Chapter 36 – In which a storm has come and darkness is set

The day on which they arrived was bright and  sunny. They had come up so quietly, that it is said that they appeared out of thin air. It was the the little people who first realized they arrived.

“Look out lad!” shouted the one with the gruff voice, but it was too late. William was hit on the side of his head by a club. He fell to the ground, bleeding heavily.
Eve screamed, Dew froze in place.
“Ah yes, our librarian.” the leader sneered.
“It's the disfigured ones!” shouted the one with the high pitched voice.
“Get the woman!” said the one with the fair voice.
“What can she do? She does not have Royal blood!” said the one with the gruff voice.
Eve's screams drew Aurora out.
“Long time no see, Princess.”
“Princess, did he say Princess?” asked the one with the fair voice.
“Girma, our trusted advisor. Still slithering. What happened?” asked Aurora.
“Crushed, remember? But my kind and I have been busy since I found this,” he said  holding out an Enchanted Knight figure, “Recognise it?”
“William, what have you done to him?”
“He'll probably live, in my dungeon.” said Girma.
“Over my dead body!” Aurora said as she grabbed the nearest sword from the forge.
“Wait, what are you doing?” said Girma fearfully.
Before he could say anything else, Aurora skilfully swung the glowing sword through the air and sliced through Girma's neck. Whatever was left of his head flew off and both body and head became dust before the head touched the floor. The rest of the army, now leaderless, quickly dispersed.

Aurora dropped the sword and rushed to William. The little folk followed.
“Can you carry him inside?” said the one with the fair voice.
“I can try. You look after the children.”