by Wend Petzler
"I'm terribly sorry! I'm so clumsy of late. Fresh wine,” Isabella ordered, silently hoping Nicolas drank enough of the potion for him to appear deathly ill. Servants swarmed around them cleaning the spilt wine, bringing more for the King.
Edward waved a dismissive hand, laughing and drinking heartily of the wine Aggie poured for him. “It is of no matter. Aggie, you have outdone yourself this year! I'm having a fantastic time!” Edward grinned as the robust housekeeper blushed, her dubious eyes met Isabella's as she tried to smile in light of what was to occur in a moment.
The women laughed nervously as they watched with trepidation as Drago continued to eat. It was going to get ugly! Without warning, he grabbed the table, doubling over as pain rippled through his stomach. His fingers white from the brutal grip, his tanned features an ashen gray as he groaned miserably from the crippling pain. Isabella was instantly by his side, glancing fearfully at Aggie. Ahmed stepped forward in alarm as Drago clenched his teeth from screaming at the severe pain.
"Master, what can I do?” The tall Arab asked as his friend struggled to breathe.
The King instantly knew the signs, Drago was poisoned! “Guards!” Edward roared to his men as the knights surrounded him. “Isabella, we must take Drago to your chambers."
Her beautiful face contorted in rage. “My husband has been poisoned! Michael, Gabriel seal off the castle.” She screamed as she ducked under Nicolas’ shaking arm.
Demons and the Black Knights leapt to their feet, swords drawn as the men scrambled to secure the hall. Michael and Gabriel shouted orders, rushing to Drago's aid, the ill man unable to walk. Otto and Brandon helped them carry the poor man upstairs. Edward and his guards followed closely as Aggie grabbed her medicines, ushered upstairs by a fraught Isabella. Leo brought up the rear of the procession, his sword drawn, glaring at the stunned crowd.
Lord Alden watched the entire scene with amusement, satisfied Isabella had kept her promise. A problem arose with the castle being sealed off and he was unable to leave. It was up to Miles to deliver word of disposing of the boys. He would bide his time. Tomorrow would see him Baron of Blood Keep.
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Chapter Twenty Three
The distraught and angry men laid Drago, who was thoroughly soaked with sweat, moaning in pain, on the bed. Aggie burst through the door clutching her tray with Edward on her heels, raging at the audacity of someone attempting to murder his champion.
Isabella held Nicolas’ hand, crying as she searched her husband's face for any signs of the pain lessening. Taking control of the situation, Aggie poured a drought of amber-colored liquid in a cup. “Ahmed, please help Drago sit up. This will counteract the balm Isabella gave him.” The Arab placed a helping arm around Nicolas’ broad shoulders, Aggie held the cup for him to drink, heartened when Nicolas was able to swallow the liquid.
Edward speared an accusingly glare at Isabella, his face paling. “You attempted to murder your own husband?” How she could commit such an evil act?
The counter medicine kicked in, relieving the searing pain in his stomach. Nicolas’ hand tightened about hers, the glaze in his eyes fading as focused on Isabella. “Do not shout, Your Majesty, we had to kill me.” He reached out a trembling hand to cup Isabella's tear streaked face, kissing her quivering lips, reassuring her that he would be fine.
Collapsing in a chair, Edward was dumbstruck by what Drago said. “You had to be killed?” He questioned the couple who glanced at each other guiltily.
Michael laid a calming hand on the King's shoulder. “Alden has taken Xander hostage as well as his own son, ensuring Drago does not joust. Drago must die tonight if we are to find the children's location and rescue them before evil befalls them."
Blinking several times, Edward couldn't speak as Nicolas struggled to strip the sweat soaked tunic off, lying back on the mattress thoroughly wrung out by the last twenty minutes. “You planned the sabotage without me?” Edward pouted at not being included.
Laughing in relief when her husband's color returned as did her cousin's. “Fear not, Edward, you have a part to play. Aggie, I want you to run downstairs and grab Father Abraham. Don't forget to make as big a scene. You, Edward, will go below afterwards and announce Drago's death, throwing open the challenge to anyone who wishes to compete against Alden for Blood Keep."
Nicolas sighed as she laid a cool, wet cloth on his forehead. “You actually drank the potion willingly?” He asked weakly, incredulous at the thought.
"I had to be at my best, despite the fact I had drank far too much wine. I was to meet a challenger in the sword arena the next day.” Isabella smiled.
Gabriel hated to interrupt, but time was not on their side, he thought, holding a frightened Alison in his arms. “You need to get ready."
"You're right, we need to get moving. Aggie, do your best!” Isabella motioned for the housekeeper to go. Isabella went around the changing screen, stripping the gown off and donning her leathers and boots. Assisted by Michael into the dark chain mail, strapping the sword to her back and threw her cloak over her shoulders, hooking it. Michael strode to the fireplace and opened the secret door, heading down the stairs with his sword drawn.
He returned, satisfied the coast clear. “You and I will take the rampart exit, circling back to our men hiding in the forest and wait for our enemy to make his move."
She sat beside her husband, tenderly caressing his sweat beaded brow, her eyes worried. Nicolas drew her to him, kissing her desperately, leaving no doubt in the minds of the people present the two were in love.
"Be careful!” Nicolas ordered harshly, fear for Isabella shown in his amber eyes.
Her throat constricted painfully. Isabella pressed her forehead briefly to his before hurrying out of the chamber. Flipping the deep hood up, she followed Michael down the passageway.
Gabriel secured the secret door as Aggie drew in several breaths. Lifting her skirts, she ran from the chamber. Screaming shrilly, Aggie shouted over the buzzing conversations. “Father Abraham, ye must come quick! Drago is passing into the netherworld and requests his Last Rites be said over him. Ye must come!” She dragged the shaken priest back up the stairs.
People whispered, fearful for Drago and the fate of Blood Keep. Glances flitted at one another, questioning who would act so cowardly as to poison Drago. Many angry faces turned to Lord Alden, suspicious of the man who was to joust Drago in the morning. Alden's guards formed a protective circle around the man as knights from around England and Europe pointed accusing fingers in his direction.
The Black Knights worried about the possibility of a public lynching when the solemn King of England strode down the steps, accompanied by a grim Gabriel, addressing the worried people.
"Nicolas Drago, the great Red Dragon is dead. I have witnessed his final breath, and Father Abraham has spoken the last rites. I shall conduct the ceremonies in the morning with Lady Isabella by my side. Lord Alden, you are hereby ordered to present yourself, fully armored, on the field of Honor! By my right as King, I declare an open tournament for Blood Keep and the Lady Isabella.” Grief stricken, Edward sadly returned to the chamber of his dead knight.
Grief etched Gabriel's striking features. “Black Knights, Demons, we grieve for our departed baron. We must ensure our Lady's safety, stand vigil. Open the doors, the feast has ended,” he ordered before he, too, walked up the stairs.
Alden sat in his chair, stunned by the King's declaration of opening the joust to all challengers. Mind racing, Alden left the hall, unprepared to fight anyone who desired Blood Keep and Isabella.
Nursing a cup of wine, Father Abraham sat in a chair, confused as Nicolas rested, gathering his strength. Gabriel rubbed his eyes wearily and sat in a chair by the fireplace, knowing it would be a long night. Sleep was not to be had as the group worried about Isabella and Michael seeking the whereabouts of the stolen boys. Alison came to him, curling up on his lap, trying not to cry. His massive arms enclosed her to him, comforting her in his e
mbrace.
"Have no fear, Isabella has never broken a promise in her entire life, and she won't fail with so much to lose.” Gabriel whispered against her silky hair.
Sniffing, she tried to smile. “I know, but I just can't stop worrying if Allen is all right. He must be terrified by now."
"The lad is brave. I know he and Xander are fine,” Gabriel reassured her, sighing as she relaxed in his arms, resting her head in the curve of his shoulder.
Edward rested in another chair, watching Gabriel and Alison, saddened by the harsh trials the two endured as had Isabella and Drago. His gaze wandered to Drago who wore a look of utter frustration, the poor light casting harsh lines on his attractive features. It was going to be a long night.
Without a torch to light their way, Isabella followed Michael to the door leading out to the ramparts. Sneaking out, they kept to the shadows, working their way along the wall toward the forest where the Demons waited for them. Isabella and Michael managed to escape notice and swung up on their horses. Signaling the Demons to fan out, the black riders spread out in a loose circle, quietly riding into position near the secret exit of Blood Keep, awaiting their prey.
Bright torches wove through the inky dark as unknown knights rode along the rarely used path to the secret entrance. The wooden door opened, and Miles stepped outside. A knight parted from the group, approaching the young man.
"What be the news?” The burly knight demanded from the squire. He grew worried by the dazed look on the boy's face. “What has happened?"
"Isabella did it! She actually killed Drago.” Miles had a hard time comprehending what Isabella had done, even if she was the Demon Lord.
The knight blinked several times, digesting the news. Swallowing hard, the man nervously asked the question of his orders. “What does Lord Alden wish done with the lads?"
"He said for you to make their bodies disappear.” Miles replied, clearly upset with his uncle's decision.
Before the knight could comment, the Demons charged, encircling the surprised knights. A snarl of contempt curved Isabella's lips as she dismounted, drawing her sword. Miles quaked in fear as she closed the distance between them. Emerald eyes burned an unholy fire as she rested the tip of her blade on the forest floor, casually laying her gloved hands on the she-demon hilt.
"I say, Miles, you've been a busy boy, but all can be forgiven if you tell me where they are.” Isabella smiled almost pleasantly with the exception of the icy hate in her eyes as the knights were thrown to the ground, gagged, and bound. Demons from within the castle exited the door, silently hauling the struggling captives inside.
"He will kill me if I tell you,” Miles stuttered in fear when Michael approached, towering over him as a dark avenging angel.
"And who says I won't?” her voice was pure silk, rich with the threat of ending Mile's life.
Miles’ knees shook as he had to make a choice. “I cannot...” he didn't finish the sentence. Michael grabbed the front of his tunic, lifting him completely off the ground, forcing Miles to look in ebony eyes cold as a graveyard.
Isabella smiled coldly up at the frighten boy Michael easily held in his grasp. “I suggest you reconsider your options. Tell me where Xander is and I shall let you live. If you don't, I will let Michael kill you, and I'll ask one of the knights over yonder. Decide.” She growled menacingly as Michael's grip tightened.
Fear shown in Miles’ eyes, Isabella always kept her word. “The boys are roughly thirty miles from here, hidden in an abandoned monastery.” Miles stuttered, looking into Michael's eyes of promising pain.
Satisfied, Isabella signaled to a Demon to take Miles. “Bind and gag him. Miles will be tried for treason when we return. Place guards around our guests, keep everything hush.” She ordered softly. Swinging up on Lucifer as Michael swept his leg over his horse, she glanced about them. Nine Demons would ride with them. Thumping Lucifer's sides, they raced into the night.
The half-moon rose high above, the time past eleven. The warhorses galloped easily, conditioned to nightly missions. Michael calculated it would take several hours to reach the monastery, which meant they would have to ride like the devil to arrive in time for Drago to joust Alden. He worried, holding his doubts to himself. Isabella had more than her share of trouble on her mind as it was.
Glancing up at the stars, Isabella prayed for a miracle to see her successful tonight and for Drago's safety and strength in battle with Alden. Their future depended on Drago winning. Satisfaction would be served when Drago defeated Alden.
Several hours later, Michael called for a halt. The monastery was within a few miles, how many of Alden's men guarded the boys unknown. The knights kept their eyes and senses alert for danger as they walked alongside the great warhorses.
Isabella focused on her memories of the old monastery, remembering a path leading to a backdoor, steep and treacherous, but entrance may be gained. Old habits returned to her as she focused on her goal, forcing fatigue and soreness back until she was numb with determination.
"How are you doing?” Michael asked in a soft voice.
"Fine and you?"
"Worried about the timing. Where do you think the boys are being held?” Michael asked as they walked.
"If memory serves, they should be near the main hall. The outer structures were crumbling before the monks abandoned the buildings,” Isabella replied, watching her footing.
"Sunrise is in roughly three hours away, I wish not to be caught in the open.” Michael muttered, dreading the thought of racing home in the rising sun's light.
"All depends on how many men are guarding the boys. We might have to fight our way out if this proves to be a trap.” Isabella checked her horse, satisfied Lucifer was holding up as were the other warhorses.
Michael was grim as they walked for a few more miles until the old monastery loomed along a low hilltop. He motioned for the riders to mount up. The dark blue sky brightened in the eastern horizon. The horses nimbly negotiated the narrow path leading up the backside of the hill. An old, wooden door was spotted, and Michael signaled for the company to dismount. He pointed to two Demons to hold the horses as the rest drew their swords. Testing the sturdiness of the old door, Michael used his great strength to push it further open. The passageway was pitch black. They entered, walking a few feet inside before a torch was lit. A blazing beacon in the dark, Michael led as they searched for the door leading to the sleeping quarters of the departed monks.
The door was finally found and quietly worked open, allowing the rescue party to enter the living quarters. One Demon remained in the passageway holding the torch. Isabella held her hand up, listening to the strange sounds, realizing it was snores. Two burly men sat on stools, shaggy heads bent forward as they slept, snoring loudly. Michael and another knight hit the sleeping men, knocking them unconscious, dragged the limp bodies into a spare chamber, then bound and gagged them.
Cautious, Isabella opened the door the men were guarding, relieved to see a fire burning inside the tiny chamber and two small forms sleeping on a wooden cot. Michael and the Demons stood guard as she quietly entered the chamber. A sigh of relief escaped her when she made out the children's sleeping features, unaware of her presence. Isabella placed a cautious hand over Xander's mouth and gently woke the boy.
Xander's eyes flew open as he balled his small fists ready to fight, focusing on the dark cloaked figure above him. Instead of being afraid, the boy grinned to the utter amazement of his frightened companion. Allen stared in confusion until the figure flipped back its’ hood, Lady Isabella! Xander leapt into his beautiful aunt's waiting arms. Tears brightened her magnificent green eyes as she held him in her warm embrace. Allen wistfully sighed until the beautiful woman held her arms out to him as well.
"Are you ready to go home?” Isabella whispered as she wrapped a warm blanket around each child. “Come,” she ordered softly, taking their small hands in hers, leading them from the chamber.
Michael sighed in relief as Xander launched hi
s small body into his powerful arms, clinging to the mighty knight's sturdy neck. “Easy lad, we have ye now.” He patted the trembling boy's back, comforting him. His eyes met Isabella's as she held Allen in her arms, the lad tried to appear brave, though as frightened as Xander.
"Xander, how many men are downstairs?” Isabella whispered as they headed into the darkened passageway.
The boy swallowed hard. “Twenty knights sleep downstairs and eight men on the walls patrolling all the time,” Xander whispered, looking over to Allen who agreed.
Sighing heavily, she knew it was only a matter of time before the boys were missed. The Demon who held the torch led the way through the maze. Faint shouts could be heard when they burst out the hidden door. Isabella handed Allen over to a mounted Demon and swung up on Lucifer who snorted as alarms were being raised inside the crumbling ruins. She took Xander in her arms. Michael freed his sword, swinging up on his warhorse.
A shout above their heads caught their attention as one of the Demons drew back his bow, silencing the excitedly screaming guard. Michael reined his horse about. “Ride,” he roared as the riders galloped precariously down the rocky path and back onto the main road. The wooden gates of the monastery groaned, opening as Alden's knights gave chase.
She used her body as a shield, protecting Xander as the small boy sat before her, clutching Lucifer's streaming mane. The great warhorse stretched, easily outdistancing their pursuers. Isabella glanced at Michael riding beside her, protecting them. They had to make it home safely!
* * * *
The sky was painted in shades of pinks and reds, leaving Nicolas with a cold feeling of dread. Blood was shed, but whose he wondered as he paced the chamber, unable to sleep, worrying about Isabella. Alison slept fitfully on the bed, nightmares haunting her of her son's fate. Edward and Gabriel left not long ago to prepare for the day's events. His dark thoughts turned to Isabella, the woman who had won his heart, entwining herself fiercely, deeply inside him. Nicolas honestly knew not where he began and Isabella ended.
