The clippity-clop, clip-clop of the battlehorse's hooves reverberated through the castle's lower bailey in a slow rhythm. The warm exhale from it's nostrils hitting the cold moist air brought to mind a dragon breathing smoke. Littered throughout the entryway were the bodies of both the kingdom's knights and the various demons they had fought, all lying still in death. Pikes and longswords, stained with blood lie next to their former owners on the cobblestone. Battleaxes were held in the deathgrip of their owners or buried within the skulls of the evil spawn. Bodies were littered everywhere.
The Battlemaster dismounted from the large grey stallion, removing the iron helm from his head. Long blonde hair tied back in a ponytail spilled out, falling between his shoulder blades. Scanning the area with eyes black as coal he saw no movement. The only clue he had of the whereabouts of the magic cross was the word, "Tower". It had been the last gasp that had escaped the lips of the dying monk he had held in his arms two days ago.
A castle could have many towers so where was he to search? He was certain he would be successful in finding it, but time was of the essence if he were to get it back to Queen Lenora before the Legion of the Damned found her hiding place in the mountains surrounding this very castle. The Demon Lord had known this as well and that is why he sent his army to conquer her stronghold. In this they had succeeded, but they had no idea of the cross's whereabouts.
Looking upwards and slowly turning around he saw tower after tower, near and far, built into the castle's design. In the still he heard a bell's quiet chime as the wind pushed it ever so slightly. A BELL! Yes, there must be a tower with a bell inside. That would be a likely choice of where to look first.
"If you value your life, you will move not a muscle", came a voice from nearby. "Lay your sword to the ground and step away from it now."
Up on the walls of the battlement the knight could see a tiny figure holding a large longbow, arrow knocked and pointed directly at him.
"What is it you are wanting here knight?"
Well written, Michael! Why do I get the impression the knight is a woman? :)
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Anna Soliveres
Great observation Anna. Reading other's posts I am trying to practice the things I have learned from them and there are too many to name. Making a dwarf thin, or an elf slow or giving a small hint or suggestion that might suggest that a knight is female instead of the typical male (despite my use of words like "his" or "he") is an example of what I am talking about.
DeleteVery well written. I thought too that it was a woman as Knights are usually male. Your description of the horse with the breath was true to life and they are dragon-like at these times. (We keep horses here)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliment Megan.
DeleteI figured it was a male knight because of all the male pronouns...and, as usual, a gripping beginning that leaves me wanting to know what happens next. For me, smartass that I am, the answer to the figure's question: "What are you wanting here?" is simple - I'm wanting the arrow to be pointed somewhere else.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see the smartass come out since I don't believe I saw that side for many years. I take it as a sign that things are well for you.
DeleteThis is good. Can you add a subscribe by email link on the side, so i can follow your posts better? My google reader is crazy full.
ReplyDeleteThank you Constance. I have added the email gadget to my site.
DeleteI am thinking that this post needs to be placed in my list of "use this in your next book" category.
ReplyDeleteWHAT! How could you leave us there? Are you going to continue the story?
ReplyDeleteI take this as a compliment Reina ;) I think I'm ticking people off with my short "teasing" posts. As I said, I'm basically using my blog to hone my skills as well as give people a taste of what my completed novel is like. I do like this post alot and I am strongly thinking I will have it in my next novel. Glad you're using your real name these days, I love it!
DeleteGood, it was meant as a compliment. =)
DeleteAnd thanks!