by A. J. Medina
“Neala, did you change your clothes?” I asked her.
“Aye. I woke up early and went back to my chambers to get a change of clothes. I also have a message for you.”
“What message?”
“A message from the queen.”
“From the queen? What could the queen possibly want with me?”
“She wishes for you to join her and the princess in her bath this evening.”
Neala had mentioned once — when I first saw the bath in the turret on my first night in the castle city — how the women of court liked to wash and sit in the bath and discuss things.
It seemed today I would take part in that ritual. And with the queen.
I felt uneasy about the whole thing, but why? What was I afraid of?
I’ve never really spoken to the queen except for when I posed as Neala. Not even at dinner when she would sit by the king at her post. I always felt that the queen was watching me intently, but thought it was all in my imagination. Now it seemed the queen did have an interest in me.
I said the words, “Apta magnitudine.” With my second skin on, I sat on the stool by my door and put my boots on. Next, I slid my harness on and sheathed my sword. We had always been taught to wear our harness and sword, but it occurred to me that the wizard never wore one. He always summoned his weapons. And so it was that I dispersed my harness and sword at once.
“It looks as if you are getting ready for battle,” Neala said.
“In a sense, I am. King Remi wants to practice fighting with me.”
“Why would he do that?” Neala asked, and then retrieved a new cloak from the hook. It was purple like my other one, but it was definitely a winter cloak. The hood was lined with fur, as well as the collar, and it had sleeves. Neala held it out for me to slide my arms in.
“The wizard used to practice with the king. It’s my duty now, I guess.”
She lifted the back of the cloak and slid it onto my shoulders.
“Turn around please,” she said.
When I did, she flattened out the front and fastened the three buttons across my chest. No matter what I told Neala, it seemed she would still perform her duties as my chamber maiden. I’ve given up trying. I would let her continue to do these things for me if she wanted to. And with the queen watching, it may be the best thing for the both of us.
“How does it fit?” Neala asked.
“Fine,” I answered.
It was more than fine. It felt soft and plush and warm. Very warm.
“Try moving around in it. See if it allows you to fight freely.”
I lunged, twisted and jumped. It didn’t hinder my movement at all.
“Alora,” Neala said while she slid my new gloves onto my hands. “Remember that he is king... a prideful king. Do not make him appear foolish in front of the others.”
“I understand.”
At least I thought I did.
I thanked Neala for her help and took off towards the guard’s wing. When I arrived, the king was in his armor already practicing with Ryanne. She was having a hard time fending him off.
The king lunged forward and tapped her leg with his wooden practice sword. Next, he threw his shoulder into her, causing Ryanne to fall to the ground. He thrust his wooden sword into her chest. Had it been a real sword it would have been the final blow.
The knightlys, all wearing new winter cloaks, cheered their king. Remi lifted his arms into the air and he gladly accepted their praise.
When he had turned in a full circle, he saw and acknowledged me.
“Wizard, at last. I challenge you, First Knight. What say you?”
I started unbuttoning my cloak. “I accept!”
The knightlys cheered.
Slipping my cloak off, I scanned for someplace to hang it.
“I’ll hold it,” Thomas offered.
I handed it to him. “Thank you, Thomas.”
After he took it, I slowly walked over to the center of the courtyard where King Remi waited. The ground was soft from yesterday’s rain. It wasn’t quite as muddy, but I would have to pay attention if I wanted to stay on my feet.
In a flash, I summoned my armor, my harness and sword, and also my shield. Ryanne was about to hand me her practice sword when the king stopped her. “Nay! I challenge you to fight me with a shield alone.”
It appeared Remi wanted to make a fool out of me. I couldn’t let that happen or I would lose the knightlys respect. Nay, I would have to fight him as if this was a real battle, at least to a point.
With Ryanne pulling away the offer of her sword, I stepped into the circle being formed by the others.
King Remi held out his hand. “Your sword please.”
I reached behind, drew my sword, and handed it to him. King Remi studied it, first looking at it and then feeling its weight.
He was satisfied with my sword. So satisfied that he threw his wooden practice sword off to the side.
“Defend yourself,” King Remi said.
“Your Majesty?” I asked.
“Show me what you are capable of.”
“But Your Maj—”
King Remi charged and swung his sword. My instincts shouted ‘move’ so I aimed my hand at the ground and soared backwards out of the circle. When I landed, the knightlys were parting, making a path for the king to move through.
I was ready for him this time. I dug my feet into the ground ready to react. A clang rang out as his sword collided with my shield. He responded quickly, pulling his sword back and swinging at my legs. I placed my shield in front of my chest and jumped towards him. My shield collided with his face and we both fell to the ground. I rolled forward to my feet and stood at the ready.
The king wiped his lip and admired the blood. A sinister smile spread across his lips. I began stepping backwards while holding my shield up in front of me. His sword was aiming down at his side. He stepped forward and then stepped again. Each step forward he took, I took one backwards.
King Remi stepped faster, causing me to retreat faster, and then his steps turned into a run. He jumped up with his sword overhead and chopped downward. I soared to my right, out of his swords path.
“Are you going to keep doing that?” King Remi asked.
“Doing what? Trying to avoid being cut down with my own sword?”
King Remi laughed and then charged again. I had enough of his games. When his sword collided with my shield, I punched him in his stomach. He was stunned momentarily by the feeling of my fist in his gut, so I used my shield to attack his legs. His legs flew out from under him and he landed on his back.
He rose to his feet, but not fast enough. I was on him again, my shield pressing into his chest.
Rage filled his eyes and I realized I was crossing the line. I was making him look foolish in front of the others. I pushed him back slightly and kneeled in front of him. “I yield, Your Majesty.”
The knightlys booed at the outcome.
The king flailed his arms, trying to silence the crowd, when Ser Erwin ran up to him. Ser Erwin whispered something into his ear. “I’ll be there in a moment,” King Remi said to him.
Ser Erwin saluted and left through the main gate of the guard’s wing.
King Remi turned his attention back to me. He bent down to whisper in my ear. “Wise choice,” he said, and then threw my sword to the ground at my side and walked off towards the guard’s wing gate.
As I watched King Remi leave, all I could think about was why kings were so powerful. He was only powerful, because we gave him that power. The people that follow him. If we didn’t follow him, and obey his orders, he would have no power.
I had no sword, was only allowed to use my shield, and I could’ve beat him. I grabbed my sword and stood. With my magic and my sword I was better than he was. I could easily over power him. Kill him if I chose. The king must be aware of that. Any good king would be.
So he was being careful. Treating me as a friend so as not to upset me and give me a reason to betray him. Is
that why he was friends with the wizard Agbavitor? So that he would stay at his side and follow his commands. Or were they truly friends?
I put my cloak back on, waved goodbye to the knightlys, and headed back to my chambers in the palace.
Chapter 9
I passed the princess’ open chamber door on the way to mine, when I heard her yelling, “Take that! And that!”
I entered the princess’ chambers and watched her. The princess was swinging a wooden sword through the air while holding one side of her gown up so that she could move more freely.
When the princess slashed and turned, she noticed me and stopped. “Look what Father’s friend brought me. It’s a training sword.” Princess Evelyn sliced it through the air.
There wasn’t anything special about the wooden sword so I didn’t think anything about it until the princess mentioned something. Something that grabbed my attention.
“Look how sweet. On the handle there’s a carving of a man and his son.”
I stepped towards the princess, and forgetting all of my manners, snatched it from her hands.
“Alora!” she shouted. “That’s mine!”
I couldn’t believe it. It was my training sword. The sword I had left at home in my room. The sword that was missing that night when I returned to find my cottage burned.
“This is mine!” I yelled at the princess. “Where did you get this?”
“It was a gift.”
I pointed the wooden sword at the princess. “A gift from who?”
“From Father’s friend. I just told you that before.”
“Is he still here?”
“He’s leaving as we speak.”
I rushed over to the princess’ window and searched the castle city for the man even though I didn’t have a clue who I was looking for.
“What does he look like?” I asked.
Before Princess Evelyn could even answer me, I noticed a horse far off in the distance. It was much farther than I could usually see, but I could make out its sandy coat.
A beautiful sandy coat similar to Mata’s and a man was mounting her. When he pulled the reins and turned the horse, it had the same markings on her nose.
It couldn’t be her, could it?
“Mata!” I yelled.
The horse turned searching for my voice.
The rider tried to pull her back into the direction he wished to go—out the main gate.
I cupped my hands over my mouth and yelled again. My hands shone blue and my voice echoed throughout the city. I looked down and the entire city was looking in all directions trying to focus on where my voice had come from.
But not Mata. She looked directly at me. It was her. Mata and my wooden sword. That man was at my cottage. He must’ve done it. I looked down out the window. People were passing by. I held onto the side ledges preparing to soar down to the ground below, but there were too many people so I turned and bolted for the door.
The princess said something as I sprinted past her. It was a blur of words. I had no idea what she said. As I ran down the steps to the ground level, I wondered what I would say to this man or if I would say anything at all. When I exited the palace, I picked up my pace. My heart wanted to burst out of my chest and breathing was becoming difficult. I couldn’t keep my pace much longer.
When I reached the stables, the man was gone.
“Alora, what are you doing?” a voice asked from behind me.
I turned to see the king studying me.
“Your Majesty,” I panted, pointing my wooden sword at the stables. “The man that was here. Where is he?”
“He left. Is he familiar to you?”
“Nay, but he had my horse.”
“Kalette? No she’s in the stables, I’m sure of it.”
“Nay, Your Majesty. My horse from my home in Kingsley. The one that was burned. My parents murdered.”
“Nonsense, Alora. Please walk with me.”
“But, Your Majesty,” I pleaded.
“I’ll hear no more of this,” he said. The tone of his voice had changed. It wasn’t friendly anymore. It was dark. “Come. Walk with your king.”
He wasn’t asking me, he was commanding me.
I looked back towards the main gate once more, before following my king’s command. “Aye, Your Majesty.”
“Let’s talk of something else. I have given much thought to your request and now that winter is upon us, you may go.”
I was puzzled for a moment. I was still thinking about Mata. “My request?”
King Remi placed his hands behind his back and continued to walk towards the square. “Aye. Your request to search for the dragon wizard.”
I remembered instantly. Forgetting all about Mata, I rushed my next steps to keep up with the king and then matched his pace.
“And what have you decided, Your Majesty?” I asked.
“I have decided to let you go.”
I was thrilled and so excited I almost hugged the king. Almost...
“And you may take three others with you. Choose well.”
He offered three, but I needed us to total five— like the wizard’s note had stated. “Thank you, Your Majesty. May I... may I request a fourth?”
King Remi turned. “A fourth?”
“Aye, may I take Neala with us?”
He stopped walking. “A maiden? On such a journey? I doubt she would even make it the whole way. She would just slow you down.”
“Please, Your Majesty.”
I tried to think of a good reason why Neala should go. I didn’t want to tell him it was because I didn’t want to leave her alone in the castle city. Without me here, Remi might call Neala to his chambers.
“I’ve grown accustomed to having her serve me. She will be useful to us. She can cook for us and wash my feet.” I looked down and realized how stupid that last part sounded.
King Remi started walking again and didn’t answer right away. We passed the baker where he handed the king a roll. King Remi took it, thanked the baker and bit into it.
“For you, Wizard,” the baker said, offering me a roll.
“Nay. But thank you,” I said.
The king finally broke his silence. “She may go with you.” He looked up at the sky. “You should set out soon. Before the snow finds its way to us.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
I slapped my fist to my chest and when King Remi nodded in appreciation, I turned away from him and ran back to the palace to tell Neala the good news.
I spent the rest of the day in my room thinking. Neala was nice enough to bring me my meals so I wouldn’t go hungry. Honestly, I would’ve forgotten to eat if it wasn’t for her.
I had already apologized to the princess for snatching the sword from her and she forgave me and even let me keep it. I would have to find out who that man was, but for now, I had to prepare for the journey.
Lying in bed with my hands behind my head, I thought about who I should take with me. They would be knightlys of course. They, like all the other knights, had proven themselves in battle. A journey across the kingdoms would be easy as pie for them and they would be able to handle anything that the realm threw at them.
When I told Neala she would be coming with me, she was excited. She was happy that I wasn’t leaving her behind. One down three to go.
I went through the list in my head and marked them off one by one. Since the three people I would want most in the whole realm were no longer available to me, I decided on Davina, Thomas and Aednat. Ugh... Aednat.
Even though we haven’t gotten along the best, Aednat was a great warrior. And she had helped me on the battlefield when I wasn’t paying attention. We might not be the best of friends, but I would definitely want Aednat at my side during a fight, so she was going along.
Thomas, I thought, could use a change of scenery. With Tessa gone he — just like me — would be happy to keep his mind occupied so that his thoughts wouldn’t lead him in that direction. Although, when the silence of night
fall crept up, and the world was quiet, everyone was left with nothing but their own minds and the thoughts usually shifted back to those that had fallen, and those that were missed.
I decided on Davina because even though she’s quiet, she’s tough. I still remember how she stood up to Aednat for Tessa.
So that was it. The choices were made. It was time to get everything ready.
When Neala finally entered my room later on, I asked her for a favor. “Neala, can you send a message for me?”
“Absolutely. To whom?”
“To Lucah’s parents. They live in the Village of Kingsley.”
“Your home?”
“My village. My home is gone.”
“What of your meadow?” Neala asked.
“I don’t know. I think it’s still there.”
“I hope it is. I would love to see it. What’s the message?”
“Let them know about our journey and that the five of us will stop in for a visit. Maybe they can even put us up for the night.”
Neala nodded once. “Is that all?”
“Maybe add if she could have some sweet bread ready.” I touched her hand. “You’re going to love it. She makes the best sweet bread.”
“Don’t let the baker hear you say that,” she joked.
“And tell her to expect us around mid-day. I’ve decided we’ll be taking a carriage instead of individual horses.”
“Aye, I’ve got it all. I’ll send the falcon after we’re done with the queen,” Neala said.
Ugh.... The queen. I completely forgot. “Why do you think the queen really wants to see me?” I asked.
“The first knight has always been the wizard Agbavitor, and now you are the first knight and wizard. Perhaps Queen Rosaleen wants to get to know you, that’s all.”
“How should I dress?”
Neala chuckled. “We are going to her washroom. Dress however you wish, but I will bring a sleep shirt and shoes for you to wear back once you’re clean.”
“I can bring it.”
“Nay, Alora. We are going to see the queen. Let me handle it. Besides, once we are in her presence I won’t be able to say or do anything except for my duties. Plus, she hates me. Not just because I’m a maiden and she believes all maidens are here to serve her and the princess, but because I.... For our sake, let me serve you.”