Sol Kindgom

Long Live The Queen

"Stop, stop! I can't run anymore!" My mother's laughter stealing the little air she had in her lungs after chasing me. I ran back and sat down next to her laughing as I went. Once she caught her breath she looked over to me with a mischievous grin. "I got you!" My eyes widened as she began to tickle me. I squealed in delight, as I tried to get away. She gripped my tiny body in a bear hug planting kisses on my face.

"Momma!" I couldn't help but laugh as we play in the garden outside the castle. We lay down and stare at the blue skies that were littered with various clouds. One arm held me close and the other brushed the hair off of my little face. I felt so happy and so safe.

The view of the garden that my mother and I had played in when I was a child is blocked from my view as I pass the window. The sound of our footsteps echos throughout the hallways as we go along. Theron walks next to me, we are about the same height so our gait is at a natural pace for both of us. I take comfort that he is here with me. The armor of the guards around us clinks as they walk. We turn about a corner and go down a flight of stairs until we come to face the large doors of the court.

I burst through the barn doors surprising my father with a ferocious yell. He spins around catching my sword with his own and pushing me back. He is gentle with me as I am only twelve, but I lunge all that I have at him. He quickly side-steps, my blade easily missing contact.

"Keep focused Ember. Control! Do not let your sword wield your body, you must yield your sword." I shifted my feet, the sword was heavy. I had been training with my father for two years, but this was the first time I held a full-sized long-sword. I gritted my teeth as he swung downwards at me. I used all my arm strength just to catch his blade and I pushed with my legs to bear its weight. My body screamed with effort, so I swiped his sword to my side to deflect.

"Good Ember!" My mother shouted from the side. She held her sword as well, waiting for her turn. She was a bow-woman, though she often trained with me in many weapon types. She suddenly stepped in between me and my father. They clashed their swords expertly, and faster than I could keep up. My father was better though and got the weapon from her hand. When the blade hit the ground they smiled and he pulled her close to him. They shared a kiss.

The priest's droning voice continues as he performs the ritual. My mind fades back from the memory as I grip the ceremonial sword. I am on my knees before him and the courtroom is filled on either side by Lords, Ladies, guardsmen and women, and servants. He gives me a wine to drink before turning to take up the crown. He holds it above my head.

"I give to you, Ember Anamitra Zelene, Queen of Sol." He places the crown upon my head, the weight of it is not lost on me. The courtroom erupts in cheers.

"We will return when we have reclaimed the village of Leor. We will not leave our people defenseless." My mother cupped my face in her hands. Her green eyes searched mine for a moment. I saw the seriousness cross her freckled face as she said, "You are strong Ember, if we do not return, I have full trust in you." She kissed my forehead.

"What's all this talk?" My father strode up, his huge chest swelling with pride. "There's no 'if' woman, there's only 'when'!" His laughter bellowed. She rolled her eyes at him and gracefully mounted her horse.

"Of course my Lord!" She teased him. She threw her long brunette braid behind her.

I hugged him tightly, he always felt like a bear to me. No matter the inches I had gained since I was a child I never reached above the middle of his chest.

"We love you Ember, lead the kingdom well in our absence." I looked into his brown eyes that always softened when he looked at my mother and me. I was always glad that I had gotten his black curls and my mother's green eyes. The perfect mix of them.

"I love you both too." I stepped back as he got onto his horse and lined up next to my mother.

"Move out!" My father's voice rose into the air, traveling back through the army. With a last look, my parents rode towards Leor.

Taking a deep breath to steady myself I get to my feet. As I turn around my eyes meet with Theron's and he gives me a supportive smile. I smile back. My heart is heavy, but my shoulders hold my pride and the belief that my parents are here in spirit, supporting me.

The people begin chanting and throwing their fists in the air.
"Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen!"