Chapter Twenty-four *NEW*

They had reached Edinburgh after two weeks of traveling, and upon reaching the summit that they could see the city walls beyond, they were able to see the terror that the civilians felt. The panic they had felt after the recent sightings of the dragons, ones that Libelle and Gaalin had yet to see.

Libelle was quickly escorted from the carriage and to the castle where she was introduced to the new king, yet for unknown reasons Gaalin was forced to stay behind. So, he returned to the home that they had left behind, to a home once again covered in dust. She was gone for several hours, yet when she returned she appeared frustrated.

"Gaalin?" she whispered, stepping through the doorway as he rushed to her side at he sound of her weak voice.

"What is it?" he asked, taking her within his arms.

"Gaalin, I have to fight dragons now. The king, his son, he's ordered us to find their nest and destroy them."

Gaalin held her closer to her chest, stroking her hair. "It's alright Libelle, I'll be there with you. You have trained every day for the last four years for this very thing."

"I'm scared."

She was, and he completely understood. Despite her spending every day fighting for her life, to strengthen her body and soul, she was scared. He was too.

For the first time, she would be fighting foes that would pose a great threat to her life. Dragons, creatures that rules the sky and could crush any arrogant being in their path. Beings that could destroy entire villages with just an outburst of their breath, and their power was only compared to one of their own, or a slayer. She had yet to face such a foe.

There was a knock at their door, and he fought back a growl. "Who is it?"

"Slayer, I've come from the castle. Open the door."

Gaalin released Libelle and stomped towards the door, pulling it open fast and hard, causing it to creak on its hinges. To his surprise, there was not just one man at the door, there were several. Several men dressed in armor, carrying their weapons on their hips or in their hands. They were warriors, but what was their purpose.

"What do you want?" Gaalin asked, sensing Libelle slowly approaching from behind him.

The man who he presumed to have knocked on the door scowled, "I am here to speak with the Slayer, move aside dark elf scum."

Gaalin glared, yet felt Libelle's hand twist into the fabric of his shirt over his back. "What is it you want?" she asked.

The man straightened his back, and the other men behind him seemed to stand more erect as well. "Slayer, from order of our King, we have come to aid you in your quest. We shall assist you in any manner possible."

The men slammed their fists and weapons against their chests, "We shall fight the dragon scum alongside you."

The man spoke again, "We are honored for your return slayer. Your presence brings us great hope."

Gaalin watched Libelle stiffen, gently pressing against her abdomen to have her step backwards. He began to shut the door, before staring back at the men. "We shall leave at daybreak."

That night, Libelle was restless, and for the first time in a long time, she climbed into his bed and fell asleep beside him. Seeking comfort in his presence like she used to. He had watched her for a long time, stroking the long blonde locks away from her tender face. It was a face he hoped to see every day, gradually aging through a long, long life.

"My dearest Libelle," he said quietly while placing a kiss over her temple. "I will protect you."