Retreat
It was the last attempt. Captain Nikolas and his group of men had held out long enough for Caspian to get away. With a deep sigh of relief, Captain Nikolas and his men retreated back over the hill into the dense woods. Stretching several acres butted next to farm land, the woods, Daunting Forest, provides enough cover for 10 armies. The small brooks that ran like veins through it gave life to plenty of deer, vegetation, and the occasional spooky story.
Entering the woods by foot, and taking in a deep breath of the heavy air, Captain Nikolas could see his men spread out. Some making camp while others were already stoking a fire. Most of the men he could see were even removing their heavy armor, tending wounds caused from arrows they just faced while rescuing the kidnapped dragon. Fresh dirt floated in the air from the graves being dug, before respects were paid to the fallen.
Caspian was hiding there safe though, because of the fallen that had contributed, so it made the Captain send a quick thanks to God. The dragon had already changed to his human form and started running around tending to men hurt from the battle. Still a young naïve dragon at heart, he was braver than most soldiers Captain Nikolas had employed.
"Caspian, that's enough boy, take a rest. Let my men handle them. We barely made it out alive and it won't be none too soon, they will be upon us. Rest while yee can." Caspian looked up at his caretaker with respect and nodded.
When Caspians' parents were slain, it was him who took the baby dragon in and raised him secretly. He turned against King Barkarius when he found out about the evil intentions the King had towards Caspian. Now a traitor, the Captain had to make a plan. The dragons were almost no longer, due to their hearts. Eat the heart of a dragon and you have eternal life. It was an abomination, but King Barkarius set his eyes on Caspian for that very reason.
If it wasn't for Caspian falling for the charms of King's youngest daughter, Andoleena, they all wouldn't be in this predicament. The King had sent his youngest daughter to seduce Caspian and help capture him once he found out Caspian had survived his mother and fathers' death. Caspian ended up walking right into the castle on a silver platter.
Planning the rescue of Caspian was simple, however. The loyalty the Captain had garnished with those serving the King, paid off. The soldiers guarding the dungeon and a few servants took a few pouches of gernies in exchange for making it an easy rescue. They managed to escape with minimal damage.
"Ah we made it Cap, none too soon either, a few more arrows and we could have been done for, ya say?" Barreth, the Captains closest brother in arms chuckled as he snapped off an arrow barely able to pierce his armor. The Captain had served as head of the Kings army now for time enough to supply his men with proper fittings of an army.
"This is true Barreth. The times enough you spent with those maids really helped out. I dare say I am shocked they didn't follow you." Laughing at Barreths popularity with the ladies, the Captain was about to remove his own amor until a soldier came running to where they had settled as a fire was being made by the some of the men.
"Captain, the King had us followed, a few men loyal to the crown are starting to stir up oppisition with the other men, should we take care of them sir?"
Shaking his head and thinking for a moment, Captain Nikolas smiled.
"Strip them of their armor, leave nigh a single piece of cloth on their bodies. Bound and gag them atop of the few horses we have. Send them home, what say you Barreth? Agreeable?" Smirking at the idea he just asked Barreth, the Captain knew his Lieutenant would agree. Barreth hand raised half the horses that they stole from the Kings royal stables.
"The horses are trusted to find their way, I assure you. Sad it is to see them go back, but I say it is far better than taking the men's heads. The King knows we are here, that can be assured. He dares not attack with just a few loyal left to the crown. Let's send the men back, help make the King feel better about our sudden desertion." Barreths response was as the Captain expected. He nodded his head at the soldier.
"When it is finished, send someone to Gransdale, a 1000 silver gernies to the person who knows the where abouts of Hagthoria. I need the witches help to get Caspian out of this." The soldier nodded and headed off to handle the Captains orders. Only person who could possibly get Caspian out of here was the witch, Hagthoria. Her price would not be cheap, but Captain Nikolas was willing to pay it. Caspian had become like a son to him. He owed Caspians parents his life. It was time to pay up.
Captain Nikolas decided to forgo removing his armor, and went about helping some of the other soldiers find wild game to stock up on. One thing he had learned in battle was certain. A hungry man makes for a horrible soldier. The deer were sparse but rabbits were plump now for the upcoming winter. Some of the men also stole rations from the Kings kitchen. As long as they could find meat, they could salt it and use if for the coming days they would be camped.
Caspian had gone back to being a dragon for the time being. He helped hunt and keep fires lit. He felt more comfortable in his natural form so made use of himself, though awkward at times it was because he didn't have a massive amount of space to move in. The men at camp were grateful though for his help. This was Caspians family, he grew up knowing almost each and every one of them.
After nightfall had come and gone and few days passed without any action from the King other than the word of him throwing a fit in his castle about losing the dragon, and him sending for reinforcements, everyone was finally getting settled. They were gathered around small fires, the smoke billowing above the tall green pines. It was no cause of concern to hide their whereabouts, so the Captain sat among his men discussing tactics, longing for a pint, and reminiscing about the women they can't wait to get back to.
The Captain tried to focus more on a discussion of ways they can survive this, but his mind wandered from time to time about a certain woman at a certain pub, and ways he could take her. He would see her soon, hopefully.
Meanwhile in the forest, word had reached back to the camp that Hagthoria should be less than half a fortnight from them and would help. Captain Nikolas did the calculations and though the King would find out too late, he will send for the late Queens army, it would be a full fortnight before they arrived however. His men out matched them in numbers so he felt at ease. Even with the thought of him dying on the battlefield, he felt relieved, the young dragon could soon be safe.
