To my faithful readers: This is a story requested by an anonymous reader. I always asked for new ideas and this story was spawned from that request. I can't help myself and, in the end, it winds up being a love story, but it has lots of twists and turns getting there.
I have received many other requests and Medieval fantasies, continuation of Venus Ascending and a new version of Model Slave are all in the works. Other ideas are welcome even if you remain anonymous. I love your positive feedback and thank you for reading.
Paladin Princess
Chapter 8
Suddenly an arrow fell in front of her, and she realized that Eragon had been covering her with his wing. It was his wing that deflected the arrow, and she stroked his skin in a thankful caress. The dedication from her troops, doctors, and even the dragons filled her with resolve. She climbed on Eragon and shouted to him, "To the castle, we must destroy the king and his lineage."
Eragon rose with Queen Ruth on his back and the other dragons disengaged and followed him to the castle. Halfway there eight other dragons joined them in a squadron of destruction heading towards the king's castle. With eleven dragons she knew there was no way the castle would survive.
She wondered why the dragons were joining the fight and then remembered something Geoffrey said, "The dragons do not want the human sacrifice that has been thrust upon them. The human sacrifice is a way for the king to drum up hatred of the dragons and have peasants try to kill as many as possible. All the dragons want is to be left along and live their own lives."
The castle was already having a victorious feast, confident that the battle would be triumphant. The arrival of the dragons froze then panicked the remaining guards and they began to flee in front of the onslaught. The king and his revelers knew nothing of the attack until Eragon and Queen Ruth entered the main hall where the feast was being held.
As the king spied the dragon all the royals froze in place and at that moment every exit was filled with a dragon. The king and all his subjects were trapped. At first the king did not recognize Ruth, but as he saw her exposed in her warrior outfit her stunning figure came back to him. He still had confidence in his abilities as a swordsman and a negotiator.
He made sure that his sword was loose in his scabbard, then stood and began to walk towards Ruth. She saw the smirk on his face and knew he was going to try something. She drew her sword and waited for him to get within striking distance.
He stopped close enough to pull his sword, but not close enough to strike. His silver tongue began to weave a lie and he offered his son as a marriage partner and one that would cement the two kingdoms together. Ruth knew this was a deception and responded, "Why should I even listen to you when your army is defeated, and I have you at my mercy?"
It was at that moment that she heard a sword leaving its scabbard and glanced to the right. His son was running at her with sword outstretched and his intent clear. Before he could even get close Eragon swatted him with his wing, and the prince went flying backwards. She turned back to the king only to find his sword already drawn and he was preparing to strike.
Ruth brought up her sword in a defensive position and parried his first thrust. As he readied for a second attack, Ruth shifted to expose sections of her stunning figure and when his eyes darted downward to stare at her exposed form, she struck. She sank her blade into the king's fat, exposed neck and he dropped like a rock.
When the king dropped, all the royals exploded from the tables with swords drawn and charged Queen Ruth. Eragon wrapped his wing around her while the other dragons finally got their reward. When Eragon uncovered Ruth, she saw that all the royals were dead, but the dragons had not touched the slaves and serves. She was sickened by the carnage, but knew it was necessary.
As she surveyed the damage a man approached cautiously, wary of the dragons. He bowed in front of Queen Ruth and said, "My queen, I am the king's Lay Magnate, and our royal line of succession has been destroyed. Sixteen of the royal line have been killed here today. According to my records, there is only one person still in the royal succession and we have no idea where he is. Therefore, as our conqueror you have the right to assume the throne of our kingdom."
She thought for a moment, thinking that the last person in the line of succession might rally in an attempt to defeat her. She knew this person needed to be found and answered, "I will temporarily assume the role of monarch, but we need to find the royal personage you speak of. Whom is the person still in succession?"
The Lay Magnate responded, "His name is Sir Geoffrey of Hermitage, and he was last seen performing Paladin duties for the king."
Queen Ruth was stunned. Her lover was a royal and could claim the throne of the kingdom she defeated. This could be the way to bring everyone together. She addressed the Lay Magnate, "This man was wounded on the battlefield and is currently being treated by my royal surgeons. If you can prepare for his ascension to the throne we will return him to you, however if there is a problem he will stay in my kingdom. The only way you can maintain your sovereignty is if he is crowned king. Now dispose of the royal dead and clear the way for your new king."
The Lay Magnate bowed and backed away muttering, "Yes your highness."