A Ward's Tale

Chapter 30

"Are we really going to do this?" Vanessa asks, as she follows me to the weapons storage by the training ring. It has been two days since I burst into the library interrupting King Charles and Arthur. Since then we have talked multiple times trying to figure out the best way to merge the people.

"Yes, we have to show both sides that it is okay living with each other. That there should be no fear between them."

Vanessa and I stored the weapons we had just finished our training session with in their proper places. Arthur walks in to grab his sword. Last year he worked with a blacksmith to create his own master sword. He spent months testing different sword lengths, widths and weights until he found a combination he liked. He worked, hands on, for hours in the forge. His result is a beautiful damascus pattern with a strong curved guard. He is about to go into his morning training session but can't pass up an opportunity to mess with me.

"Will you be ready by noon?" He teases. "I know you women like to take time on your appearances before meeting a crowd."

"OH shut up, Arthur." I punched him in the shoulder. "We all know you take just as long!"

We all laugh then Arthur is gone and the mood fades.

"What if they don't like us. What if we become targets just because we are different?" Vanessa asks solemnly. I remember back to when she first got here, how quiet and different she was. She was picked on for not speaking up. She was picked on for who her parents were. And worst of all she was treated badly by Walter for years before she let me in. I can understand how terrifying this is for her. She has just found her place in this castle and now here I am trying to shake things up.

"I am sure we will get some negative feedback but I know there are others like us, like you, who have been hiding their magic, just trying to fit in. If we can make them feel comfortable and welcomed, isn't it worth it?"

Vanessa smiles brightly and vigorously nods her head. I smile back and wrap an arm around her shoulders giving a quick squeeze. We head up to our rooms to bathe and get ready for the announcement at noon.

I stand at the window of my room looking out at the gardens. My hair is piled up on my head beautifully and I am wearing my favorite soft blue dress. The lattice pattern encircles my body in white while the blue skirt flows out and to the floor. Simple straps hold the top up. I look over to the full mirror and stare at the young woman I see. I wonder if my mother looked like I did at this age? I clutch the necklace around my neck. Thinking of her makes me more determined to go through with announcing who I am to the Kingdom. If she and father were able to love each other and live happily then why can't the rest of us? Mages and Nomags are not so different, we are all human.

A knock on my door makes me jump. "Rissa? Are you ready?"

Mickey. How thankful I am for him. Not only is he my best friend and has accepted me as I am, but he also is going through all this with me.

"I believe I am." I answer as I open the door.

"Wow," He stares at me. "You look...beautiful."

"Thank you. But it isn't about how I look but what is inside of me, and you." I place a hand on his arm, "We have to show that we are all the same."

I can hear the crowd before I see them. The low rumble grows as we near the town square. I had suggested we go out into the town so more people could see and hear but now the butterflies in my stomach are telling me I should have stayed inside the safety of the castle walls.

No. I am stronger than that. I will not be afraid of this. I have let everyone see that I am not afraid, and they shouldn't be either.

"It will be all alright." Peter says from his seat across from me in the carriage. I look at him. He's dressed in new clothes from the castle. His white ruffed top looks odd on him and I can tell he isn't very comfortable wearing it.