Bloodfeather

Chapter Three

"That's a lot of people." I whispered to Murphy from behind the makeshift stage that had been assembled in the far side of the clearing.

                "Yep." She whispered back.

                "I don't like it. Are you sure I have to do this?"

                "These people are here because of you, Avery. You kind of owe it to them."

                "Avery, get up here!" Kail called to me from the stage. I took a deep breath and eyed Murphy.

                "Wish me luck."

                "As if you need it." Murphy scoffed in reply. I took a step up onto the stage and walked over to Kail.

                "Everyone, this is Avery, a girl who probably needs no introduction." He introduced me to the crowds of people below me.

                "Hi." I waved awkwardly. I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't like being the centre of attention, I never had.

                "Thank you. Thank you for all you have done for us." An elderly Fae called out to me.

                "Why are you thanking me? It's my fault you're in this situation!" I protested. I couldn't accept his thanks, not when I had caused him and so many people to be taken away from their homes, either to die or live in exile. That was nothing to be thankful for.

                "You saved us from the beanstalk." He answered me. He seemed surprised at my question. I shook my head.

                "Yet I still couldn't save you all from Maelene and her wrath." I said sadly.

                "You couldn't because you were dead!" piped up a young woman. Her clothes were dirty, but she seemed healthier than the others.

                "And now she's alive, she's going to do her best to fix this." Kail said, looking at me from the corner of his eye, waiting for my reaction.

                <What are you doing?!> I hissed in his head.

                <This is what they need to hear. They need to know that their Queen will fight for them.>

                <I'm not a Queen, Kail! I'm just a girl!> I said.

                <You are a Queen, and you need to act like it, before something bad happens.>

                I sighed my acceptance of my fate.

                "I'll do my best." I told them. It was the best I could do. I couldn't promise my help, I knew I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I broke a promise to these people. I couldn't. But I wasn't lying. I would do my best. As soon as I figured out what I could do.

                The audience seemed to let out a collective breath, as though they had been holding it, fearing I would reject them.

                "Avery and I need to go sort some things out, but you can all rest easy knowing she's back." Kail assured them, and led me off the stage. Once we were out of sight of the crowd, I turned and hissed at him.

                "Why did you do that?!" I demanded. "You gave them hope, but what if there isn't any?"   

                "There's always hope, Avery. I thought you would have figured that out by now."