Blackmoore Academy (On Hold)

Chapter One

"Gwendolyn!" Maris-the governess'-roar carried through the stairwell into Gwen's bedchamber and echoed off the walls.

Gwendolyn woke in a panic; she'd overslept. If Maris found her in this state she would face whatever consequences Maris saw fit, and she was usually cruel.

Moving quickly, Gwendolyn ruefullly slipped from the wooden bed, taking a precious moment to stretch her back. The bedpost was unforgiving and the tower-open to the night air for its lack of windows-had no fire to warm it at night. It was a wonder she hadn't frozen this night or the last.

A racorous pounding sounded at the bottom of the stairwell, signaling the start of Maris' ascent, and signaling to Gwendolyn that it was time to rise.

Still shivering, she pulled on a sordid white underdress, followed by a cotton dress; the sleeves were frayed and dirty. The pounding grew closer until Maris was at the door. As Gwendolyn was slipping her feet into their boots the door flew open, nearly splintered by the force of Maris' fist. She hadn't been fast enough.

"I'm sorry!"

Fat swung from her arm as Maris struck Gwendolyn with a meaty hand. The force of the blow sent Deldyn sprawling into the table. It creaked under her weight and splintered. She crashed to the ground. Blood dripped from a gash in her hand where splinters had embedded underneath her skin.

"Pick yourself up!"

Gwedolyn stood. "I'm sorry." She sidled out of view. "I'll start my chores now!"

If her chores weren't finished before midday it would fall to Maris to oversee the finishing of those chores. The home had been understaffed of late, and it had fallen to Maris who relegated the task to Gwendolyn. As her father returned, she would be free from servitude and restored in rank.

"Get finished before midday." Maris turned and waddled back down the stairs.

Gwendolyn longed for midday. Her father-stepfather really-was returning today. He was the only force that stopped Maris' abuse; her mother was too sick to realize what was happening, and none of the servants of the house could stand up to Maris without facing retribution.

Gwendolyn hurried down the stairs. She stopped at the bottom and stole a glance in the mirror. A bruise was already forming over her pale delicate skin. She pulled her jet black hair over her face. If her father saw it he'd ask what had happened and Gwendolyn couldn't find it within her to point the finger at Maris. Even if she were sacked, she'd more than likely find a way to make her life hell.

Gwendolyn hurried into the kitchen to start breakfast. Her mother couldn't eat much else than gruel. Gwendolyn added medical herbs to her mother's gruel and carried the bowl to the bedroom.

"Mother?"

Dark eyes peered at her from sunken sockets surrounded by black bruised skin. Her lips pulled back to reveal infected gums.

"Gwendolyn?" She reached for her daughter and set a hand against her cheek.

The papery touch of her fingers left a ghostly impression and Gwendolyn shivered. She spooned the meal into her mouth. The food was easy for her mother as there was no need to chew it; she didn't have the teeth to do so.

"Are you coming back?" She asked as Gwendolyn stood and made for the door.

"Of course." She leaned down and kissed her mother on the head. "As soon as I'm finished with my chores."

Gwendolyn spent the remainder of the day scrubbing the floors and walls. Her knees were sore by the time Maris fetched her.

It was midday.

Gwendolyn glanced out the window. Her father rode toward them. She nearly raced out the door, but had the sense to retreat to her bedroom and change into a proper dress. She wore an extravagant gown-black and red, with a tight bodice and full bulging skirt. The sleeves and train were of a lighter shade and heavier material. A light veil fell across her back to the floor. She placed a silver band on her head; three chains dangling in front of her forehead. Sure that her hair would remain in place, she went out to see her father.

Gwendolyn raced through the front door to embrace her father. He dismounted and approached her; a stable boy led the horse away.

"Gwendolyn!" He wrapped his arms around her. "It's good to see you! I have something for you!"

He pulled a chain from his bag. A vial swung on its end, glinting in the harsh sunlight. It held a few drops of clear water.

"It's water from the oasis in the capital."

She reached out and grasped the necklace. "Thank you." She turned the vial over in her hand and slipped the chain about her neck. She kept a hand against the vial.

"It'll be something to remember me by."

"Aren't you staying?"

"I cannot. I leave for the Lowlands with the rest of the troops."

Gwendolyn's face paled. "You're being sent there? Why there?"

"The Emperor needs us to control the borders-"

"But no one he's sent there ever returns!"

"That's why he's sending me. I'm bringing my men back. Alive." He kissed her on the head. "

Maris stepped from the house. "My Lord!" She smiled and waddled down the front steps. When she stood before him she curtsied. "Lord Arthur! Your presence has been missed. How long should we expect you to stay?"

"A few days while I await my orders."

"And will your absence be shorter this time, My Lord?" She smiled. It was nearly swallowed in her cheeks. It made Gwendolyn shiver.

"It'll be longer."

Gwendolyn hung her head.

"Don't fret. You'll not be here by the time I do return," he musded.

"Why?" Gwendolyn demanded.

"I hoped you'd be married."

Gwendolyn's cheeks flushed. She said nothing.

"That's a matter for later."

"And what of your plans in the Lowlands?" Gwendolyn pushed, hoping to change the subject.

"I'll send a raven when I've received word from the Emperor." Arthur put a hand on her shoulder. "We'll discuss it later."

"Good day, My Lord." Maris backed into the house.

"I'll leave you to your work then." Maris smiled again and disappeared inside the house.