"Then why didn't you buy anything big brother?" Rose asked in confusion.
"Because my dear, you all are the best gift I could have ever asked in my life." Alan tousled Rose's hair.
His words left everyone stunned. All the girls had tears of joy in their eyes.
"Al you basterd, once again you took out one of the best dialogs I had stored in my repertoire. Now, how can I get the reactions from these girls when I use it next time. I had to guard my phrases and dialogs from now on with even more care." Dave shook his head with mock rage.
Everyone laughed so hard that the onlookers started to look at them with a bit of doubt, thinking whether the bunch of kids are insane or what?
They neared the Duke's castle, none of them, despite having seen it up close, had ever been inside its premises. Irene led them towards the entrance, and wherever she went, people bowed happily, recognizing her. This admiration from both commoners and wealthy individuals alike spoke volumes about Irene's character, which further endeared her to the others in her group.
Their entourage, consisting of the Duke's daughter, two beautiful and graceful young ladies, and six tall, sturdy, and handsome teens on intimidating war horses, drew the gaze of everyone, wherever they passed.
News of their arrival had been sent to the castle the day before, but Irene had insisted on personally bringing her friends to meet her family.
Upon reaching the castle gates, they were greeted warmly by every guard. After dismounting, some guards and stable hands took their horses' reins, and the group proceeded towards the castle.
At the entrance, Lillian, Irene's mother, was overjoyed to see her daughter after a year, warmly embraced Irene and extended the warm welcome to the others.
Samuel, the elderly Duke, who was in his study, also came out to greet them. "Ah, Irene, my dear, you look excellent," he remarked, before his tone shifted slightly. "But... have you been practicing combat arts?" he asked, surprised by Irene's steady posture and toned physique.
Irene beamed noding at his words. "Yes grandfather my friend are helping me learn the combat arts."
" Good.... excellent dear. I was alway hoping that you atleast learn the basics. It will be handy when you need it for self defence." Samuel noded in approval.
"Psss..... self defence!? Your grace from the way she is practicing now, she will be able to handle half a dozen of fully trained soldiers in a couple of years." Dave snickered.
Haa..... !!! Both Samuel and Lillian were taken aback.
"Irene was never the one to even turn towards the training hall, let alone practice. But now Dave is telling she was practicing so hard! Unbelievable!!!" Samuel mused.
Irene elbowed at Dave with mock anger. "Ouch.... See.... how strong she had became. Now she can even hurt me by just elbowing casually." Dave rubbed his side.
Irene and the girls started giggling happily by the antiques of Dave.
Lillian and even Samuel were smiling happily to see Irene enjoying her time with these kids. She was always lacking friends whom she would open up with but now she was making jokes, bantering and laughing genuinely.
As they were about to enter the door, all six boys suddenly became alert and Dave who was next to Irene, stretched his hand infront of Irene's face and caught an Arrow aimed at her forehead.
A volley of arrows followed the first one, all aiming at her and only her. Ben and bob stepped forward drew their swords and with unbelievable speed deflected all the arrows to both side of Irene . Dave pulled Irene into a hug and turned his back towards the incoming arrows.
Alan and Williams exchanged a glance and with a nod, disappeared in an instant. Even before the guards and soldiers could react, Bob and Ben followed the other two. Chris.... Ben shouted while running ahed.
Chris took a defensive position infront of everyone, dual swords in his hand ready to use it, at a moments notice. They started to hear the screams within a few seconds. In a couple of minutes, Alan, Williams, Ben and Bob were seen dragging several people each wearing masks.
Samuel, Lillian, the girls and the servents were stunned to stillness. The guards and the soldiers were dumbfounded by the swiftness of theses kids action.
All clear, everyone is captured. Alan shouted, Chris relaxed his stans but was still vigilant. "Is everyone alright?" He asked without turning, samuel let out a huge sigh.
Lillian who was clutching her hands infront of her chest relaxed a bit, tears started streaming down her eyes. Lilly and Rose were shocked by the sudden attack but were not as much afraid as the Duke's family members were.