Chapter 99 The Storm Arrives
In the rooms of Valero.
Victorino entered the room quickly. He looked at his father and Count Octavio. The two old men were looking at scrolls and talking about who Valero would want in his royal court.
Victorino: We need to begin a little earlier. Messengers from Colina Verde have informed me that a storm is approaching the city from the northwest. The rain would slow down our movements.
Octavio: Agreed. What difference does an hour make?
Valero: Time is very important in a fight. But I think our advantage is sufficient to win without needing to be perfect.
Victorino: With your permission, my father, my king.
Valero: I know you will not disappoint me.
In the large central corridor.
The royal guards secured the two floors that provided access to the tower. The west wing was guarded by the knights of Isla Oveja and soldiers from the less prominent noble houses.
The knights and soldiers from the east wing began to move in small groups towards the tower. On each floor, they formed larger groups in the rooms and corridors, hidden from the sight of the royal guards.
On the roof of the east wing, Victorino and twenty-four experienced knights cautiously made their way towards the third-floor windows of the tower.
In a small room near the royal chambers.
After hugging for a while, Chara separated herself from Volker. Her eyes reflected fear and confusion. Volker kissed her tenderly.
Chara: I had many dreams and nightmares. Many of them involved the queen. I need to focus on her. I saw two things, like the same people in two different places.
Volker: Do you remember where? Did you see the things that were behind the people?
Chara: I saw the queen and the blond count. They were coming down the main staircase accompanied by many guards. I heard men shouting. The queen fell to the ground. She had a bloodstain on her chest that was getting bigger.
Volker: Was it an arrow? Or a crossbow bolt?
Chara: Yes, there was a very thin shaft with black feathers.
Volker: Made of steel?
Chara: Yes, yes. It was not made of wood. It was a shaft and feathers formed of steel.
Volker: These are used by the Knights of Colina Alba. If one of them penetrates the chest, the person will die.
Chara: The other one was on the stairs. The stairs we use to climb up to the nest. We, the queen, the count, and a few others, I think.
Volker: What happened?
We could hear the sounds of swords clashing and shouts from below. We ran up the stairs to the bridge. Rain was coming in through the bridge windows. I think we were heading towards the nest.
Volker: Goddess. I think Nestor said it is going to rain tonight.
They both got up and looked out the window to the north and then to the west. A flash of lightning illuminated the clouds.
Both: One Pegasus, two Pegasi, three Pegasi, four-
The thunder rumbled in their ears. They both turned and ran towards the royal chambers.
The rooms of Esteban.
Pedro: We have groups heading towards the castle from several directions.
Esteban: Alert all the captains. Defend the corridors leading to the tower. The guards at the entrances and kitchens must block all the doors.
Pedro: I understand. Do you want me to be close to the queen?
Esteban: Yes, I will take command of this floor, and you will take command of the floor upstairs. Peador and his warriors are on this floor of the wing. If the tower is in danger, retreat through this floor. If necessary, we can escape through the large door that faces east. I have many guards protecting the surrounding areas.
Pedro: Good luck.
The count embraced the young man: Be careful.
On the roof of the west wing.
Victorino and his knights were hidden behind the low walls formed by the lower supporting walls. The first knight was observing the open stone windows in the tower. One team of bell ringers climbed the stairs, and another team descended afterward. Some of the young boys looked through all the windows on all the floors.
Victorino thought: Time...one more hour and they would not be here. We would be in the royal chambers already.
Knight: It is clear.
They moved as quickly as they could across the roof. A few raindrops began to fall on the roof.
The royal chambers.
Olivia whispered to her friends, Thank you. It is a little awkward talking to him. I appreciate the support of my friends.
Lupita also whispered: I like that you no longer hesitate to call me your friend.
Kerstin touched the royal hand: Girls look out for each other.
The three of them laughed a little.
Wulfhelm was sitting at the table while Monika served dinner. He watched them talking on a bench across the room. When they laughed, he felt a little uneasy. Young men his age always feel something when girls laugh, and it was often fear.
Monika: My queen, please. Your guest wants to eat.
In the main hallway.
Chara and Volker stopped in front of a page and two guards.
Chara: We need to speak with the queen, please, right now.
Raúl looked them in the face and realized that they were scared.
The sergeant: Mateo, stay here. I will accompany them inside.
Antonio knocked on the door and opened it: Forgive me, my queen. I think two riders have a message for you.
The two of them entered with the guard behind them. The people at the table looked at them. Olivia smiled, but her expression changed to one of fear when she saw the eyes of the rider.
The queen: Chara, what happened?
Chara: I know things about the future, like Clemente. I cannot explain it, but you are in danger. We need to go up the stairs to the nest.
Olivia: Why?
Raúl: If there is danger here, we must go down the stairs.
Volker: If the queen goes down the stairs, she will die.
Wulfhelm: Are you mad? Do you have any proof?
Volker looked at Chara: Only our oath.
The young man knelt on one knee, and the woman followed suit almost immediately. They drew their daggers and held them with both hands, with the blades pointing towards their chests.
Both riders: If the queen doubts the loyalty of this rider, kill me with my own dagger.
The Queen: I believe you. Everyone, follow the riders to the stairs.
On the stairs.
Danilo had spent time with his riders and helpers. The priest remembered that he was the leader of brave people. A month of secrets and deception had clouded his judgment. As he gazed at the faces of the young riders and candidates, the priest remembered his duty. He went down the stairs to express his feelings to his queen and to his lover, Esteban.
He stopped by a window and watched the storm rapidly approaching the castle. Men! Armed men were crossing the roof, heading towards the queen!
Danilo ran down the stairs as fast as he could.