“Hurry now lad, though we have yet to be discovered, tis still a chance they will catch on.” Nikolas said as Caspian mounted one of the horses they had waiting just inside the outer gate of the castle.  

Nikolas was there to rescue the young dragon. Caspian blended in mostly when he was in human form other than the blaze orange hair and bright green eyes. So, sneaking him out with a brown cloak was easy, but it was Nikolas whom the guards would recognize. 

“They be comin! Head out with the lad, I’ll stay back and fend em off!” Barreth yelled to the captain as he came running from the guard house towards the outer gate.  

The handful of men coming after Barreth stopped as 3 of them drew their arrows, and one after another they shot towards Barreth and Nikolas.  

Barreth was hit but the arrow didn’t pierce all the way through his armor. 

“Nay, we leave together!” Caspian yelled from atop the horse. 

Nikolas ran towards the ropes holding the portcullis up. He waited until Barreth was close and started hacking at the rope. The soldiers chasing his comrade came running full speed now with swords drawn, but it was too late. Barreth made it under the large steel gate just in time. Only one side was needed to be cut. The other rope snapped under the weight, closing the Kings men inside. 

Nikolas mounted the horse with Caspian as Barreth pulled himself quickly atop the other and they headed down the dirt path along the steep base of the castle. Once they reached the rocky filed at the base of the castle, they slowed their pace. They would take their time heading to the camp that was set up with more than half the Kings original army.  

He had secretly gone behind King Barkarius’s back and gathered as many soldiers to his side, to go against the King, for his greedy desire on Caspian. Not surprisingly, most of the army, even knowing they would become traitors to the Kingdom, followed Nikolas and bit by bit left the Castle unbeknownst to the King.   

After only a short while, they made it to Daunting Forest. Stretching several acres butted next to farm land, the Kingdom of Daunting’s largest forest provided enough cover for 10 armies. The small brooks that ran like veins through it gave life to plenty of hunting opportunities, vegetation, and the occasional spooky story. 

Entering through the tall pines by foot, and taking in a deep breath of the heavy air, Nikolas could see his men spread out. Small tents were scattered in open areas. The clink of metal could be heard as a man was straightening out his sword. Luckily, as groups of soldiers had supposedly gone to the boarders to serve, they were actually bringing rations and basic needs to the camp. It was a well thought out plan and Nikolas couldn’t have done it without them. 

If it wasn't for Caspian falling for the charms of King's youngest daughter, Andoleena, they all wouldn't be in this predicament. Once the King realized who Caspian really was, he sent his youngest daughter, against her real knowledge, to befriend Caspian and bring him to the castle. Locking the young boy away, the King had full intentions on killing him and consuming his heart to garner eternal life. The young dragon ended up walking right into the castle to be put on a silver platter.    

"Ahh, we made it Cap’n, none too soon either, a few more arrows and we could have been done for, ya say?" Barreth, Nikolas’s closest brother in arms chuckled as he snapped off an arrow barely able to pierce his armor.   

"Tis true Barreth, times enough ye spent with those maids really helped out. Ha ha, I dare say I am shocked they didn't follow ye." Laughing at Barreths popularity with the ladies, Nikolas was about to remove his own armor until a soldier came running towards them.   

 "Captain, a few men are starting to stir up opposition with the other men, claiming they should return to the King. What should we do sir?"   

 Shaking his head and thinking for a moment, Nikolas smiled.   

 "Strip them of their armor, leave nigh a single piece of cloth on their bodies. Bound and gag em atop of a horse. Send them back to the castle, what say ye Barreth? Agreeable?" Smirking at the idea, he asked Barreth knowing his Lieutenant would agree.   

 "The horses are trusted to find their way, I assure ye. Sad tis it to see them go back, but I say tis far better than taking the men's heads. The King will know soon we are here, ye can be assured. He dare 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 what Nikolas expected so nodded his head at the soldier waiting.   

 "When it tis finished, send someone to Gransdale, a 1000 silver gernies to the person who knows the where abouts of Hagthoria. We be might be needing the witches help to get Caspian out of this." The soldier nodded and headed off to handle his captain's orders.  

Only person who could possibly get Caspian out of here was the witch, Hagthoria. Caspian had become like a son to Nikolas, and he owed Caspians parents his life.   

 Nikolas removed some of his armor, and went about helping some of the 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 felt more comfortable in his natural form. Though awkward at times, due to he didn't have a massive amount of space to move in, he still made use of himself keeping fires lit that cooked the wild game. The men at camp were grateful though, for his help.   

After nightfall had come and gone, and few days passed without any serious action from the King, they kept vigilant for any scouts that the King would send, or any word on a surprise attack. They knew it wouldn’t be long and the King would request for reinforcements from the men stationed guarding the boarders of Daunting.   

 That small army was sworn in Prince Avery’s name, but had originally sworn fealty to the previous Queen. Prince Avery was a nephew to the Queen and a survivor of the usurped throne in the Kingdom of Scourts. 

Nikolas respected Prince Avery, having met him only once, because the young man harbored no ill will towards the Kingdom of Scourts, as it happened shortly after he was born. The Queen had taken him in raised him as her own. Nikolas’s plan was to put Prince Avery on the throne. 

 Nikolas and his men were now gathered around small fires, the smoke billowing above the tall pines. They didn’t need to hide their whereabouts, so they gathered around fires, discussing tactics, sipping a pint, and reminiscing about the women they've known intimately.   

Most of the men that had followed Nikolas in betraying the King were sent to their homes to visit their families before the upcoming battle. Nikolas felt it was only right as it was possible the soldiers may not come back alive.  

 Many soldiers felt obligated to stay and serve the King, regardless of their feelings on the matter.