The Attack

A loud outcry from outside had all three ladies leaping to their feet. Dixie placed a hand on Hildegarde's shoulders, urging her to sit down.

"Stay inside, Nana. We have guards who will deal with this."

Rushing to the window, Bonnie saw that all of the Del Montague knights were engaged in battle with a large group of masked men. Hired mercenaries, no doubt.

But sent by who? The Pope? 

The sound of swords clashing seeped through the door, causing a sharp chill to run down their spines.

Bonnie touched the infinity symbol on her wrist, instantly there was flash of light and the Holy Sword was in her hand. "We've been ambushed by mercenaries! They knew we would be here!"

Hildegarde gasped on shock. She couldn't believe it. She had not doubted their claims but to see it firsthand was an entirely different matter.

Goddess! What would my lady think of all this? She only ever wanted her children to be safe and happy. But this! This means their lives are going to be filled with chaos! Did the Pope decide to target them? Lord Alexander did say they had made a mistake!

Opening the door, Bonnie gave her sister an order and rushed outside. The Del Montague knights were overwhelmed. They were outnumbered and the assassins appeared to be highly skilled. There were only three knights still standing. They fought hard to prevent the assailants from entering the cabin.

Raising her weapon, Bonnie slammed the door shut behind her and charged forward with a growl. What cowardly behavior!

How dare they attack us when were visiting someone? They knew we would be unprepared and undermanned!

Dixie had faith in her sister; her Guardian. She locked the door behind her and rushed Nanny Hildegarde to her cellar. Lifting the wooden hatch, they walked down the stairs and locked themselves in.

The smell of earth was quite overwhelming, causing Hildegarde to cough.

They could still make out their surroundings thanks to the cracks of light from the floor boards above. Wrapping her arms around herself, Dixie tried to hide her fear. She didn't want to leave her sister out there, but she didn't know how to fight. She had yet to learn the skill and her body was still too weak. She would be nothing but a burden. She had to trust Bonnie, who had both Alexander's build and his swordsmanship. 

"He will be fine, my lady." Hildegarde whispered, taking Dixie's hand into her own. "Your brother has been training since he was six and he learned very fast. I'm certain he's only gotten better over the past 5 years."

"I know, but I can't not worry. He is my only family."

"What of your father?" Hildegarde asked.

Dixie scoffed. "That bastard still blames me for my mother's death. I have no loving relationship with him. At most, we are cordial."

Hildegarde smiled with sympathy. "I see."

They remained quiet as they tried to listen for any movement upstairs. If the assailants entered then that would mean everyone else was hurt! Dixie had not seen how many had attacked them, but surely the Del Montague knights and Bonnie would be able to handle them.

But what if...should I head out? Maybe there is something I can do to help.

After crouching for nearly 10 minutes, her mind was made up. "I am going to go."

Hildegarde grabbed her wrist. "Oh no, my dear! You cannot! Let the men handle it! You are but a little lady; you would only be killed!"

"I can't stay here and do nothing! My sister is out there fighting for our lives. Please stay hidden, Nana. I will be back soon. Defeat is not an option for us!"

Dixie rushed up and out, closing the hatch behind her. 

Hildegarde was weeping once more. "Lady Moniqua, I am so sorry I cannot protect them. I have grown too weak...why did she refer to Alex as her sister?"

Rubbing her arms to ward off the chill, she contemplated whether or not she should also head out and damn the consequences. She was an old woman now and her family had abandoned her. If the young master and young lady fell today, then she would go back to having nothing. 

I cannot stay here. I'd rather die with them. They came and found me after all this time. They offered me a place within their home! Just as Lady Moniqua only ever allowed me touch her babies.

Kindness cannot be repaid with cowardice! 

Walking up the staircase was not easy, her legs were old and aching. She had only gotten down so fast because Lady Felicia had essentially carried her. Panting with exertion as she lifted the hatch and crawled out, Hildegarde took a much needed rest before heading to her front door. 

She realized that all was silent. There was not even the faintest sound of conflict.

What has happened? Did we win?

Opening her door very slowly, she peeked outside and gasped at the mess. There were bodies strewn about, everywhere! The walkway and grass were completely tainted red!

Both friend and foe were strewn about. She could hears the groans of pain from those who had not yet been taken by death.

Sticking her head out further, she looked around for Moniqua's children. She only spotted Lady Felicia. She was crouched over someone and a familiar bright light was flashing. 

Taking a cautious step outside, she saw that many of her neighbors were peeking through their windows. No doubt, they had also barricaded themselves when the chaos started. Had anyone gone to call for the city Watchmen?

Her thoughts broke off when she heard Lady Felicia scream out in agony as the light surrounding her flared and then disappeared. She collapsed a moment later.

Right on top of her bloodied brother!

Hildegarde rushed towards them.

"Oh my Goddess! No! Get help! Somebody help!"