CHAPTER 31:A Wolf's Tale 2
Huffing and panting Bethran continued down the road, hiding from brotherhood members while trying to get to his destination before it became too late. Turning down a corner to avoid a little skirmish, he scaled a short fence running through slums, screaming women and leaping over numerous clothesline.
Until finally Bethran found himself in a street that had a clear view of the castle.
Or rather what was left of it.
" What in Fang's name happened there? Bethran panted trying to compare the picture of the former castle he knew, to the ruin in front of him.
A huge chunk of the castle's front laid in ruin save for a few towers and rooms at the far end. "I have to get there first"And so gathering a large burst of energy into his legs, Wulfe sprinted through the bodies eventually smiling when he could even trace the far outlines of a massive gate that surprisingly stood in one piece.
*Whizz*
A red arrow tore through his shoulder pad grazing the tender flesh beneath before stopping in a nearby stone wall.
"I can't believe I actually missed" hissed a voice belonging to one of the three hooded members walking out from the street that Bethran had just exited.
"Don't be so glum for I won't" the green eyed wolf growled drawing his cutlass in one swift movement.
The hooded elves quickly spread out, the archer taking a huge step back while the two others; one blue eyed and the other brown, armed with a silver longsword rushed forward.
Like twins or parts of one machine, the two attacked in synchrony; one moving forward with a thrust while the other's longsword came down in a two handed downward slash.
Bethran's right arm flexed landing a punch on the blue eyed elf's stomach stopping the thrust while the downward slash shifted off its mark as it ringed violently on striking pure steel.
Spinning around, he tried to cleave off the blue eyed head but ultimately had to bring the cutlass to a block, protecting himself from the other elf's stab.
"Their swordsmanship is quite skilled" Bethran mused as he leapt back. "Meaning they must be of a higher rank than the small fry we have faced earlier".
An arrow immediately shot forward trailing the assassin as he disengaged from the two swordsman. Moving to his right Bethran dodged the arrow, crouching also to evade a thrust from the brown eyed, then with one inhuman lunge the whole battle took on a different turn.
Noticing the assassin, the blue eyed elf raised his sword in a vain effort to block the attack that he saw coming. His fellow swordsman quickly turned around trying to stop the assassin before the blade landed on its target.
*CRACK*
The silver longsword scattered into shards, the rest of it stained in bright red blood while its wielder's head tumbled down the street landing in front of a very astonished archer. "One down" Bethran smiled gritting his teeth as he pulled out a red arrow from his shoulder "Two to go".
"Die! The blue eyed elf roared, swinging his sword that headed straight for the assassin's throat while the archer readied two arrows.
A heavy kick courtesy of Bethran's long legs struck the armed hand breaking and disarming it in the process while his left hand in one swoop turned the elf around, protecting himself from two dangerous arrows that rested comfortably in the elf's chest.
The archer seeing this quickly took to his heels running through the darkened streets. Bethran's cutlass was readied to be thrown but on second thought he decided to ignore the archer and continued forward towards the castle.
*Crunch*
Bethran dropped the elf's dead body and turned around facing the castle before he raised an eyebrow in surprise as he observed the strange duo approaching.
The moonlight illuminated their features, revealing a beautiful elf wearing an emerald green dress who seemed to be struggling in pulling the elven mage whose face and countenance pointed at an injury.
Bethran met them at the middle of the street lending a helping hand, as he helped the female elf to rest the mage against the wall. "What happened to you two?
"We were caught up in the ball's attack, Hamilton here needs to be seen by a supreme as soon as possible" Emelda replied. "You are from the Night right?
"Yes I am and I was tasked with helping a comrade protect the elven princess".
"Don't worry your comrade was able to protect the princess" Emelda said shaking her head at how ignorant the Nigh was about certain things concerning other kingdoms not to mention the irony that the assassin before her had no idea how the person he was tasked to protect actually looked. Bethran looked into her eyes for a moment before he asked "How sure are you that she was protected".
Emerald and Hamilton's eyes rolled before an answer came forth from the princess "Because she is standing in front of you". Bethran quickly took a knee as he apologized "Forgive me I was not able recognize you".
"Then how did you plan to identify me in the first place?Bethran nervously scratched his head "Well I knew that any elf wearing a tiara will certainly be the princess though I'm a bit confused on what happened to yours?
"After everything I was going through, I'm pretty sure a little tiara will be the least of my worries" Emelda sighed.
"In that case I will have to escort you towards the Night your highness" Bethran said getting up to his feet. "But if I may ask where is Fanghyr?
"He is currently involved in a life threatening battle with the Supreme rank traitor Wulfe" Hamilton replied "At the castle" he added trying to avoid another question"
In that case your majesty I will advise you head towards the capital's center, where the Night will be able to protect you and take care of god rank Hamilton.
"In that case I wish you good luck" Emerald added lifting Hamilton.
"I am sorry my Highness but me and Fanghyr are brothers and as such I cannot let him die" Bethran bowed turning towards the castle.
"I understand and don't worry for my mana will be enough to protect the both of us" Emerald called out, she and Hamilton slowly heading down the road.
"Hang in there bro for I am coming" Bethran smiled jumping through the gates.