Chapter Text
“And what have we learned today Mariella?” I asked as I followed behind the child in question.
“That being a responsible pet owner means taking responsibility when your puppy causes trouble.” She replied with a practiced tone that only betrayed a little bit of her pout at being in trouble herself.
“Very good,” I said, “and what does that mean for you going forward young lady?”
She sighed dramatically like she’d been burdened with some sisyphean task, “It means I’m not allowed to let Rupert out of his kennel without you or Father ever again.”
I chuckled at her response,”it’s not ‘ever again’ Mariella.” I said, “it’s just until we’re confident that he’ll obey your commands, we wouldn’t want him running off again now would we?”
Another over dramatic sigh, “No.”
Ahead of us Rupert tugged at the chain being held by Mariella, clearly unhappy with the slow and steady pace we were keeping on our walk back to the castle. Rupert wasn’t the first Hellhound I’d ever seen though I was still a bit surprised at first to see one being kept as a house pet. Far larger than the average dog or wolf, black sinewy skin, boney spikes protruding from his back, and a bone plated head completed the picture of a terrifying beast. The glowing red eyes and occasional panting breaths of flame from the hound would be enough to strike fear into the hearts of most men. On the other hand in the past week alone I’d seen Rupert startled at the sight of a mouse, get his head stuck in a gate, and completely pacified by belly rubs from the girls. So I personally didn’t find him all that scary.
Further up the trail I could see the road that traveled from the castle all the way into town. As we neared the end of the trail I could hear hooves approaching rapidly, along with what sounded like carriage wheels. “Mariella, wait here,” I said as I quickly walked forward. “Rupert, sit.” I commanded firmly. The hound replied with a groan but obediently planted himself in a seated position.
As I approached the road I moved off the trail, trying to stay somewhat hidden while still affording myself a view of the commotion. The roar of hooves grew louder and louder til the source of the noise finally arrived. A large group of riders on horseback raced down the road, carefully surrounding a large carriage. All of them adorned with the heraldry of the crown. Kingsguard, an entire squadron of them racing away from the castle. “This can’t be a good thing,” I mumbled to myself as I took off back down the trail to find Mariella.
“What’s happening Andrea?” Mariella asked, concern evident in her voice.
“I don’t know darling,” I said as I ran up to her. “But we need to get back to the castle now.” I pulled the chain from her hands and scooped the girl up into my arms before turning and taking off for the castle in a full sprint. “Rupert, come.” I shouted as I ran back past him. The hound kicked up dirt and leaves as we both tore down the trail. I thanked the gods that I’d had the good sense to change into trousers before we went out to track down the dog. Looking back on it I don’t know if I could have made the run in a dress. As we rounded a bend in the road the castle came into view. My lungs and legs were burning at this point, the last few months of minding children and teaching lessons had caused a lapse in my fitness that I vowed then and there to never let happen again.
Passing through the gates I saw the castle doors wide open and another Kingsguard carriage waiting out front. I briefly slowed to a stop to set Mariella down again before I continued. “Mariella, dear wait here,” I shouted over my shoulder. “Rupert, protect the child.”
My second wind hit right as I crested the top of the stairs which was mercifully wonderful timing. I stopped and quickly took stock of the situation, the entryway had been torn asunder. There were impact marks all around the walls, furniture destroyed, several fallen knights, tapestries burnt or burning, and on the ground in the middle of the room the gravely injured Dr Braithe with two armored Kingsguard approaching him as he backed away weakly. He had two stakes protruding from his chest and what looked like several other wounds as well.
I swallowed my thundering heart down and grit my teeth as I charged the two knights with their backs turned to me. I quickly grabbed a spear off one of the fallen knights and readied my attack.
I don’t like killing people if at all possible, it’s messy and complicated. But years ago I swore an oath to protect the innocent from those who would do evil. And right this moment ‘innocent’ was a wounded father of three backing away from two fully armed men.
I so very much dislike bullies.
The noise of my boots alerted them to my presence and they both tried to turn to face me. I however had the element of surprise, momentum, and had already closed a considerable distance between myself and them. The first one to round on me aimed his unusual looking weapon, I knocked it away with the haft of my spear, back towards the other knight. A small explosion rang out and a spray of blood from the second knight as whatever weapon the first knight was carrying discharged directly into the knee of his compatriot. There was a scream of pain from one and a panicked look upon the face of them both. Taking advantage of the momentary chaos I spun my spear knocking the weapon fully from his grasp and giving myself an opening to drive the tip of the spear down into the gap above his breastplate. Shoving his body away I drew his shortsword from his belt and rounded on his friend. Pointing the blade at the other knight I glared at him with righteous fury.
“Wh-who are you??” he asked, desperation in his panting breaths.
“I’m the Governess,” I stated, before driving the sword through his visor.