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Please don't look for chapter numbers until I have done the final edit.
Brian.
'You drivelling fool, she snarled, in a voice that would have cut diamonds. No mortal maid could have given you the pleasures that I can bestow.
Sean was shocked to see the change in the girl's face; it sent an icy shiver down his back.
'Enough woman; or you will be walking to the castle'.
'Well said, Sean', Baldev spoke. 'Methinks there is something more than a little strange about this damsel in distress. I have a nose for this type of thing, and it tells me that she is no ordinary mortal. I smell a changeling'.
Sean looked at him in bewilderment. 'What are you talking about, just what on earth is a changeling?'
Before Baldev could answer. The girl became enveloped in a swirling stinking mist. Sean stood rooted to the spot. From out of the mist sprang a large, snarling, ferocious leopard like animal, with razor sharp fangs and wickedly hooked claws.
Just as it was about to land on Sean and disembowel him, Baldevs tail swept across catching the beast a resounding blow, hurling into the forest.
Sean’s legs did an impression of two columns of jelly before he collapsed onto the log.
'Baldev, what in the world was that? What is happening?' Baldev stared into the forest. 'That my friend is what we call a shape shifter, or changeling. If I am not very much mistaken she is probably one of Magule's creatures. He obviously sent her to destroy you. Somehow, he has become aware of your existence, and the danger you represent to his plans'. From now on, you will have to be on your guard, I doubt that this will be the last attempt on your life. Trust only those you know from now on'.
Deep in the forest, the leopard like creature crawled moaning into a hollow. Yet again, a cloud of mist surrounded it. When it cleared Revina lay examining her injuries. Fortunately for her all that she had sustained were a couple of cracked ribs, plus some mighty bruising. Most of the damage had been to her pride. Never before had a mere man refused her sexual advances.
Once more she changed into a large golden eagle. Circling above our heroes, she emitted a piercing scream! Looking up for the source of the scream Sean received a large splat of eagle excrement squarely between the eyes.
'Shit', he exclaimed.
'I think that you are right,' Baldev agreed, sending a jet of flame after the departing bird.
Dawn was beginning to light the sky. 'Come on Baldev, we may as well make a move. That creature has ruined my nights sleep'. The dragon took wing, his scales glowing like fire in the rising sun.
Angelica was walking by the river, as she walked she was day dreaming about her beloved Sean, and their future together. She was sure that they had one. The idea of him returning to his own world was out of the question; of that, she had no doubt.
So lost in her thoughts was she, that she did not notice a figure standing just inside the fringe of a copse of trees. As she entered the copse, the figure followed her. It was one of the knights from the north lands.
'Hello my pretty', the knight greeted her. Angelica took a step back in fright.
'Do not be frightened my pretty. What are you doing all alone out here? You never know what trouble can befall a pretty maid this far from the castle'.
'I am just out for some fresh air', she replied, as she turned back in the direction of the castle, and starting to walk swiftly away.
The man reached out and gripped her arm. 'Not so fast my pretty one, stay here with me, and if you please me, I shall reward you with some nice trinkets for your trouble'.
Angelica tried to pull free of his grasp. 'Unhand me sir, I am a respectable woman, and I am also betrothed to Sir Sean of Lacy'.
The knight laughed, not a reassuring sound. 'I care not who you are betrothed to. I have been too long without the pleasure of a woman' he snarled. Turning her around to face him. His breath reeked; he had obviously cornered the market in halitosis. He attempted to kiss her.
Sweet and naive she might be, stupid she was not. She brought her knee up into his groin as hard as she could. The knight screamed as he clasped his genitals with both hands. Angelica ran.
She was just about clear of the trees when her foot snagged on a root, tumbling her to the ground. Picking herself up she started to run again. The knight had recovered enough to give chase. She could hear his footsteps gaining on her. He launched himself through the air grasping her legs bringing heavily to the ground and knocking the breath from her body.
Straddling her, he started clawing at her bodice. His face contorted with lust. 'Now you little bitch, you will know what it feels like to be taken by a real man'.
Angelica felt the strength draining from her as she struggled beneath his heavy body. Freeing one hand, she raked her fingernails down his face; leaving bloody furrows in his flesh.
'I like a girl with spirit', he grunted, smashing her head against the ground. 'I will soon tame you, just enjoy what I am going to give you'. He reached down and began undoing his breeches. She felt her senses leaving her. Her eyes closed.
Dimly she was aware of the sound of wings. Forcing her eyes open, she saw Baldev alighting on the ground.
Sean leapt from the dragon's back. Dashing over he gripped the knight by the hair, pulled up his head, then smashed his fist into the attackers face; with a sickening crunch the knight's nose flattened, spurting blood like a hose-pipe.
The knight staggered to his feet trying to ward off Sean's onslaught. Sean was berserk; nothing could stop him. The knight sank to the floor under Sean's battering.
'Enough, Sean', Angelica shouted. You will kill him'. 'Exactly what I intend'; he said coldly.
Angelica threw herself onto him. 'Please my love. He is unconscious. Apart from a few bruises and a torn dress, I am unhurt'. Sean, who had been about to kick the knight in the head, lowered his foot.
'You are right my darling, but just the thought of what he was about to do to you made me loose control, I am calming down now'.
'Shall I roast him a little', Baldev suggested. Angelica shuddered. Sean shook his head.
'No, just leave the scum where he lays, I reckon he won't give us any more trouble'. He did not realise how wrong he could be.
After Sean had bathed and changed into fresh clothes, he went to meet with the King and his war council.
They sat in silent amazement at his description of his bombing raid. He and Baldev had decided not to mention his strange encounter with the shape shifter.
'You did well Sir Sean'. Rupert congratulated him.
'May I suggest he did better than well My Liege'. Sir Bryan stated. 'I wish that I had been there to see the things that you call bombs. Whether it is magic or not, they sound very effective. It will definitely make the enemy more cautious. They will not be in as a great hurry to attack whatever Magule's threats'.
They of course, had no idea of Magule's powers of persuasion.
After the meeting ended, Sean went in search of his beloved Angelica.
Angelica's mother was once again arguing with her. 'My dear child, just because he called you his betrothed, does not mean he really intends to marry you. Some men will say and promise anything to have their way with a maid'.
Angelica was crying. She was doing rather a lot of crying lately. She did not know why. Nevertheless, she could not seem to control herself.
Her mother knew why. Angelica's hormones were running rampant. Not that Molly knew that they were called hormones. The word had yet to be coined. However; she knew.
She remembered when she was suffering from the same condition many years ago. It was an itch that one could not scratch on ones own.
She also realised that she was fighting a loosing battle, just as her mother had with her.
Moreover, like her mother before her, she knew she would lose. From now on she would be keeping a close watch on her beloved daughter; every month.
In general, she was quite wise in the ways of the world.
It was night over the Black Mountains, a filthy night. Thunder rolled unceasingly; vivid lightening flashes split the dark clouds creating moments of intense light, light that illuminated the main highway too Magule's bleak castle.
For half a mile on either side of the highway, wooden poles had been erected, and from each pole hung a metal cage. In each cage was a Troll or a Smorg. Some already dead; all would be; eventually. Magule had decided to encourage his army to fight.
The inhabitants of the cages were some of those that had fled Sean's bomb attack. Magule reasoned it was better that they should be more afraid of him, than any foe. Revina was enjoying the logic of the idea, to say nothing of the suffering.
'I do so like your decorations My Lord, she remarked. 'But why no humans?'
Magule gave a mirthless laugh. 'My human mercenaries, scum though they are, were the only ones not to flee. They at least are brave enough to stand and fight, even when the odds are against them'.
Revina, who could hardly take her eyes from the scene below, gave a shudder of pleasure.
‘What are you going to do with the caged ones?' Magule turned from the window.
'They stay until they rot. It will be a lesson to all who fail me', he snarled, giving her a meaningful look.
It was also night at King Rupert's castle. All was quiet, apart from the watchtowers where the sentries called the hour. A full moon had risen; it bathed the mellowed stones of the castle walls in a soft light.
Sean could not sleep. He was leaning on the battlements gazing at the river which was flowing like molten steel in the moonlight.
He was thinking of Angelica, trying to figure out exactly how he felt about her, and what he should do. I am sure I love her, he thought. Then again, I have never been in love, so how do I know its not just a bad case of lust.
When this war is over, and if I survive, what do I do then? I can't see her coming back to my world; it would be just too different, which means that I would have to stay here. I suppose I could do worse. There are very few that would miss me back home.
A slight sound disturbed he musing, there it was again. A sound of metal scraping on stone. Turning toward the source of the sound, he was almost too late.
The figure of a man launched itself from out of the shadows; a wicked looking dagger upraised. Sean jumped to one side as he tried to deflect the daggers thrust. He was not quick enough; pain lanced through his shoulder like fire.
The would be assassin circled him, his face illuminated by the full moon.
Sean saw the broken and bruised nose and realised who his attacker was the knight from the river.
'Say your prayers, pretty boy, you are going to pay for what you did to my face', the knight hissed.
Sean retreated a few steps. 'I think it is an improvement', he replied. This remark only served to incense his attacker even more.
'I am going to gut you like a fish’ he snarled. Leaping once more at Sean, knife arm out-stretched.
This was just what Sean wanted. Instead of backing away he leapt forward. Deflecting the knife arm, he spun his attacker around as he swung a hay-maker of a punch at his jaw.
The knight staggered from the blow, dropping his dagger. Sean charged in, it was like a rugby tackle, catching him at waist height.
Such was the force of the tackle the killer staggered back wards; striking the wall of the battlements he overbalanced then disappeared into the night.
Sean heard a fading scream followed by a dull thud. Looking over the battlements, he could see the body lying broken on the rocks below.
'Well, he just found out he can't fly', he muttered.
Sean was sitting slumped in a chair in his room, his head in his hands, reaction had set in; his wound had been attended to, even so it was throbbing painfully, and he felt sick. There was a light tapping on the door, he ignored it.
Slowly the door opened. Angelica walked in. She hurried over to him, a look of concern on her lovely face. What is the matter my love', she asked. The she noticed the bandages; my darling you are hurt; what has happened?
Sean told her of his encounter on the battlements, and the death of his attacker. Angelica looked puzzled. 'But why has it upset you so. The man attacked you, and me. He would have killed us both. I think he deserved to die'. She stroked his hair lovingly.
Sean was taken aback by her calm acceptance of him killing someone. 'My love, it is the first time that I have ever killed a fellow human being. It is one thing to make weapons, and talk about defeating Magule's army. However, it is only now that I realise the horror of actually doing it. Up to now I have only seen it second hand. When Baldev and I destroyed the Trolls and the Smorgs, it was more like killing wild animals. To kill a human is totally different'.
Angelica kissed him. 'I think that you did right. You are a brave and noble knight. All you were doing was defending yourself, and I know that I will feel a lot safer now that he is dead. I was worried what he might do when you were away from the castle on one of your scouting trips'.
Sean gave her a sad smile. 'When you put it like that it makes me feel a little better, and I suppose with the coming war I will have to get used to it'.
He stood up, taking her in his arms. 'I do love you, I never realised what love was before I met you. When I think of what that swine was trying to do to you, I'm glad I killed him'.
Once again, as those in love tend to do, they talked far into the night.
'I will go to my bed now my love', Angelica yawned. Sean kissed her hand lovingly. 'Sleep well my love. We will walk by the river tomorrow; it may be the last chance to be alone for a while. I have much to do, and so little time to do it'.
After she had gone, Sean lay on his bed marvelling at the fact that he had never once tried to get her to bed.
Argon was walking by the river deep in thought. There was a sudden thump, and he was enveloped in a cloud of white powder.
'What on earth was that', he exclaimed, jumping a foot in the air. There was another thump and a further cloud of powder. Looking skyward, he saw a dragon circling overhead. It was Silverwing. Perched on his back was Angelica.
'Sorry about that old friend', Silverwing shouted. We are practising dropping Sean’s bombs. We are using bags of flour instead of the real thing. When we saw you down there, we just could not resist the temptation'.
Argon shook his staff at them. 'You overgrown lizard, I have a good mind to shoot you down, If it was not for Sean’s lady on your back I would’, he declared laughingly.
Looking around he realised that there was more of the dragon clan, all with riders. The flour bombs they were dropping made the ground appear to be covered in snow.
It did not take much imagination to realise the devastating effect real bombs would have on Magule's hordes.
A worried expression appeared on his face. Sean has a real talent for destruction, he thought. I just hope that it can be contained.
Later that day Angelica and Sean found a secluded grassy bank by the river. Sean had had the castle cook make up a picnic basket.
They had finished the food and wine and were lying on a blanket in the warm sun. The only sounds they could hear were the birds singing and the river cascading over a small waterfall.
Angelica sat up and looked deep into Sean eyes. 'My handsome knight, I do love you so much. Do you really love me? Mother said that I should never trust a man, even you’.
Sean sighed. 'For the first time in my life I can honestly say that I am in love. Though I must agree with your Mother. Many men will say anything to please a woman, just to have their way with her'.
'Tell me something my love. I know that I am only a girl raised on a farm, and not wise to the ways of the world, or men. But what do you mean by a man having his way?'
Sean gulped. How do I explain the facts of life he thought. He realised there was one easy way. To demonstrate, but decided against it.
'Well, he said making a start. You must have watched the animals on your farm, and seen `how they breed. Well its much the same for humans. Except we do not do it just to have children.
Angelica looked perplexed. Why else would people do it? If not for children? I have obviously seen our animals many times. You mean we do it just like them. It all seems rather strange.
For the first time in his life, Sean was uncertain what to do about sex. Normally he would not have given it a seconds thought. In the past, he had stormed the laxly held castle of a woman's virtue as a matter of course. Invariably with success. This time was so different. Love was a foreign land to him. All his preconceived notions had gone out of the window. Oh he wanted her; of that he had no doubt. However, he was petrified of spoiling things.
Standing up, he helped Angelica to her feet. Then taking her in his arms, he kissed her passionately. Heat surged through his body like a blast furnace. With loins aflame, he took a hurried step away from her.
'I think it time we headed back to the castle' he said in a husky voice. 'I also think that you should ask your Mother to explain the facts of life to you. It would appear that they are long overdue'.
Angelica's hormones were buzzing like a swarm of bees. She had wanted something to happen, but was not sure what. She definitely intended to broach the subject of breeding with her Mother. At the soonest possible moment.
Sean awoke once again with a banging headache. Gingerly sitting up he made a vow to stay away from the castles special brew. 'What I wouldn't give for an Alka-Seltzer', he moaned aloud.
'Do you feel ill? My Lord'. Sean was suddenly aware of a tall, slim youth, with over-long hair, standing in the doorway.
'Not ill', Sean snarled. 'I just drank to much last night'. Anyway who are you, and what do you want? The youth walked, or rather minced into the room. 'I have come to give you your morning bath my Lord, the youth lisped.
'What', Sean yelled. Immediately regretting shouting, it only made his head worse. 'Where is my usual girl? He demanded.
The youth struck a pose, one hand on his hip. 'Well my Lord Sean, she thought that you may prefer me to minister to you', he simpered.
Sean suddenly realised how his negative reaction to the girl's advances had been misconstrued. 'Get out; and send in the girl immediately'. The youth glared at him. 'Whatever you command my Lord', he declared, heading for the door. As he was leaving, Sean heard him mutter. 'There is just no pleasing some people'.
Sean decided to forgo his bath in favour of finding a cure for his hangover.
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