Chapter 17: The Queen's Men

As the sun beat down on the dusty village, the sweet sound of children at play filled the air. But then, as if on cue, an eerie hush fell over the place, and the mutterings of the villagers could be heard, warning each other of the Queen's men who were on their way.

And then they came, a marching army of knights, their armor gleaming in the sun as they charged through the narrow alleyways. On horseback, or on foot, they stormed into each building, overturning every last thing in their path.

The Queen's men looked like walking metal statues, intimidating with their gleaming armor that reflected the sunlight. They wore heavy helmets that covered half their face, leaving only their menacing eyes to stare down at the villagers.

The captain had a long, jagged scar running from his cheek to his forehead, further adding to his sinister appearance.