Ruined Castle
1215 Words
General Vad stared at the ruined roof and let out strings of curse words. He turned to his troops and spoke.
"The other team will follow the dragon with their horses," he said, "I want you to go with those team and follow the dragon until you lose sight of it or if you don't lose it come with the information of it's location."
The troops let out a chorus of "Yes, General!" Their heavy footsteps quickly marched away.
General Vad turned towards the remaining troops and let out a heavy sigh.
"We must inform this to the king immediately," he said.
General Vad was on his knees with his head bowed down as he gave his report.
"He took Noel away?!" King William roared.
The Queen slapped a hand over her mouth to prevent her self from crying out loud. King William reached for her hand and held it tight.
"Forgive me, your majesty," General Vad said, "The imposter shape shifted himself into a dragon and we—"
"No excuses!" King William roared. He angrily stood up and the ministries and the Princes present quickly stood up from their chair.
King William spoke to the people in the room, his voice oozing with power, "I hereby declare, any prince who brings back my son, will have his hand in marriage!"
The Princes glanced at each other and nervously muttered with eachother. They were excellent fighters but they weren't confident if they could fight a dragon.
Among the crowds of nervous Prince only, Prince Lloyd stepped forwards and bowed to King William.
"I want to go and rescue Prince Noel!" He loudly declared.
Everyone in the room stopped their nervous conversation and looked at Lloyd who was beaming with confidence and power.
King William nodded his head in approval.
"Very well, Prince Lloyd of Eyosan," he said, "Do you wish for any men or weapon?"
"If your majesty is generous enough please provide me with ten of your best men." Prince Lloyd spoke.
King William nodded.
"You will be granted with ten of my best men and horses. You shall have the access to the best weapons and armours. May luck be with you."
The court was dismissed, King William began to make another plan to rescue Noel with General Vad, who was still receiving angry looks from Noel's mother and siblings.
As Prince Lloyd walked out of the throne room. His attendant, a handsome young boy with dirty brown hair, frowned and asked Lloyd, "Your highness, why are you risking your life to save the prince?"
Prince Lloyd gave him a charming smile, "Is it simple, Bastian?"
Bastian shook his head.
Lloyd smiled.
"Prince Noel, just has my heart."
Bastian's lips turned into a thin line as he walked behind Prince Lloyd who was getting congratulated by the old Ministers for his bravery.
"You just want to show off," Bastian muttered.
***
Noel had no idea when he lost his consciousness but when he woke up, he was on lying on a four poster bed. Black drapes hanged around them. Noel looked around, the room looked like a chamber in a castle.
It had black drapes even over the window and blocked the sunlight from coming in.Noel got off the bed and headed towards the door. The door made a loud squeaky noise when he opened it.
Noel was greeted by a long and dreary looking hallway. The stone walls were crawling with vines. As Noel walked through the corridors, he realised he was in a ruined castle.
Noel began to explore the castle. Some room had no roof and bright sunlight poured through the gaping holes of the room's roof.
Noel walked around more and walked down the long stairs which led him to the main hall of the castle that looked like a ballroom. To his surprise, he saw huge piles of precious stones. Some of the piles were so huge the almost touched the roof of the castle.
Noel would make out a large figure among the gutter and shine of the stones.
It as Stephen, in his dragon form.
Noel gulped, his heart beating loudly against his chest as he slowly backed away but the weathering stones of the stairs fell and created a loud sound across the whole room.
The dragon turned his head and looked at Noel, who let out a shaky squeak. Noel turned around and started running while stumbling.
Before Noel could get away from Stephen's sight, he flew and blocked Noel's way. He shape shifted back into a human and smiled at Noel.
"You are awake, dear prince."
"Yes," Noel whispered and backed away from Stephen.
"It's okay, you don't have to be scared," Stephen softly said. Noel shook his head.
"You shape shifted into a dragon and brought me here!" Noel screamed, "And you are telling me to not be scared?!"
"Fair enough." Stephen muttered.
"Why did you bring me here?" Noel asked.
"This is my lair," Stephen said, gesturing his hand around, "It's a little rundown."
"A little?" Noel scoffed. He quickly slapped his hand over his mouth and quickly shook his head.
"I like it though," Noel quickly said, "The vines around the walls and pillars look pretty." He quietly mumbled.
Stephen smiled, "Thank you. You must be scared but I assure you there is no need to be scared. I bought you here in exchange for a ransom."
Noel raised his eyebrows.
"I am a dragon," Stephen explained, "I hoard lots of precious gems and golds—" he gestured at the brightly shining treasure behind him, — "Nowadays, our source of collections are being held down by humans. They have opened mines and guarded them. It's really difficult to get our claws on those precious gems. Some dragons love the challenge but I got tired of burning humans to death. So, I came up with creative ways to collect gems."
"By k********g Princes?"
Stephen nodded, "I am sure your father, the king will offer loads of precious stones in exchange of you."
"What if father is unwilling to make such exchange?" Noel asked.
Stephen shrugged.
"I kill you."
Noel's mouth hang opened. Stephen let out a rich laugh.
"I will not let go of any opportunities that will help me collect some golds. I will probably sell you." Stephen said.
That did not made Noel feel better even a little bit.
"I am asking out of curiosity," Noel said, "Have you done this before? k********g royals right from their Castles?"
Stephen shook his head.
"This is my first time. If you have some more questions to ask, shall we do it on the way? I will escort you to your room and bring you something to eat."
Noel did not move.
Stephen smiled, flashing his canines.
"Rest assured, dear prince. This dragon will not do you any harm."
Noel took a hesitant step forward.
And his vision turned black.
He fell flat on his face, on the floor, fast asleep.
"Oh, I forgot about his narcolepsy." Stephen murmured and picked Noel up in a bridal style.
Noel's head moved against Stephen's chest. Stephen glance down at Noel and saw a red bruise in the middle of his forehead.
Stephen clicked his tongue.
"That will hurt when he wakes up."
- Writer
