Protecting the Princess. Closed for axilyae.

[GreenRanger13]

"Get more men to the gate, deffend the king!" A tall stern man dressed in emerald green armor was yelling from ontop the castles inner wall.
The castle of King Lowrand of the East Forrest was under seige by an army of Orks and DarkMen from over the mountian. Under seige and losing, although the knights would not admit it they knew the battle was already lost. The castles outter wall had been breached and the orks now srged to the last line of deffense, a wooden gate. the battle would be over in a few hours.

Realizing this the king turned to one of his personal guads a Sir Knight Jake Karkland. "Knight Karkland, the battle here is lost but my line can not die here. I need you to escort my daughter out of here and get her to my brother; the Duke of Clert. Can you do this for me?" Facing the king Jake gave a quick bow and replied. " It will be done my lord. I will preotect her with sword, sheild, and life if need be." And with that Jake spun around and hurried down the hall.

On his way Jake tore off his cape and tossed aside his helmet. Whie muttering about them just slowing him down. Jake was in great physical condition being a Knight. His body was lean not buldging with musce as some of the other knights were, but fit all the same. He also sporrted short black hair and light tan skin courtesy of his father who came from the island nations to the south.

Finally reaching the Princes chamber he pounded on the doors and called out. "Princess it is Knight Karkland. The castle has fallen your father has instructed me to get you to safety.; He waited for a seconds and when he did not get an answerer he kicked the door in.

 

[axilyae]

The shouts and screams from outside were terrifying. Alone in her chambers; Evelyn crouched on a large window seat, her eyes large and fearful, staring out at the castle grounds below. A muddle of men and Orcs, blood splashing across the grass; bodies falling onto the ground, their remains smashed into the dirt as the attackers slowly pushed forward. Covering her mouth delicately with a pale hand, she looked away, not baring to see anything more. Evelyn thought it a blessing that the fight was too far away for her human eyes to make out details. All she hoped was that somehow, the sizeable army the Orc and DarkMen had brought would be scattered and cut down before they breached the castle. She had watched the outer wall; seen archers fall from their positions, heard their military Captains shout orders as the outside gate had fallen. Tears filled her eyes, her heart beating like a little bird trapped in a cage. Where was her father? Her personal Guard? All had been called to take up arms, but had left her alone in their hurry. As she stood and wandered across the room, she wondered idly if she had been forgotten.

Her chambers had four rooms; it was one of the largest places in the castle. The first one you would enter from the door would be the formal sitting room, the next would be her dressing room, with an array of clothes, make-up and jewellery in different wardrobes, boxes and display cabinets. Then it was her bedroom, and then a private bathing room. All were decorated in a similar, neutral style; Evelyn disliked bright colours, and preferred the calming tones of cream, peach and magnolia. Right now, she stood in front of a large mirror in the dressing room. She smoothed her long, dark brown hair; her dark eyes staring at herself from the reflected image. She had inherited pale, creamy skin from her mother; dark eyes and hair from her father. Usually Evelyn would wear quite fancy dresses, elaborate with design and made of thick, expensive cloth; but today she wore a simple, dark green dress with black stockings; she did not expect one of her finer dresses to be appropriate, given the circumstances.

Inside she laughed at herself, for grooming and admiring her admittedly good looks whilst outside her men were dying; but she was at a loss for what else to do. Her orders from her father had been to stay here, to not leave. What would happen if he died? Her thoughts went from her looks to the possibilities of the end of this fight. She had heard so many rumours about Orcs, and their DarkMen allies. Stories of slaughter, of taking brutish pleasure in cutting up the human dead and decorating their newly-won forts with the guts and blood of the fallen. Setting fire to precious belongings that they found useless, and then finally turning to their prisoners. It was mostly horror stories, Evelyn reckoned, but some stories people swore were true. When they stormed the castle, Orcs would usually take a few prisoners; those that didn't look intimidating, like servant girls or unarmed men. Dragging them to a cage or their own dungeons, they ignored them whilst they found fun and glory in destroying parts of the building or humiliating the dead; and then when boredom reached, and night fell - whichever was first - they would prey on the crying, fearful men and women they had cornered. Forcing them to remove their clothing, laughing at their vulnerability; their weak, fleshy bodies against their raw muscle and tough skin. Commanding the men to rape the women; soldiers demoted to just being an Orc's plaything, a servant girl's squeals becoming the evening's entertainment. And finally, when even that bored them, the Orcs would either kill or simply tie up the human males once again and fuck their women themselves; using them as pleasure slaves for as long as they lived. Which was usually not long, given that they usually didn't bother to feed their new slaves or let them rest for very long. Why do that when the next village or fort was only days away? Not many were able to protect themselves from an Orc army, especially not the larger ones.

Evelyn looked around her dressing room, her hands smoothing out her dress as she continued to, quite ignorantly, scare herself more with remembering the stories. What would happen if they got into the castle; got into her rooms? Evelyn tried to imagine an Orc up close, his large hands grabbing at her body; his breath smelling of death, hot on her neck and face. The sound of tearing fabric, the splash of drool on her leg; the feel of a long, thick erection pushing against her as she lay trapped, crying out but in vain..

She shook her head, disgusted with herself. They wouldn't breach the gate; and even if they did, she would rather die than be subjected to the humiliation, pain and torture of becoming one of their prisoners. But how would she escape life, if the unthinkable happened? Evelyn looked around the room, frowning. Nothing sharp, or poisonous, was kept in here. Maybe she should venture out of her room after all..even if just to grab something to use in self-defense..

A loud rapping at her door startled her. Fear ripped at her stomach; what was happening? Who was that? All the soldiers, her Guards, were outside. She feared to call out, thinking, for a few moments, the very worst. Then she heard a loud bang; the wood splintering, and she cried out and rushed to the bedroom. Peering around the doorway, she saw a cloud of wood splinters and dust as the door was finally broken into; revealing a young man; dark hair and tanned skin. His armour was slightly battered, his cape ripped. Blinking, Evelyn realised she recognised this man. Jake Karkland, a Knight of her father's; a trusted man. She let out a small squeal of relief, and rushed out of her hiding spot to greet him.

"Knight Karkland! What..what's happening? How is the battle?"

 

[GreenRanger13]

"Lady Evelyn, the battle has not gone in our favor. The castle is lost and the king prepares for an honorable death. I have been ordered to escort you to your uncle in Clert. Please my lady, we must leave now." Jake explained as the sounds of battle thundered down the hall.

Taking a step through the door he just cleared the archway when an arrow stuck the frame where his head had been just a second before. His sword drawn Jake slammed himself against the wall parallel with the door. "Get down!" Jake roared as an orc charged through the doorway.
Jake swung his sword low catching it on the knees, dropping it to the ground where stabbed the could creature in the chest.

Looking up Jake had just enough time to raise his shield when a second orc entered the frame, its hammer raised. The shield deflected the blow but Jake was unprepared for the sudden kick to the chest from the beast. Sent skidding to the back of the room Jake grimaced as he saw the orc hive a bellow of joy when it spotted Evelyn. Struggling to his feet Jake droppedhis shield and took a few quick steps forward before tackling the beast just as it reached the princess.

Taking it to to the ground. Left arm pushing the beast down, he shoved his knee into the creature pinning it before stabbing it with his right hand. Pulling his sword from the creature. He turned to princess Evelyn and with out a wood he grabbed her hand and the rushed down the hall opposite from where Jake had come. Down the stairs and through a celler door they ran. Until they came to the back celer wall where Jake shoved a large shelf over revealed a hidden door which lead into the forest. Rushing through it they entered a lush land of trees and brush, after going a few more yards from the castle Jake stopped and turned to Evelyn.

"Princess we must continue to travel at a quickened pace." he explained, before finally asking. Are you alright princess?"

 

[axilyae]

Evelyn shook her head at Jake's words.

"No..no! Our army is vicious, and far out-numbers them! It can't be tru-"

Her words were interrupted by the cries of battle finally breaking into the castle. They had moved fast; maybe a separate unit side-stepping their men, slipping past the ongoing battle at the main gates. Whatever the reason, arrows now zipped down the corridor, one narrowly missing Jake; another breezing past Evelyn's face. Gasping in shock, she looked up at Jake for protection desperately as he moved, gripping his sword and pushing her back.

An Orc rushed in, its large face filled with war rage. Not even noticing the princess, he roared at Jake, lunging at him - but luckily Jake was quicker, cutting at the beast faster than Evelyn's eyes could follow. It was only mere seconds later that a second one entered, snorting in disgruntlement at the fate of his kin. Looking at Jake, it seemed to growl in amusement, stepping forward to swing at him hard. Evelyn covered her eyes, unable to stand watching the battle. Blood from the first Orc, black and thick, pooled out near the door, making Evelyn feel nauseous. It smelled sour and faintly of vomit, and she shook her head, wanting to cover her nose. A sudden roar from the Orc made her look back to the fight between it and Jake. It had noticed her! Its nostrils flared; its lips pulling back to reveal glistening fangs - the Orc equivalent to a grin, perhaps.

It ran towards her, ignoring Jake. Stopping just before her, it leaned in close; just like her earlier daydream. Squealing, she fell backwards onto her backside with a thump, looking up at it. She would scream, but her throat froze. It breathed out heavily, drool hanging from its lips, and Evelyn thought that would be that before Jake reappeared. Pushing the beast away from her, he quickly stabbed it in the chest. Leaving it to twitch in the last moments of its life, Jake hauled Evelyn up and simply dragged her out of the room. Any other time, she would of complained quite loudly and insistently at his rough treatment of her; but looking back at the dead bodies of the Orcs, she knew his haste was necessary.

He took her to parts of the castle she had never ventured, finally ending up in the cellar. Sacks of flour, sugar and other ingredients were stacked against the walls, with shelves and shelves of jars and other things. One shelfing unit was surprisingly empty, and it was this one that Jake shoved to the side to reveal the secret exit.

"I never knew..." she mumbled to herself, following him quickly through the underground passageway. After a hefty, unhill walk - their silence only punctuated by heavy gasps for breath - they finally saw light, stumbling into the familiar forest, the one that surrounded their lands.

"Princess, we must continue to travel at a quickened pace."

Evelyn nodded at him, continuing to walk, albeit slowly. Her hand rested on her waist, and she winced. She had not ran so fast since she was a child, and a stitch now pained her. Still gasping for breath, she was glad that Jake allowed her at least a few moments to rest before continuing their run from the Orc and DarkMen army that so nearly took their lives.

"....are you alright, princess?"

Evelyn looked to Jake, smiling despite her weariness.

"Yes..yes, I'm fine. As fine as I can be, given circumstances..."

She turned, looked over at the castle. They could still hear the battle from where they stood, but it was quiet and muffled now. A fire had been set..at the right wing of the castle, she surmised. The servant quarters. They must be scaring out the rest of the staff, she realised; and such a thought made her retch. Bending double, she threw up on the grass, tears stinging her eyes. It would not be long before the smell of fire smoke reached them; and then the screams of the dying. Although she had never lived through such a time, she could imagine it and it already made her feel weak.

"We..we should move on.." she gasped, standing up and wiping her mouth. It had mostly been bile from her stomach, but it left a sour taste in her mouth that reminded her of the scent of Orc blood. Her mouth creased in disgust.

 

[GreenRanger13]

jake stood a few steps away from the princess as she emptied her stomach. Once it was clear she was finished he approached her with the torn remnants of his cape. "Here my lady use this." he offered before continuing. " We must go through the trees, if the orks and Darkmen are searching for us we will be harder to find in the trees then on the path. But hopefully they believe us all to be dead." explained Jake. Taking back the cape he found a large rock and buried the cape under it. " If they do look lets not leave any clues shall we?" he smiled. "We must make it at least a quarter of the through the woods if we want to reach the Duke by the end of the week. Finished explaining he started into the tree line, waving the princess after him.

Together they walked through the tall oak like trees in silence. The day was hot and the air was still. As the easterly wind had not arrived this evening and the sun while making its decent still hung high enough to make an already miserable day almost unbearably hot. After a nearly three hours of waking Jake spotted a small stream that ran parallel to their path. Stopping he pointed it out to Evelyn.

"My lady that seems like a good place for a rest." he said while leading the way over. Upon reaching the blue water he pulled a small leather pouch from his belt and stuck it in the stream. Once filled he reached back into his belt and pulled out two mangos. "Her my lady I snatched these as we escaped. This should help with the heat and your stomach."

Once she took the items Jake backed a few feet away to watch for trouble and to allow Evelyn as much privacy as possible. However that didn't mean he didn't steal a glance or two of her at the water side. Jake had always fancied the princess. Her beauty was unparalleled in his eyes.
From her lush dark hair, fair skin, and curvy figure excited him everytime he was in her presence. Being part of the Kings guard he got plenty of opportunity to see her.

But it wasn't just her looks that Jake desired, she had an aurora of happiness that seemed to surround her. She could lighten a room and bring a smile to any man or women's face. And for this Jake found her intoxicating, but he knew they could not be. He was the son of a chief which translated to a lord in her country and lords do not wed princesses. So he stood there stealing glances of the women he longed for having found his silver lining in this horrific day.

 

[axilyae]

As they had walked through the forest, it had allowed for Evelyn to think a little too much on the events still happening at the castle they were leaving behind. A few times she had the overwhelming urge to run back, to help somehow - but by the time she had started to seriously consider those options, she knew it would be too late. Her hands scrunched at her skirts, her gaze kept on the ground. She at least kept the hope that her father had died an honourable, but quick death.

The heat battered down on the pair as they made their way off the beaten track, through the trees and wild grass that clung to their boots and clothing. Evelyn hoped the enemy army could not catch their scent, if they wandered past this area. Luckily the wind had died down and would not carry much of their path to the noses of any perusers, but it also meant the heat from the summer sun bore down on them with no relief. When Jake finally pointed out a stream to stop out, Evelyn almost ran to it it in pure happiness.

"Here my lady, I snatched these as we escaped. This should help with the heat and your stomach."

Evelyn looked at him gratefully as she sat by the river; taking the water eagerly and drinking some of it, the sour taste from before finally being washed away.

"Thank you, Knight. You should rest too, you must be just as weary.."

Evelyn watched him sadly as he backed away respectfully; turning her gaze to the running water of the stream. Although all treated her with the politeness and friendliness one would expect, it had meant she had become close to few whilst growing up; and now even in this situation, Jake could not overcome his awe of her status to keep her company whilst they stopped. Evelyn let the silence reign over them for a few minutes before finally speaking.

"Knig- no. Jake. Please, keep me company here. I..I would appreciate it.."

Her voice broke slightly, and she stopped talking in confusion. She had not realised she had worked herself up to tears before she felt one drip down her cheek.

 

[GreenRanger13]

Evelyn,s voice broke Jake from his thoughts, causing him to turn about suddenly, sword raised, ready for combat. But what he saw nearly broke him. There sat Eveyn her feet near the water a half eaten fruit in her hand and tears glistening on her face.

"Princess!" Jake said in surprise and worry rushing to her side before her words were finally translated in his head. " Of course Princess Evelyn, I...I'm sorry I didn't even think of..." Jakes word trailed off as he could think of nothing more to say. He sat down next to Evelyn, not close enough to touch her or even put his arm around her but close enough to push her to the side should danger arise. "I am truly sorry about your father he was an amazing, strong, and just man." Jake finally said turning to look at her.

Reaching over his shoulder he pulled off the last piece of his cape and handed it to her. "Here my lady, for the tears." he paused a look of sorrow on his face. He stared at her for a second longer before breaking into a week smile. "You'll have to stop dripping liquid soon, that's the last of the cape."

 

[axilyae]

Taking the piece of cloth from him, Evelyn smiled gratefully at the knight as she dabbed delicately at her cheeks. Although he still kept his distance from her, it was not as obvious as before and his open, sincere care for her made her feel slightly better, despite their situation not changing in the least.

"You'll have to stop dripping liquid soon, that's the last of the cape." he finally said, keeping a close eye on how damp the cloth was getting. Evelyn quickly stopped using it; holding it in both hands on her lap instead, twisting in between the fingers. It was nice to have something to fidget with; although her body was tired, today's events had given her plenty of nervous energy.

"I'm sorry it had to be used on my tears." she said primly, a slight flush pinking her cheeks as she apologised. Evelyn was not used to having to apologise, especially to a knight. But times change and it was becoming an obvious truth that in the current situation, titles and ranks were not as important as they had been this morning.

After taking a few moments to gather herself, Evelyn then sighed heavily and turned to Jake.

"I take it we'll be heading East, to one of the strongholds we are partnered with?" she finally said, looking into his eyes. "We need shelter, and they need to be warned of this danger. I'm sure the Orcs will not wait long before moving to their next targets."

 

[GreenRanger13]

"Please princess do not apologize to me, it is my fault for providing such inadequate arrangements for you. I should of grabbed more then some fruit." Jake said in frustration. Calming himself he answered her. "Yes princess we head to Clert in the east, hopefully you uncle is there. As for shelter I know of a hunters bluff we can use. Its not very large built for three men at most and...is dug into the side of a hill." Jake finished sounding unsure of himself now. "No I can't take you there that's no place for a women of your grace and beauty." He said as he suddenly stood up.

"Princess, I am terribly sorry but I am at a loss. I don't have the means to care for you as you should be on this journey." his eyes narrowed and then softened into sorrow. "Perhaps it would of been beter if a the king had picked a different knight.

 

[axilyae]

Evelyn shook her head, her eyes softening as Jake stumbled over his words, his apologies quick and eager. The man had only just escaped with his life, and now he was here worrying if she would be upset at the amount of food he'd manage to pilfer from their fallen castle? Trying to calm him, she placed a pale hand on his forearm, looking at him in genuine concern.

"Knight, my father did not fail in his choosing. Saying such is an insult to his intelligence; no, he was a smart man, and even in his moments of panic he knew what to do. The Hunters Bluff seems like a perfect mid-way point as we travel. It's good that you remembered it."

Evelyn wondered if any other travellers would be using it at this time; she hoped not, as it did not sound as if it could be shelter for many. Looking back into the forests, a shiver ran over her skin. She knew it'd take a few days for the Orc army to start moving again, but she could almost sense them, hear their thudding boots and roars that brought war and terror. Looking back at Jake, she forced herself to relax. She had protection, and everything was going to be fine. They would reach Clert, and her uncle, and be safe within stone walls of human civilisation once more.