Aretha stared at the paper in her hands, thumb gently rubbing over the smooth material. She had kept on reading the message over and over again, sometimes laughing lightly at her own clueless state. She kept on forgetting Hama already knew what she would do even before she knew she would do it, it was really a queer concept to grasp. Unnerving at times but all the more interesting. Her eyes flicked over to the large glass window, the rays of sun being smudged in oncoming darkness. The sun whispered it's goodbye among graying clouds and the moon took it's place, shining boldly in the sunset sky.
Looking back upon the day, Agatha had come into her room unexpectedly.
"Aretha, I'm sure you've already seen the dragons?" The golden haired woman, smiled lazily as she fingered her hair, pulling out any tangled strands. Agatha fidgeted on her feet, moving from one foot to another. She always hated it when Aretha took her time when answering, as if she were striking an attack plan with the way her eyes would glaze over and still continued in a unmoving stare. Aretha finally moved her attentive gaze from her sister, nodding slowly.
“I did indeed see them. It was quite an interesting show, no?” Aretha smiled a wide grin, dimples deepening as she beamed. She turned onto her side, arm leaning against the velvet cushioned lectus as differing shapes of pillows kept her comfort. The seat itself was beautifully made, carved from red oak and held no back. It was laid near the corner of the room, far from the door but instead close by one of the many windows of the room. She always had a strange habit of wanting to be in the heat of the sun’s rays to keep herself warm and today was one of those days. On her lap, a black book was laid, unfinished at the moment.
Agatha breathed out a heavy sigh, arms crossed as she rocked back and forth on her heels. Her eyes roamed the room, falling on Aretha, who seemed unbothered. Her little sister was simply resting, locked away in her chambers and somehow it made Agatha suspicious. A broad frown was painted on her lips, as she tapped her fingers in a steady rhythm against her arm. “Why did you not come out to find anyone? Usually you of all people would be upset at any surprises, so why the change now?” It was now Aretha’s turn to become unsettled. Agatha had become noisy as of late and it was now making it close to impossible for her to do anything.
“I know not of what you mean. I saw the dragons and did not question it, afterall we have been getting many unexpected visitors as of late. So the question is not why the change but why even be bother being surprised? I don’t like surprises but I’m becoming quite numb to the whole sensation.” Aretha’s expression was becoming harder to read she she started to smile once more. Agatha snorted, distrustful of her sister’s calm composure. Stepping across the room, she now leered over Aretha who continued to smile.
“What are you hiding?”
Damn, she’s getting better at seeing through my tricks. Must be a mother’s intuition or something. Aretha could feel the caress of laughter bubble in her chest. Her smile was now straining against the pressure in her and it was becoming unbearable. She had to do something quick. “Why are you even bothering me? I’m in my room not making trouble like how everyone in this whole castle complains of me so. And when I finally start acting like the lady I’m always scolded to be, and I do as such, you disturb my peace by storming into my room and questioning me like a common thief!” She scowled, her voice rising in a angry boom and she shook in her false anger. Clenching her teeth, she blew out a low, threatening hiss. “Is there anything else you want to declare of me while you’re here? Perhaps call me fraud? Maybe I’m not even Aretha and just some impersonator who has taken her place!” She sat up, her book falling to the floor with a loud ‘thud’.
Agatha’s eyes widened and she took a step back, uncertain of what her next approach should be. Aretha rarely ever got angry, irritated was common, but pure anger… no that wasn’t right. “Aretha, I didn't mean to offend you. I and the others were simply worried for your health. We thought something terrible had befallen you and I came to check. When I saw you simply reading, I was ...placed in shock. It’s unlike you not to be moving around.” Aretha cringed, guilt piling into her soul. She hadn’t mean to sound harsh much less make her sister feel as if she had to apologize. But she concluded that it had to be done, so she could make a successful escape.
Aretha looked away, caramel hair falling to hide her face. “I’m sorry. It’s true, I haven’t been feeling very well and I snapped. It was not your fault and I must beg for forgiveness.” For some reason, she had been apologizing more than she wanted to during the past days. Maybe something was wrong with her. Agatha clasped her hands together, a bit relieved. “Do you want me to fetch a nurse? I’m sure you’ll want to be present when we speak to the newcomers.” Aretha choked, shaking her head rapidly. If a nurse were to come, she would never be able to leave her sight! “I-I’ll be fine! I just need a night’s rest and I’m sure I’ll be well by morning.”
It had been about five hours gone and past since then and now she walked down to Mary’s room, the sun setting in the distance. They should have left earlier but sleep had fallen upon her and when she awoke, evening had already struck. Her midnight blue hooded dress fluttered as she walked, black lace closing the back. The dress was snug around her, comfortable but easy to move around in. She pulled at her wide sleeves, the low clicking of her boots echoing in the empty hallways. It was strange, the empty presence of the many servants and guards mostly gone. But then again many of them had been excused to go to the festival and thus allowing Aretha her chance.
She stepped to the guest door, knocking softly. “Mary, Mary! Come on! We have a long way to go and we can’t dawdle!”, she whisper through the heavy doors. At first nothing was heard on the other side of the doors, causing Aretha to worry that maybe Mary had abandoned her. But then with a small creek, Mary’s golden hair peaked from the darkened light of her room. Nervousness was etched over her face and she gripped the handle with such shaking force, Aretha thought she would break the handle. “Princess, I really don’t think we should do this. What if someone looks for you? It’ll bring an outright panic!”
Aretha chuckled, tempted to ruffle the girl’s head. “My Lady Mary, everyone is much too busy to deal with a sick princess. Either they drink in mirth or prepare for the next day in furious panic. So what reasons do I have to worry? We shall be fine and be back before anyone notices our disappearance.” Her lip twitched, mentally correcting herself. Hama knows, but no matter. This errand shall be done speedily. Taking hold of Mary’s wrist she pulled the girl by force out of the room. “Now why by Zoar would you even wear that?” Aretha glared at the bright color before her, sneering. The bright red blinded her and she clenched her fists in anger. How were they suppose to go unnoticed if she had a bright scarlet target clinging to her!?
Mary glanced down to her clothing, pulling at the skirt of her dress. “Why does it look bad? I thought it brought out the color of my eyes.” Aretha groaned, storming into Mary’s room and flinging open her closet. It took a while before she actually saw a dark colored cloak for Mary to wear. Pulling it out she threw it at Mary. “Put it on and don’t argue. We’ve wasted enough time already.” Mary wrinkled her nose and irritatedly put on the black cloak. “Why must you give me such a thing to wear? It’s so plain!”
“Exactly.”
Aretha turned away, walking down the darkened halls with Mary in tow. The blonde headed girl whined and grumbled, at times even stopped walking in a childish refusal. Aretha though could even become more impossible and miserable, and through some … unarguable words they left for the stables. Mary refused to step foot near the horses and waited outside, while Aretha saddled Calhoun. It was most certainly one of those times when she struggled with the straps and buckles, never really putting on such things since she rode bareback. Calhoun was none the most agreeable neither. He rounded on his mistress, snapping at her hands when she pulled on a leather strap too tight. She slapped her hand against his rear, a warning clearly stated. “Don’t you even dare, you fickle beast. This is as much uncomfortable for you as it is me.”
After continuous fumbling, Aretha managed to have the saddle in place. “Alright, Calhoun. Let’s go get our passenger, shall we?” She pulled herself up, sitting with both legs on the left side of her horse’s flank. She brushed off her skirts, a habitual habit enforced by her mother. Quietly, Calhoun trotted out of the musty stables, snorting in his excitement. Mary gulped when she saw the large beast, fear grasping her. “Y-Y-You expect to me to ride that!?”
“Unless you rather a rope being tied around your waist and I dragging you to the villages, then yes. I do.”
Aretha held out her hand, smiling snidely. Mary took it, untrusting of what Aretha had in store. The princess pulled Mary up into the saddle who squeaked grabbing onto Aretha’s arm. Calhoun's eyes rolled as he tried to buck off the stranger woman and he kicked and kicked until Aretha had calmed him down. As Mary positioned herself to be seated, she wrapped her hands around Aretha's waist, shaking. “Oh please, you’re not even gonna fall unless you let go. I’m much too good of a rider anyway.” Mary just mumbled softly, burying her face into her back. Aretha snapped the reins with an exasperated sigh and Calhoun with his two riders ran out of the sights of the castle.
Aretha shivered now being to feel the bitter cool night air. She had not realized how cold it was until the wind began to whip at her face. She glance over she shoulder, seeing that Mary was protected from the cold air, hidden behind her. Towering shadows of trees that stood like giants moved under the clashing hooves of Calhoun as the raced down the hills. Aretha only noticed that Mary was close to crying when she slowed her steed. Two paths laid in front of them, one that was commonly used and the other following deeper into the darkened wood of the forest. Aretha looked from left to right, calculating her next move. If she went to the left, there would be a greater chance of her being spotted but if she choose right, the greater the possibility of her becoming lost. “Choices, choices, choices. Which one should I make…” She twisted Calhoun's head to go for the right. She wasn’t about to be caught and forced back to the castle. If her parents found her out, undoubtedly she would be locked away from the world forever.
“Why must you take the path that is so overgrown!? It seems as if no one has used this for years!”
“10 years to be precise. This path was untraveled due to wolves that laid in wait for the farmers and shepherds who took the livestock to graze. Soon they turned on people who walked up here when no more animals were allowed to feed on the grasses.” Mary choked out a sob at Aretha’s words. “Don’t worry, most of the wolves have already followed the deer and elk elsewhere. Only loners wander now.” Calhoun jumped over fallen logs and strayed from boulders that blocked their way. The sun’s light had already died away with the rising of the moons glory and all animals awake during the day had found homes to rest. It was now the time for the nocturnal to stretch aching limbs and stride off into the dim light given.
But the still silence made Aretha stiff in alertness. She was used to the sounds of the birds in the trees, horses nickering to one another in deep conversation, and the passing dog that barked in greeting. The silence now prevented before her was something to be feared but she dare not speak in case of anything unwanted animals following. The only things she could recognize as noise was the labored breaths of Mary and Calhoun’s snorts. She puffed out a breath of her own, making sure she was still breathing.
“Aretha, can’t we go back? Please? I don’t like being out here alone.”
“You’re not alone. You have me and my horse. Shush now. I don’t want any disturbances when I need to listen to what could come.”
Mary lowered her voice to what seemed to be a pray as she whispered. In the meantime, Aretha’s mind wondered. The mountain the castle was settled upon was a strange and peculiar one. The mountain had been laid off in steps basically. The bottom of the mount was grasslands, used by the farmers to grow crops. The earth was soft and fertile, golden plains to be seen for miles upon miles. On top of that was a wet and humid, like a rainforest. Many of the creatures that lived there were avoided and any people who went through there hurried through in attempt to escape the unknown wonders. She had heard many legends of the place and it intrigued her to no end. Where the group was now was in the forest, many tall trees had grown here, most used for timber. The forest had grown many flowers and beautiful plants that were common and sought for to sell. The castle itself sat on one of the few overcasting peaks, while the wood below held waterfalls and soft grasses to lay on. And finally overhead was the winter bitten peak of the mountain. No one ever went up there unless asking for death. The slopes where dangerous and slippery, with too many caverns for one to fall into. Not many people knew what was exactly up there but to Aretha she did wonder at times.
But at that moment they were nearing the last of the forest. She began to hear screeching of passing animals and low coos from those in the trees. The air was becoming humid, warming her slightly. She looked behind of her and saw that the castle was no longer in view but neither was the villages below. The trees were too thick to see through and all of them were clumped together in heavy masses.
Suddenly, Calhoun reared in start nearly throwing the unsuspecting girls from his back. Mary screamed rattling Aretha to the bone as she hissed. “What in the name of Zoar is that!?” Two large, red eyes glowed in the midst of the early night, blinking slowly. A over grown beast with six limbs crawled into sight. It’s legs where scaled in a dark green while the white fur on it’s body shook, throwing out small leave and twigs. It yawns opening it gaping mouth, which surprisingly held blunt teeth and strolled off without much interest of the intruders. Aretha and Mary were frozen, eyes following the beats until it once more disappeared.
“What the hell was that?”, Aretha cursed causing Mary to be brought forth in shock.
“Princess! Your language! I do not know of that beasts name nor do I wish to know.”
“... I live with a large amount of brothers and men. Cursing is not unheard of.”
Aretha snapped the reins, rushing Calhoun forward. She didn't want to remain in this place in the dark with who knows what monstrosities. They were very lucky just to fall upon one of the less dangerous beasts. Mary kept on clinging tighter and tighter to ARthea as she pushed Calhoun to his limits as they ran forth. The steeds breath came in heavy puff, the humidity of the air mixing with his own. It seemed as if hours had passed of them twisting and turned all around until the finally made it out. They were greeted by the welcoming sight of large corn crops and the distant lights of the village below.
“Thank Zoar, we are finally here.” Mary relaxed, shoulders slacking in the tightness they once held. Aretha herself was glad, but kept her inner thoughts to herself. As they rode, she could hear the faint sounds of music and laughter. Excitement bubbled in her and oh, how she wished she could make Calhoun go faster! But the poor thing was already tired and in need of rest, so they moved on a slow and easy pace.
“Mary tell me of the village? How big is it? What kind of shops can be seen? Who should you buy from and not buy from? Can I-” She was cut off when Mary slapped her across her head. Aretha felt the throbbing pain, rubbing the sore spot in shock. No one ever dare lay a finger on her and this was the first. She didn’t know what to say or how to react, but Mary knew exactly what to do.
“You boneheaded girl! I have been traumatized this whole ride, being bumped this way and that! My mind is scattered and I feel as if I could drop dead to the ground at any moment. And then you bombard me with your questions! For the sake of everything good in this world, you could drive any sane person mad!”
Aretha coughed, holding her chest. Her shoulders shook and Mary patted her back, suddenly worried. “A-Aretha..I’m ...I’m sorry. I didn't mean to upset you so..” But Mary leaned back in surprise when Aretha burst into a fit of laughter. “Mary! I swear that is the most intelligent thing you have ever said to me in all the time we have met! My wit must be rubbing off on you somehow!” Mary was confused and then angered by the princess’s outright insult to her intelligence. But Mary knew she was ditsy so she could not argue. Instead she pouted paying no mind to Aretha. The princess tried to make Mary speak again, hoping to rile her up but she could not get a response. The nagging continued for a whole hour until the made it into the village.
Once jumping off, Aretha left Mary clinging to the side of a building, legs wobbly from the long ride. “I’ll be back as soon as I place Calhoun with a trustworthy farmer.” Mary didn’t seem to be listening as she slide to the ground groaning. Areth walked past numerous homes, until she stopped at a worn down home. The wood was rotting away due to the wether it had to endure over the years. As she moved up the steps she realized how much the wood creaked, threatening to give way under too much pressure and the windows of the home had a dirty and tinged color to them. She knocked twice, firm but gentle. At first no one answered and she took it as that no one was there or even the house was abandoned. She was prepared to walk away when the door of the home opened. She turned rouch to see a haggard middle aged woman, with two girls clinging to her skirts and a small child in her arms. “I’mma sorry miss, but we don’ have anything to give.”
Aretha automatically smiled and shook her head. “Madam I don’t come to you in search of being given anything. I come to give to you.” She waved a hand towards her horse and continued. “I am ...Aris. I am new to the village and had hoped to take it upon myself and explore. But I fear I can’t bring my horse with me or else that would be too cumbersome for myself and the crowds. I had hoped you could take care of him, with pay of course.” She was about to say more when atrocious sound of a mans voice echoed. The woman looked around into the home, a trouble look glazing her features. She had pressed her hand to close the door when a young man, yanked open the door. Aretha now stood staring at a male that seemed about six years her elder. His black hair was a wild mess and eyes a pale blue, that flared with a unknown anger.
“Henrich! Let the girl be! She ain’t doin’ us no harm!”
Aretha kept her glare, a silent face off between her and the male. He growled out a low tone and bit out a reply. “Why do you want?” Aretha thought before that he was the woman’s husband but saw that he was too young. “I was speaking to your mother of taking care of my horse while I am in the town. I am here on business and would rather not be dragging around my steed.”
Henrich looked over Aretha’s head to where Calhoun nickered an angry response to the mentioning of himself and Henrich sneered. “How much are yah payin’?” Aretha was taken aback by the brightness of his teeth and she noted he was very handsome but something about him reeked danger. She narrowed her eyes, irritated by his boldness. “I was about to tell your mother before you interrupted me, boy.” Henrich snarled certainly not pleased by the infurer term but his mother nudged him out of the way before he did something reckless. Aretha immediately settled. “I will pay seven tola in return of his well being and when I return I will again pay you seven more.” She reached into her cloak, plucking out seven gold coins. She reached out and gently placed the coins into the woman’s hands. The old mother shook, unable to come to terms of what was happening. She finally looked to Aretha tears pouring from her eyes. “Thank you so much miss. Ever since my husband died years back, we have had difficulty making ends meet. Henrich here has been trying so hard to work and fend for the family. Thank you, miss. Thank you.”
Aretha was a bit overwhelmed by the woman’s tears and looked to the ground out of embarrassment. “Well ..I… Um. Just make sure Calhoun is tied up well. He has a tendency to run off if given a chance.” She waved to the woman and her family and walked back to where Mary had still fallen. But what she didn’t notice was Henrich’s stare that followed her until she was out of sight.
“Mary, get up. Stop playing around. I want to see the sites and get what I’ve come for.” Aretha tapped the toe of her boot against May’s shoulders. The girl was pretending to have fainted and grumbled as Aretha poked her. “I refuse to move from here. Just let me die so that every piece of dirt can just crawl onto my clothing.” Aretha bent down and looked at Mary with an unamused frown. “Dirt doesn’t crawl. Bugs crawl. Spiders crawl. But not dirt.” Mary flew up from the ground so quick you would have sworn her dress had caught flames. She brushed at her skirt, crying in loud voice. “Oh hush. There’s not a thing on you. Now lets go.” Aretha grabbed Mary’s arm and dragged the girl into the bright light of the town.
Music carried through the air, a magical note to every tune played. Banners of dragon’s flew high in the night winds. Venders and attention seekers screamed out into the crowd and children, though late as it was, scampered to and fro dodging the adults feet, their laughter ringing like little chimes. Aretha’s eyes widened as she peered at everything and everyone. Woman danced with merry men who laughed and flirted without a care, blushing so lightly. Their steps reminded her of fairies in which her mother would in storybooks as a child. Aretha ran up to the edge of the circle of the crowd Mary chasing after her. “Hey! You just can’t run off like that!” But Aretha could not care much less heed the warning. She gazed in a childlike wonder, jumping excitedly as one couple danced very close to her. The woman was thrown back, hair falling to the ground while her partner looked up and winked at Aretha.
Mary glanced to her friend, peering under her hood to find Aretha giggling like a infatuated woman. It was then Mary saw how what she looked like when a man flirted with her. Mary pulled Aretha away quickly and turned her around to face her. “Did you not see how well they danced? It’s quite different from how we dance at home! It’s much more wild and held a fire like passion! Do you think I could learn how to dance like that?”
“No.”
Mary shook her head, having a rare chance to be stern. “Aretha. This is no place for a princess. You know nothing of the world or what people would or could do to you if they ever found out who you were. You were protected for a reason and now that you are here I suggest you take your quick look and we leave immediately”, she murmured under her breath so only Aretha could hear.
“But-”
“No buts! If you get hurt I will be blamed because I have been here before! Now tell me why we are even here so that we can leave!”
Aretha sighed, chest heaving sadly. “I am here to go to a shop called Ivy Green Inn. I have some thing I wanted to buy from there and I needed someone to help me along the way.” Mary closed her eyes, brows furrowed in thought. She had heard of the place but never had been there herself. “I know in which part of the village it’s in but I know not of where exactly it is. But I’m sure we can find it. Now make sure your hood covers your face, I don’t need to hear any of the maids from the castle recognizing you.” Mary started down the busy streets and Aretha followed oohing along the way.
Their boots clicked against the brick road, being shoved and pushed by so many people who had their own destinations to find. Aretha had stopped to admire a snake charmer, who soothed a a long fanged snake with golden swirls along it back out of a basket. The reptile spat venom at the watchers and coiled itself around the charmers hand. Unfortunately, Aretha was pulled away by Mary before she could see what happened next. Aretha being stubborn and upset that she couldn’t see everything. dug her heels into the ground literally forcing Mary to yank her forward.
“Are-! …. Tell me what to call you.”
“Aris.”
“Well, Aris stop being a stubborn mule! We are almost there!”
“But I came here to see- Oh! Oh!”
Aretha pointed excitedly to where a man with no shirt held a torched. He smiled toothily and waved people over to watch. Satisfied with the number of people that stopped, he twirled the touch in his hand, throwing it up numerous times into the air. Catching it, he suck in a breath also dragging in the fire. Aretha gasped, wondering if it burned his mouth. But he then blew it out a tremendous flame and people ducked to protected their heads.
“Did you see that!? Do you think he’s a dragon!? That doesn’t even make sense! It should have burned him but it didn’t! That’s logically impossible!”
Mary rubbed her temples, not understanding the princess’s innocence. But then again she was never introduced to such things during her life. She had always been studying with her siblings and practising how to be a nobel. Very dull and boring. “Aris. I can’t explain it. But we should now go.” Aretha nodded, looking back to the man who breathed fire, smiling.
Mary and Aretha went further down into the village, each step moving them into dimmed light. The loud venders had faded along with the smiling people and joyful music. It seemed all so different. The brick roads became dirt filled with mud and debris, men eerily standing to the sides, keeping a hawk lowered eye on the women as they passed. Areth who was always so brave felt as small as a mouse and kept close to her guild. Mary looked to know this part of town well, ducking and moving away from places that held a foreboding taste to them. She looked over to Aretha, whose head was lowered and body hidden from sight. She almost looked like a death bringer until she looked up and Mary saw the familiar friendly, warmth of brown eyes. She gave a helpful smile but Aretha did not return it.
“Scared?” Mary asked aloud.
Something in her tone made Aretha’s head glance up sharply.
Mary shook her head smiling. “No. I won’t say anymore lest you become angry with me for mistaken words.” Mary’s eyes wandered the titles of the darkened stores and paused a moment when she came to a tavern. And low and behold Ivy Green Inn was right beside it. “i never noticed that there before”, she muttered to herself. There was light flickering in the windows was a telltale sign that someone was in. Mary tilted her head for Aretha to go see. “I’m going to be in the tavern so take your time.” Aretha nodded without a word and walked to the small ship. It was colored green, paint chipping off the wood and black lettering flowed on it’s side. She pushed on the door and it opened with a squeak.
A soft fragrance hit her at full force, a gentle scent of green herbs and exotic woods of amber tickled her nose. She looked around the small shop, pulling down her hood. Shelves filled with dried herbs hung high and shelved goods lined in neat rows. She walked through the shop, brushing her hand against some odd jewelry. She pulled back her hand startled, they felt hot!
“Greetings.”
Aretha spun around clutching her cloak above her heart. A wrinkled old woman was hidden behind the counter, watching the princess ever since she stepped in. The old woman had wild hair, completely gray with thin white streaks and her face wrinkled like a prune. As she walked to the wooden counter she saw that the woman wore only black but with a blue sash around her waist. And tied to the sash was little bells that jingle every time she moved. But what caught Aretha off guard even more was the white pupils of the woman's eyes. She hesitated but boldly waved her hand in front of the woman’s face. The old maiden never moved nor seemed to notice Aretha’s movement.
“H-Hello… I um. Are you blind?”
The woman tilted her head, digging into her ear with her pinky. “Ney. What you think is blind is merely physical. I may not see your face Princess Aretha but I know you by your spirit.”
Aretha took a step back, sucking in a sharp breath through her teeth. “How do you know who I am?”
The old woman, smiled flicking the yellow gunk from her finger. “Deary, I just said I know you by your spirit. I also know you look for three things. Three things I do have but may or may not give to you. I also know that one of these things you plan to use to play a trick, a trick on someone dear but strange to you.”
Aretha wanted to be angry but she couldn’t find it in her. She was more amazed that the woman before her could see into the future. “Are you a witch?”
“No deary, just a simply collector. You may call me Grandma Eden.”
Aretha rose a brow, not even wanting to say the word. It was foreign and new to her mouth and it felt wrong to call someone grandma who wasn’t well...grandma.
“Well… Grandma Eden. You say you know what I have come here for but I will repeat what is already known. I want the Book of Spell Casters. Also known as The Warden’s Mugic. A friend of mine is in need of it and told me this was where I could find it. I also want the Raven’s Bronze. The third thing...I don’t know what it is…”
Grandma Eden smiled a nearly toothless smile, only one single tooth dangled and wobbled. “Girl, I can give you two of those things. But I can’t give you either until you decide the third.” Aretha huffed, and glanced around the store. I’ll simply get anything and be on my way. The crazy old toad is trying to make me go on some treasure hunt I have no time for.
Aretha once more walked around the shop, not finding anything of interest. She was about to give up when she spotted a doll. It was a small doll, small to fit into her pocket without being noticed. But even though it was simply made with a plain brown dress and a soft stuffed body, the button eyes seemed to be more intelligent than she would find normal. She rubbed a finger against the doll's head, it’s raven hair soft as silk itself.
This is ridiculous. Why should I want a doll? I had plenty of dolls when I was small and I hated every one of them. So why should this lifeless thing of string be any different?
But Aretha still picked it up and walked back to where Grandma Eden sat. She placed the doll into the blind woman’s old hands, finding it difficult to speak. “I want this.” Grandma Eden smiled, but it was a smile tainted by a secret. A secret Aretha couldn’t place.
“That’ll be fifteen tola, Your Highness.”
Aretha placed the money down, her eye twitching at the smug note in the woman’s voice. She watched as Grandma Eden went into the back of the shop room and closed the door behind her. Aretha tapped her foot, impatient to leave the miserably cheeky woman and her shop. Ready to jump over the counter and open the closed door, but Grandma Eden beat her too it. The old woman popped the book and necklace into Aretha’s opened hands.
“It’s been a pleasure doing business with you, Princess. And make sure you don’t get yourself into trouble. Who knows what dragons do when they get angry? But oh, you should know.”
Aretha eyed the old woman, wondering what she meant. “You speak in riddles, what do you hide?” Grandma Eden’s white eyes sparkled in mischief and she looked at her chipped nails as if she could see them. “Well, it seems your dragon had gotten a bit angry and the proof shows. Lord Lucas now rots near the old road and not even the scavengers dare pick at his flesh. It seems that her bore a mark made by your dragon and the people sought to kill him. Seems the exceeded, huh?” Grandma Eden glanced up to Aretha, smirking. “But it looks by your silence that you didn’t know and I can feel your fury. Angry at your dear dragon? He was only protecting you and so many others. But poor Lady Mary… the few children of her father.”
“Goodbye, Grandma Eden.”
Aretha stepped out of the shop before she could hear more, pulling her hood over her head. She clenched her fists in anger, looking to the tavern in front of her. How could he do that!? Of all people to mess with you choose one of the most feared man’s son in Ethleburg. Of all men! And how will I tell Mary?... The poor girl indeed.
She sucked in a cold breath, the freezing air cooling her lungs that raged in a burning fire. She walked to the tavern and was about to open the door when Mary slumped out with a man, holding her side. “Oh! Aret-...No! Aris! How good it is to see you! L-Loook at this lovely man I found! He is just so.. umm...what’s the word...Uhh.” The large male chuckled and grabbed at Mary’s waist and seemed to be eating her face. Aretha blenched and grabbed her friend's hand pulling her out of reach. “Oh look at the time, mother will be so upset that we’ve been out so late! Dear sir, we must leave! Goodbye!”
And with that Aretha ran with her stumbling Mary blocking out the man’s words of curses sent towards Aretha. They ran until they finally made it back to the town but the thickness of the people began to disperse. “What where you thinking? You’re drunk and nearly gave yourself away to that...that..brute!” Aretha steamed in anger, pushing through the people who continued to stare at her as if had gone mad. “I mean of all irresponsible things to do!”
“Sorry….” Mary leaned against Aretha’s back, face blushed. “I wasn’t really drunk, I’m close. But I wish I was so drunk I forgot about myself for a moment..” She sighed and stood on her own. “I’m sorry I made you worry. I’m not drunk and I just simply wanted to release some stress.” Mary then moved to the front, walking away from Aretha. That damned girl! She just walks away as if it’s nothing! Nothing at all! Aretha stopped dead in her track, pulling on her hair in aggravation. But she shivered and turned around. It felt as if she was being watched. She scanned the crowd looking for someone she recognized, but everything was new to her.
She ran after Mary still unable to shake of the feeling that someone was following her. Panic was growing and she ran blindly, trying to get away. She fell back when bouncing off a broad males chest. She fell to the ground in a daze when a deep voice made her look up.
“Hey there snapper. Long time no see.”
She looked up being met by the same man in whom had written her the letter. “Godric! My the gods I never even recognize you.” The brown hair man shrugged, grasping Aretha by her hand and pulling her up. His light green eyes twinkled in delight and he wrapped her in a huge. She choked, breathing becoming impossible in his tight strength. “S-Stop! I’m suffocating!” Godric let go of her and she fell to her feet, gasping for air. “Hm. You’ve gotten pretty weak since last time I saw you. I remember you were able to wrestle me to the ground in a couple seconds flat.”
“If you also remember, you were a skinny stick with no strength that cried out for your mother to save you at any given moment.”
Godric pounded his chest as if he had been shot and his face twisted in pain. “My dear girl, you wound me!” But his pained face grew into a wide smirk as he stepped closer to her. “But if my memory doesn’t fail me you too were a stick, but now let’s have a look at you.” His hand flashed out a grabbed Aretha’s cloak lifting it up but carefully done as he hood would not fall back and reveal her identity. Godric gave a low and impressed whistle and dropped the cloth back into place. “Seems you’ve filled out in all the right places beautifully. Mind if I have a closer peek?”
“Godric Ewart, I should have you hanged for even speaking to me so! I am surrounded by barbaric people who think of only how to fulfil their own desires! Touch me again and I swear that same hand will be chewed and fought over very the dogs of these very streets!” She pointed an accusing finger at him, huffing and puffing in anger.
Godric lifted his head and laughed at her, gasping. “You haven’t changed at all, you demanding brat! Always expecting people to turn head over hell for you.”
“Godric… are you flirting with yet another girl?”
Godric froze, fear flooding his face as he quickly turned his back to Aretha how gaped at the outright disrespect. She looked around him, ready to curse whoever disturbed the discussion when she realized it was a woman who spoke. She was honestly quite plain, with a simplicity that radiated off of her. But she held herself with a regal and high disposition and a stern stare that would make any sensible person shut their mouth.
“T-Tivia.. I uh..No. No I wasn't flirting. Simply talking.”
“He speaks lies. He was flirting and even tried to lift my skirts in the process.”
Aretha gave Godric a smug smile as he gave her a look of death. Tivia stormed over to Godric and pulled on his ear, angrily. “You are suppose to be marrying me in the next year and you. Flirt. With. Every. Damn. Girl. You. SEE. Have you no shame you good for nothing pervert!?” Godric winced, losing his eyes as the woman screeched. Aretha on the other hand felt the need to applaud herself. Sure she had exaggerated a bit but it was well worth it.
“Tivia, please. This is a childhood friend of mine, I meant no harm. Please, woman tell her the truth!” Aretha shrugged and smiled slyly. “I don’t know what ever you mean, dear sir. I’ve never seen you before in life until now.” Godric growled and Aretha held her hands in surrender. Godric seeing she would do nothing, leaned over to his furious fiance to whisper in her ear. Her black eyes widened and she looked around before walking to Aretha and taking her hand. She placed a kiss on the young woman’s knuckles which made Aretha all the more confused. “Your Majesty, I apologize for Godric’s stupidity. You see it seems he was thrown against a rock as a child.” Aretha immediately took a liking to this woman.
“Did he tell you I was the one who threw him?”
“Ah, no wonder he makes it a point to harass you then.”
“Indeed.”
Godric rolled his eyes, before breaking them up. “Aretha, who brought you here? You shouldn’t have even stepped foot on this soil much less seen the festival.” Aretha looked to him offended. “And to think I came all this way to get your book and this is the thanks I get? And for your information, Mary brought me here.”
“Mary? You mean dimwitted Mary?”
“The one and the same.”
“HAH. How is the young lass?”
“Clueless as ever.”
“Figures and also. I was gonna get the book myself. After all, it took you three month just to get his one!”
“Three months!? I only got the letter today you dense fool! Whatever messenger you chose to give me the letter must have gotten lost on the way here! You know what…. forget it. The book stays with me.”
“What!? I need to know some of those spells! Give them here!”
Aretha spun heel, head held high. “No, sorcerer. Go get your own book and find someone else who can stand you.” Godric opened his mouth and closed it, ready to tackle the girl if he had to but Tivia gave him a warning glance. “...Whatever. Let’s go find Mary.”
“What do you mean let’s go find her? She’s waiting over there by the wall.”
“I didn’t see her there.”
“Is sight leaving you just as your brain did, dear Godric.”
Godric groaned and marched over to Mary, who waited for the group to come. “Took you long enough. Godric, you filthy rat.” Mary never had been friends with Godric, who as children used to tease her for her stupidity. But now she seemed all the more ready to singe him in fire as she glared. Godric simply smiled and took the arm of his betrothed. “Ladies, it’s past high moon. I believe it’s time for your to go home.”
Mary and Aretha looked to each other and both sighed. Such a prude. The foursome began walking down the street, Godric doing most of the talking as he spoke of his adventures and how he met Tivia, who blushed bashfully as he spoke. Mary once or twice tried to be smart, but Godric beat her too it. Aretha gave her a smile as she patted the depressed girl. The crowds began to thicken once more, now as people rushed to get home. The festival was ending and the tired and drunk needed rest. Aretha shivered, the feeling of being watched coming upon her. She still looked around, uncomfortable with the sensation.
She tried to brush it off but couldn’t and when she looked to see where her friends were, they were gone. She jumped looking over the crowds to see them and spotted Godric's tall form only a few spaces in front of her. She tried to push herself through but was unable.
Then a hand grabbed her and pulled her away.
She struggled but the movement was so quick she didn’t realize what happened until she found herself pushed up against a wall, in a dark alley way. She was about to scream however a piece of cloth was put over her mouth and she choked, breathing in a strange power. She looked down to her kidnapper, who had put his knee between her legs so he could have a better place to hold her. Pale blue eyes met her brown ones and she suddenly knew who it was.
Blackard.
Lucas’s older brother had pinned her against a wall, one rough hand trapping her two over her head as his other kept the cloth firmly over her mouth and nose. She fought, wriggling and struggling, but what was odd was that she was growing dizzy and weak. Any strength in which she had was disappearing quickly and the world began to spin.
“Princess, it’s nice seeing you again.” He spoke heavily, his words slurred but clear. Finding that Aretha could no longer fight, he removed the offending cloth from her and moved his face closer to her. “Seems the viper can’t strike like before now can she?” Aretha growled, but it sounded more like a pathetic whimper. She could barely think, everything spinning wildly. She never knew that Blackard was in the town, nor was he even here. Neither Lucas or Mary had spoken of it. She thought back to when she rejected him, in front of his friends and family. He was worse than Lucas. While Lucas was just a complete maggot who crawled into anyone’s skirts Blackard was a devious man who got whatever he wanted.
And on that day he didn’t get what he wanted.
He had come to court Aretha, the second oldest daughter to the King and Queen. Af first she had liked him. He had shown himself to be a kind and smart man, in which Aretha took all delight in. But as the months passed, his true colors began to show. He started becoming more demanding of Aretha's time and energy. He once even tried to force himself on her which is why she ended it. The day he proposed she humiliated him in front of the court. He never returned.
Until now.
He let go of her arms, which fell weakly to her side. She couldn’t move. She wanted to scream. She wanted to run. But nothing would work. She was paralyzed. Blackard grinned a perfect smile, placing one of his hands to grip Aretha’s waist. “Princess, you wouldn’t believe what I found today. Can you guess? Can you?” He was mocking her, pretending that she actually could talk or speak. “I guess not. I found my brother’s body today. Now at first I didn't realize it was my brother. It was so deformed and mangled, I thought of it some animal. But then I saw the clothing and his little blood ridden face and I thought to myself; This is Lucas.” He brushed back the straying strands of golden brown hair from her face, smiling lightly. The touch was so light, so loving it made he want to sink into a puddle. This was how he worked, charm and all.
“It saved me the trouble, honestly. I had come here to kill him myself. You see while I was away doing business for my father, it seemed that the bastard got the brilliant idea to go marry the same girl that rejected me. Out of spite. He thought it would be an amazing way to gain revenge. Marrying the woman I still love but it seemed that little plan backfired, doesn’t it?”
Blackard leaned towards her, brushing his cheek against hers. The one hand that had brushed away her hair, now moved to shred her cloak from her body. With a sickening rip, it fluttered to the ground and she felt tears build in her. No, No! This wasn’t suppose to happen! he isn't suppose to be here! Warm lips pressed against her neck, licking and kissing the soft skin. Both hands now gripped her waist as he pressed himself closer to her warmth. His breathing was uneven and smelled of liquor, but he was fully knowledgeable of what he was doing.
He had tried to kiss her but she turned her face away in time, using whatever little strength she had. She had grown fully limp as he bit and marked her, hot tears rolling down her face as she groaned. And make sure you don’t get yourself into trouble. Who knows what dragons do when they get angry? Those words echoed in her head, realization falling. The old woman had known. She knew that this would happen. She cried a out in a desperate sob, cold blue eyes looking up at her. “You really should just stop fighting it. You were meant to marry me and no one else. And I’ll make sure you understand that, even if it kills you.”
All of a sudden, Aretha was being held not by Blackard but by Godric. Blackard was on the dirty ground passed out with a red mark of a fist on his face. Godric was breathing heavily and his body shook in a god forbidden anger. “You filthy piece of shit…” He cradled her in his arms, seemingly ready to step on the man’s neck and snap it in two but Mary cried out behind him.
“Blackard! Blackard! What have you done!?” Tivia was holding Mary up from falling as the girl cried in pain. “Godric, this is not the time. We have to get Aretha back to the castle. Now!” Godric looked down at the broken male and spat on him. He had taken off his coat, covering Aretha’s face with it as they hurried down the street. People yelled at them as the pushed and shoved, finally making it to the entrance of the village.
“Tivia get our horse. You’re gonna have to ride with Mary and I with Aretha. Now Mary how did you two get here?” Mary shook her head sobbing hysterically. Godric flew into a rage, face turning red in his anger. “Goddamnit Mary! Spit it out! Aretha could be in danger of dying while you cry for an mongrel of a brother!” Mary once more shook her head, “I- I don’t k-know where she put h-him. She left me when finding a p-place.” Godric clenched his teeth, looking around desperately and spotted a young man walking down the dirt path. “You! You there! Did you happen to see a someone come through her with a horse a couple hours back?” The older gentleman was thoughtful for a moment before nodding. “Sure did. Walked that stallion right over to the Smith’s house, right do-”
Godric didn’t even wait to hear the last bit and dashed off with Aretha in his arms. He spotted Calhoun and rushed over to the stallion. The horse reared, neighing in surprise and a child yelled in the distance. “Ma’Ma! Someone is trying to steal Aris’s horse! Henrich stormed out of the horse, ready to fight off the intruder. “What the hell do you think you’re doin’? GET AWAY FROM THAT HORSE!” Godric swerved around towering over the boy. “You see this girl I’m holding. This same girl is the one who owns this horse. This same girl is the one who just got attacked. this same girl may or may not die if we don’t get her back home. Now you WILL let me untie this horse. And you WILL let me take her home. Do you understand?”
Henrich looked doubtful and tore the coat from Aretha’s face. He gasped, taking a step back. “T-That’s the queen!” Godric barely paid attention to the boy as he jumped onto Calhoun. “No, it’s the queen’s daughter. He dug his heels into the horse’s side and rose off to where Tivia and Mary already sat on their own steed. Aretha was scarcely awake through all of this and finally she passed into darkness.
When Aretha awoke, her mind was still fuzzy and she groaned in pain. She tried to sit up only to fall back, in agony. “Woah there. You’re still getting used to being drugged there snapper.” Godric’s voice made her look over to where it came from and when her eyes cleared she saw that she was in her room. “What happened? I feel as if a stampede of cattle trampled me.” Her throat was dry and her voice cracked under the pressure of speaking.
“You were drugged by an flower called Birtius. The plant itself is banned to be grown in homes and gardens and wild growing flowers are to be uprooted and burned. This decree was passed a long time ago when it was used as an herb to help people with headaches. But someone saw that too much Birtius could either paralyze a man or kill him. When people were found who went missing with traces of the power on their being, the king banned the use of it.” Tivia placed her hand against Aretha’s forehead, feeling her temperature. “You’re going to feel weird for the next couple of hours. Moody and cold for the most part. It should be gone by tomorrow.”
Godric smiled, nodding. “You’re lucky that you didn’t breathe in too much. It could have killed you.”
“So I have been told, but thanks for reminding me.” Aretha looked to her side, sinking into the sheets of her bed. The sun was beginning to rise. “How long have you been in my room?” Tivia stood stretching, lack of sleep evident. “Ever since we came back. Mary went to her room, the girl was traumatized and passed out due the the stress. And you stayed in a dead sleep until now. Godric made sure the horses were put back to their stables and snuck you back in unnoticed.”
Aretha blinked and gave a weak smile to Godric. “Aw, you do care.”
The large man shrugged, “Only a little bit.”
Tivia turned back to Aretha, grinning broadly. “You should be grateful. Not many girls actually are able to be feel Godric’s arms to hold them, especially since everything he is is mine. You’re one of those few lucky girls.”
Aretha groaned, grabbing a pillow to throw at the woman but it only made it as far as the side of the bed. “Oh shut up. I’ll have to scrub my skin for weeks now”, she joked. Godric walked out of the room grumbling about how girls take advantage of everyone and everything while Tivia just smiled. When Godric left the room, she look down to Aretha sternly. “Will you explain?”
“No. I only ask that you do not speak of this to anyone. The matter is not to be known and I rather keep it too myself. The last thing we need is civil war among our people just because a man could not keep his urges to himself.” Tivia looked grave but respected Aretha's orders. She left the room, bidding the princess a good rest.
After she left, Aretha rolled over and cried, pulling herself back to sleep with her angered sobs while the sun’s bright light shined in glory over the land. Another dawn and another start.
Your support makes Blue Moon possible (Patreon)