Char Resurrected, Char Steel [christmas read aloud txt] 📗

the battlefield to fight against that wretched witch and her wraiths! Today I need you to prepare your self and give it your all! Now get out there!" I shouted and pointed to the door. " Today is the day we fight!"

The crowd roared so loud that it shook the walls and rushed outside. I stepped aside and let them pass and watched as they leaped on their horses and sped off. I turned around and saw Merny, Ronan, and even Savator gape at me.

" What?" I said innocently.

" What?" Ronan spluttered. " You should be amazed! You just turned a bunch of drunkards into warriors! I mean you were like amazing! You were standing there with the sun at your back and you looked like a god as you urged them on!"

I shrugged and waved it off. " Just one of my many talents. Now can we please go? We're already going to be late."

They all nodded and managed to close their mouths before heading outside the tavern. We mounted and proceeded at a fast gallop towards the battlefield. When we arrive I gasped as I saw the enormity of it. Every species and every race of every army were there. It looked like the whole world was there and that wasn't it either. Floods of people were still coming through and it didn't end. Blacksmiths were everywhere making swords and spears and all manner of weapons for the flood of people who did not have them. They would have a pile of weapons  at their feet so that when they finished one they would throw it there and a person would come by and pick it up for free.

Bakers and cooks also had tents set up were they were serving meals to the never ending line for free. Seamstresses were also making armor and clothing for the people that did not have them. Experienced warriors were showing others how to battle. Giving them advice and tips. Magic users were teaching others how to do magic.

Tears welled in my eyes as I took in the scene. I brushed them away and looked at the others who were also dumbfounded.

"I'm pretty sure that army's don't get this big even for one against the Dark Queen. Believe me I have been in lots of battles. And there's even more coming." Savatar said suprisement coating his features as he took in all races working together.

" Oh wow." I whispered. " Surely I didn't do this with just one tavern talk?"

They all shrugged and we proceeded to the kings tent. A huge golden tent with a banner on top of a lion and a dragon with all kinds of soldiers waiting outside. We rode up and was stopped by the king's soldiers.

" Which kingdom are you?" A soldier asked us.

I pulled down my hood and slid off the horse along with the others. " We are the Ruffians."

The soldiers squinted. " I don't think that's a kingdom I have heard of."

I waved my hands around frantically and a little confused. " Oh no we're not a kingdom. We were asked by the king to come here on the battle day."

He looked at me with a confused look until a soldier who had been with us that day stepped forward.  " It's okay Grenn they are with the king let them through."

He nodded and stepped aside as did the others as they let us pass through. I bowed respectfully and entered through the flap in the tent. King George was sitting around a stone table with a elf map in the middle. The map glowed with magic and showed where our forces were and where the Dark Queen's forces were. There were also kings and queens from every realm sitting around the table staring and looking at our abrupt entrance.

Savatar looked around and quickly saved us from being turned into roasted meat. Literally. Since there was a couple dragons in the room.

" I deeply apologize for disrupting you your majesty's." He bowed as did I. I elbowed Merny and Ronan who were on each side of me until they also bowed. "We can leave and come back at another time."

George looked up and broke into a wide smile. " Ah! You come at last! I was afraid that you got caught in the rush." He said and strode over to us hugging us in turn. While the king and queens stared bewildered as did we.

" Ahem why is a elf with you?" The king of elves asked as he stared at Savatar.

The king beamed and patted Savatar on the back rather forcefully. Savatar grimaced and tried not to look offended as I held back a grin.

" This is one of my esteemed warriors!" He boomed as everyone jumped in their seats. " he is part of a band called the Ruffians! A noble and thieving band!" he said oblivious to their stares of disbelief.

" Uh and why are they here?" A queen mermaid asked politely.

" They will help us win this war. As they are the best warriors in the kingdom!" He boomed again making us jump as well as the others.

" Also one of them I heard made a speech in a tavern and managed to convince all of you to come. Now we have enough forces to defeat the witch!" He said as I froze. Well it seemed that my speech must have stirred things up. A lot.

" Which one?" A dwarf asked as he scanned us in turn and his eyes landed on of course Merny.

" Char!" He said and clapped me on the back. I smiled and tried to look like I wasn't uncomfortable as everyone stared at me in surprise.

" Her?" A dragon king looked at me and snorted, smoke rising from it's nose.

" Aye the best fighter in the kingdom!" He clapped me on the back making me jump before taking a seat at the table.

" Come on Ruffians take a seat and help us discuss our strategy." He patted the table and motioned to the five chairs besides him.

We moved forward and sat down without question. Everyone leaned forward and focused on the map.

" Ok as you can see the forces of the Dark Queen are rapidly advancing towards us. Which means we have one hour before she arrives. As we well know we have different army's therefore I am thinking about positioning them in the best strategic positions." The elf king said.

"Hey! Who said you were in charge?" A dwarf said as his face reddened and he pounded the table as food went flying and a drink sloshed onto the elf. A couple of kings and queens also murmured in agreement.

The elf smoothed his robe and flicked off the red wine. " Well since this is my map then that means I plan things out." He said in a calm and smooth tone. I noticed some food missing from the elves plate and furrowed my brows. When had elf's ever ate during a battle strategy? I thought they were picky eaters?

The dwarf shook his beard spit flying everywhere. " That doesn't mean you get to plan everything!"

" Well.." The elf said and smoothed his robes again.

" Well it is your map elf you should at least dish out recommendations." Someone who suspiciously sounded familiar smoothly suggested.

" Thank you. At least someone understands." The elf threw up his hands and said.

" But" the voice continued " the others should be able to take part in the options. After all they are giving their army's and fighting together."

The dwarf stopped beating on the poor table and threw his hands up. " At last! Someone who agrees!"

I suspiciously looked around the table seeking out the voice.

" Who gave out this valuable information?" George asked as he looked around. I looked around the table again and spotted a sneaky paw snatching another sweet from the elf's plate. Before it could retract I snatched the sweet out of the paw and held it in my hand while keeping it's paw above the table.

" Hey!" The voice said. " That was mine!" He poked his head up and came into contact with my burning glare.

" Oh hey Char. Watcha doing?" He said innocently and started cleaning his other paw.

" You nasty, thieving, good for nothing cat!" I screeched." Where the hell where YOU?"

His fur stood on end as he put his paw down and stood up straight in the chair ignoring the stares from the others. " I was traveling with the others and recruiting. I won't be getting a thanks will I?"

" A THANKS? What the hell?! You were supposed to be here 10 minutes ago! Your late!" I screeched again as everyone leaned away.

A ghost whispered to George. " Who's that?"

He whispered back. " That's her familiar."

She looked shocked. " The king of familiars is her familiar?"

" Yes." He said and nodded.

I whipped around. " Your not helping!"

They looked off in the distance and fell silent.

Lodz looked for once in his life genuinely sorry. " I'm sorry. I lost track of time."

I looked at him and reached over hugging him. " It's okay just don't disappear in battle okay?"

He smiled. " Okay."

I leaned back and looked around the table and cleared my throat. " Ahem we were talking about?"

" Oh yeah.  I um I think that we are done here." King George said and looked around the table.

" Agreed?"

Everyone nodded. "Agreed."

We all filed out of the tent just as the horn sounded signaling that the Dark Queen's army was 20 minutes away. Everyone broke and headed for their army's so as to get into formation. A hectic 20 minutes passed before everyone was finally ready. The Ruffians rode up to the King and stood by his side on top of the green mountain that would be stained in blood when we were done.

We waited until I saw a Wraith flying in and settling down on the field. Soon after hundreds then thousands flew in and settled row upon row. Flying in the air and on the ground.They were done soon after and parted as their queen flew in and landed midway between us with. an expectant look

The King looked at us. " It seems she wishes to talk."

" We will go with you King to make sure harm does not befall you." Savatar said as we all nodded.

" Are you sure you want to?" He asked. We nodded again.

He sighed and knew nothing will change our minds so he got off his horse and started walking. We slid off our horses and followed him keeping up at his side.

We finally arrived before her. Her black hair streamed behind her and her red eyes bore into us as she tried to pick apart our minds. But all our minds were protected. She walked forward and stood before us and put her hands on her hips. She had black robes with red designs that swirled and curled around her body like snakes.

" Well well well. The little pitiful kingdoms finally come to battle me out." She said with a tone that slithered through my mind and I'm sure the others felt the same thing in their minds. She smirked and laughed a evil laugh before turning and sauntering off never giving us a chance to respond.

" Well she's a little ray of sunshine isn't she?" Lodz said loudly not caring who heard unfortunately.

The queen froze in her track before whipping around and glaring at Lodz. She walked back up to us with a slow step and stood in front of him.

"Be warned kitten you will be one of the first to die by my hand." She said in a chilling tone before flying into the sky to join her army.

" Wow. First encounter with the queen and you already made a good impression." I glared sarcasm dripping from my voice.

" What?"He said gazing at me with an innocent expression. " I cant help