Exile

Part 3

Italzi jabbed at the other knight with her sword. The guy ducked just before she hit his face.

"Dang, man," said the guy as he tried to slice her forehead; she dodged easily. Fighting these white knights was easy; too easy. She really wanted to fight The Black Knight. The Black Knight, Dimitri, was the prince. Dimitri wasn't a bad guy, he was just spoiled. Italzi was his equal but she was still stuck as a Red Knight. Anyone would be pleased with being only second to The Black Knight, but Italzi wasn't. She was very driven.

Italzi wasn't even supposed to be a Knight, anyway. She was a girl; girls can't fight. Italzi had been disguised as a boy for six years, rising in the ranks of the King's guard. It was hard initially, but she had to do it for her sister. The salary of the Knights were some of the best in the Kingdom. She had enough money for herself and Izobel to live comfortably.

"Adrian!" called Yoseph, the trainer, and gestured for Italzi (Adrian) over.

"The King wants to see you," he said. "Looks like you're getting promoted, or you're in big trouble."

Italzi walked with haste to the throne room of the King. She didn't remember doing anything wrong, but you never know with the King. He was one of the only people Italzi couldn't read well. He was unpredictable. Italzi knocked on the doors of the throne room and they were opened by the Gold Knights, the King's guard.

"Sir Peter!" called the King. "How lovely to see you." As he said this, the Knights dragged a small, struggling body to the feet of the King. Izobel.

"NO," screamed Italzi and tried to rush towards her but was restrained by the Knights.

"Or should I say Miss Dolor," said the King. "Italzi Dolor. The only daughter of Sebastian and Zoë Dolor, the criminals."

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" screamed Italzi. "MY PARENTS WERE NOT CRIMINALS AND MY SISTER IS IN FRONT OF YOUR UGLY FACE!"

"Ah, but you are mistaken, Miss Dolor. Your parents broke my law. They had different skills. If people with their skills procreated, that child would be a danger to us all. As for your sister, she is adopted, as you were said to be. It was to protect you from me. Now, however, I learned you truly survived. All you have to do is turn yourself in and tell me who else knows about your skill."
"What skill! I don't have a skill, I'm a Powerless!"

"If you don't tell the truth your sister dies."

"Izobel! No!" cried Italzi, starting to cry. "I swear I don't have a skill and no one else would know if I had one!"

"I see how it must be," said the King. He flicked his wrist and one of the Gold Knights stabbed Izobel right in the heart.

"NO," wailed Italzi.

"Seize her," yelled the King, but Italzi was too quick. She ran with all her strength away from the guards, away from the city, away from everything.