Page 98 of The War is Coming

“I can imagine,” Dane replied. “Just to let you know, some of the council guards have just arrived. Oh, I had a word with the farmer who was selling off some of his land and asked him how much for the whole farm. He’s getting back to me later.”

“Thank you, Dane. That was good thinking,” Blake said. “Alright people, we’re done. Thanks for coming. Puff, Tudor, we should go and greet the new guards.”

Puff nodded. “We can do that.”

Everyone stood up to leave.

General Delinga looked at the three kings. “Can I suggest that tomorrow you wear your crowns? ”

“That would make sense,” Puff replied.

“Unfortunately it does,” Tudor said simply.

Blake suddenly grinned. “Look on the bright side, Tudor, Alex and Baylan will be wearing theirs as well.”

“Well, crap,” Alex muttered.

Tudor patted his arm.

Baylan just sighed.

CHAPTER 40

Blake and the others were standing in the soldiers’ compound, outside the newly created guard block, meeting the council guard’s commander, General Oscar Thompson, and his second, Commander Atlas Kent.

“Do you have everything you need, General?” Blake asked after introductions were made. The general was a wolf shifter; the commander was a Golden Eagle. There was something about the general that made his wolf sit up and pay attention.

“I do thank you, your majesty. The rest of my men will be arriving tomorrow. In total, I have one hundred and fifty guards coming, but I can have more here if needed.”

Puff looked at the general; for some reason, he felt nervous. Bob came forward.

Be ready for anything.

Blake glanced at Puff and gave a barely there nod, indicating he’d heard Bob’s warning.

Puff stepped forward.

The general looked at him, hatred in his eyes. Quick as anything, Thompson pulled his sword out and slashed out at Puff.

Maletayah grabbed Puff and shielded him with his steel wings before the sword even finished coming out of its scabbard.

The general’s sword hit the steel wings.

The commander pulled his sword, pointing it at the general, when Mateo growled and leapt at Thompson, batting the sword away and taking the general to the ground, Barden close to the surface.

No one attacks our mate. Barden said angrily.

Mateo’s hand shifted into his dragon claws and stabbed his claws into Thompson’s chest, ripping out his heart.

Mateo stood up and dropped the heart on the ground.

His claws retreated. He turned and saw Maletayah with his wings still around Puff. “It’s safe,” Mateo called.

Maletayah’s wings opened, and Puff stood there looking stunned.

“Wow, that was so fast. Thank you, Maletayah. Your steel wings are amazing.” He looked at Mateo and took a step forward. “Thank you, my guardian.”

Mateo pulled Puff into a hug and Puff wrapped his arms around him.