(13)

I, naturally, did not sleep on the eve of battle. I only paced the floors, laughing at the constant Laurp shouts that echoed throughout the palace. It was exciting, in that moment when morning called, to witness the preparation. We guests were treated to some of Tetop’s finest golden armor, and even those of the Tetop forces added an inclusion of Red for our Gabriella.

Tetop’s Queen pasted on more of the glitter, and she almost looked like one of the Coastal Beauties that were much like Kyok, in the fact that they were too born from the sea, yet they were made of pure aqua diamonds. An extensive feather collection, all red, graced her golden hair. Mact, as well as the general, Sethicus wore their elite suites of armor, except Mact wore a mighty golden crown. Let’s see, Domino was also decked out! Davido, as well as myself, both looked somewhat the same for Davidio was not a fan of the heavy armor. Then, our Queen! She remained with her red gown, this time with the armor suited over it, and a red hood rested atop her dark-haired head.

We were certainly a collection of misfit toys, yet ready to fight for our lives and happiness. OH, Laurp made a quick announcement that she could not partake in the battle-war, for she was only then notified that her death was certain, and there was no way she was ready for an adventure such as that. The Tetop Royals understood completely.

“And now, to our Calvary,” Queen Katerose alerted to us. We followed with haste. Clint, of course, that grassy bastard, would still be Queen Gabriella’s transport. Yet, the Tetop Calvary was known world-wide for their impression steeds – yet, they were quite secret. I had not even seen them before that day. Their main purpose was to be ridden to war, and being the peaceful nation Tetop was, they haven’t used them in years.

We were taken to the Great Stable, made of pure gold! It was massive, too. And when the sliding doors slowly parted like a show’s curtain, we couldn’t believe it. There, before our tiresome and worried eyes, we saw an intimidating colony of miniature horses. All striped black and white, with little mo-hawks! There was so many of them, with two standing before the cloned others.

“Meet the Rebecca,” Mact said to all of us, who were still certainly in awe. The little things remained like statues, and then we all mounted them quickly! They were strong, quite powerful if I must admit. I had heard of the great horse species known simply as Rebecca only in childhood folktales. Stories of their insane strength had been passed down for many generations, and most of the world thought them to be extinct.

We marched through the village to a rain of flowers and paper scraps. And cheers, oh, those cheers I will never forget. The procession line went something like: the Twin Royals in front, waving and grinning, then Queen Gabriella on Clint (who was trotting so flamboyantly, I was quite embarrassed), and then behind was Davidio, Domino, Sethicus and myself. Behind us was the Tetop Goldens, a mighty force, unsuspected for a gentle kingdom. My Queen turned back several times, smiling at the general. Her staff remained in her hand, and I can’t explain why I forget to mention it, for it was a beautifully crafted piece.

We then paraded over the bridge where those matching Bridge Trolls joined at the rear. They both bore mighty clubs! Already, our forces seemed to nearly match what I had spied at the Ice Palace, yet, we only had one magic maid with us, and no offense to my Queen, but Queen Carmeillia looked truly demented and capable of anything.

Just as we entered the luscious green of the hills, a shrill cry speared through our cheerful singing (for yes, of course, Domino was leading the vocals with some improntu war-rap). We all stopped! Had the Queen sent an assassin unit out already!? But there, just through the thicket of hefty trees, we saw a monstrous force of Natives! Queen Katerose grinned widely, and then mirrored the cry. The Natives all hooted as we hollered. They descended the hills, charging through the trees--the sound alone was terrifying, yet at the same time encouraging. The Rebeccas took off, charging the lead, as the Natives soon whipped past the Bridge Trolls (for they were pathetically slow, and between you and me, nothing but pussies). We raced to war, raced to death, raced to whatever joy we could find in this certain devastation.