The Dead Men tales: part 1

 Ghastly walked in between the rows of tents, hurrying to the command tent at the other end of camp, He was joined by Anton Shudder, who asked;

“Any idea what Corrival has cooked up for us now?”

“Unfortunately, no, but I hope it’s interesting”

“Has there ever been an un-interesting Dead Men mission?”

“You have a point…” they had reached the big tent that was the command center for the Dead Men and Anton pushed aside the flap that served as a door. Skulduggery, Erskine and Dexter where already there, along with Corrival, who was showing them some maps

“Ahh, Ghastly, Anton, its good that you’re here. I need you lot to infiltrate Castle Bancrook…”

“That’s it? Boring” interrupted Dexter and Corrival shot him a glare

“That’s not all; you need to infiltrate Bancrook while protecting a charming young lady by the name of Bone. She is going to see if she can find evidence of the so called ‘super weapon’ the Barron Vengeance is said to be designing.” A girl pushed her way through the door and smiled at them all

“Sorry I’m late” she said cheerfully “I’m Bone” she had wide green eyes, freckles, a mass of curly red hair and looked young, only about thirteen or fourteen. Dexter took one look at her and then turned to Corrival with a pained expression.

“Can’t you just tell us what we’re looking for? Then we can sneak in and out without anyone noticing us.”

“You can’t do that,” said Bone, still cheerful “I’m the smartest person in camp right now, only I know what to look for”

“At least you’re modest about it” muttered Skulduggery and she glared at him

“Simply repeating facts, Mr. Pleasant” she said haughtily “now I suggest we get a move on” Three hours later, the Dead Men plus Bone where hiding in a clump of trees, discussing how to get into the castle.

“I say take out the guards at the front gate and head in that way” Said Dexter, cracking his knuckles

“You heard Corrival, the front guards are very powerful long range adepts, they would take us use before we got into range to through fireballs” said Erskine

“Then what do you suggest?”

“I’m sorry, gentlemen, but our hand has been forced” Skulduggery said and everyone looked up. While the men folk had been talking about how to get in, Bone had slipped away and was now walking boldly up the path to the castle. The guards saw her and held out their hands, but then lowered them as the saw it was only one, unarmed girl.

“What the hell is she doing?” whispered Anton to Ghastly, who shrugged. Bone had reached the top of the small hill castle Bancrook was set on and walked up to the gates. The guards stepped so they where standing shoulder to shoulder, blocking her way.

“What gives?” she asked, looking up at the two much taller men

“Who are you and what is your business here?” asked the guard on the right and Bone smiled. All the Dead Men winced as the guards skulls cracked together, Bone leaned down and pulled the keys off one guy’s belt, then she jingled them in the direction of the slightly astonished men.

“Show off” Erskine said, taking the keys from Bone and proceeding to unlock the gates

“It’s all in the way you act, if you act like you belong, people will think you belong.” Dexter examined the guards, then looked up at Bone, rather shocked

“They’re dead, you shattered they’re skulls completely”

“Oh did I now?” Bone sounded slightly bemused at Dexter’s astonishment “well, better them then me”

“You are a very dangerous young lady” said Anton, shaking his head

“Compliments will get you nowhere” the gates clicked open and Erskine gestured them in,

“Stop talking, start walking” he ordered