Chapter 2: The Kingdom in Ruins

Two days had passed and Glenn and Anwen finally set off on a great elven boat for the continent to the south of Lithilien where the legendary human kingdom of Melenost was located. Night had fallen on the last night of their journey to the port of Nost and they were spending their last night at sea looking up at the stars, relaxing before their long cross country journey to Melenost's capital city, Melen. "The stars are beautiful, aren't they Glenn?" Anwen asked, leaning against his shoulder. "Yes they are, although they aren't as beautiful as the woman beside me," he replied smiling causing her to blush. "Always have a response don't you?" she said playfully slapping his shoulder. "What was that for?" he said faking an indignant look. "Oh.. nothing," she replied sighing, leaning back to her spot on his shoulder. 'I hope I've done the right thing by bringing her along, I don't want her to get hurt because of me,' he thought putting his arm around her protectively. "What's wrong Glenn?" she asked looking up at him concerned. "Oh.. nothing, just thinking," he replied smiling slightly. "Oh.. you're probably worrying about what's going to happen when you meet your mother," she replied relaxing back into his arms. "Yeah," he sighed before noticing that she had fallen asleep. 'My beautiful angel this may be the last time we may be able to sleep in peace for a while at least,' he thought before letting himself drift off as well.
The next morning they were awoken by the sound of the crew rustling around the deck. Glenn awoke first and woke up Anwen a few moments later by kissing her forehead and saying, "Time to wake up my dear." She stirred before her eyes fluttered open, "Good morning Glenn," she said smiling up at him. "It's time to go, we've docked," he replied helping her up. "Yeah, I know.. but I wish I could have slept a bit longer," she said pouting. "Don't we all," he replied laughing. They both gathered up all their things and loaded some supplies on two horses. They walked the horses through the small port town before mounting up and setting off to the capital city of Melen.
A few days later they had already come to the mountains surrounding the city and were rushing through the only pass through them. "We'll probably reach Melen before sundown," Glenn said trying to get his horse to go faster. "I know, we'd better hurry though, we are in ogre territory," Anwen replied. "Yeah...and orcs too," he said looking out at the mountains surrounding them. They kept their horses running at the fastest sustainable pace until they reached the area just outside of the city where they dismounted and began walking towards the gate. Before they could reach the gate a barrage of arrows assaulted them. "Come on, we must get close to the outer wall," Glenn yelled drawing his sword and grabbing her hand, pulling her towards the wall. Once under the little cover the wall gave them she drew out a few throwing daggers and flung them into the enemy archers. "We have to get inside," he said bringing his sword into ready position. "Let me..," Anwen said bringing her hands together and beginning to chant a spell. The gate burst open and they ran through it, swords drawn, striking down the sentry guards. Bodies littered the street, bodies of guards, women, children, and the elderly. "Oh my god...they're all dead," Anwen said covering her mouth. "Those were the only guards, which means the people who did this have already left," Glenn said sadly. "Oh no..," Anwen said walking up to him and trying to comfort the distraught young man. "We have to go check the castle," he said after a few minutes. "Are you sure?" she asked concernedly. "Yes, I must still see what has become of my mother," he replied downcast. "Okay, but please allow me to come with you," she replied. "Ok," he replied smiling sadly, "Thank you," he continued. "For what?" she asked. "For always being there for me," he replied kissing her gently before setting off towards the broken castle, followed by Anwen.

They walked through the castle, it's floors now littered with bodies of guards, servants, cooks, and other people. They walked along trying to find the royal chambers, which they found a few moments later. Glenn spotted a body partially under the rubble and rushed to lift it off of her. After the rubble was lifted off of her he noted that she was wearing royal clothing, "Mother!" he yelled distraughtly, cradling her body to him.

Cliffhanger..is she alive or dead? Lol..Please R&R.