Valri and I had been catching up, talking the whole way to the castle. I hope Stirkel doesn't feel too much like the third wheel... I mean, he understands that I want to spend time with my sister, right?
"So, what you're telling me is, Dracibelle just walked up to her, and was like 'Uh uh, Ginne, that's my guy!' Wow, these girls are legit!"
"I know, right? They're always fighting over Thom. I don't blame them, though, he is pretty nice looking."
I laughed. "I'm sure you could win his heart over faster than those girls any day." Valri's face darkened.
"Maybe, except I'm not supposed to 'cavort with other races or classes'. I mean, how stupid is that? The only exception is you, of course, being my sister and all."
"That's horrible! Who would do that?"
Valri dropped her voice to a whisper. "It's those Wizards. Always doing the wrong things. They say they're doing it for the kingdom, but their really in it for themselves. They don't want anyone to be able to cause a big enough rebellion."
We reached the grand castle, run by the King and his Wizards, filled to the brim with Knights. Valri knocked politely on the door.
"Valri of the Crystal Swamp, here to present Jazmine of the Green Arrows." She said, sounding impressively important as she did so. The door swung open slowly, revealing a medieval style castle with two staircases on either side of a grand hall. A small man came up to them. I guessed by his stats and gear he was a Butler.
"Right this way, ladies. The King is expecting you." I tugged on my collar, glad Stirkel was hidden safely in my quiver. We followed the man up the stairs and through a magnificent looking pair of double doors. The Butler opened them. Inside was the King, dressed in sparkling clothing and flanked by ten Wizards. His stats were through the roof.
"Welcome, Archer Jazmine of the Green Arrows." He then looked over at Valri with disgust. "And, Lizard Valri of the Crystal Swamp." I inclined my head.
"It is an honor, King, to be in your presence once again." Reciting the customary greeting wasn't easy, I hated the man. But the Wizards were staring holes through my head, and I didn't want to take any chances.
"You must be wondering why I've brought you back." I nodded politely. "Well, there has been talk of rebellion throughout the peoples, and I need the greatest to form an army. I believe you, my dear, are one of the greatest." He waved for his men to escort Valri away. I resisted the strong urge to frown.
"I'm flattered, my King, but what if I say no?" I dared to ask. The Wizards stepped forward, staffs at the ready.
"Calm down, calm down. The lady only asked a question. Archer Jazmine." He stood up and slowly walked over to me. "We will not allow that to happen. You will be part of the Elite Squadron." He smiled, as if he hadn't just threatened me, and waved to two Knights standing at entrances on either side of the throne. They opened the doors. Five people came out, two from one door and three from the other. "Allow me to introduce to you, the rest of your team. Warrior Jennen, of the Iron League. Cannoneer Edithra, of the Isle of Smoke. Strongman Storel, of the Hammer Camp. Ninja Roon'do, of the Night's Mystery. Fighter Selenth, of the Black and Blue Beaters."
The first, Jennen, was a buff man holding two large swords. He was grinning like a maniac, which I had no doubt he was. The next, Edithra, was a small gnome. She bounced on the balls of her feet excitedly, probably hoping to blow something up soon. Third, Storel, was a mountain of a man even bigger than Jennen, holding a huge axe in one hand. I thought it must be heavy. Guess they don't call them Strongmen for nothing. Roon'do was a tall, skinny man wearing all black, standing there with his arms crossed as if he were better than everyone in the room. Last was Selenth, the strongest looking woman I had ever seen in my life. She wore a shirt that showed her muscular shoulders, and held no weapon but was equipped with brass knuckles. She's a Fighter, they use their fists. I recalled. I realized I should say something.
"I would be honored to serve with such an elite group, under your esteemed direction."
"Elite Squadron, meet your new member. Archer Jazmine, of the Green Arrows." The group looked at me with interest. I was starting to become uncomfortable. I heard Stirkel swallow in fear. "Go on, join them up there. Knights, escort our guests out please." Two Knights grabbed me by the shoulders, and the whole lot of us were brought into one room. It looked like a strategy room, the places where you plan your battle strategy on a big table.
"Welcome, Archer Jazmine." It was Edithra who spoke, her voice slightly high pitched. "We are glad you are here."
Storel laughed, the sound booming like thunder throughout the room. "Their only mistake is, puttin' us in a room all together." His voice was gruff and scratchy. My eyes widened in surprise.
"Wait, what?"
"We're rebelling against the King and his dirty Wizards, that's what." Selenth growled, making sure to keep her voice down so they didn't hear her. I grinned.
"What do you want me to do?"
                                A/N
BTW, Valri looks like a teenage version of Madame Vastra, but with black eyes. And different clothing, obviously.