave you to it."

As he said that he allowed Lunie to jump from his arms and flap back to Ellen. He would find another spot to bathe or just hope the next time he came by it was vacant. He wasn't a lecher by any stretch, hell he was a virgin. But the spot was a good one and as long as there was no sign specifically detailing it was a woman's only bathing area, he would continue to use it.

! #$%^&*()

Laying in his bed, Astolfo sighed. It had been three weeks since his letters and ransom note had been sent. He was getting frustrated, everyone was ordered not to speak of what was happening in Brune. Although he could hazard a guess; the King was likely to be grief-stricken at the disappearance of the Prince. The Prince and Queen would be in a similar situation. No doubt Dukes Ganelon and Thenardier would be doing everything they could to seize power from many of the weaker nobles so as to bolster themselves. Heck he wouldn't be surprised if they were gunning straight for the king. 'I hope Alsace is fine. I don't know how I would react should anything bad happen to my people. They're all the family I have left.' He thought.

He missed the mountain air, Titta's cooking, the laughter of the children and the sound of the women gossiping as they went about their days. He just wanted things to return to normal. Go back to Alsace and become reclusive, decline any future calls to battle. Live out a simple life. Marry a country girl, have children, grow old and be around to see his grandchildren, and when all was said and done, drift off in the night to join his brother, father and mother in death. Was it so much to ask for a simple quiet life.

As he laid there, he got up when he heard a knock on the door. Opening it he was surprised to see Rurick waiting. "What time do you call this, for making a house call." Astolfo joked, before noting the serious look on his face.

"The guards captured a pair of men with Brunish accents, they're claiming to know you." Was all he said as he walked back towards where the men were being held.

Following Astolfo was curious as to who the men were. Upon reaching the group of guards that were standing near a pair of kneeling figures. He then saw them and smiled with tears. "Gods! Bertrand! Gaspard! Oh, thank the gods." He said as he ran up to the two men and pulled them into a hug. "it's good to see you both."

"Oh, young Lord. Thank goodness you're well." Bertrand exclaimed as he held on to the young man tightly.

"You're looking as strong as an Ox my lord. These dogs treating you well." Gaspard whispered lowly.

Astolfo laughed. "Almost like a king. You got my letters, the ransom?" he questioned.

Bertrand nodded, before looking angry. "We got the ransom. But Alsace is under siege, me and Gaspard barely made it to the mountain pass with being captured. We won't be able to get the ransom here. We're sorry, but we tried."

It was the hammer man's turn this time. "I got the lads to do what you ask of me in the letters. They warned the village folks about what to do if an army was marched into Alsace. Gods dammed Thenardier bastards. Phillippe counted around three thousand soldiers a mixture of mounted and dismounted knights. No militia men or men-at-arms."

"I thought this would happen. Dammit Thenardier." He growled as he let the two men go. As he said that he looked at both Gaspard and Bertrand sharing a look, there were four men guarding them. "Sorry, Rurick."

"Sorry?" was all the Zhcted man was able to get out before fist hit him squarely in the jaw dropping him in a heap. Astolfo quickly turned and pounced on the nearest guard as did Bertrand and Gaspard.

Seeing the four men incapacitated, Astolfo began to follow Gaspard. "Where are we going?"

"A side gate. We've been here two days; Strider and our horses are tethered in the trees that shelter the south side of the city walls. We we're hoping it was going to be a cleaner extraction."

"Those men won't be down for long. Let's get moving." Astolfo said as they sprinted down the streets ignoring shouts from soldiers telling them to halt.

Nearing the side gate, they were happy to note that it was still propped open along with no guards in sight. Running through the gateway the trio of men dashed through the forest.

Seeing his beloved war horse. Along with a simple longsword. Sheathed in the saddle holster Astolfo leapt on his horses back and spurred him directly west, with Bertrand and Gaspard hot on his heels. "So long Eleonora." The white knight grinned as he spurred off towards home.

! #$%^&*()

Groaning Rurick, sat up and cursed. He couldn't blame Astolfo for the punch, he was sure if the roles had been reversed, he would've done much the same thing. Stagger a little he saw Lim ordering the soldiers about. "Lady Lim; South, they went south." He groaned out. "Man, Astolfo Vorn had a punch as strong as a horse kick."

"Are you alright Rurick?" she asked as she helped him sit for a second, his head still spinning from the punch.

"Feel more like a fool. Remind me to never let Astolfo punch me again." He groaned before, waving her away. "Just find him. Despite him being a decent enough guy, he's still Lady Ellen's prisoner."

Lim nodded and started calling for the men to head south.

Eleonora having watched, most of what happened from on top of one of the towers smiled. 'this is interesting, now time for a good old fashion chase. I hope he makes this fun.' Ellen thought as she garbed herself in her War Maiden outfit. 'you will become mine.' Were her thoughts as she strode out of her office and headed for the stable.

! #$%^&*()

Astolfo looking at Gaspard shouted, "How many days ride from here to Alsace?"

"We'll get to border in about day. The mountain pass will take a further day to travel. Then we'll be home somewhat safe and sound. All without having to pay a hunnerd thousant." The big man laughed jovially.

Leave it to Gaspard to make light of this situation. The Zhcted cavalry was powerful and fast he had no doubt they had figured out where they were headed by now and were already sallying forth to recapture him. It was then Bertrand guided his horse left a little pushing Strider over some. "What're doing, Bertrand?"

"When we decided to come get you instead of paying the ransom, we decided to stack the odds in our favour. We spent a couple of days scattering Caltrops all over the route we're taking home. no large force will be able to avoid them but two or three horses on the other hand can." Bertrand explained.

"You cunning beauty." Astolfo cheered as he slowed a little and went to follow Bertrand while Gaspard pulled in behind him.

! #$%^&*()

"I want Astolfo Vorn captured alive along with his men." Eleonora shouted. "Bring them to me!" as she said that she herself charged out on her pure white horse.

Lim who was clattering down the street beside Ellen, glanced at her. 'What're we doing? We're never going to catch them. They've got too much of a head start on us. Why she insisted on bringing a thousand soldiers to pursue them is beyond me.' Lim then noted a different sword hanging from Ellen's horses saddle, just in front of her left leg. 'That Sword. Could she be wanting to challenge him?'

At the best of times Lim found it hard to get a read on her friend Ellen, despite having travelled around with her as a mercenary since they were kids. Being fighters under Vissarions guidance and leadership. But at this moment, she for the life of her couldn't fathom what was going on in that pretty little head of hers. 'Astolfo Vorn is like a tiger, untameable unless broken being defanged and clawed.' She idly thought, yet despite her warning a day after the Dinant Plains.

Ellen said she didn't want to break him, but rather befriend and one day tame the tiger of a man that they were now going to be chasing through the night. In an effort to make sure he didn't cross the border. But at this rate, if their prey on this night was smart. They would being travelling at a steady slow canter, that no doubt would be able to hold for a few koku before having to slow down.

If Ellen and the other Knights didn't play this smart, there would be no chance of catching the escaped prisoner and his lackeys. "Lady Ellen, we shouldn't over exert the horses to early, it's a day and a half to two days travel to the border with Brune. We need patience."

"I know Lim! But we can't afford to allow them to gain any more of a lead." The War Maiden replied looking decidedly upset and annoyed with what was happening. "The Knights were too slow in mounting. I should've gone ahead with the unit of light cavalry I sent ahead."

! #$%^&*()

Having slowed to a trot, Astolfo sidled up to beside Bertrand with Gaspard doing the same with him. So, he was in the middle, it was standard practice really. "If we keep this pace, we won't have to slow for another half koku or more, depending on the horses." Astolfo stated, as he looked ahead at the looming Voyes Mountain range that was still a good nine koku or more away.

Gaspard who was chancing a look back growled as he noted they had pursuers. "We have enemies on the horizon, I'd say about five maybe six thousand alsin away."

Pursing his lips, Bertrand replied instead of Astolfo who was thinking ahead trying to figure out how best to defend Alsace. "They must've lost some of their number to the caltrops. Probably slowed right down so as to pick a path through or find an alternative. I'd like to hope they disappear from sight soon."

Astolfo who had registered what the men were saying, rolled with Striders long gait for a minute or two. "the horses know how to get home? I know Strider does." He questioned.

"I'd bet money that Sweetmane and Moonbolt, know the way home." Gaspard replied as he patted Moonbolt on the neck. "After Strider, they're the fleetest horses in all of Alsace. The owners said that they were proud to know their steeds would be able aide in the retrieval of you." He boomed jovially. "That was a day after some of the Militia men spotted the Thenardier troops on our borders."

Nodding at that he looked at the mare Bertrand was riding, he was pretty sure Sweetmane belonged to Auguste's family who lived just outside of Celeste, they owned one of the more successful farms in the province. Probably had more money than the Vorn family. 'They've been asking me to stud Strider with their mares for the past couple of years now. Hell, I'll let Strider stud with any bloody mare in Alsace. If we make it back alive!' Astolfo thought.

"What can you tell me about the Thenardier army marching through Alsace?" he questioned, he needed to know. Just to make sure, so that he could plan accordingly. He doubted that Duke Thenardier was sending such a force just to occupy the territory. He wasn't that rash, while he himself was only a minor noble. It was safe to say he had the same standing as Roland the Black Knight, as well as having Princess Regin's favour. She had been the only one during the tournament where he won Strider to offer him her favour of a light pink silk ribbon.

No Thenardier was moving because Ganelon was up to something nefarious. Out of the two, he always found Duke Felix Aron Thenardier to be, the more agreeable of the two Dukes. Which was saying something.

Bertrand decided to answer. "Well we think what the Militia saw was only the vanguard. Cause they only told us of about a thousand mounted knights. Just before we left though, we got another report say that the number was now three thousand." The old man then paused as he wasn't sure how to say the next part.

"Go on Bertrand tell him." Gaspard urged.

Now Astolfo was intrigued. Both of his rescuers looked shaken. Which wasn't good, Gaspard was hardly ever dissuaded from a fight even against overwhelming odds. Like at the Dinant Plains in the rear-guards valiant rebuffing of the Zhcted sneak attack. Boldly hitting the Zhcted flank without nary a complaint or show of hesitation, hefted his hammer and swung it with vigour.

Bertrand as well was a veteran of quite a few skirmishes and had marched under the Vorn banner for at least three military campaigns; once as a common soldier fighting for his grandfather Boniface Martial Vorn, then as Lord Urs Vorns attendant and lastly now under him as an attendant as well as co-captain of at most forty-five men-at-arms.

Needless to say, if they were shaken and balking at the idea of facing the Thenardier army then something was amiss.

Bertrand through a tight smile his way. "They have two dragons." The old man stuttered out.

"Aye, two dragons. Didn't see them personally, so we're not sure. But it did come from old man Zacharie from Montlés" Gaspard added helpfully.

'If Zacharie saw them. Dam!' Astolfo cursed mentally. He then looked back, it seemed that Bertrand was right the Ellen and her pursuing force had been slowed down by the caltrop so much, so they weren't visible on the horizon anymore.

! #$%^&*()

Ellen to say she was surprised that she caught up with her light cavalry would be an understatement. While she didn't much like using the light mounted skirmishing troops in battle, they were rather handy as scouts. They were also good at pursing broken and routing armies. They were her fleetest soldiers and yet they had been slowed considerably.

Riding up to one of the men who was sat on the ground nursing his leg shoulder, she demanded loudly. "What's going on here!?"

"My lady, we were pursuing. We just didn't know they prepared the land for their escape." The soldier groaned a little as he spoke. He had broken his leg when his horse fell to the ground not to mention he had a god-awful caltrop stuck in his shoulder.

"Prepared the land?" Ellen asked. Her scouts were so foolish to lose their seating and be bucked by their mounts.

The soldier grunted for a second before holding out a bloodied crows foot in his hand. "Caltrops my lady. All over the place, me and the quicker lads had no idea until the horses ran afoul of them. we lost four good mounts to pierced hoofs and broken legs."

"Dam." Was all she replied. 'I can't afford to be held up like this.' She mentally thought. Every moment she delayed here, was another that her quarry would gain. "have the other scouts found a path through the caltrops? Where is the extremity of the field?" she question quickly.

The soldier gulped. His lady was awfully intense, she was taking this escaped prisoner far to personally. So what one Brunish dandy got away big deal, if she wanted another Brunish man all she had to do was petition the king to allow her to start another war with Brune. "further south. I think some of the lads are making some headway with getting through. The grass is so long we're unable to tell you how far the caltrop field stretches.

Nodding she shouted to her assembled knights. "Move south! One of you get this man back to the city for treatment." As she ordered that, she wheeled her white stallion about and cantered off south a little more to where she could see some scouts on foot leading their horses picking their way through the field of caltrops. 'Astolfo, you have some brilliant subordinates under your command. I might just invade Alsace and annex the land for myself and Zhcted.' It amazed her how a seemingly impoverished province was able to slow her so and be such a thorn in her side.

! #$%^&*()

Astolfo had to admit, he was hungry. They had been riding almost eight koku straight, in dispersed with walking breaks leading their horses. It was safe to say that while he loved riding, the longest he had been in the saddle before this grand escape he was making was one and half koku. Not eight bloody koku. Everything hurt, he was hungry and not to mention Strider was a War Horse, more suited for a short 200 alsin charge before slamming into the enemy line. he wasn't an endurance horse. After this he may retire the lad and put him to stud with some leaner more endurance-oriented mares. Although he would have to get home first.

It was also safe to say they had reached the foot hills of the Zhcted side of the Voyes Mountain range. Which was rolling hills and dells, dotted with loose rock and shale as well as being randomly dotted with groves of trees.

According to Bertrand and Gaspard they would have to enter a relatively dense grove that would force them to dismount so they could get to the mountain pass that would lead them to Alsace.

Annoyingly however, the Zhcted cavalry was really some of the best in the world. They had gained. The last half koku had been rather nerve wracking. The mountain pass was so close, yet the Zhcted Cavalry was near a thousand to fifteen hundred Alsin away.

He then looked at Gaspard. "If we live through this, I'm selling Athily's treasure and procuring Alsace some Zhcted horse blood. Those things are humphing along." The two looking at each soon started laughing.

"I'm glad you're having so much fun." Bertrand grumbled a little, "I'm too old for this." He was nearing fifty-eight. Far too old to be galivanting into another country and orchestrating a prison break and fleeing for nine koku straight while being pursued by a war maiden and what looked like a whole gods be dammed army of knights.

"We are Bertrand. One must make light of a situation as perilous as this. Just think this'll be a story I tell my kids someday. The story about the brave Bertrand and rogue Gaspard, risking life and limb for their heroic lord." Astolfo jibed happily making the elder man lighten up a little.

"Oi! Why am I a rogue!"

He was promptly ignored. Astolfo chancing a look back sighed. "I may find her annoying, but her tenacity is somewhat refreshing." He said with a smile as he continued to push Strider despite the beast snorting at him. He was going to have to treat the lad to apples and carrots as well some sugar cane. Maybe even a salt block, to sate the beasts lust for blood.

"You almost sound like you admire her." Gaspard queried, not once in the last eight or nine Koku had they made mention of the War Maiden as far as they knew, Astolfo hated her and her soldiers.

"Admire is a little strong in this instance Gaspard. She's annoying, but at the same time I see myself in her. As much as I hate to admit that. In another life or time, perhaps we could've been friends. I reckon Tigre would've gotten along with her grandly." Astolfo said wistfully as he made mention of his brother. "I have no doubt he would've been enamoured with her."

Astolfo finished. Gaspard seeing the grove they had to pass through to get to the mountain pass, pointed. "There it is Lord, almost home."

'I'm coming Alsace, just hang on a little longer.' As they made it to the treeline of the grove, Astolfo groaned. They would have to dismount and walk it. But if they had to, so too did the Zhcted knights, which would even things up if they caught them negotiating the roots and low branches.

"Let's do this." He muttered as he swung himself out of the saddle and yanked on Striders reins, beginning to lead him into the grove.

It was too long later having been walking for a decent few minutes that they heard shouting from the forests edge. Gaspard looking back nervously growled in annoyance. "Bertrand take the horse." Gaspard grumbled as he took his sword and a short-handled cavalry war hammer from his saddle. "I'll hold the line, give you some time to get to the mountain pass."

Astolfo hearing that growled. "We didn't just ride all that way, just for you to do what I did at the Dinant Plains. What about your children and wife?" Astolfo growled in annoyance as the former mercenary didn't turn to face him.

"You've always been much better with words than me lord. Tell the wife I love her, kick some discipline into my lads heads would you. Make sure my daughters are looked after." Gaspard replied, not wanting to turn around. His eyes were watering. "BERTRAND WHY'RE YOU STILL BOTH HERE GO YOU BLOODY FOOLS!" the large hammer man roared as he hefted both hammer and sword.

Bertrand leading Moonbolt and Sweetmane with one hand grabbed Astolfo's arm as well before dragging him and Strider along.

Strider sensing a fight snorted and yanked himself free. "Dammit Strider! Get back here!" Astolfo said before being dragged along by Bertrand, who despite his age was still a strong man despite his tired and old visage.

Gaspard who was still where he was left by Astolfo and Bertrand looked surprised when his lords War Horse snorted beside him and stamped his hoof. "You come to help as well."

All he got was a snort and shake of his brutish head. The rotund man grinned. "Well here they come Strider." The former mercenary shouted. As he charged forwards and clashed with three knights knocking them over, Strider charging with him. Giving a wild and beastly neigh as he bit, kicked and bucked at any of the knights that got far to close.

Gaspard who had used his size and weight to knock a couple of young knights over was parrying with both hammer and sword. Before knocking another knight down. He didn't care if he wasn't killing any of them neither was Strider who had moved off to one side. "YOU WILL NOT PASS, I'LL DIE BEFORE I LET YOU CAPTURE MY LORD!" the large man bellowed.

A couple more knights came through the underbrush before they were charged by the rotund man. "FOR THE WHITE KNIGHT! ARRRRRRR!" he roared with bestial rage as he pummelled the knights down again before charging right when he some more knights go around him.

As he was doing so, he elbowed a helmeted man in the visor ringing his bell for a second. "STRIDER! NO ONE PASSES!" surprisingly he got a reply in the form of wild whinny before the sound of hoof hitting armour rung through the dense grove.

Ellen was surprised when she came across the wild beastly brute of a Stallion, snorting, chomping on his bit and any man that got too close along with bucking and rearing up. it already looked like he had a couple of cuts on his flanks. In a strange way this snorting and almost snarling horse reminded her of a caged tiger. "I want that horse captured alive." She ordered.

It was then she was greeted by Lim, Clement and Marc dragging with them one of the men that had helped Astolfo escape. Seeing him she smiled, she remembered him. He was one of the men that had held the right flank of the rear-guard magnificently, along with keeping the rear-guard orderly despite falling back and retreating. Not once allowing the men to turn their back to her own. "Is he your horse, good sir. So well trained to fight as well."

Gaspard who had been on the receiving end of a sword pommel hitting him in the back of the head, growled angrily. "I'm only a common soldier. That beast is the Lords own, has a mind of its own that one. Barely listens to its rider." Gaspard said with a grim smile as the Stallion dragged his hoof along the ground as well as pacing back and forth in front of all the knights who were standing around with swords drawn and pointed at the raging Stallion.

"Really, does Astolfo see him as a prized animal?" Ellen questioned idly as she raked her gaze over the beast. "Why not break and tame it?" she questioned again.

"Break such a fine War Horse. No, never. That horse will only ever have one master and he is being forced by myself and one other to flee this place. The man I call lord refused to let me stay and buy him time." He then spat at the ground by Ellen's feet getting a flat of a sword to slam against his back.

"Do all men of Alsace have such spirit as you and your lord?" she enquired. She highly doubted that Astolfo had crossed the border, he would wait for her to arrive before him with his horse and Gaspard as bargaining chips.

"You better believe it girly, every man and woman in Alsace all eight thousand of us; man, woman and child wanted to march on your home and demand our lord back. Every single one of us would die for him. Because we know he would do the same for us!"

Gaspard then threw his back and howled mightily full of pride and vigour. "LONG LIVE THE WHITE KNIGHT!" as he roared that he yanked himself free of his captors and sconed Lim across the jaw making her tumble before making a lunge for Eleonora herself along with Strider rearing up and charging forwards at the arrayed knights.

! #$%^&*()

Having made it out of the grove and standing at the mouth of the Mountain pass that would get him home Astolfo, growled and wrenched his arm free from Bertrand before pulling his temporary longsword free. "Enough Bertrand. I won't go a step further, not until Gaspard is with us."

"But Lord!"

"NO! He is my retainer, I will not abandon him. He said he was buying us time he should arrive soon. I'm not losing another!" he growled as he stood there. 'Not again, no one is going to be left behind.' He mentally promised.

As he was pacing about, Rurick appeared at the edge of the grove and immediately locked his gaze with Astolfo. "Astolfo. I'm taking you back to Lady Eleonora."

"Not going to happen." Astolfo grunted as he eyed Rurick, he had his longsword drawn as well as wearing his purple plate mail armour. "My people need me, I'm sure you'd understand if you were in my position." He added. Almost trying to convince the bald knight opposite him.

"Don't make me use force, you may've caught me off guard back at the palace. It won't happen a second time." Rurick growled in annoyance. As much as he hated to admit it, he saw the prickly Brunish man as his friend. Hell, he was on great terms with all of the serving staff helping out when they least expected it. No matter the job, it didn't matter to the small lord of Alsace. It was almost inspiring to see, if he weren't utterly loyal to Ellen. Then Earl Vorn would find himself with a Zhcted knight in his services.

"Think, why not join me instead." Astolfo offered with a gentle smile. It was almost as if had read Rurick's mind.

"You, what?" was the immediate reply.

"Join me, become a Knight of Alsace. I'll give you land, find you a worthy bride. You'll be treated with honour. Going down in history as the first proper family of knights to come from Alsace. Join me and I'll be kind and benevolent lord." Astolfo urged, offering Rurick what Ellen had offered him.

They then heard rustling behind them. "I'm curious as to what your answer would be Rurick, it's an attractive offer." Ellen's soft wind-like voice lilted as she emerged from the gloom with Lim at her side, with sword drawn.

"Lady Ellen?! I could never betray you. My answer is no, I'm sorry Astolfo. My answer is no." Rurick exclaimed, although he did look apologetic. Astolfo's offer was horribly attractive, much more than what he would ever expect to gain in his life in Zhcted. Had they been different people, in a different time and place. Then maybe.

Astolfo chuckled although it was tense and grim. "I don't blame you, such loyalty is to be commended." He said before turning to Ellen. "Are you not moved or heartened by his loyalty. Does it not make you happy to know you have such men under your command. I know it makes me happy." He said as he tightened his grip on his longsword. "Did you at least make his death quick?" he questioned referring to Gaspard who had stayed behind.

"I too covert such loyalty in my followers. I'd ask where you're going, but that much is obvious. I do hope you enjoyed the Zhcted countryside." Ellen jested at the end after agreeing with Astolfo about having loyal followers.

Astolfo shrugged. "I now understand why they once called Zhcted the land of the Horse Lords." He smiled. "you didn't answer, did you make Gaspard's death quick?" he growled.

"Goodness, he has fiery spirit much like you, Gaspard was it?" she questioned only getting a nod from the White Knight of Brune. "I wish I had men like him under my command. Very skilled, powerful, loyal, stubborn. I admire such qualities in a warrior." Ellen said. As she waved her arm forwards.

Astolfo again chuckled darkly. "I'd hate for his wife to hear that. She may just get jealous."

As he said that a battered Gaspard was dragged forwards by a pair of knights. Along with Strider being led by Lim who had disappeared when Ellen had waved her arm. She handed the reins to Ellen. Who accepted them gratefully.

"Sorry lord, seems I got captured." The man groaned a little bit, probably hadn't been the smartest idea lunging for the War Maiden like he did.

"It's alright Gaspard, you did your best. For that you have thanks and gratitude." Astolfo humbly stated. "I'll trade myself back for Gaspard's freedom." He added.

Before Ellen could answer she was cut off from a roar, by the dishevelled man-at-arms. "LIKE HELL! YOU'RE GOING BACK TO ALSACE!"

"I can't just leave you, we're going home together or not at all. I'm not telling your wife and children you took my place as a prisoner." Astolfo shouted back. Surprising many of the people present, as it had been the most expressive, he had been. Ellen was also rather surprised, not even seeing her naked had gotten a good reaction out of the Tiger of a man before her.

Looking back at Ellen he noted that his brutish War Horse was acting calm and docile around the War Maiden. "You god-dammed beast." He shouted at Strider. Strider at that perked his ears up at hearing his masters voice being shouted towards him. He wanted to follow the sound but being blinkered didn't allow the beast to move.

"Muzzling and blindfolding him was horribly difficult I wouldn't be surprised if my men have an abundance of broken bones." Ellen said as she lovingly ran her hand down Striders muzzle. "He's a truly beautiful steed, if a little wild. He shares your indomitable spirit." She said caringly. She then frowned at Astolfo. "I believe I warned you about approaching the walls of the Palace. You blatantly disregarded that warning." She uttered as rested one of her hands on the hilt of her sword while the other was holding Striders large head in place.

"I suppose I did, didn't I." Astolfo said off handedly. He really didn't like the thought of fighting her in such a narrow space. "But I need to get back to Alsace to protect my people from Duke Thenardier." Astolfo continued as his eyes gained a glint of steel in them and his voice took on an aggravated edge to it.

"But you forget your position as my prisoner. What do you mean you have to protect your people from the Duke?" she was intrigued, she had rumour that Brune was devolving into civil war, the king refused to take court mourning his only heir. Brune literally burned while the King grieved. Word had also reached her of the Princess' apparent disappearance as well.

"There is an army of three thousand knights marching on my lands with the intent to burn it to the ground and sell my people as slaves. I will not stand for it!" Astolfo shot back with passion burning in his eyes as he talked of saving his people.

"What will you do if you go to Alsace?" she questioned with a little annoyance, he was a smart man, but he was being ruled by his pride and emotions.

"I'll defend my people!"

"How?"

At her question, Astolfo looked irritated, he knew what she meant. He only had near one hundred men-at-arms and another hundred Militia men, to say Alsace's military strength was abysmal was an understatement. "We'll do as we've always done, disappear into the mountains and forests. Wait out the storm and then rebuild. Engage in hit and run tactics, wear them out with ambushes, destroy their morale." He retorted, it wasn't a full proof plan and depending on who Thenardier sent as general of the army. He and his men would soon end up breaking themselves against this army of three thousand knights.

"That's fair. A sound plan, but you're a fighter. You're smart too. You know already, that there is no victory in this venture. You may have skill, but only a fool thinks he can beat back three thousand alone." She retorted.

"Don't you think I know that!" Astolfo shouted. "Alsace is the only family I have left, with being lord I am their father! I have been absent from my children for far too long." He rebuffed with emotion oozing with every word.

Ellen then drew her sword and pointed it at Astolfo. "What's stopping me from killing you then? You already seem so eager to die. It wouldn't matter if it were in Alsace or here in LeitMeritz."

She then heard a small laugh coming from Gaspard who's hair was falling over his face now. "You shouldn't have drawn your sword." He continued to chuckle.

Giving the man a glare, she continued to chide Astolfo. "why not think, you're allowing emotion to rule you. At Dinant, you went for a tactical victory and tried to kill me. I admired that. But ever since you've arrived here in LeitMeritz, you've been stubborn and impossible. Calling for me to kill you, when I told you the ransom amount. Rebuffing me and my offer to become an Earl of Zhcted. Not once have you tried to negotiate with me. Stop allowing your emotions and pride to govern you. Think like the Lord you are, like the great general you are." She finished as she looked at Astolfo who was glaring at her.

"Do you know why I didn't try negotiating with you on my ransom amount." Astolfo said, calmly for the first time in the meeting just off the mountain path.

"Of course. I've been dying to know why you haven't taken my multiple offers and chances to take a seat at the negotiation table." The War Maiden said kindly, she truly wanted to know.

"In Brune, it is customary for a Lord captured to be ransomed. The worth of that lord is one year's revenue from the province they control. As such the Ransom amount differs from Lord to Lord." Astolfo lectured, he remembered sitting through these lessons with his mother sitting opposite him, as she taught him.

"How much do you believe Alsace's yearly revenue to be?" Astolfo questioned.

"2,000 thousand gold." She said. That was probably the worth of the poorest lord in Zhcted.

Astolfo shook his head. "I wasn't lying when I said Alsace was poor and impoverished. I wasn't lying either when I said that even in a decade my province wouldn't have close to your demanded amount of one hundred thousand gold. You see Alsace's yearly revenue is a measly five hundred gold, if that. We're a farming and hunting province. So, it fluctuates." Astolfo said.

Hearing the amount that Astolfo's entire province made each year was such a small amount, had her eyes widen in shock along with every other Zhcted knight present. "You can't be serious?"

"I had suspicions that you were issuing your ransom on the old and outdated method of setting the ransom price based on skill, with many higher nobles being more skilled than the petty nobles and peasants of the territories. It makes sense, but because of people like me, anomalies in this world. The ransom system changed to each lord being worthy one years, yearly revenue. In my case, while I'm flattered you rank my skills so highly that you would demand a king's ransom for me. I am merely only worth a measly five hundred gold pieces." Astolfo finished. he enjoyed seeing the gobsmacked looks all the Zhcted knights had.

"You're only worth five hundred gold? I make that much in less than a month." Ellen exclaimed, she made five hundred gold in a matter of days. It was safe to say that LeitMeritz was affluent when it came to economy, far from the destitution of Alsace. "I can see why you didn't bother with negotiations." She added. If she had known how much his actually ransom to be. She might not have bothered sending a ransom note. "Although I'm willing to negotiate now. Should we enter talks?"

Laughing at her forwardness, it was a breath of fresh air. He hated the Brunish politics with a passion, it was one of the many reasons he had for secluding himself in Alsace. "it's rather hard to enter negotiations on equal standings, when you have my prized horse and loyal retainer held captive." Astolfo smirked a little as he sheathed his sword and took a couple of steps forwards before sitting on the ground cross legged.

Seeing this Ellen smiled, all it took was for them to come to a mutual understanding and to chase each other for nine koku and few thousand alsin, to get to this juncture. "Let Gaspard go."

Gaspard being let go, got to his feet groggily. He was somewhat surprised by Ellen when she passed him the reins of Strider who was muzzled and blindfolded. Limping a little as he stomped past his lord who was sat brazenly on the ground halfway between the two groups.

Smiling as Gaspard got past him, he called to Bertrand. "I know Gaspard has some Alseno Wine in his spare canteen bring it here. Negotiations should be done with a good drink." He said with a smile.

"Of course, young master." The eldest male present bowed slightly as he went to the saddlebags of Moonbolt.

"But lord that's the good stuff. Do you know how much that cost!" Gaspard gasped feigning being overly upset.

Astolfo shook his head as he watched Ellen take a seat in front of him on the ground, her own sword sheathed and lying at her side, mirroring his own sword. "I know you got that skin for free you drunk. Basile is one of your favourite drinking buddies for a reason." He accepted the skin of wine from Bertrand. "One of our finest wines." He said as he took a sip from the skin. Before passing it to Ellen.

Smiling and taking the proffered drink she took a sip, her eyes widened. It was some of the best wine she had ever tasted, sweet but not overly so. It was as smooth and as full-bodied as her fellow Vanadis Sofya or Valentina. "it's great. Some of the best I've ever had." She said as she took another small sip.

Giving a little chuckle, Astolfo looked at the young woman. Who reminded him in some strange way of his brother Tigre. "One of Alsace's hidden treasures. You're probably one of the only a few people outside Alsace that's had the opportunity to try it. Consider it a gift. When I return home, I'll send a couple of bottles to LeitMeritz as a gift, as well.' He finished with a neutral look.

Nodding in appreciation, she corked the skin of wine, ignoring the cries of blasphemy coming from Gaspard who was losing his entire wine skin. "Lim try some." She said handing the skin to Lim.

"Of course, Lady Eleonora." The stoic woman muttered as she too took a small sip of Alseno Wine. Before gaining a light blush, she didn't think it would taste that good. She thought Eleonora was being kind. "Yes, well it's got a fragrant bouquet to it." Was all she said as she took a step back.

"Seeing as though you are being so charitable, Lord Astolfo. I shall return your scimitar, I'm sure it has a story behind it. But that can wait for another time." She said before snapping her fingers prompting an armoured knight to bring Précieuse forwards and present it Astolfo who took the blade and gently laid it down next to his normal blade. "I had the blade cleaned and polished after I accepted your surrender."

"gratitude. This blade has a lot of sentimental value. In regard to my armour, keep it. Another gift. Three for three." He said. Before getting down to business. "My ransom, I ask that you reduce it down to three thousand gold." He said swiftly opening the negotiations.

Eleonora at that grinned and laughed with a disbelieving look on her face. "I need to remember that I'm not dealing with a fellow Vanadis or another Duke. That is a rather small amount. I must commend you on being so bold."

"Sad to say, three thousand is my limit. My reserve in case things go sour." Astolfo retorted. "But I can see just from your reaction that is not enough to satisfy you."

"Quite right. Lord Astolfo. Are you open to negotiating some treaties with me?" Ellen queried. Getting Astolfo as an ally would be a boon, although she would have to somehow sell that to King Viktor somehow.

Nodding his head agreed as he started playing with his braid that was in ill-repair. "I'm sure we can come to certain arrangements, that will benefit the two provinces." He said gingerly, he had to be careful with what he agreed to when signing a treaty. It wouldn't do to be caught out with the wording used and somehow come off worse than originally thought of. "Non-aggression how does that sound?" he asked absently. It was one of the easiest treaties to get people to sign, due to their seeming straight forwardness.

"Hold on, Lim. Take note of what is said."

"Of course, Lady Eleonora." The stoic woman said as she went to the saddle bag of Ellen's own white Stallion that had slowly been bought to the front. She retrieved a quill, paper. She then made Rurick stand still as she used him as a writing surface.

"Bertrand!"

"Already on it my lord." The old man said as he was writing in an old notepad, he carried around out of habit for when Astolfo would travel the province with Titta and Tigre, so he wouldn't forget some of his ideas later on.

Ellen seeing, they were going to get decent recordings that could be paired later on. "How long would the non-aggression go for." She queried. Usually ten to twenty years was the norm, it was why both King Viktor and Faran went to war over a burst riverbank.

Smirking and making a funny noise deep in his chest. "I highly doubt that in perpetuity would work?" he saw her shocked expression at the idea. "how about, so long as we rule our provinces. We promise not to engage in military actions against one another." He said. Gaining a thoughtful look from the argent haired War Maiden.

While in perpetuity meant that Alsace and LeitMeritz would be bound by the treaty of Non-Aggression forever, which her king would not be pleased with. The latter option that he provided was acceptable. She would only be a War Maiden so long as King Viktor found her worthy, or she wasn't killed off by another Vanadis. "I can agree to that." She muttered surprising Lim, who wrote down what they were each saying word for word.

No doubt Bertrand was doing much the same thing. Ellen then decided to offer a treaty of her own. She highly expected trade to be discussed at some point in the coming talks, she somewhat expected the military side of things to be bought up first with Astolfo's current position in being invaded by a Thenardier army. He probably wanted to make sure that the closest Zhcted stronghold wouldn't try anything. She had been ruling LeitMeritz for two years now since she was fourteen, it baffled her how she didn't know a weak foreign power was so close to her. "Lord Vorn? Are you open to discussing a defence pact between our two parties, lasting forever how long we're both ruling our respective provinces?" she really hoped he was.

Eyes widening, was she really offering to help with his Thenardier problem? 'Perhaps. She isn't as bad as I've made her out to be. Part of me wishes you and Tigre could've met and become friends.' He thought as a graceful smile crossed his face for a second. "I am." Was his simple answer.

Nodding her head, Ellen pushed on. outlining the treaty as she thought it would be, the documentation could be written up at a later date. But for now, a verbal agreement would work. "We promise to support each other." She started. "Militarily, to defend each other. The threats will include both foreign and domestic."

"Works for me." Astolfo said. "but you do realise should I attack another Vanadis, you by virtue of our non-aggression pact will not be able to intervene on their side. Just as I will not be able to support another Brunish Lord should you attack him." Astolfo summed up for her so it was in writing.

Ellen merely nodded, she understood that. She also understood that while at the moment he may not be open to a full-blown military alliance between them, right now. It didn't mean that after a while he wouldn't be open to such a thing, the longer their defensive pact was established. "Then it's settled we shall combine our respective militaries and effort for the direct purpose of maintaining our liberties, sovereignty and independence, in the event we are invaded." Ellen said. As she and Astolfo shook hands on what they had discussed so far.

Grunting, Astolfo stood. "I hate to call upon you and Knights, so soon after agreeing to this defensive pact. But I need your help to fight back the Thenardier army." He said humbly. "I can only call on a hundred or so men to fight for my province. Your soldiers and knights would be a much-appreciated boon." Astolfo said as he turned to look, longingly through the mountain pass in the direction of Alsace.

"My knights are yours, Lord Astolfo Vorn. We shall continue our discussions, once your province has been liberated. Perhaps it will be in a better meeting place than this one." she smiled charmingly.

Astolfo at that laughed as she unblindfolded Strider along with taking his muzzle off. "I do hope my dining room table will suffice, as well as some of Titta's snacks. Along with a glass of Alseno Wine." As he finished, he swung himself up onto Striders back who gave a snorting whinny.

Smiling at her new ally, Ellen swung herself up onto her horses back before she ordered Lim to pass the word back, they were going to be riding to Alsace, to help in its defence. As it dictates in their new treaty.

As they were riding, Ellen called to Astolfo. As she came to his side their two horses tossing their heads before nipping at each other. "Do really think we can beat them with just over a thousand soldiers?"

"They don't know the land, it's been generations since a Thenardier has come to Alsace. That matters a whole lot, especially when me and my men know the province like the back of our hands." Astolfo said, although he was near shouting thanks to the echoing of thousand horses clattering along in twos over the mountain pass. He was sure they would need to go in single file at some point. He himself had ridden this track before, so he was quite happy to leave Bertrand and Gaspard in the lead with Moonbolt and Sweetmane.

'Well at least we have that going for us. But thinking about it if the Thenardier army see the Black Dragon banner it might knock the fight out of them.' Ellen thought.

! #$%^&*()

It was a hive of activity, in Celeste. The citizen were fleeing into the woods or the temple itself. Titta, wanting to do her bit as one of her Lords attendants as well as being his only maid. Was helping some of the women and babes into the temple. 'Please Lord Astolfo we need you.' She thought worriedly. She was truly frightened of the three thousand strong army that had been attacking the villages in the province, naturally they had been deserted. With many of the villagers taking the men-at-arms words to heart, once they told them their lord had told them to flee at the first sight of danger.

It was what they were doing. Right now, helping the Celeste townspeople escape the clutches of Thenardier. "Please make your way to the temple, you'll be safe there." She cried loudly to some of the slower ladies and children who were making their way up the temple road.

It was then she found her arms occupied, being interlocked with two others. Looking either side of herself, Titta cried out startled at the occurrence. "Reynold! Guy! Put me down this instance!" she may've been two years older than the two fourteen-year olds. But they were by far more physically built than her. But then they were Astolfo's squires as well as being, farm hands. She wouldn't be surprised if one day Reynold was the largest man in the Province.

It was then that the gingery blonde Reynold spoke up at her demands. "No can-do Miss Titta. Can't have you staying up at the big house. Lord 'Stolfo would 'ave our heads on a silver platter." He said with a jovial grin on his face.

"He's right Miss Titta. It's well known that you're close to the Vorn's, wouldn't want Thenardier taking advantage of that fact." Guy had always been the more well-mannered of the two boys if not a little more hot-headed than Reynold who was more stubborn and loyal.

Shaking her head, Titta tried to argue back. "But I promised Astolfo and Tigre that I would look after the house in their absence. I want to be there when he returns." She demanded as she kicked her legs. But to no avail.

"Ms Paulette!"

"Ms Paulette!"

The two boys yelled out as they entered the Temple with Titta swinging between the two of them as she struggled to break from their grips. "Let me go you big brutes! Let me gooooah!"

Titta cried out as she gently tossed, before being caught by another person. "Ma Mére!" she said startled as she found herself, with her face buried in her mother bosom.

"Now, now Titta. You need to stay safe, otherwise Lord Vorn will be upset. We don't want that do we." She said with a gentle smile. As she held her daughter close giving the two squires a grateful smile and look. She would hate to think what might've happened had Titta had her way and stayed in the Vorn Manor. "Goodness knows he will have enough on his plate as is, with Thenardier forces closing in on our gate."

"... . ... ... ..." Titta attempted to speak but her words were muffled by her mother's smothering breasts.

Saluting the Temple Shrine Maiden. Reynold and Guy started to pull the large doors closed, as the last occupants entered. They themselves jogged towards the Vorn Manor where the Men-at-arms would wait. 'Bertrand and Gaspard. They better keep their word. They better bring the Master back to us. He's the only one to lead us.' Guy thought bitterly.

"Oi! Guy, stop zoning out. We're Lord 'Stolfo's squires, aren't we! It's up to us now. we'll protect the house. We'll stand firm." Reynold stated matter of factly, as if it was just another training exercise with the Lord.

Regaining his determined look. What would he do without Reynold. "Right."

As they reached the manor. Reynold was surprised, his father was standing alongside Florent and Louis, garbed in an old ring mail shirt that only covered his torso and shoulder. He was wearing a simple pair of simple boots and trouser. Along he was also covered in old fur armour as well which covered his arms and shins. He was toting a large battle axe on his shoulder. He looked even more grizzled than normal. "Father! What are you doing."

The old grizzled man who was completely white, covered in scarring, tanned from working the fields and looked to be made of an iron bar. He looked at his son and growled at the disbelieving tone the young whipper snapper had. "If you think for a minute I ain't gonna stand in defence of my Lords home, you got another thing coming." The old man grizzled. "I'll show you how to fight properly." He hmphed.

Any argument that Reynold tried to form died on his lips when he saw fifty to sixty other old men toting all manner of old weapons, ranging from spears and swords to hammers and morning stars. They were wearing all manner and assortment of armour as well. "Glad for the help da." He said as he pushed past and went to stand in front of the main entrance way of the Vorn Manor along with Guy. It was their duty to be the last line of defence.

The Vorn Manor was the oldest building in the village as well as being the home of their lord. It was built before the formation of Celeste town and it would continue to stand even if the rest of the town was destroyed. They had already emptied the town of people and anything of worth was moved into the temple and other shrines around the province. Because not even Thenardier was stupid enough to provoke the Temple lest he find himself fighting every Brunish Lord at once.

Their battle line was simple, those with shields and spears were holding the front rank. Shields overlapping with spears stick straight out. Whatever spearmen remained after that were in the second rank along with the axemen, whose job was to hook enemy shields out the way so the spears could get an opening.

The hammer men and swordsmen were waiting on the flanks and in reserve, ready at a moment's notice to fill in any gaps that would appear. Thankfully because of the terrain, as well as the fifty odd archers they had any attempts on the flanks would be disastrous. But then. They were welcome to try.

Louis was wielding the Banner of house Vorn that stood proudly amongst the reserve swords in the centre, alongside Florent who had Lord Astolfo's personal Blue Sun Sigil swishing in the wind. The pair of Bayard standards that they had were hanging from the Manor.

They could hear the Thenardier troops battering at the wooden palisade and gates that they had attempted to make stronger over the last couple of days as they tried to prepare defences.

As the first Thenardier Knights came into view a couple of the more experience hunters who were standing in defence picked the few knights that came their way off their feet depositing them on the ground.

As more knights appeared. Everyone soon halted when a screeching roar, echoed all around them. it wasn't until Guy moved forwards and looked at the roof of the Vorn Manor. "Athily!"

She was one of House Vorn's best kept secrets. People had heard of Athily, but many wrote it off as just children making up stories and them being nothing but hogwash. That wasn't the case at all. Athily was very much alive.

When standing on all fours, her head would easily reach Astolfo's waist. While her wings would too. She was white furred with a golden scaled underbelly. She was unlike any dragon anyone had ever heard of.

Athily sensing her masters home was in danger, screeched once more before launching herself at enemy knight, wrapping her jaws around the knights neck raking her fangs back and forth. While her claws gouged into the armour. Pushing off the man she had just killed she backed up a little until she was in front of the Alsace men's spear line, before letting off another cry of anger.

Athily had never flown before, jumped yes. Flown never. Screeching again she began flapping her wings proudly. No one moved too enthralled at what they were seeing. "You can do it Athily!"

She heard a young boy. She recognised him, he was one of her masters students. She liked him. He was a good boy. So was the other one. she thought as she looked a Guy and Reynold for a brief second. Coiling her muscles, she launched herself into the air before flying about in circles above the Vorn Manor. It was time to be a proper dragon, not one of those weak drakes she could smell nearby. She was a true dragon, born from Lady Iarilo the Goddess of the Harvest and Love.

She entrusted her to be beside her chosen champion. Astolfo Vorn. Gaining speed, she became a blur. As she was flying, she could see her master.

Astolfo charging through one of the side gates with Gaspard, Bertrand, Ellen with Lim and Rurick close behind. Astolfo ripped both his swords free, showing his riding prowess as he guided Strider with his legs only, trusting him to carry him true.

Soon his swords became blurs as he hacked and slashed at the helpless dismounted knights as he shot past them. As his swords rend and sliced flesh licking and greedily looking for blood. Bertrand's own sword was the same, from his lords right. While Gaspard flanking Astolfo on his left allowed his hammer to crush and crumple armour with his might swings.

Ellen was purely following in their wake not doing much else other than admiring Astolfo's swordsmanship. It was wild and graceful, fuelled with so much power. she then noted a beautiful white and golden dragon take off into the air with a resounding screech.

Everyone pulled their horses to a halt even Astolfo. Who was smiling and laughed loudly. "She's finally flying Bertrand! Look Athily's flying!" he cried with happiness before spurring towards his home, being followed by his two men.

Following as she was curious about the dragon. 'it's beautiful. To think he was keeping her a secret this whole time.' Smiling she rounded the corner only to be confronted with cheering men who were chanting.

"WHITE KNIGHT, WHITE KNIGHT, WHITE KNIGHT, WHITE KNIGHT!" they were crying out. It wasn't just the soldiers she had seen at the Dinant Plains but other more roughly armoured men, who looked to be well past their prime.

Athily seeing her master while she was a blur getting faster and faster, she gave a fanged grin when she noted he was watching her grinning playfully. She was then engulfed in a bright flash of white and gold.

Blocking his eyes at the blinding light he laughed when she saw Athily emerge from the light. She was huge. Easily three times the size of Strider. She was slender, her neck was long. Same with her body and tail, which was tipped with fur. Her body was covered in dark cream coloured scales while her underbelly had gone from golden to a burnished yellow hue. Her eyes were a startling emerald. He then noted her wings were white and feathered.

As she was coming into land, his soldiers were cheering as they got out the way. With their own dragon, winning was possible now. Astolfo who was keeping Strider on a short rein, smiled as Athily landed in front of him. "Hello Athily, you finally flew."

'It was time, I've waited for so long. For this moment to finally arrive, Astolfo.'

Looking shocked he laughed. 'You talked! So, you can read my thoughts?' he questioned as he held his hand out to her. Giving her a gentle look as she nuzzled his hand.

'Only some of them.' she retorted. 'whose the woman, she wields a draconic weapon.' She added as she eyed the blade at Ellen's side wearily. 'It's a dragon killing weapon.' She said once more. Backing away from Ellen who had bought her own horse closer.

'It's alright Athily, she's an ally. She won't harm you, I promise.' Astolfo appeased his dragon friend.

As he said that Athily bobbed her head slight before bearing her teeth at Ellen and spread her wings. 'I'll be the judge of whether she's an ally!' the dragon growled.

"She won't hurt you Ellen." Astolfo called out as Ellen's horse reared in fright.

She smiled and laughed, she had never seen such an interaction between human and dragon before, it was as if they were communicating with each other. "Tell that to my horse." She called.

He had to admit, he was surprised Strider wasn't reacting in the same manner. But then he was sure that while Strider was a capable war horse, he was dumb as a rock. 'Probably too dumb to be scared.' Astolfo thought as he patted Striders neck.

Jumping off Strider he walked forwards and grabbed Athily's snout. 'Oi, that's enough. Go frighten the enemy. Have some fun, try not to destroy too much.' as he said that he let go.

'Fine, I still don't trust her.' She said before taking off, intent on causing some mayhem with the enemy outside the town walls.

Looking about he saw his men gathered. "It's good to be home." Astolfo raised his voice to a shout. "But while I've been away, it seems base curs have decided to take our land and livelihoods." He continued. This was one of those times he would need to inspire his men into a frenzy.

"I am your lord." He said with passion. "I am the White Knight! The Virtuous Knight! The Dragon Slayer! Now Dragon Tamer!" he bellowed. It didn't matter his men were mere steps from him. By this point they were all banging their weapons against their shields. Growling in approval. "Who'll fight by my side!" he boomed.

His question was followed by a bellowing cheer as the men banging weapons and spears. Even their feet on the ground. Some men were howling as he whipped them into a frenzy throwing their weapons in the air. "ARISE, ARISE MEN OF ALSACE! SPEARS SHALL BE SHAKEN! SHIELDS SHALL BE SPLINTERED, THIS IS A SWORD DAY, A RED DAY. HERE WHERE THE SUN RISES. FIGHT NOW! FIGHT NOW! FIGHT! FIGHT FOR WRATH, FIGHT FOR RUIN!"

His voice carried like the a winters thunder. He wasn't in armour but that didn't matter, he needed no armour when surrounded by his men of Alsace. He wanted them in a frenzy, he got them in one. Now he just needed to release them into the fray, there were still many Thenardier Knights near the temple. Not being bright enough to flee when they saw Athily who was forcing the main portion of the Thenardier army to fall back. "CHARGE!" he bellowed once more as he alongside his frenzy induced soldiers thundered past Ellen, Rurick and Lim.

As they charged off Guy who had got his lords hunting horn back from Lord Robillard, blew the horn its deep moan at the start before becoming high pitched, reverberating about the Town.

"Lady Ellen." Rurick called out, to his argent haired war maiden. "thank you for making him an ally." Was all the Zhcted Knight said before he trotted off after the stream of Alsace soldiers. Who had met the Thenardier knights and were mowing them down with vicious brutality.

Wheeling her horse around Ellen watched as Astolfo was in the mix of it, his longsword and scimitar flashing about. "Maybe he should be called the Snow King of the Silver Sword." Ellen mused as she watched him cut down another knight.

Lim not sure what to say stayed silent. She was seeing Astolfo in a whole new light, he knew exactly what to say to his people and the result was obvious. Men with little to no training were going above and beyond what would be expected of them slaying knights. "More like the Demon Prince of the Silver Sword. My lady." Lim then looked at Ellen. "I apologise for doubting you and him. You got what you wanted though, an alliance. In the end it was far simpler than you two playing your mind games on each other." Lim said as she trotted off after Rurick.

'this just makes me want you even more, Astolfo Vorn.' Ellen thought with a blush as she followed. Her knights knew to wait outside the Town until summoned.

! #$%^&*()