by A. D. Duling
She had a lot more strength and courage than even she believed she did. It had been foreseen long ago of her coming, he knew she was the chosen one, the only one. He couldn’t believe then that a young girl could be the one, but seeing her today made him believe.
He thought about her little book. Did it really hold the answers to all of her questions? It needed a key to open it and she was told she had it, but where? The only key she had could not. So what then? Well he did know one thing. She was right, she was meant to discover that place and she was supposed to get that book.
A lot of people in Tatania had questions and if her book could have the answers, then they needed to figure out where this key was quickly!
Chapter 7
The chirping of birds above them woke him up. He turned onto his back and looked over at Anna. She was still sleeping. He stood up and stretched, the horse neighed behind him. He walked over to Thunder and stroked his head, “Good morning my friend, are you hungry?”
The horse gave another neigh in return as if answering his question. He walked over to the saddle bag and pulled out another satchel of food. This one was filled with a sort of fruit cake. He broke a big piece and feed it to the horse. He quickly ate it and nudged him for some more.
Hayden laughed, “Alright, how about an apple.” He reached inside the bag again and pulled one out for him. The horse enthusiastically took it. Hayden left him busily munching on it and walked back over to Anna. He reached down and gently shook her shoulder, “Anna, wake up.”
She gave a small moan and waved him away with her hand. He laughed and smacked her on the bottom. She sat up and gave him a nasty look, he raised his hands. “Hey, you wouldn’t wake up.” He defended himself.
He helped her to her feet. “Did you sleep well?”
She yawned and stretched, “I did, but I had a very strange dream!” She picked up the blanket and started to fold it.
“And what was it about?” He asked her.
She handed him the blanket, “It’s hard to explain,” she went on, “It was mostly random images.”
“Well was there an image of me?” he teased.
She grinned, “Don’t flatter yourself.” She stated. “You Tatanian men, you’re just like the ones at home.”
“And how is that?” he inquired.
“Your all hopeless perverts!” she exclaimed.
He furrowed his brows, “What is a pervert?”
She laughed, “You’re joking with me, right?” He shook his head. She just stood there and stared not sure how to respond.
“Anna, what does pervert mean?” he asked her again.
She blinked, “Well…” She went to explain, but he interrupted.
“It doesn’t mean something bad does it?”
She shrugged, “Well, not entirely, it just means… well that…well a pervert is someone who thinks inappropriate thoughts about someone else.” She finally answered.
“Oh.” He responded and walked over to her, “So if I am a pervert, then I can ask you what I was doing in my image?” he joked.
She slapped at his arm and blushed, “There was no image of you!” she laughed back. He gave her a devilish grin and they returned back to their packing up. Afterwards, they ate their breakfast under the same tree.
“Anna, I did a lot of thinking last night about your book. This man said you had the key, are you sure you only have that one?” he questioned her.
She nodded, “Yes. The only things I have on me are the key, the dagger and my grandmother’s jewelry…” she paused, “Wait, that’s it! What if the key is one of the pieces of jewelry!” she exclaimed.
She reached up and undid the necklace and handed it to him. She then undid the clasp of the bracelet and both started examining their pieces. It didn’t take long for Hayden to spot a keyhole at the bottom of the pendant, “Anna look at this.” He handed it back to her.
“How could I have missed that?”
“Sometimes even the things right under our noses can get overlooked, especially if there was no need to look for it in the first place.” He consoled her.
She nodded, “Well, let’s see if it works in this.”
She pulled it out of her pocket and inserted it into the lock. The key turned with ease and the top of the pendant popped open. Inside she could see a metal loop; she grabbed it with two fingers and pulled it out. It was a key!
She pulled her book out of her other pocket and inserted the key into its lock. It worked! She quickly pulled it out and unlatched the clasp. She opened the cover to the first page, it was blank. She flipped through the other pages, they were all blank. “Why does everything here have to be so difficult!” she complained and threw the book down.
Hayden picked the book up and thumbed through the pages,
“Maybe there’s magic behind this, maybe you need a password.” He suggested.
“But the man said nothing about a password, he just mentioned a key!”
He handed the book back to her, “We’ll figure it out once we get to Tatania, the Empress may be able to help.” He assured her.
“You have an Empress?” she asked.
He laughed and nodded, “There’s a whole lot about Tatania that you don’t know about, but that will come later! For now we need to get moving again.”
He climbed up on Thunder and helped her up. “If we ride straight through the day, we will make it there by late evening.”
And just as he had predicted, they reached the walls to the city late that evening.Hayden guided the horse towards the entrance to the city; she was amazed by its surrounding walls. They were made of granite, so when the moonlight hit them it made quite an exquisite sight!However, the guards standing post every twenty feet along the top made it clear these beautiful walls were meant more for its strength and protection, than for its beauty.
As they neared its grand doors, it was apparent its beauty did not stop at just the walls; beautiful carvings were engraved in the wood.
“Hello up there!” Hayden called up.
“Hello down there!” The guard waved down, recognizing him.
The heavy doors then slowly opened for them to pass through. It had already been announced of their coming when they were first spotted and a crowd of people had already formed on the other side, waiting for them. Many waved at him and everyone was staring at her.
They rode along the center street, passing the closed shops that ran along it. It was a very quaint city, resembling a Parisian street. Shops and buildings then turned into quaint little town homes and as they passed by, curtains parted and faces peeked out to get a look at them.
Finally he guided them down a side street and up to a very welcoming home. A small garden could be seen in the back yard and beautiful flowers overflowed the flower boxes that sat on its tiny porch.
Hayden climbed down, just as the front door opened. A man came out and walked over to them; he grabbed Hayden and gave him a hug.
“It’s good to have you safe, back at home my boy! Your mother has been worried sick since you left!” He patted him hard on the back.
Anna had already figured him to be Hayden’s father. He looked exactly like him, only a little older and grayer. The man looked over at her and smiled, she smiled awkwardly back at him.
“So you’re Anna Kippling!” His big hand grabbed her small one and gave it a vigorous shake! “I am Harmon and you have probably already figured out that I am Hayden’s father!”
She smiled and nodded, “Yes, It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She politely responded.
He chuckled and took the reins from Hayden, “Take this young lady into the house and introduce her to your mother, while I take this old fellow here out to the barn.”
Hayden helped her down and grabbed her hand; he gently pulled her towards the house. “If that horse understood what you just said about him father, it may be you tied up in the barn tonight!” He yelled after him.
His father chuckled again and rubbed the horse’s nose as the
y walked out to the back. They went inside and Hayden shut the door behind them.
“Go ahead and have a seat at the table, I am sure mother is in the kitchen warming up a meal for us.” His gently pressed on her back and nudged her in the direction towards it.
She walked over to the nearest chair and sat down; he sat down across from her. A moment later the door opened from the kitchen and in walked a very lovely woman with plates of food in her hands.
“I knew you would be home tonight, I’ve kept your dinners warm for you both!” She announced and sat a plate down in front of each of them; which smelled wonderful!
She smiled at Anna, “Hello Anna, my name is Corinne; I’m Hayden’s mother.” She leaned over and gave her a hug.
Anna hugged her back, “It’s very nice to meet you Corrine and this dinner smells wonderful!”
She chuckled, “Thank you. Now you two eat up, there is pie waiting for you after!” She walked over to the nearby hutch and grabbed some glasses and forks for them.
She handed them to Hayden, “I will be right back with something to drink.” She walked back into the kitchen; He handed her a glass and fork. The woman returned a minute later carrying a pitcher. She poured their drinks and then sat down next to her son.
“Your being spoiled tonight Anna, this is my mother’s famous chicken and dumplings!” he bragged.
Anna took a bite and he was right it was very delicious! Within minutes she had cleaned her plate.
“Would you like some more Anna?” Corrine asked her.
Anna laughed and wiped her mouth with the napkin that came with the plate. “Forgive me, I normally have better table manners, but we did skip lunch today. And as delicious as it was, I don’t think I could possibly fit another bite!”
“Not even for some apple pie?” Corrine teased.
“Well… give me five minutes and I am sure I could squeeze in a pie!” She teased in return.
“Done!” the woman said and she cleared their plates. The front door opened and in walked Hayden’s father.
“Well my son, your horse is fed and now resting!” He announced.
Hayden smiled, “Thank you father, now come sit down and have some of mother’s delicious pie with us.” He invited.
“I could never refuse that!” and his father went over and sat down in his seat at the head of the table.
Corrine chuckled, “Well I had better hurry then and get that pie!” She returned to the kitchen with their dirty plates to fetch it.
Harmon leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms on his chest, “So Anna, how much has Hayden told you?”
She shrugged, “Very little… just a mention of an Empress.”
“I told her all would be explained when we got here!” He interjected and gave her a playful nasty look. She grinned.
The older man nodded, “Do you know what happened with Taren and Kimble?”
He shook his head. Anna shot up in her seat; “Wait! The woman gave me a letter.” She pulled it out and handed it to him. He opened it and read it. His face conveyed his concern, when he finished reading; he crumpled it up in his fist.
“What did it say?” his son asked him.
“They wrote that they had no choice, but pledge their allegiance to the Empress. Most likely they will be put to death for this…” he paused and looked over at Anna, “But this is a sacrifice they are willing to make for the safety of you Anna.” He emphasized.
“Why? Why would they die for me? Why is everybody saying I am the chosen one? What am I exactly chosen to do?” She implored.
“There is an evil man known as the “Chancellor”, who is roaming these lands; doing whatever he wishes! What he is doing is not good! Our Empress rules over these lands; she is here to ensure order, for the good of all cities. This Chancellor is the opposite; his laws for the ones who follow him are corrupt! When things are corrupt only bad things come from that…. a rumor is spreading among the lands of war, exactly what the Empress does not want! Nor does anyone else! You were meant to come here Anna because you are the chosen one!”
“What does that mean? What am I chosen for?” she repeated.
“You were chosen to stop him. It has been long prophesized of your coming.” He answered her.
“How can I stop him? I’m just a girl… I’m nobody special!” she pleaded.
He reached over and patted her hand, “You have more strength than you give yourself credit for Anna. Sometimes the greatest outcome comes from the most unexpected places. Even from just a girl.” He assured her. Corrine returned with their desserts and quietly passed them out while they talked.
“But how will I know what to do?” she asked. Corrine sat down next to her, “Only you will know that answer.”
“An answer… Anna has this book that is supposed to give her answers, but we don’t know how it works!” Hayden interrupted.
“Yes! When Hayden and I were traveling through a cave, I fell into this pool of water and was directed down to an underwater library. The man there said he had been expecting me and there was a book for me, it was “my book.” She pulled it out and handed it to Harmon. “He said it would have the answers to my questions. “
He opened the book and she continued, “We found the key to it, but as you can see the pages are blank.”
“This is where we are stumped.” Hayden added.
Harmon flipped through the pages, “This is strange.” He observed.
“I thought perhaps the Empress would know how to figure this out.” He told his father.
“The Empress is a very wise woman, but I think we may not need her to solve this riddle.” Corrine spoke up. The three looked over to her.
“How is that?” Her husband asked her.
She smiled, “Anna you said this man in the library said that it would have the answers to all of your questions, am I right?”
She nodded.
“Well then! Have you asked it a question?” the woman pointed out.
“We didn’t think about that!” Anna exclaimed excitedly! Harmon handed her the book and she opened it up; “Do you have the answers to my questions?” she asked aloud.
Right away the word “yes” appeared on the page before her! Simultaneously, the men leaned forward to get a closer look and bumped heads. They both laughed and rubbed their foreheads.
Corrine laughed, “Relax my two men; you’re not going to miss anything!”
“Ask it another question, Anna!” He encouraged her.
She looked to Corrine, “What should I ask next?”
“Only you can decide that.” She responded.
Anna thought a moment, “What am I supposed to do here?” she finally asked it.
To save the Empress and all who stand with her. It answered her.
“How can I save her?” she asked next.
Stop the Chancellor. It answered.
“How do I do that?” she asked quickly.
Learn to fight and follow the path that will lead you to your greatest potential.” That makes a whole lot of sense!” She responded sarcastically.
Corrine stood up, “I think that is enough for one night. You two should get some rest and then we can ask more questions tomorrow.” She suggested.
Harmon reached over and picked it up, “Corrine, this is more than we could hope for; this will help us defeat the Chancellor!” He debated.
His wife shook her head, “No my dear, Anna will. This book is only meant to guide her.” She reached down and patted his hand.
He smiled up at her and nodded. He handed the book back to Anna, “You’re right my dear, tomorrow Hayden can start training Anna.” He stated matter-of-factly.
Hayden spoke up, “What about meeting with the Empress? She does need to see her.”
Harmon smiled, “The Empress knows she is here and there will be a time for them to meet, but for now Anna’s training must come first!” He looked over to Anna, “Our time is very limited, the Chancellor is not going to sit around and wait until you
are ready Anna. So we must start right away!” he emphasized.
She smiled at him and stood up, “I understand.” She then looked over to Corrine who gave her a wink. “Well then…. Let’s get you settled for the night!”
Chapter 8
Her mind was restless that night and she tossed and turned in her bed. Footsteps coming up the stairs woke her and she could here Hayden and his parents saying their “Goodnights” to each other. After a brief silence, a faint knock came at her door. She climbed out of bed and cracked open the door; it was Hayden.
He smiled at her, “May I come in?” he asked.
She nodded and opened the door wider; allowing him to come inside. She returned to the bed and sat down. He quietly shut the door and leaned against it; he stood there and just stared at her. She waited for him to say something, but he said nothing. He just stood there and stared. She awkwardly reached up and rubbed the back of her neck, “Is there something you wanted to speak to me about?” she asked trying to defuse the tension.
He shook his head and continued to stare, making her feel even more uncomfortable.
“Hayden …” she went to say, but he quickly raised his finger up in front of his lips to quiet her. He then walked over to the bed and sat down next to her.
“Anna… I would like to kiss you,” he whispered.
“I don’t think that is such a good idea….” She went to protest as he reached up and gently caressed her cheek.
“I only want a kiss Anna, nothing more.”
She hesitated and then nodded her approval. He gently grabbed her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. He then leaned his face closer to hers and gave her a gentle kiss. Her heart raced in her chest and she could feel the heat rise up to her cheeks. He broke the kiss, but his face lingered close to hers.
“May I kiss you again?” He asked; his warm breath blew against her flushed face. The fragrance of it was sweet from the apple pie he had eaten earlier.
“Ok,” she answered.
He kissed her again, but this time not as gentle… yet she didn’t mind. His arms were somehow now wrapped even more tightly around her and pulling her even closer to him….yet she didn’t mind that either. She could feel his heart beating in his chest against hers; it’s pace as fast as her own! Heat had already spread evenly throughout her body and she felt a little dizzy. She had never been kissed like this before. Finally he broke the kiss and looked at her; both were breathing heavily.