The Monarch

Chapter 1

The bakery down the long, rocky path emitted a great smell of fresh baked bread. Hurriedly, a young girl skipped towards it. She took a few deep breaths whilst looking through the uneven windows. She entered slowly, each step causing the mahogany wood floors to creak. She stepped into the next room, careful not to trip over the jutted up door frame. There, she took in the calm sight of her mother kneading the dough for their seasonal tarts. She reached for her old apron hanging on the wall, ready to go outdoors to start her day.

Her mother grabbed her wrist, stopping her for a moment to greet her. "Today is going to be a busy day, Nora. Be ready."

Nora nods, heading out the door. She reaches down for the aging crate leaning against the wall. She pokes her head back inside, stuffing the bin with old vegetables left over from the past few nights of lunches and dinners.

"I'll be back for the opening, just need to feed the pigs!" Her mother doesn't answer, only keeping her eyes on the dough she was hurrying to make. She began venturing down the twisted path leading to the pig pen. She set down the crate carefully, then called out towards the overgrown grass and brush. Within seconds, the pigs hobbled out, the small, beady eyes staring at the crate hungrily. Nora emptied the crate then tucked it under her arm and started her short trip back to the bakery.

Not even halfway through the walk, Nora picked up an unusual sound. It was the sound of gentle rushing water, like a creek of sorts. As the curious girl she was, she crept closer to where the trees hid the noise. The water grew louder with each step until her foot pressed down onto rotting leaves. After regaining her composure, Nora listened for it again, but alas, heard nothing.

She scowled, gripping the tattered crate and stomped off. As she neared the bakery, she heard the rustling of crowds and stomps of heavy footsteps. Nora hurried inside, helping her mother pull out the first batch for the people waiting.

The day went on for 11 long hours, Nora's mother only allowing her to rest after serving more buyers. When the light no longer lit up the small kitchen, her mother waved her over.

"The day is over, go on and head home. You worked hard today dear." Nora smiled, kissing her mother's cheek and bidding her goodbye.

The street outside was lined with closing markets and drooping bouquets of flowers that had been tossed to the ground. Trees creaked and groaned as they hung on to what little leaves they had left. Wind rambled along the muddy trail where Nora turned to go down on, whispering among the trees. Pigs and chickens made their presence known near where Nora had heard the stream.

She couldn't understand why the noise had mysteriously vanished. It was as if the creek had simply ceased to exist. The little old shack she called home loomed over her. She stepped inside, ignoring the rambling of her brother and nasty remarks from her father. Nora tucked herself away in the small room she shared with her brother, listening absentmindedly at the small talk her mother made with everyone else.

All her mind could listen to was the frustration of herself and the stream.