At that moment, a scream sounded in the night air. The scream spoke of agony and death.

Variana rose and walked over to Nan. They clutched hands and waited for their body guards to enter. Trained men who were willing to give their lives and had prepared for this moment. Any moment now, they would walk in and stand in a circle around the Princess, waiting for the attackers that were sure to come. The encampment was under attack and the Princess's life was in danger.

The sound of metal and spilt blood sounded louder. Over to the north end of the encampment, the sound of hard brutal fighting resounded through the night. Suddenly, a man ran into the tent doors. Breathless, he looked around.

With a shriek, Nan hid her face. Variana almost did the same, until she recognized Shem. One of her bodyguards for the past three years, his familiar face was contorted with fear. Fear for her life. "Your Highness," he gasped. "We are under attack."

"Shem, I know. Thank you for coming," said the Princess. "Where do you want us?"

"Here," he said. "Right here is just as good as anyplace else."

"The attackers?"

"I don't know, your Highness. Most of the men were down for the night. The blighters hit us at the worst possible time."

“Here, take this,” said Shem as he handed her a spear.

The Princess held it awkwardly in her hands.

As anxious minutes, more of the personal bodyguards moved into the tent. They quickly circled the Princess and Nan.
There were five of them, dedicated and covenanted to give their all for their Princess. When the last of them showed up, the Princess sighed with relief. She was glad they were all here, but she also felt relief at the safety their presence offered. Surely, no attacker could break through the ring of defenders.

The sounds of battle moved slowly closer. Men cursed and died in the dark. Soft, heavy sounds cut through the night as limbs were torn and crushed with heavy, sharp instruments designed to create havoc.

The ring of guards tightened as the sounds came even closer. The men slowly drew swords. Each one stood in their ready stance. Some leaning forward, others back. Each one, a master of battle and death.

The sounds outside the tent slowed and finally stopped. The guards looked at each other. Could the battle have been won?

The front flaps of the tent were pulled open. There stood several men with crossbows and First Lieutenant Marsden. He had his right arm held up in the air, a bloody sword grasped in his hand.

A gasp of relief rose through the Princess’s personal guards.

They lowered their swords. The moment they did, Marsden dropped his uplifted right hand. Ten swift twangs as ten crossbows fired. Each bolt fired hit their mark. Each personal guard fell with two bolts through their heart.

The Princess screamed, "You monster. Why would you do this?" Princess Variana pointed the spear at Marsden.

"Silence," shouted Marsden. "I was threatened. It was betray you or my wife. A man can only do so much when royalty plays their games."

"And now?" asked the Princess trying not to look at the five brave men whose blood soaked the ground around her.

"It is your turn," replied Lieutenant Marsden.

"Coward," yelled Nan and ran at the Lieutenant. He drew his sword and struck her over the head with the pommel. She fell to the dirt, mercifully unconscious

The Black Oak Sword

Chapter 1: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Chapter 2: Part 1 , Part 2
Chapter 3: Part 1 , Part 2,Part 3
Chapter 4:Part 1,Part 2
Chapter 5: Part 1
Chapter 6: Part 1, Part 2
Chapter 7: Part 1, Part 2
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14:Part 1
Chapter 14:Part 2
Chapter 15:Part 1
Chapter 15:Part 2
Chapter 16:Part 1
Chapter 16:Part 2
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19:Part 1
Chapter 19:Part 2
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22:Part 1
Chapter 22:Part 2
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32

**AUTHOR'S NOTE: You may notice I just substituted Ailith for Aella--I finally made the leap because I think the name fits her background and cultural heritage better.

© 2017, Stone Golem Publishing, All rights reserved--no part of this may be used without express written consent.

**All pictures used are labeled for reuse. They come from Pixabay

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