Panting with exertion the Prince stood before the ornately carved doors that led to the castles inner sanctum. At last the end of his quest was at hand, to vanquish the evil pretender to the throne and restore peace to his kingdom. Reaching to his belt he gripped his billhook and proceeded to hack at the ancient wood, watching with satisfaction as with each blow the splinters flew in all directions as he sought an opening. It had not been an easy journey, from the saddle sores riding hard through the dark forest chased by all manner of unnatural creatures, to his aching muscles where he had battled through the castles defences and guards. But just a little longer, then he could rest with the whole kingdom rejoicing and marry his betrothed.
Finally sturdy wood yielded to the curved metal hook and the Prince stuck his arm through the jagged gap to release the crossbar on the other side. With barely a squeak the doors swung in on their hinges, to reveal not the elaborate and grandiose spectacle he was expecting. But a rather small and self-contained room, lit by glowing balls of light that hung mid air like spectres. At the far end across the black stone floor was a high backed throne on a raised dais. And lounging on the throne was the self-styled Queen who glanced up at the intrusion, and signalled to her guard that flanked either side of the dais. At her command her bodyguards ran towards the interloper, who expertly parried the first thrust, sidestepped and sliced open the first guards arm just below the chain mail, causing him to drop his sword. The Prince easily read the guards movements, anticipating and countering their blows until he forced an opening which allowed him to land two critical blows. With the two guards chocking and disembowelled, noisily but swiftly dying, the Prince focused his attention to the usurper, who had not moved throughout the entire fight, but was just sitting there with a confident and unconcerned air about her person.
"And now your wicked reign will come to an end, evil Queen!" he declared and charged forward to deliver the fatal blow, failing to observe the floating lights glowing brighter with each stride he took. Once he was close enough to see the triumphant smile on her face, the Queen snapped her fingers, and out of the air a set of glowing green manacles appeared, immediately snapping round his wrists and boots. The Prince cried out at the sudden pain from the tightness of the supernatural restraints, the chains around his ankles shortened which forced him to regain his balance. At the same time the wrist manacles snapped together, causing his numbed fingers to drop his trusty sword. Within a matter of seconds he had been captured with consummate ease, so the rumours had been true!
The Queen tutted and shook her head, as if admonishing a wayward child, "Foolish Prince, you never stood a chance. You're not the first knight sent to dispatch me, and I have safeguards in place known only to myself." Her eyes raked over his wavy blonde hair and chiselled features, though sweaty and dirt streaked from his many exertions, she seemed to like what she saw. "Though it has been rather dull around here of late, you will be a very delicious distraction."
