Thorn Dancer

Chapter 9

The king sat on his throne rubbing both eyes with his thumb and fore finger

"So what you're telling me, Lady Velora, is that my future Balase leader, is not a proficient rider." he said and then brought his hand down, letting it run over his face, flattening his nose against his cheeks as his hand travelled down his neck

"And you agree with her, Lord Calton?" he said as he looked over at the red eyed Lord of Hajal, only for him to nod his head

"Her hand to hand combat skills are deplorable. I could easily best her with the simplest of moves, I don't see how a little girl like her could have been the red witch of Kritainia let alone evaded all of your guards. Her footing is pathetic, her attack is lacking, and her defense is sub-par. Instating her to the Balase would be a nightmare of a decision." Lord Calton said, The King on the other hand brought his hand back to his eyes

"What lady can't ride a horse" he whispered softly, about to let out a roar of displeasure when the doors opened and the last man came in

"Hail! King Alioth of Kritainia!" he said as he walked across the marble floor, he stood between Lady Velora and Lord Calton, bowing lowly.

"Oh, Please. Lord Jeton, tell me you have some good news" Alioth whispered and Jeton smirked

"When have I ever displeased your majesty?" he said, flourishing his cape as he came back up and looked at the King

"The Lady was quite a spectacle when it came to her weapons management" he said

"She knew how to clean, holster and wield all of the weapons we provided for her. With exception of the Spear, Axe, Morningstar, Club, Mace and Flail." Lord Jeton said as he placed one hand over his heart

"She is truly exceptional my liege" he whispered

"and did you per chance see her ride?" Alioth asked and Jeton smiled

"Why of course. On her black steed she looked quite stunning" he said "Almost like a goddess of darkness was riding amongst us" Jeton whispered. King Alioth looked over at Velora with a raised eye brow

"She's not ready?" he question and Velora blushed in embarrassment

"She isn't...She abandoned her first choice in favor of an easier ride" Velora said and Alioth snorted

"So, She is practical then. Which just means that she is wise." Alioth said and Velora shook her head

"No. It doesn't. It means she is inexperienced, I will not pass her."

"King Alioth nodded his head and bit his lip as if he was thinking, his hand returning to his beard once more as he thought. His eyes narrowing as he hummed for a moment to himself

"Lord Jeton, You will work with Lord Calton in order to hone her killing talent." he said as he continued running his hand though his stubble "Lord Calton, You will make sure that Lady Danatte can best even the strongest of your men with her just her hands." He said and the two lords bowed their heads

"Yes your majesty" they whispered and then Alioth looked over at Velora

"And you...I want to see that tick of yours vanished. If it takes making her ride that damned horse twelve hours a day I don't care, just make sure she catches up." he said and then stood up

"As of this moment, Lady Eulaina Danatte is the Leader of the Balase" he said as he turned to look at Lorn Jeton, Lord Calton, and Lady Velora

"you three will make sure that she becomes the best this kingdom has to offer, do you understand?" he asked as he looked at the three as they bowed, one hand over their hearts

"Yes, King Alioth"


Eulaina stood in front of the large wooden doors leading into the ball room, she was to meet the Balase today and learn about who she was supposed to order around. Her hand though was still above the door, what if they didn't like her or rejected her leadership. Eulaina shivered slightly, lowering her hand until she heard a cough from behind her

"You going in, or..?" Eulaina turned around to see a beautiful male with handsome green eyes

"I-" She didn't even get to finish her sentence before he shoved his way passed her and into the room. She got a glimpse of what was inside, she saw weapon racks and targets, sofas, chairs, books, and so many things, and just as the door was shutting she saw a wicked black dagger embed itself up to the hilt in the target. Eulaina shivered slightly, the blade was sinister with its disjointed curves and sharp handle. It caused Eulaina to hold herself and close her eyes but the flash of the dark blade was still in her mind, slicing though the target as if it had been nothing, slowly making its way into the flesh under the arm of a warrior.

Eulaina's eyes snapped open as she gasped in fear, that dagger was a nightmare of its own making, meant to kill and maim and cause suffering to all who saw it. Eulaina was trembling as she saw that blade over and over again, in the chest of a bleeding woman, a man bleeding to death on the floor, the red mixing with silver. Eulaina couldn't help but see it over and over again. The man looking up at her with stormy grey eyes. She was behind something and the man seemed to know where she was as he looked at her with determined eyes just before his head went limp and the storm disappeared from his eyes. Eulaina felt something wet slowly make its way down her legs and whens he looked down she saw that urine had soaked though her pants and was now dripping on the floor. Eulaina looked back up at the door she was supposed to go though, she could still go in, but she didn't do it. Instead she ran. Rushing back to her room.


King Alioth sat on a stool in front of Velora, his hands red with blood as he flicked his wrists, decorating the black marble with splatters of crimson. Velora shivered, causing the chains to rattle above her head, causing him to look up at her blank eyes.

"Sir is this really necessary?" Alioth turned back to look at his servant, his eyes flashing with anger as he reached his hands back into the belly of Velora up to the elbow and dragged them back pulling out what looked a large bean

"Sorry my King" he whispered and Alioth nodded his head as he stood up

"Dispose of the body" he said as he walked over to the servant and wiped the blood off on his tunic

"and clean up" he whispered before walking out of the room, slamming the door shut.