I opened my eyes to be greeted by a spinning room and the back of my head felt like I was clobbered by a hammer. What did I do? After a few moments, my vision cleared to reveal Leaf sitting next to me with a piercing glare.
“Just who are you?” he asked demandingly.
I’m confused; why is he asking me this? He knows who I am, I’m Izzy. As more of my senses became apparent to me I realized my lack of clothing. My armor was gone and my chest wrap had been removed.
Sitting up, I met Leaf’s gaze with guilt and panic set in when he held up my ring which was secured to the chain I wore around my neck. His sword rested below my chin ask Leaf interrogated me, accusing me of murder and theft. Leaf’s rage terrified me beyond words. Coming out as the princess would save me, but also open up a chest I would rather keep shut.
“It’s mine, Leaf.” I reply thinking through my words carefully.
I’m met with a rebuttal of disbelief.
“If I was a murderer and theif, why hold onto such a valuable ring and not ransom it?” I asked, challenging his wit.
I patiently waited for Leaf’s reply. I could see a whirlwind of thought through his eyes as he pondered. It seemed he was reaching the desired conclusion because his sword began to dip towards the floor. He needs a little more convincing.
“Look at me. I’m the same little girl with jet black hair and emerald green eyes who used to roam around the castle with you running amuck.” I said, “Papa used to not like it because he was superstitious I might develop feelings for a peasant, like you.”
“I’m not a peasant! I’m just not nobility either.” Leaf responded in a knee jerking fashion.
“I know, I’m just teasing you Leaf. I remember the day Papa rejected your father’s request to grant you nobility status because you aren’t a blood relative. I’ve never seen a dark cloud hang over your heads like that before.”
Leaf’s sword fell to the ground and shock filled his face. A slight hue of paleness set in as if he was seeing a ghost.
“How is this possible? You’ve been around me for years now. We trained together, ate together. . .” His face turned a deep red “Slept in the same tent together!”
I nodded to confirm his words.
“Izzy, you’re really Princess Elizabeth?” he said still in disbelief.
I threw up my hands in frustration, “Yes, Leaf. I’m Princess Elizabeth Maria Rosaria!” I nodded reaffirming my words.
The jig was up, I am the princess. I’m the princess who ran away because of a past tragedy that befell me. There was a moment when I thought I would be swallowed up by the twisted darkness of the one who sought to ravage me. By chance, I was saved by one of my father’s servants. Needless to say, that wild beast was executed. After that day, I promised myself I’d never be helpless again. I would learn how to fight back and defend against ravenous creatures who prey upon the weak. It wasn’t until I learned Leaf was being enrolled at the Knight’s Academy did I hatch my plan.
With a heavy heart, I told my story to Leaf. No apology could be too sincere to express how sorry I was for lying to him for all this time. There had been times I wanted to tell him, but learning of his pride and dedication to the crown, I knew it would complicate our relationship. It doesn’t matter now that he knows.
Silence fell between us as Leaf processed all that I told him. Every second felt like an eternity. My heart was running like a wild stallion, anxiety filled every corner of my mind.
What will he say?
What will he do?
What will become of us?
“This complicates things.” is all he said.
There was never a doubt in my mind things would.
The air needed to be cleared; it was filled with the rot and decay of my lies. Adding further complexity is what will I be expected to do now given current events? Everyone thinks Helindom is gone for good; with the King dead and no heir apparent. Will I be forced to take on a mantle I abandoned long ago? Without a kingdom, what good are our oaths? Too many questions and I imagine Leaf is thinking the same thing.
Leaf put away his sword and sat by the fire with a strong drink he found stashed away.. He beckoned me to sit next to him. I checked myself to ensure I was decent and joined him.
“First Helindom is destroyed by a mysterious Black Knight and now I find out my best friend is the missing and presumed dead princess. What kind of mess have I been entangled in?” he muttered.
A few swigs of his drink filled the gaps of my silence.
“Leaf, if it’s all the same to you, I want to find a way to avenge my father and our home.” I said, “Just like we talked about.”
Swirling his bottle around casually, he replied. “I have no qualms with that idea, only I’m more concerned how you will play into all of this. Helindom may be gone, but so long as you’re still alive, the throne is not empty. The legacy of our home still lives on.”
He turned to me and asked me what I would do.
I don’t know. Guilt would push me to say yes to donning the crown, while my heart would tell me to keep saying no.
“By all rights, you make the call. I know you’re my friend, but as a knight who swore an oath to protect the royal house, I will follow your lead.” Leaf said, his calm voice clearing my mind and filling my heart with courage to be truthful.
I explained to Leaf I understood how meaningful it’d be to return, to let my people know their kingdom is not dead yet. The truth is, I’m not ready. I don’t want to. I know it’s selfish, but my heart is not with the scepter, but of the sword. Right now, my priority is getting back on my feet after the tragedy at Helindom. From there, I want to see who we can gather to fight against the Black Knight.
“Then I will make a plan based on your decision, milady.” he said.
I patted Leaf on the back, “Come now, Leaf, just call me Izzy like you always have. I may be a princess, but I’m also a knight. Treat me as such, too.”
Leaf grumbled about breaking protocol and reluctantly accepted my request. Understandably, his greatest concern was my safety, but I reminded him I received the same training as him. My skills as a swordsman were sufficient enough for self defense. I don’t need an overprotective friend who’ll hover over my every move. That’s no fun.
Leaf returned my ring to me but something felt off. . . the key! I asked Leaf what he did with the key which was hanging around my neck. To my relief, he placed it with my armor in the corner. When questioned about it, I could only admit my ignorance. In the spur of the moment, Papa didn’t tell me what it was for. It must be to something important so I need to keep it safe.
I chose to lay by the fire while Leaf hunched over a map of the continent lost in his thoughts. He drew invisible lines across the map with his finger as if devising a battle plan. I knew we couldn’t stay here forever so I became curious where Leaf would have us go. To be in Leaf’s mind for even five minutes would be an adventure. He’s always coming up with ideas and plans to execute; just like when we were kids.
The occasional glance at Leaf revealed something else was bothering him to the point of almost frightening him. When I asked if he was ok, he would dismiss my insinuation and assure me everything was fine. Yet his irritation continued and progressively worsened. Sometimes he would jerk his head to the shadows in the corners of the cabin as if a wolf were there staring at him from the dark.
Leaf calls me over to the table to explain his plan. We will first head north to Helingtum, a short boat ride to that island will be waiting for us. He wants to take advantage of his first assignment to investigate there. He suspects the rumors of monsters on the island are the same as the ones who attacked Helindom. When the situation has been properly assessed, letters will be sent to all the allied kingdoms for a meeting to address the threat. While we await for each response, we will head south along the coast until we reach a place called Florin. Strange, I’ve never heard of this place before. Leaf swears by it to be the most beautiful place on earth. By the time our business is concluded there, we will head for the congress of powers in Domur.
A few days passed and as usual, we were doing our daily chores. Only a couple more days in this dusty old cabin and we’d hit the road. Despite being from the city, it was nice to be alone in the woods with Leaf for a time while we sorted things out. The tranquility allowed you the opportunity to gain peace of mind.
As I walked through the forest gathering firewood, I heard Leaf call out to me.
“Izzy, we need to go, right now!”
“What's wrong?” I called back.
My arm was gripped in his hand and he dragged me back to the cabin. He darted around the room gathering things we could take on the road. He tossed me a spare bag which was lying around the cabin. Inside were my rations for the road. When his bag was packed, again, I was vice gripped and dragged out the door.
“Leaf, tell me what’s going on.” I shout, “Are we under attack?”
“Something is stalking us. I’ve seen it since the day before last multiple times.” he said. “At first I thought it was the shadows playing tricks on me, but I saw it move just before dusk yesterday and again just a minute ago!”
My spine shivered and out of fear; I turned my head back. To my horror, I thought I saw a mysterious figure standing behind a tree. When it saw I was looking, it ducked behind the tree out of sight. With a quickened pace, Leaf and I left the haunted woods behind us in a trail of cold sweat and fear.
After we were well clear of the Blackwood, Leaf calmed down. We didn’t see the mysterious figure again and whatever had been bothering him before had vanished. I tried asking him about it, but he wouldn’t open up. He proposed what was in the past be left there, more important things were at hand. I wish he’d open up a little more, but the stubbornness of Leaf can be the most indomitable force anyone could ever face.
Being on the road again, there was less busywork to keep my mind occupied. Thoughts of home seeped back in reopening old wounds. The only way I can relieve my sorrow is practicing my swordplay. Sparring matches with Leaf have become unreasonably ferocious. I almost took out his eye yesterday. Sooner or later, my emotions will subside or Leaf might get hurt because of them.
Day six on the road, we reach a small town; the first slice of civilization in what feels like forever. The town called Libaster sits atop Twilight Hill, where in the late evening, just before sunset, the grain fields below shine with an amber blaze as if on fire. It’s here, Leaf plans to properly stock up on supplies. We find an inn on the western part of the town and while I’m out shopping for food, I’m disturbed by a violent bump.
A man walking one brown horse and one white horse strode past me. The brown horse was causing a fuss as it looked at me. It couldn’t be.
“Alexander?” I shouted and the brown horse began to dance to the dismay of his guide. The man yelled at Alexander, beating his side. With rage, I drew my sword and pointed it at him.
“Lay another hand on my horse and I’ll see to it you’ll never use it again.”
The man looked at me annoyed, “Who the hell do you think you are? These are my horses.”
“I beg to differ, those horses belong to me and my friend, knights of the royal house of Rosarius. I command you release them back to me.” I replied.
The man just laughed. “Run along, little boy. You knights can’t intimidate me to give up my property. Shoo, before I call the local patrol on you for harassment.”
Alexander’s eyes had the saddest goodbye in them as he and Diana were jerked away. I’m not leaving this place without my horse. I stayed behind a good enough distance to follow unnoticed. After about an hour, I found myself just outside of town in the grain fields. The man struck a deal with the local farmer to buy our horses for two gold a piece. What came next, I dare not repeat. Our horses were being used as farm labor! They were made for war, not work!
I dashed back to town to tell Leaf what happened. He almost didn’t believe me but I was going to drag him to the farm whether or not he did. So there we stood on the railing of the fence watching Diana and Alexander haul grain to the barn.
“Afternoon, to you.” a rugged voice said.
We turned our attention to the farmer strolling up to us.
“What can I do you for?” he asked, suspicious of our presence and gripped his scythe tightly.
“We were just admiring your horses. The brown and the white ones over there. Usually farm horses are stockier and rugged. Those horses seem out of place with their elegance.” Leaf said in reply.
The farmer rubbed the back of his neck, “Yeah, they ain’t much, but I lost my previous two nags to an illness last winter.”
My heart sank. Although I had pity for the farmer, he had my horse. There has to be a way to get our horses back and not leave this farmer empty handed.
Our small talk was interrupted by a gang of five thugs who rode up with smirks on their faces.
“Hey old man, it’s that time of the month. Time to pay your friendly local watchers their due.” their leader said. He was a battle tested bandit with his body covered in scars and an eyepatch over his left eye.
“I don’t have all your money just yet. I will within the week. My harvest just came in and I plan to go to the market in a couple of days. Please give me more time.”
The leader drew out his knife, “I’ll give you until tomorrow, otherwise your two horses over there will come down with another illness, if you catch my drift.”
I drew my sword, “I will gut you if you harm Alexander or Diana.”
The leader glared at me, “Well lookie here. A royal night. Aren’t you a far way from home? Beat it or my boys will rough you up.”
Leaf drew his sword and lined up next to me, “I’d like to see you try.”
We called his bluff and the bandit leader had no choice but to withdraw. His threat still stood. Have the money by tomorrow or Diana and Alexander would die.
I gripped Leaf’s arm, “I’m not letting them kill our horses.”
“Don’t worry, we won’t let them.” he replied.
The farmer spoke up, “Pardon me, but did I hear you say your horses?”
“Yes. They are ours. We lost them some time ago. The brown one is mine, Alexander. The white one is Diana, who belongs to Leaf.” I said.
“Can you prove it?” he asked.
Leaf and I called our steeds over by name. They came happily trotting along the path until they reached us. We hugged them and caressed their manes which left the farmer speechless.
With an ashamed look he said “I should have known better. Ol’ Gilber is always selling people stolen goods. Please understand, I’m desperate. I can’t afford to lose this farm to those thugs. Last year was a bad harvest so they killed my horses as punishment. No, worse, for sport.”
“Then the natural thing would be to help you. We can work out an agreement to get our horses back, how does that sound?” Leaf said, extending his hand.
The farmer shook Leaf’s hand, “Sir Leaf, you have yourself a deal and thank you. Looks like Samuel’s hide is going to make it another season.”
We worked through the day and the night, gathering grain by lamplight. The dawn broke hours later to reveal our completed work.
Samuel and Leaf readied the bags of grain, loading them onto the back of the carts which would be drawn by Diana and Alexander. I pampered the horses, giving them attention and breakfast for the long trek ahead. According to Samuel, the markets would open in a couple of hours. It’d be plenty of time to get to town and set up shop.
By the end of the day, we raked in enough to pay off Samuel’s debt and have something left over. We returned to the farm by early evening only to be greeted by the same gang of thugs from the day before.
“I was thinking about it and I realized we’ve been undercharging for our services. You’ll owe us three times the amount now.” the bandit leader said.
“Grendel, you dishonorable swindler!” Samuel shouted. “You know I don’t have enough for that.”
Grendel eyed Diana and Alexander with bloodlust. “Then you know what has to happen.”
I raised my sword getting between the horses and Grendel, “You’ve made a grave mistake. You could have taken what was already owed to you and left, but your greed will cost you your life!”
I charged forward with Leaf just a step behind me. We engaged with the bandits and told Samuel to get the horses to safety. Back to back, we were surrounded but as uncivilized swordsmen as they were, they’d be no match for our elite training as knights. Despite their sloppy form, they were strong which made it difficult to fend off their blows. One by one they fell until their leader was left who squared off against Leaf. With a bloodied face and heart filled rage, he swung wildly at Leaf who dodged his every blow. An opening finally appeared and Leaf struck him down.
Huffing heavily he said, “That was a fun skirmish. Come on, let’s go.”
I looked over a short distance away to see the bandits’ horses standing around idle. An idea hit me. We traded the bandit’s horses for our own and returned back to town. As a small parting gift, the farmer gave us a pouch of money. The mixture of silver, gold, and copper would last us a while.
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