Orona's Hope

Prologue

The King's boots clicked along the cobblestone path, a cold sneer on his face. He made his way up the steps to the wooden platform, the planks creaking under his feet.                                                             "Subjects!" He raised his voice to address the crowd gathered around the platform, "These two have committed heinous crimes against this kingdom and shall be punished severely for their acts! Let them be an example for any one who even dares to think of disobeying me!" He walked over to the two on the platform. They both had ropes around their necks and were gagged. The woman had long, fiery red hair, and eyes the color of the sea. She glared at the King with a look of pure hatred and rage. The man had light brown hair and emerald green eyes. He was looking down at the trapdoor below him, tears forming in his eyes.                                                                                             The King ripped the gag off of the woman. "Any last words?" He asked, lifting her chin up at him. She made eye contact with him. Her eyes narrowed. She spit on his face. The king pulled away, disgusted, wiping the warm liquid off his cheek. "How dare you?" He seethed. She looked at him with a smug look on her face. The man looked at her with admiration. The King struck her across the face, leaving a red mark. The sound of the slap seemed to echo around the town center. The woman barely showed any reaction, causing the King to grow angrier. "I can't wait to see you hanging from the rope." He whispered, so as only she could hear.                                        "They'll be a day. A day where you'll be the one hanging from here." She replied. The King's face went white. He shoved the cloth back into her mouth  and moved on to the man. He pulled the gag out of his mouth.                                                                                                                                                          "Let's hope your words are more thought out than your wife's."                                                                      "I guarantee she was thinking about them for a while actually." He said confidently. He then turned to his wife. "After all of our adventures we've had this is definitely the most... dangerous. I love you so much Emily Wickett. If I could have died any way, it would have been with you at my side. Till' death do we part." Her eyes welled with tears. He began to break down. "I pray Hope has even a fraction of the amount of courage, bravery, and strength you do. I'm glad our last act was an act of defiance. Words can't express how much I love you." He finished.                                                                                                                                                                                                           "Yes, yes so sweet." The King growled, shoving the gag back into his mouth.  He stepped back. "Prepare the lever!" The executioner gripped the lever that would send the two to their deaths. "Victor Abram and Emily Wickett, prepare to die in 3...2..-"                                                                                       "Mom! Dad!" A little girl pushed through the crowd, a young boy following closely behind. Victor and Emily glanced down at the crowd. They're eyes widened and they tried to shout but their words were muffled. The boy tried to pull the young girl back but she slipped his hold and stepped in front of the people.                                                                                                                         "Please, Hope I don't want you to see this..." The boy pleaded.                                                                        "Don't do this!" The girl shouted at the King. "Don't kill my Mom and Dad!" She started to cry. The King looked amused.                                                                                                                                                       "Foolish child. A young girl will not stop me. Your parents have committed terrible crimes and need to be punished."                                                                                                                                                    "No please!!!" The girl sank to her knees. The boy grabbed her arm and began dragging her away. She kicked and screamed in protest. The King turned back to Victor and Emily.                                                                                                                                                                                                           "Lovely child." He muttered. " Moving on! And....One" He said. The lever was yanked and the trapdoors below the two opened.                                                                                                                                                         "NOOOO!" The girl screamed. She began to sob as the boy dragged her through the crowd. A pleased smile crossed the King's face as two lifeless bodies hung from the ropes.  The girl's heart wrenching sobs could be heard as she was taken back home. "He's a monster!" She screamed.                                

And that is when, the fire inside of her, was ignited.