Beyond Blood and Claws

ith fright at the sound of swords clashing. The man before her

g off another man's sword, preventing it from striking her. The look of surprise on the g

the child's face before he glared at hi

them" he growled, pu

her, there is no way she is not..." the man

ants, he could only wonder why Krov thought the girl was diff

ly. Suddenly, he stretched his hands forward, grabbing t

?" he asked, his eye

him, and that was all

olemn expression. For a moment, his cold exterior gave way to a hint of sympathy,

irl returned his gaze, her own expression a mixture of fear and defiance. Despite his fearsome

have a

and directed to her. The chil

, her voice crack

past the injury she had sustained. Her green eyes looked up at

s fluttered tiredly before closing completely, her bo

recent event would be forgotten when she wakes. His hands picked

horse. The soldier from earlier, stood watching them leave.

p and swift, but his ears had picked it. He nodded quickly, a pa

s a we

..

adily rode their horses back to their land. There were no casua

ficult. This was not an ordinary battle either. There was no treasure or resources at stake, and they weren't even hunting for animals. Instead, all

and murmured amongst themselves. There was only one survival an

portantly, take her back with them, but they didn't ask questions. They had f

**

the distance. The stone-walled towns seemed to be beckoning them to come home. They were filled with a

rrived home was as sweet as the fruit ripening on the trees. The fields were teeming with life and the animals grazing

tory. Perhaps a few tankards of ale could do us all some good" sir Mordred

he dark vale had been uplifted just as Elara foresaw and the

w there is something I must attend to" Krov stated, charging his horse towards the

..

he castle staff, mostly consisting of maids and pages who went about their duties. Upon seeing the king,

mind. As they went on with their work, whispers began to spread amongst the sta

re located. He pushed open the doors to his quarters and

sure what he would do with the child, but for now it was best to keep her here to avoid too m

u promised" Elara emerged from the shadow

his men in the celebration when he suddenly heard a sharp voice calling out to him from a distance. He cou

o longer needed" he responded, his voice firm

h does not belong here" she said, her

wolves are very territorial. Something

s an ill fated one, the price of your decision shall be heavy and you shall pay dearly for it".

had never turned right whenever he did, but his kingdom was saved even with the child's

citizens. I'll have a guard escort you back to the borders. Having her here is to my advanta

ustration. She could only wonder why she kept coming back to help

ruin untill it is upon you" she

in her heart never to engage further with a

_________