The Royal Bargain

The next day they continued along the path toward the keep where the would be King and kidnapper resided. The road to the great keep wound its way through sprawling fields of wildflowers, their vibrant hues painting the landscape with splashes of color. Towering spires loomed in the distance, their silhouettes etched against the backdrop of the setting sun as the group approached the imposing fortress.

As they drew nearer, the keep, truly the size of a king's castle, revealed itself in all its grandeur - a magnificent structure of stone and marble, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and delicate filigree. Flags fluttered in the breeze, bearing the Duke's crest , while guards stood watch at the massive gates, their armor glinting in the fading light.

With a sense of trepidation, the group made their way through the gates and into the courtyard beyond. Here, the air was alive with the sounds of bustling activity, as servants hurried to and fro, attending to their duties with quiet efficiency.

At the heart of the castle stood the throne room, a vast chamber of polished marble and gleaming gold. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of valor and conquest, while the throne itself sat atop a dais, its ornate carvings a testament to the power and majesty of the castle's owner.

But it was not the owner who held their attention, but rather the princess beside him - a vision of beauty and grace, with eyes like sapphires and hair like spun gold. She stood at his side, her regal bearing belying the fear and turmoil that raged within her heart.

Her gown was a masterpiece of silk and lace, its shimmering fabric cascading in waves of azure and silver. Jewels adorned her throat and wrists, sparkling in the soft glow of candlelight as she met their gaze with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

As they approached, Clare stepped forward, her voice calm and steady as she addressed the would be king. "Your Majesty," she began, her tone respectful, "We are here to negotiate for the release of the princess."

"Is that so," he replied, "and what makes you think you have anything that would interest me."

"We come bearing a gift that was given to us by our master - a statue of great power, in exchange for the safe return of the Princess."

The statue was an incredibly powerful artifact that Belial had provided to them to offer in exchange for the princess. He know its value far surpassed any gold that may have been proposed as her ransom.

The Duke regarded them with a mixture of surprise and suspicion, his brow furrowed in thought. But as he looked upon the statue, a glimmer of recognition sparked in his eyes, and he nodded in understanding. He passed it to his advisor by his side, who, after inspection nodded to the Duke.

"Very well," he said, his voice echoing through the chamber. "You shall have your Princess. But know this - you have entered into a dangerous game, and the stakes are higher than you can imagine."

With that, she was released and came running over to them. "Did my father send you to save me?" she asked.

"We are here to return you safely to your father." Hannah told her.

With that, they excused themselves and quickly made their way out of the castle and began the days journey back the way they had come.

The journey back to the village was fraught with tension, the group on high alert as they made their way through the dense forest, unsure if there was a chance the Duke could betray them. Shadows danced among the trees, and every rustle of leaves sent shivers down their spines, their senses keenly attuned to the slightest hint of danger.

As they walked, the fading light cast long shadows across the forest floor, the air thick with the scent of pine and earth. The distant hoot of an owl echoed through the night, a haunting melody that served as a reminder of the dangers that lurked in the darkness.

Suddenly, without warning, the tranquility of the forest was shattered by the sound of approaching footsteps. The group tensed, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons as they prepared to face whatever threat lay ahead.

Emerging from the shadows came a band of men, their faces twisted in anger and malice as they advanced upon the group with swords drawn. Behind them, a group of elves moved silently through the trees, their eyes gleaming with a predatory light as they launched their attack.

The air was filled with the clash of steel on steel as the two groups collided, their weapons flashing in the moonlight as they fought for dominance. The girls fought with fierce determination, their skills honed through years of training as they held their own against their assailants. The Princess remaining safely behind Hannah, away from the swords and steel.

But the odds were against them, and for every foe they struck down, another seemed to take their place. The battle raged on, the sounds of screams and shouts mingling with the clash of weapons as the group fought for their lives.

With a final surge of strength, they managed to drive back their attackers, sending them fleeing into the night with their tails between their legs. But the victory was short-lived, they had to move on, and as they caught their breath, they knew that their troubles were far from over. They had to deliver the Princess safely.

Arriving back at the village where they had begun their journey, they visited the same inn to spend the night. Sitting in the dining area they ate well and enjoyed the music. The Bard, who always liked to put on a show, came to their table to sing a song for the new young lady with them. Although he did not know she was in fact a princess, her clothing and mannerism certainly gave the air of royalty to those looking at her. As he stood by he sang his song directly to her,

"In halls of gold, 'neath moonlit sky, A princess fair did catch my eye.

Her grace and charm, like stars above, Enraptured by her gentle love."

He then moved on to the chorus inviting others to join in and teaching them the words as he went along:

"Oh, Princess fair, with heart so true, My love for thee, forever new.

In realms of dreams, our hearts entwine, Together 'neath the stars we shine."

Following the meal, Clare wasted no time in securing the Princess in a room at the inn. The room she chose had the door reinforced with sturdy locks and bolts to keep out any would-be intruders. They assigned guards to take turns standing watch throughout the night, their eyes sharp and alert as they kept vigil over their precious charge.

The room itself was modest yet comfortable, with a large canopy bed draped in luxurious fabrics and a crackling fire burning merrily in the hearth. Soft candlelight flickered against the walls, casting warm shadows across the room as the Princess settled in for the night, her thoughts consumed by the events of the day. She know that she was finally on her way home, these strangers had saved her and although she did not know the price her father had agreed to pay she fell asleep joyful that she would soon be safe behind the walls of her own castle.