Emerald's Rogue (Part 6)

She told herself many times to hurry up and do it for now was not the time to be a child. She needed to be strong for her people and for Rogue, and for herself most of all.

The morning of the battle came and all at Hawkington where ready. The morning crept by and everyone’s nerves were strung tight, but at high noon their wait was over.

The battle horn sounded and Emerald jumped out of her chair, dropping the needlepoint she had been working on. She ran to the window and stared in amazed horror at the thousand men, the five hundred orces and the ten black dragons that began to attack Hawkington.

She ran to help get the children and women into the cellar that lead to the catacombs beneath where they would be safe. She had the vial tucked in her pocket. She had a dagger in her boot and one at her waist. She ran into the armory and grabbed a bow almost as tall as her and quiver full of arrows and ran to the cellar with the others.

Ten of Rogue’s most trusted men were down there with them and a good deal of the younger women knew how to use a dagger at least. They were not totally defenseless.

The day dragged on and the fighting never seemed to end. Emerald and Alice had the women and children busy themselves by making things needed to help the wounded.

Others where put to work keeping the younger children busy, playing games or singing softly. Some slept; others paced but most sat and stared at the ceiling listening to battle.

It was well after dark when it seemed to slow, but it did not stop. Rogue came down himself and checked on everyone.

Emerald gave him a restorative drink and cold water to wash with. He felt better.

"Can you make more of this drink for the men? We are going to need all the help we can get."

"Not a problem, my lord." Alice said and grabbed a few women and set them to work. Rogue looked around and then he turned back to Emerald. It was then he noted her weapons.

"I won’t be taken again without a better fight." She stated plainly.

"If they get to you, it is only because I am dead. And even if I die, I shall come back and destroy all those that would harm you." He vowed fiercely. She looked deep into his bloodshot eyes.

"I believe you really would." She whispered. "Rogue?"

"My lord we need you." A solider interrupted. She smiled at him and watched him leave. She had almost asked him why he hadn’t tried to make love to her again. Because you are still too frail she answered herself or he cannot, because he still thinks that Justin did have you. Another bitter voice spat.

She shook her head and turned to find work to keep herself busy.

Rogue rushed up onto the battlements and looked out over the land that had once been green and lush and now held the enemy. He watched in amazement as the black dragons made slow circles and in the distant he saw why.

The Gold and Silver Dragons had finally come. He knew the battle would turn now. Suddenly his falcon landed on his shoulder. He quickly removed the message and handed the bird to another guard who gave the falcon a fat piece of raw meat.

"It is from Lord Whitington in Picard Harbor. They are in serious need of help." He looked out at the land again. He placed the message back on the falcon and stroked the bird’s feathers.

"I know you are tired my friend but I must ask you to be sneaky and clever once more.