by Wend Petzler
A faint knock sounded on the secret door diverted his forlorn thoughts. Drawing his sword, Nicolas cautiously opened the door, relieved it was Gabriel. Sheathing his sword, he backed out of the way as the knight entered the chamber, followed by several squires carrying black enameled armor. Nicolas’ dark eyebrows shot upward as the young men arranged the new suit of armor for his inspection.
Grinning broadly, Gabriel bowed to Dragon. “Isabella commissioned it especially for you.” He snapped his fingers and a young squire presented Drago's new helm. Wings were fashioned from the sides of the black enameled steel bearing a long, thick red tail. With great reverence, Gabriel handed the helm to Drago.
A wicked grin crossed Nicolas’ handsome features as he accepted it, examining the new armor. “I believe both houses shall be represented with honor today. I will be riding my own horse, right?” Nicolas jokingly asked as the squires prepared him for the armor.
Laughing, Gabriel nodded. “Yea, my lord, you will ride your stallion, fully caparisoned with new armor. The King is organizing the joust as we speak. Lord Alden is strutting around the camps as if he was already baron of Blood Keep.” Gabriel's blue eyes hardened, justice was overdue.
"Are the Black Knights assembled below?” Nicolas asked as he shrugged on the heavy, black armor.
"Yea, they are assembled. The Demons are assigned to guard the King and the stairs to your chambers.” Gabriel walked over to Alison and gently woke her.
Alison gazed wildly around her, trying to gather her bearings. She sighed in relief when she found Gabriel sitting beside her. “Is it time?” Alison asked wearily, sitting up, smiling at Nicolas who inclined his head in greeting as he prepared for battle.
"Aggie brought up a suitable gown for you to wear.” Nicolas pointed to the chair where a black velvet gown lay. A dark, heavy lace veil was provided to cover her features, deceiving Alden into thinking she was Isabella accompanying Edward.
A timid knock on the chamber door silenced the occupants. Aggie begged for entrance. She carried a tray laden with food accompanied by Edward and Ahmed inside. Though not hungry, Nicolas forced himself to down the breakfast, needing the strength to see the day out.
Edward picked up the newly designed Demon Lord's helm. “Nice!” He commented, chuckled in glee as he envisioned Alden's reaction when he came face to face with the new Demon Lord!
Alison grew uncomfortable, concerned whether she was to change with so many men in the chamber. Drago came to her rescue. “Gabriel, I will wait for you downstairs with the Black Knights. Edward, can you step outside, giving Alison privacy to change. She will accompany you to the field of Honor.” Nicolas bowed to Alison before exiting the chamber by way of the secret door, followed by Ahmed, who was dressed in armor, too.
Aggie parted, duties pressing in the kitchen. Alison rushed into Gabriel's waiting arms, her lips softening under his tender kiss, drowning in the pleasure of his love. “Why must you go?” She whispered, tears in her soft, gray eyes.
Gabriel held her close. “I am Drago's second, but I have the feeling I won't be required to participate today.” He chuckled at the vengeance Drago planned to wreak on the unsuspecting Lord Alden.
Shaking her head, Alison left his embrace to change into the gown, accepting his help as Gabriel cinched up the laces. Brushing her long hair free of knots, Alison braided the wheat-colored tresses and slipped the heavy veil over her head, obscuring her features from prying eyes.
"How do I look?” She spun around for Gabriel's inspection.
"Beautiful, just beautiful.” Gabriel held her close one more time before they embarked on the last leg of the charade.
A knock on the door warned of Edward's return, his guards stood waiting outside. “Ready?” Edward asked, offering his arm to Alison.
Down below in the great hall, Gabriel announced in a loud voice so all heard his command. “I want ten Demons to guard over Drago's body as we attend the joust concerning Blood Keep.” He signaled to the positioned Demons. “Arrest anyone who seeks to look upon our fallen hero before his funeral.” Gabriel cast a warning glare at the people gathered, knowing many wanted to see the champion's body as proof of his death, while others appeared to contemplate issuing a challenge for Blood Keep.
King Edward led the shrouded, mourning Lady Isabella, heading for the pavilion where he would judge the joust. The spectators crowded along the arena, jostling for a better view, wondering who would be first to challenge Lord Alden. The King of England lifted his hands for silence.
In a strong, loud voice, he held the attention of the captive audience, “Lord Alden, present your colors on the field of Honor!” Edward commanded.
Alden's white stallion reared, coming down to gallop around the arena as people booed him. He displayed his colors proudly, daring those around him to challenge what was rightfully his. Drawing his horse to a trembling halt before the King, Alden saluted the monarch, smugly smiling as he bowed his helmed head to the grieving widow.
"Does anyone wish to challenge Lord Alden's right to rule Blood Keep?” Edward shouted. The silence drew out as many knights pondered if they really wished the responsibility of the Black Army.
A chorus of brass horns blew, shattering the quiet. The ground shook as forty Black Knights entered the arena, riding into positions at intervals, forming a protective wall along the arena. Black lances rose in unison, wheeling to face the interior of the list to Alden's shocked astonishment. Before he could respond, a collective gasp swept along the crowds as a humongous dark knight entered the arena.
The Demon Lord!
Alden's head whipped back to the silent woman standing beside the king, returning to the ominous figure riding toward him. The dark knight was enormous, more so with the added weight of several hundred pounds of black armor. Frantic, Alden realized he was lied to. Isabella was never the Demon Lord, no woman could be a true warrior. Panic settled in the pit of his stomach as the Demon Lord reined in beside him, his helm remained closed as the black silk and leather covered warhorse snorted, pawing the ground impatiently.
Who the hell was the Demon Lord?
"Lord Demon, do you accept the challenge for Blood Keep?” Edward demanded of the silent figure whose answer was the brief hoist of the newly designed shield displaying the Red Dragon's coat of arms combined with the Demon's, united. The King faced the white complexion of Alden. “Will you comply with the outcome of the joust, Lord Alden?"
Clearing his throat nervously, Alden found he had no voice and no way of gracefully backing out without dishonoring himself. Alden inclined his helmed head to accept the challenge. Anger gave him backbone as he jeered at the black-armored knight. “You wish to fight me for Blood Keep and the lady, do you? We shall see. I have waited a long time to possess what is mine by right of blood!” Alden snarled as he wheeled his warhorse around, cantering back to his squire who handed up his lance.
The Demon Lord did the same, riding to Gabriel who handed him a black lance. Adjusting the weight of shield and lance, the Demon Lord prepared for battle.
Alden's confidence faded as he studied the Demon for any signs of weakness, deciding he might have to cheat if he hoped to win. Edward lifted a white scarf, dropping it, signaling the contestants to ride.
The Demon Lord's horse beat the mark, leveling out as its rider leaned his bulk into the lance, throwing several hundred pounds of steel behind it. Alden did not meet the mark as quickly and the black lance rammed his shield, forcing him to pull his horse away as it splintered and his own swept upward, harmlessly away from the Demon Lord.
The fighting opponents wheeled about, returning to their sects and fresh lances were handed to the knights. Alden roared his rage, urging his horse forward, aiming the tip of his lance straight for the Demon's visor, wanting to end the game before he, himself, was seriously injured. The Demon Lord raised his shield in time to deflect the oncoming tip, shattering the lance, his own glancing off Alden's shield. The dark knight wheeled back to his appointed area. Ald
en cursed, his ploy almost worked as they paused for a breather.
A shout from the high wall announced riders coming fast. Edward let out a loud whoop as the black riders raced toward the lists. Alden blanched when he recognized the lead rider and the boy bundled in a blanket, held protectively in her arms.
Isabella!
"Alden, I have retrieved my nephew along with Alison's son from your evil grasp!” Isabella shouted at the paling man, “I accuse you of attempting to murder my husband in hopes to gain Blood Keep.” She handed Xander to Edward who took the boy, holding the exhausted lad protectively in his arms. Drawing her sword, Isabella faced Alden as Alison whipped off the black veil, reaching for her son from Michael.
He stared in horror at the woman he thought was the grieving widow, then at the Demon Lord. “Attempted murder? What proof have you of my hand in Drago's murder? It was not I who killed your husband but you! I accuse you, Lady Isabella, of murdering Drago.” He screamed, pointing an accusing finger at her.
A collective gasp resounded as the Demon Lord reached up to remove his helm, revealing none other than Nicolas Drago. “I am proof of the attempt on my life. Isabella was ordered by you to murder me in order to protect her nephew and your very own son from death!” Nicolas growled, drawing his sword.
Caught in the web of his own deceit, Alden was quite sure the Demons had already arrested his knights as he jousted with the Demon Lord or rather Drago. One question had to be settled as Alden searched for a way to escape. “Isabella, are you really the Demon Lord?"
Her chin rose proudly, emerald eyes blazed as Isabella held her sword high above her. “I hold the Demon's sword, I am the Demon Lord!” Isabella declared as Lucifer rose on his powerful back legs, screaming his challenge.
The only choice left to Alden was revenge. Setting his spurs to his horse, he charged, lance in hand, barreling toward Isabella who wore light chain mail. Nicolas rode hard to intercept the crazed knight his shield barely caught the tip of the lance, stopping Alden from killing his wife. Wheeling his stallion about, Nicolas struck the passing knight with his sword, diverting Alden from his course. Nicolas drew his horse protectively in front of Isabella as Alden dropped his lance and drew his own sword, hacking at him. Roaring, Nicolas met the wild attack as his horse maneuvered him, keeping him facing Alden as they fought.
Breathing harshly, Alden snarled at Drago as he used both hands to strike. “She will die, I promise you!” Spittle formed at the corners of his mouth as Alden grew insane with rage at not being able to kill Drago or Isabella.
Fury exploded inside Nicolas. “Never will you touch my wife again!” His shield slammed Alden's face, stunning the man. Nicolas’ faithful sword swung a deadly blow parting Alden's head from the man's body.
The white stallion spooked, galloping with Alden's lifeless body collapsing on the ground not far from his head. Isabella rode up beside her husband, placing her hands on his face, assuring herself Nicolas was all right. A sparkle lit her eyes as she reached a gloved hand behind his dark head, drawing him down.
"Kiss me, husband,” Isabella demanded huskily as he drew her head closer to him, lips met, devouring.
Nicolas reassured himself Isabella was safe, angry at her for scaring the hell out of him. “Do not ever place yourself in such danger again!” He growled, feeling as if he lost a few years from the scare of seeing Alden riding at her with lance in hand.
Edward clapped, the people went wild, cheering the two champions as they kissed. Xander wrapped his small arms around the king's neck, smiling as Edward hugged him happily. “Aunt Isabella is happy?” The boy asked as Isabella and the big knight rode towards them.
"I do believe your aunt is very happy, Xander,” Edward replied as the couple approached. “Well done!” He grinned as Isabella held her arms out to the beautiful little boy who giggled as he leapt into her outstretched arms.
Isabella turned to Nicolas, her nephew smiled shyly at him. Nicolas stared at the boy with honey gold hair curling about his sweet face and eyes the color of sapphire. “Xander, I want you to meet my husband, Nicolas Drago."
Xander reached out a small hand, engulfed by the huge hand of the great Red Dragon. “I am honored to call you uncle, Sir Drago.” His eyes were wide as the great knight smiled warmly, reaching to take him in his powerful arms.
"It is I, who am honored. You are a very brave young man, and I am very proud of you and Allen.” Nicolas inclined his dark head towards the pale-haired boy in Alison's arms who grinned, happy of being acknowledged by the Red Dragon. Allen waved excitedly when Gabriel rode up beside them.
"Gabriel,” Allen shouted, leaping into the golden-haired knight's arms.
"I missed you so much!” Gabriel's voice caught as he held the boy, his heart tightening with the love he had for the boy who would be his son forever.
Xander leaned over and punched Allen in the arm, a smirk on his round face. “Told you Gabriel loves you!"
Gabriel leaned back to smile warmly at the boy in his arms. “I love you and your mother. In fact, we're going to be a family, and I will shout to the world how proud I am to be your father!"
Happy tears formed in Allen's eyes as he wrapped his thin arms around Gabriel's sturdy neck. “I want you to be my father, you make my mother smile!” The boy flashed a bright smile at his mother who was crying happily as she watched the two people she loved most in the world.
Edward motioned to the people gathering. “Let us return to the Keep and celebrate the victory of our beloved Drago and the Demon Lord.” The king shouted, joined by the Black Knights, the Demons, and the multitude of cheering people swarming the arena.
Michael drew his horse away from the happy couples feeling certain he was destined to remain alone. Unaware of her approach, Michael was startled when Tara touched his leg, her beautiful eyes brimming with pride at his accomplishment. He swung off his horse, amazed by the drastic change in the young woman, who was dressed in chain mail and a sword strapped to her back. The wind picked up the loose strands of her auburn hair. Michael felt the pressure of his heart ease as he lowered his mouth to taste her waiting lips, joy leapt in his soul as Tara flung her arms around his neck, kissing him with fire and passion. He had found love at last in the embrace of a she-demon.
As Nicolas rode with Xander in his arms, his dark, amber eyes watched his wife, who rode beside him, a secretive smile hovering on her lips. A frown puckered his brow as he questioned Isabella. “What are you not telling me?"
"I promise to tell you later.” Isabella's gaze centered on Michael as he kissed Tara, her tall, slender figure fit perfectly to his long frame. Happiness swelled inside her that her best friends found love as she had.
They drew their horses to a halt by the steps of Blood Keep and dismounted. Squires rushed to take the reins. Isabella smiled at Heath as the boy beamed up at her. “Make sure Lucifer gets an extra ration of grain, he's earned it.” She hugged the heavily muscled stallion. His great strength had saved her and Xander from being caught by their pursuers.
"Upon my honor, I swear to give Lucifer the best of care,” Heath promised.
Otto grabbed Xander and effortlessly tossed him in the air. “I missed ye, laddie!” The old man rumbled as the boy hugged him.
Brandon's old, seamed face softened as the boy wanted a hug from him, too. The older knight sniffed, taking the boy. “Isabella, Drago, we are proud of ye both! It made me heart stop not knowing if Xander was well or not. The lad is the closest I have to a grandson. You and Serenity were like the daughters I never had."
"I wouldn't be so sure about Xander being the only grandchild, my friend.” Isabella winked at the older men who caught her meaning, busting out laughing as Nicolas’ brow puckered. She caught his confused expression and decided to take action. Isabella whispered in Nicolas’ ear, taking his hand in hers, “Follow me."
Weaving through the throng of people drinking and celebrating their victory over evil, they finally made it to their chamber. She locked the doo
r and met her husband's bemused frown. “I have a secret to share, but you have to promise me you won't yell."
Nicolas crossed his powerful arms, knowing he was being set up. “I promise not to yell, much."
She sighed, knowing it the best Nicolas was willing to commit. “Are you ready to become a father?” She watched Nicolas in trepidation when his hands fell to his side.
It took several attempts before Nicolas was able to find his voice. “Are you telling me we're going to have a baby?” He stared at Isabella, hoping he heard her right. When Isabella gave a small nod, Nicolas let out a loud whoop, lifting her into his arms, whirling Isabella around, laughing joyfully. Suddenly it struck Nicolas she had placed her and the baby in mortal danger when she rode out to find Xander.
"What the hell were you thinking? I could have lost you both!” Nicolas sat her on her feet, roaring at her, taking her shoulders in a hard grip.
A smile curved her lips as Isabella slipped her arms around his lean waist, love shining in her eyes. “I was thinking I had to rescue my nephew.” Isabella whispered as her mouth closed over his, her tongue sliding over his, tasting, loving him. She wished their armor was off so she could show him how much she loved him.
As if on cue, a knock sounded on the oak door. Isabella let go of Nicolas and opened the door, surprised to see Ahmed smiling down at her. He bowed low to her, a mischievous gleam in his brown eyes. “I thought Drago and you might need some assistance with your armor."
Nicolas recovered, smiling as Ahmed helped him remove the heavy armor. “Thank you, my friend.” Ahmed bowed to Nicolas and went over to Isabella, helping her as Aggie entered the chamber, carrying a tray laden with mouth-watering food and wine.
The housekeeper caught Nicolas’ wary frown at the flask of wine. “Worry not, Drago. This be free of any of my potion, I promise.” She sat the tray on the table and hugged Isabella hard. “I knew ye would bring the lads home unscathed! Rest, Edward has everything in control!” The older woman winked at the couple and left the chamber with Ahmed.
