Notes: So Meulin and Nepeta are out of character, it's just the way they are in this story.
The four didn't seem to notice him, or at the very least, didn't see him as a threat. He could identify them right away. Two from the Leijon clan, wearing some sort of knit masks. The clan known mostly for service to the crown. Caregivers and hunters depending on their particular talents. Magic was not normally ascribed to them, but they had been known to dabble in the dark arts. Several had been put to death for such acts.
The others were of the Zahhak clan, proud warriors and the occasional engineer. Although, regardless of what job title they hold, none could be called "inspired" or "genius", though they often think themselves as such. Can't be too smart though, going after the prince without any armor on, one with a popular helmet among the family, the other with a simple blue shirt. Big, broad, and tough they may be, but they are still flesh and bone, vulnerable to a sword just like everyone else.
Dave backed up just enough to get a small running start before jumping and cutting off the helmeted one's head in one glorious slash. The head went tumbling off into the distance as the blood washed onto Dave's peasant clothes. The break in their foe's circle allowed the prince to escape the deadly positioning, favoring to stand back to back with his knight, ready for the impending onslaught.
The Zahhaks weren't well known for their strategy either, barging through enemies was more their style, unfortunately for the other Zahhak, Dave was much too clever a knight for that. Pushing Dirk away as he dodged the powerful punch, Dave cut his leg to the bone. The juggernaut reacted in pain for a moment before attempting to regroup. The moment was a moment too many as a well sharped sword from a skilled hand came down upon his neck.
By this time Dirk had managed to create quite a distance between himself and Dave; the two females had closed in around the prince, he was doing well to fend them off, but they were successfully killing him by inches. He was avoiding their lethal blows due more to their wishes than his skill. Mechanical razor-clawed gloves raking over his skin, not deadly, but will cause him to bleed out given enough time and enough scratches. The duo looked like they were having fun, well, judging by their sly playful movements, like dancing sadists. The masks were still firmly place. Dave ran towards them as the taller of the two lunged toward his prince.
"Dirk!" The prince dodged, unleashing an arcing swipe, mostly missing his target, too fast for him. However, it caught the fabric on her face, tearing it clean off. Their gaze met, and his prince stood frozen, a look of shock dawning on his fate. Not the time, now is not the time for him to be standing there. The unmasked villainess seemed ready to take advantage of the prince's dismay, raising her weapon before Dave impaled her with his sword. A shriek could be heard from the smaller female. He ignored her, "Dirk pay attention."
"Meulin….it's Meulin. ….Why?"
More shrieking from the girl "MOM! NO!"
"Nepeta?! No….why….how could you two betray me?" Walking past Dave, kneeling before the dying woman. "You were my nanny. You were like a mother to both Roxy and I. How could you do this? You were family."
A look of contempt crossed her face. "I was your servant, your awful retched family dethroned our king, demoted our family line. Yet you give the Meggido family nobility?" She spit in his face, blood and saliva dripping down his cheek. "We were never family. Those who build unity, intimacy, and compassion through fear don't create familiarity, they create a theatre for their own delusional fantasies. If I could have killed you in your crib without dying myself and orphaning my daughter I would have."
Dirk sat there with a crushing amount of betrayal filling his chest. Had they asked for anything, it would have been given to them. He nearly forgot about Nepeta, that is, until she raised her weapon over his head. Taking his sword he batted her away without any significant effort. She lay on the ground, weapon gone, as he stand over her.
"Was our friendship a lie too? Was the time we spent as children, drawing and….and working our matchmaking abilities on the nobles….was that a façade you made to survive as well?" A mix of anger and pleading crossed his countenance. His normally stoic demeanor shattered along with his broken, formally happy memories.
Nepeta look at him, hatred gleaming in her eyes. "I wish it had been, mother wanted to keep me safe. I was told two years ago of the truth behind you disgusting family."
"That's why you stopped talking to me."
"Damn right, I don't want to be associated with you or your family any longer. Thanks to our little friendship my loyalty to Eridan was questioned." Realization graced her features as she looked in the distance to see the headless behemoths and bright blue blood now adorning the grass. Her small frame shook with rage as she lunged for Dirk once more. "You killed Equius!" Fresh tears streaming from her eyes. He was ready, cutting her arm deeply, not taking it off and not moving to strike again. She tried again and again to get near him and he continued to counter with cuts severe enough to impede her, but not enough to kill. Finally, she collapsed in the grass, blood coating her body in green. She gave him a look of pure hatred as their eyes met, in response he sheathed his sword.
"Our friendship meant a lot to me. It provided me joy and company when I was most lonely. It appears as though it is poison for you, you have been compensated with your life." His voice shaking as tears threatened to spill from his eyes. "To show my gratitude, in spite of everything. I will be back as your enemy, let there be no debt between us."
The young blonde prince turned and motioned towards his faithful knight to follow. Dave considered killing the girl anyway, but thought better of dishonoring his future king in such a way. And together they raced towards the stables of the south watchtower near the suburbs of the Royal city. With any luck, news will have not reached there yet.
Sadly, news did not need to travel. Several human bodies painted the area in crimson, a few unfamiliar troll guards had posted around. Easily avoided though, they weren't the brightest bunch. Navigating their way to the open stables they crossed paths with Eridan's brother, the famous bard of Derse, standing guard. Seeing them he sighed and stepped aside.
Drawing their weapons, ready for a quick fight and to move quickly. Surprisingly they were meant with silent waving arms and a gesturing towards the horses. He stepped a little closer, holding off when he saw them raise their swords in defense.
He whispered "Take them!"
The two eyed him suspiciously, it had to be a trap.
Understanding their hesitation he insisted "I know you two. The god damned genius hermit and the fucking platinum whirlwind. I know this isn't over and any idiots I call aren't going to do jack. Eri-dum-dum didn't station enough guards here, and why he placed me here I'll never know. I'd prefer to be on your good side. In exchange you give me immunity after the war, should you win. Fair?" A pale grey hand offered in truce.
His story was convincing and his effort to keep the noise down when the others could have surrounded them by now seemed clear enough of his intentions. Dirk nodded shaking his hand, with Dave glowering at the troll from behind his shoulder.
A sharp toothed grin ended the exchange. "Wait, this has to be convincing or Eri-diddi will know what's up. Hit me, just not the mouth, eyes, or nose. I make a career on this, need to impress the chicks. Dirk rolled his eyes, hitting the bard square in the little bundle of nerves at the base of his neck, knocking him out cold.
The two blondes saddled up quickly and as quietly as possible, taking off for the next town over. They could hear shouts behind, some sort of clanging and then an explosion. They chose not to look back.
Sorry to the Zahhak fans!
Linda065cliva: Thank you for reviewing! I hope it's entertaining.