Sneak Attack

Glad you could join us for the next worrisome episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning to the beginning, and reading really fast…

“An attack? Was anyone hurt?” Princess Cassandra inquired. “Where did this happen?”

“At the edge of the meadow,” Vernon’s forehead furrowed. “If you would, please, bring your medicines; one of the Queen’s Guard was severely wounded.”

“What about the attacker?” Prince Elliot asked as they rushed to the field.

“We’ve captured him, and he’s being held for questioning.”

Spotting his fellow Knights gathered around the Guard, Barry leaped ahead.

Elliot searched the shadows around them. “Are they sure he was alone? Will the Queen dispatch Trackers?”

“They were discussing that when I left,” Vernon replied.

Moaning, the Guard lay on a thinning patch of grass, venom and discoloration spreading from a pitted stab wound in her swollen leg.

Crushing leaves to draw out the poison, Cassandra called for cool compresses for her head and warm water to steep the herbs.

Vernon knelt to sponge the Guard’s brow. “You’re in the best of hands, soldier. I have personal experience of Princess Cassandra’s ability to heal.”

“Good to know, Sir,” she groaned. “I don’t know how he snuck up on me. How did he get past the lookouts?”

Buzzing into the meadow, Clifton called, “Prince Elliot, Vernon — the King and Queen want you to join them.”

“Where?” asked Elliot.

“With the prisoner. Follow me.”

Barry took Vernon’s place at the Guard’s head. “Youse are gonna be fine.”

~~~

Wedged into a tight crevice, the prisoner snapped his pinchers irritably keeping his captors at bay. King Arnie was losing patience.

“Before we send for the Hive Elite who will surely eat you for breakfast, I’ll ask one more time. Who sent you?”

“You don’t know him, but soon his name will ring like doom in both your Kingdoms.”

Landing just beyond reach, Vernon’s voice was cold with hatred, “Do they call him the General?”

The scorpion flinched. “Do what you want to me. I will find a way to kill you all unless you kill me first. But if I am to die, I will not die alone.”

“Without help? I think you overestimate your prowess,” King Arnie laughed.

“I think you underestimate the number of my brothers. I think you underestimate the Assassin.”

“Has anyone heard from the lookouts?” Elliot asked.

“They are not looking out any longer,” the captive smirked.

Queen Lilian gave the order. “Send for the Captains of the Hive Elite and the Aero Squadrons. Let our reluctant guest see what he and his brothers are up against. His confidence may be overblown, but his moments are numbered.”

 

To be continued. . .

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