Isle of the Damned

Helena's Castle

We headed at full speed over the open land towards the large, well-made castle looming in the distance. The walls were made of smoothed out stone and the castle itself looked ginormous. The front had a walkway leading up to the main doors with beautiful flowers lining it, along with the odd tree dotted around. It was everything a royal could dream for. 

We managed to reach the castle in minutes and I was glad to no longer be out in the open. I knew the open land couldn't be trusted. Anybody could attack us there and due to the lack of protection we had, it was likely they'd be able to get us with ease. 

We slowed to a halt, hopping off the horses. James being the gentleman tried to help Ava down but she instantly swatted his hand away and got off herself. She may not be a trained warrior but she certainly wasn't helpless. Though I suspected he didn't try to help her because he believed she needed it but rather because he seemed to like her. I had caught him in the past looking at her randomly but it was just a hunch with absolutely no proof. It was possible I was completely wrong. 

"We need to find the castle stables to put the horses away," Myla said patting her horses headed. After a small short pause, she then added, "And then we need to find some food."

"Leave them with us, We'll find the stables and then head inside. It's better to not waste time," Alvaro said referring to him and Evander. 

"Be careful," I heard myself saying with concern. 

We split up accordingly. I didn't like being away from them. It felt safer and less worrying when we were all together. I knew they'd be fine but I could feel my anxiety growing. It seemed everyone had become my safety blanket. 

We walked over together. All of us were extremely silent, unsure of what to expect. The last time I was here I believe I was fifteen, so seven years ago. I hoped her opinion of us hadn't changed as I always remembered her being strong and open-minded.

I hadn't noticed the guards that were stood outside the door till now. They wore metal armour that seemed to blend into the colour of the walls. Looking around it seemed there were more guards than I had originally expected. If I remembered correctly they were only ordered to approach or attack if there was a serious threat. 

"I am here to see Queen Helena," I firmly stated to the guards. 

One of them curtly nodded and with no questions, opened the door to let us in.

"You'll find her in the room at the end of this hall," the other guard said. Her voice sounding strong and authoritative.

On the way inside I noticed that my anxiety lessened, knowing that we made it to a place with sturdy walls and decent protection made me happy. In fact, I could feel myself quickening my steps, eager to greet an old friend. The others were following directly behind me. 

"I don't know what it'll be like in there but stick close together," I said reaching the end of the hall. Even if Queen Helena was a known ally it didn't mean that there was no danger. We could never know who was and who wasn't a spy or who had truly fallen victim to King Seth's hateful speeches. 

I raised my hand and knocked on the door. 

"Come in," a familiar face called out. 

As instructed we entered the room. It appeared to be a dining hall in which only Queen Helena was sitting in. The room was large and contained a dark wooden table with matching chairs. It had paintings on the wall that focused on the ocean and country landscape. It was a simple, spacious room.

"Ahh, I haven't seen you in a while young Queen, I was wondering when you'd come. I was beginning to think I'd been forgotten about," she said as she rose from the chair to greet us. 

"Hello, your majesty. It has certainly been a while. I could never forget about you, especially when you were so close to my parents," I replied. A small sad smile appeared at my words.

"Your parents were truly wonderful people. It's sad how your isle has been treated."

"There was nothing to be done. They died honourably, fighting for they believed in," I said, feeling a gnawing sadness in the pit of the stomach. I missed them with all my heart. 

"Come sit down, I assume you have haven't just come over for a social visit given the danger of coming," She said motioning to the chairs. "And you must introduce me to your friends."

"This is Myla, Ava and James. All close friends of mine," I said pointing to each as I introduced them.

"Nice to meet you all," Queen Helena said with a courteous smile. The others waved or nodded in response as if too scared to say anything to her. It was quite amusing to watch.

"Unfortunately, you're right. We aren't here for a social visit. We're in need of your help," I said looking at Helena

She nodded knowingly before saying, "I thought you might. I know of King Seth and his twisted thoughts. I have stood up for the isle when talking to others but they're all so fearful and set in their ways. I'm not sure there is much else I'll be able to do without going to war but I'll do my best."

"We'd never ask a war of you, your highness. We only request you continue to stick up for us and introduce us to the kingdoms that have the potential to see us as allies once they realise we are not evil incarnate. We'd like to go there and show them ourselves. If we gather enough supporters it'll likely deter King Seth and his agenda from doing anything as it could start a war," I explained anxiously, I didn't even know if she'd be able to help us with this. Anything she does to help us puts Brilanthi in harm's way.

"Hmm, let me think about it over some food. I believe there may be a few kingdoms worth visiting if that is your plan. I'll send out messengers tonight that you'll be coming so that they'll be aware," she said deep in thought. 

"Thank you, your highness," I said.

"May I ask what's for dinner?" Myla suddenly asked, a bit overly eager.

"Whatever you want," the queen said laughing. 

As we further discussed matters (and dinner) the door flew open. Evader and Alvaro rushed in, out of breath and definitely scratched up. What happened, Are they seriously injured? Questions were flying around in my head as I waited for one of them to speak.

"We may be in an allied country but some of King Seth's men are definitely hidden here. Seven of them attacked us down by the stables. One of them escaped. It won't be long before more are sent after us," Alvaro panted out.

"We did manage to interrogate one of them though. He said that he saw us in the village and told the few others already here. They decided to attack us together. He said that they waited for us to split up and then tried to take us down whilst we were weakened. Apparently they hadn't sent a message to Seth yet but the one that escaped will certainly send one," Evander explained.

"Also he told us that there were no more of his men directly here but it won't be too long before there are. I don't think he was lying, he looked desperate to save his life saying about how all he wanted was to return to his family. I know this may have been a bad decision and I hope you forgive us but we thought he was telling the truth and so we let him go. He only looked around twenty/twenty-two and the other guy would certainly send a message anyway. I didn't want to kill him in cold blood, despite his previous actions," Alvaro added.

"I don't think that was a bad decision by any means. I'd have done the same. There was probably little risk in letting him go. We do have a proper plan now to put an end to Kind Seth's actions towards us. Queen Helena's agreed to contact other kingdoms, we just need to wait till morning for a confirmed list of where to go. You need to rest, heal and have food. We should have plenty of time before his men reach here if the message is only being sent now," I said trying to wrap my head around everything. I can't believe Seth had men waiting here, though thankfully it was only seven.

We were definitely going to have to run for our lives. We just had to trust we could make it. Hopefully, luck was on our side.