"We really need to find out what the he-"
Robyn quickly stopped her story and fired a glance over her shoulder just as Chiron cut himself off. Satisfied, she passed a glance over the other two as well. She couldn't tell what Jamlamin was up to, maybe thats what got to her so much about him. Rilden, however, seemed content in overlooking them all. She could only imagine the thoughts going through his mind as he looked out at the scene before him. Could a rag-tag group really overthrow a King?
For the purpose of her story, the answer was yes. She turned back to the children and continued on.
“Then the orcs attacked!” She threw her hands up like claws and make a roaring sound at the group, one halfling jumped slightly.
“They fought and fought as the orcs got deeper and deeper into the town, looking for the incarnates. Even with the true King's mighty sword and the aid of a mighty centaur there were too many to take on. They would have to find another way. They retreated, but not before escorting civilians to safety. “
“The true King lost?” one spoke up.
She paused her story, “Not quite. They just needed to think of a plan.”
She continued on.
“They hid for the night in a nearby town and began to think. They would need a good plan to save the kingdom from the evil tyrant. They quickly thought of a plan. They would have to sneak in to the castle. As luck would have it, the shadow incarnate was happy to help. They made their way to the castle and waited till nightfall to sneak in.”
“They made their way inside through a secret passage which lead them right under the feet of the castle guards. BUMP-BUMP BUMP-BUMP” she said imitating the sound of feet on the ground, “They had to be quiet for they could be found out. The passageway lead them not far from the throne chamber where the evil King's voice rang out. 'I WANT THEM FOUND!'” she tried to say in her deepest most sinister voice.
“Guards rushed from the room leaving the King alone with his thoughts. They rushed inside. Now inside the centaur barricaded the door so the guards couldn't get back in, but they also couldn't get out. It would seem the King was about to be overthrown but he was also a very powerful sorcerer. His powers knew no limits. They rushed into battle.”
She waved her arm as if wielding a sword in the heat of battle, “CLANG! CLANG! They fought. In a fair fight it would've been quickly over, but the Tyrant was no fool, no sir. He cast a spell that sent the entire group: the heir, the two elves, the mage, the thief, and even the mighty centaur were cast aside like toys. Thinking all was lost the two elves clasped hands, and the mage looked up awaiting their demise. It would be the heir that would fight to stand again. He summoned all his courage and with the last of his might struck down the tyrant.”
She paused as she took a slow breath before continuing on.
“Of all the powers found in the group, the power of courage was the most powerful. It was courage that won the day, not blessings. Courage in the heart is much more powerful than any gift bestowed upon a life. Courage alone has more power for change than healing, or even lurking in the shadows ever could. The best part? Courage doesn't only have to reside in one person. It can reside in everyone, in their own little way. You don't have to swing a sword to be brave, you only have to stand up.”
She sighed and leaned back a bit at the completion of her story. One of the older children gave the others of her group a speculative look. His eyes first went to Robyn, then the centaur, Jamlemin, and Rilden before returning back to her. She could already tell he pieced it all together in his mind.
“What happened to them after?” the little girl spoke up.
“Well,” she said contemplating an answer. “The kingdom once again became prosperous and the people lived without fear of war for many generations. The heir married a noble woman from across the Kingdom and had many sons. The two elves became ambassadors for the King's court. The shadow incarnate started this own business and became very wealthy. The centaur remained doing what he loved and roamed the forest, but visited the castle often.”
“And the mage-?” one asked.
She fell silent for a moment, unsure of how answer.
“The mage didn't know what to do after it was all over. She finally got her chance to see the ocean and sailed away on a ship. Never again did she step foot on land.”
Robyn let out a heavy breath at the end of her story just as a motherly voice called out to the flock.
"Thanks for the story Miss Lady," the eldest said as he led them towards the voice, "Coming!"
Robyn watched as they headed off before turning her gaze back to the sparkling river.