Page 25 of Wicked Allure
“Thank you for such a warm welcome. Butterbush appears to be in very good hands under the guidance of Postmaster Alexander.” Dru walked up to the front line of the warriors and slowly made her way through their lineup. “You have taken a pledge that is important. Not only have you pledged your life to defend the crown, but you’re here to defend vampires everywhere.”
Dru spoke from the heart.
“Our kind has been under threat for centuries, and recently it has increased. Our enemies are constantly trying to overthrow us.” Just the mention of lycans had the air thick with tension. “I have heard praise of how well this post defended the town. You should be proud. That is why posts like this are so important. You’re our first line of defense against the enemy.”
She’d made her way through the entire group and stalked back to the front. She turned to them and folded her hands behind her back.
“General, your words will not be forgotten.” Alexander came to stand next to her. “I’m sure each warrior before you will hold them near and dear to their hearts.”
“I hope so. I was once in their shoes,” she stated.
“We all were. This goes to show that hard work pays off and you’ll be rewarded well for it.” He motioned to the group. “How about a demonstration of the skills they have learned.”
“That would be perfect,” Dru murmured.
Talbot came to her side and leaned down close to her. “General, while we’ve been here, I took the liberty to send Niles on. He’ll start scouting the town for the fugitive.” He kept his voice low.
She nodded to confirm she’d heard him. Niles was the one vampire who could probably pass for a human. She trusted that he could probably get information out of humans before she or Talbot could.
“Good thinking,” she replied.
The warriors created a half circle, and two males were chosen for the first demonstration. Talbot stepped back from her as the warriors faced her then pounded their fists over their hearts.
“Hank and Roman have been quick studies,” Alexander noted as he came to stand beside her.
The two males circled each other. She could already sense they both had skills.
Oh, to be a new warrior again. She held back a smile at the other’s reaction when Hank tossed Roman over his shoulder to the ground. The fight grew fiercer, and this reminded her of why she loved what she did when it came to training warriors.
The hunger in their eyes. The desire to impress their general. She saw herself in both of the males. When the bout was over, Hank was deemed the winner. The other warriors cheered and went over to the two warriors.
The air fell quiet as Dru walked over to the two vampires. She held out her hand for Roman who was once again on the ground. He stared at her hand in shock. Dru was never too good to help a warrior who fought for her. He took her hand and allowed her to help him stand.
“That was some fine fighting. Now tell me, how did he best you twice?” she asked.
The teacher in her was never far away. Other warriors called out their answers and suggestions. She had the two replay the move and guided them on how to evade such a thing the next time. All eyes were on her as she went through evasive maneuvers. After her short lesson, she went back to Talbot and Alexander.
“You have done a fine job,” Dru said to Alexander.
He beamed liked a proud papa of his children. This class of warriors were patient, open to listening and receiving suggestions.
“Thank you, General. They still have much to learn?—”
“And I’m sure you’ll continue to ensure the warriors here will be thoroughly trained to fight for their king and queen,” she said.
“Every vampire here will lay down their life for the crown,” Alexander said fiercely.
“Good. Now let’s walk around. I want to see the other training facilities,” she demanded.
“Please, General. Follow me.”
“General, please allow us to escort you out tonight,” Alexander said.
Dru had received tours of all of the training facilities which she was impressed by. They had all of the latest technology which she’d expect.
“It is not necessary,” she said.
They entered through the back doors of the main building. Talbot and Orenda trailed behind them. She was anxious to leave so they could find out if Niles had discovered anything yet.
