‘Release the Devil’s Beast!’: A Childhood Battle for the Treehouse
A finalist from our Issue 21 Writing Challenge!
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Creative
“Oliver! Oliver!”
The miserable wretch ran towards my throne where I was seated. I seethed at his insolence.
“Your Highness, peasant!” I roared, correcting the impudent urchin grovelling at my feet.
"... Your Highness. The kingdom is being attacked from the south.”
“WHAT?!” I jumped to my feet, aghast at the audacity of the invaders. “The south? My nemesis, the Smiths' clan. Well, if it’s war they want, it’s war they’ll get.”
“Go to the lookout. Ring the bells when they’re near the castle. I’ll prepare for battle.”
The scout obediently ascended to the battlements while I raged to my general. “Those scoundrels think they can attack my castle?” I fumed, donning my armour and sheathing my sword. “They will pay.”
Bells sounded. “Already?” I ran to the closest window. A tingle of dread traversed my spine as I appraised the mass of invaders. “So many?” I lamented.
“What’re my orders, your Highness?” my general asked, looking over my shoulder.
“My castle is impregnable. Let’s show that rabble what fear is. ARCHERS! Fire at will.”
Arrows flew from overhead, the sight a death knell upon any enemy. I grinned in vengeful satisfaction as I watched many of the influx fall. My grin faded when I saw it barely made a dent in the hordes’ numbers.
“Reload! Fire again!” I barked. The sky darkened as another volley of arrows flew accurately, but insignificantly, at my foes.
“We’re nearly out of arrows, Highness. Perhaps it’s time to consider surrendering?”
I grabbed the general by the front of his uniform and pulled him threateningly close. “Never, you cowardly wretch! Release the Devil’s Beast.”
Gasps of dread echoed off the wall. “But Highness ...”
“DO IT!” I shouted. “Before I gut you myself.”
The general paled, but saluted before descending to the castle’s dungeon. A blood-curdling scream reverberated from the depths. I became bereft of a general as the savage beast claimed its first victim. “A justified price after he questioned me. 'Surrender, indeed!'” I scoffed, his only deserved valediction.
The battlefield redirected my attention as the monster charged into the throng. Screams became the dead’s dirge as teeth and claw professed their demise.
Those who escaped the deadly affray continued the assault, leaders brandishing ladders to escalade the castle. They were soon erected against the walls.
“Defend the castle with your lives, men!” I inspired as I drew my sword, dispatching the first assailant.
But inevitably, the castle was infiltrated by the weight of their numbers.
“Retreat to me!” I ordered.
As valiantly as we fought, we were soon surrounded. It was time.
I lay down my sword ...
... only to grab one of the many pre-prepared buckets. “Now, men!”
Acid drenched our foes, splashing eyes, depriving sight, and burning skin. Horror halted their advance, allowing a catalysing, frenzied retribution.
Exhausted, I heroically dispatched the last enemy and collapsed.
Just in time as Mum announced: “Kids, dinner time. And tie the dog back up.”
The illusion was shattered, but at least my treehouse, my happy place, was safe once more.
“Oliver! Oliver!”
The miserable wretch ran towards my throne where I was seated. I seethed at his insolence.
“Your Highness, peasant!” I roared, correcting the impudent urchin grovelling at my feet.
"... Your Highness. The kingdom is being attacked from the south.”
“WHAT?!” I jumped to my feet, aghast at the audacity of the invaders. “The south? My nemesis, the Smiths' clan. Well, if it’s war they want, it’s war they’ll get.”
“Go to the lookout. Ring the bells when they’re near the castle. I’ll prepare for battle.”
The scout obediently ascended to the battlements while I raged to my general. “Those scoundrels think they can attack my castle?” I fumed, donning my armour and sheathing my sword. “They will pay.”
Bells sounded. “Already?” I ran to the closest window. A tingle of dread traversed my spine as I appraised the mass of invaders. “So many?” I lamented.
“What’re my orders, your Highness?” my general asked, looking over my shoulder.
“My castle is impregnable. Let’s show that rabble what fear is. ARCHERS! Fire at will.”
Arrows flew from overhead, the sight a death knell upon any enemy. I grinned in vengeful satisfaction as I watched many of the influx fall. My grin faded when I saw it barely made a dent in the hordes’ numbers.
“Reload! Fire again!” I barked. The sky darkened as another volley of arrows flew accurately, but insignificantly, at my foes.
“We’re nearly out of arrows, Highness. Perhaps it’s time to consider surrendering?”
I grabbed the general by the front of his uniform and pulled him threateningly close. “Never, you cowardly wretch! Release the Devil’s Beast.”
Gasps of dread echoed off the wall. “But Highness ...”
“DO IT!” I shouted. “Before I gut you myself.”
The general paled, but saluted before descending to the castle’s dungeon. A blood-curdling scream reverberated from the depths. I became bereft of a general as the savage beast claimed its first victim. “A justified price after he questioned me. 'Surrender, indeed!'” I scoffed, his only deserved valediction.
The battlefield redirected my attention as the monster charged into the throng. Screams became the dead’s dirge as teeth and claw professed their demise.
Those who escaped the deadly affray continued the assault, leaders brandishing ladders to escalade the castle. They were soon erected against the walls.
“Defend the castle with your lives, men!” I inspired as I drew my sword, dispatching the first assailant.
But inevitably, the castle was infiltrated by the weight of their numbers.
“Retreat to me!” I ordered.
As valiantly as we fought, we were soon surrounded. It was time.
I lay down my sword ...
... only to grab one of the many pre-prepared buckets. “Now, men!”
Acid drenched our foes, splashing eyes, depriving sight, and burning skin. Horror halted their advance, allowing a catalysing, frenzied retribution.
Exhausted, I heroically dispatched the last enemy and collapsed.
Just in time as Mum announced: “Kids, dinner time. And tie the dog back up.”
The illusion was shattered, but at least my treehouse, my happy place, was safe once more.
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