Black Crown

Chapter Two

Siren woke up lying on the grass and the first thing she did was look around for a rabbit with a ticking clock. After a few moments of realizing that there would be no thumping her way she finally let out a breath.

"So, are you just going to continue to lie on the grass like a fool or are you finally going to get up?" The voice came from above her in the most snobbish tone. The light peaked through the crisp green apple leaves, swirled around in a whirlwind pattern picking her up from the floor.

"What the- So you are who they have chosen to send? I would have thought you would be...taller." The voice continued to badger. The annoyed look had finally appeared on her face.

"That's pretty big talk for someone who has not shown their face. Picking on someone you know nothing about. "Siren replied, she finally found the source of the snarky voice. Staring at her from above was a beady eyed Raven looking down.

"I found all I needed by looking at you and let me tell you what is found is very disappointing."

"Of course, a talking crow. Well, if you are so knowledgeable tell me where I am and how I got here." The breeze pushed Sirens long dark hair hiding her panic.

"I am a raven, you ignorant child. Have you ever taken an ethology class? If such a world does not strive for basic intelligence this one is doomed. Child, I do hope you would think you could spot the differences in creatures." The raven offendedly replied. Hoping down to a closer branch to get a better look at the wingless creature.

"Is that what your kind does? World hop without any sense of where you are going. Such a foolish race. I wonder how long it would take you to last with such instincts. To the North with you. Maybe if you walk long enough you will find what you are looking for." And with that the raven left.

~~~~~~~&~~~~~~~

Endless miles of forest are what awaited Siren. Marching forth in the direction the bird had nodded in gave her a smidge of hope of reaching some type of civilization. Especially before the forest turned dark.

Tripping on an upturned root made Siren only wish she had taken up her friend's venture trips of hiking and nature walks before. Other than that, she had at least read some books on surviving nature. Hours of scarce water and no food inched her further into a wish of mushrooms.

Being alone in a forest is not what it is all cracked to be. Talking to yourself is the weirdest feeling....at first, Siren kept walking in circles. Markers on the trees she was bringing her back to where she started and by midday her head started spinning.

The sounds of marching are what brought her out of the spiraling.

"You!! What are you doing out here girl? Do you not know that this is Whitefang territory? Where is your party lead?" The leader of the group was a broad man who towered over her like she was a small sprout. His copperish hair created a fiery image in the daylight.

"Umm, I just got a bit lost. I was told to continue North, so I was hoping to reach town by then. My party has been scattered so I was hoping to make it before nightfall if possible." It was not necessarily the posture of the commander that threw Siren off but the deep look in his eyes as he stared her down.

"I am sorry to hear that. I am Sir Malos Spareren, Commander of the nearby village. After a quick formal stand to attention and a glance the Commander talked, he started to circle. Siren felt like an ant under a microscope.

"My party and I are here to confirm a source of disturbance. Would you happen to know what it would be about?" Malos spoke, eyes focused, never losing concentration.

" You will regret telling him the truth," a thought whispered.

"I have not seen such a disturbance. I am sorry I am not much help for you." nervously, the predatorial look on his face as she fiddles with her fingers. A game of cat and mouse was never a strong point, but she hoped he would believe her lie.

"Well, that is a tragic story, we were out patrolling and heard tales of a screaming object falling from the sky. You see, dark mythica tends to roam through these woods." At that moment Siren realized she was surrounded, and swords unsheathed, and all were lined into a defensive position.

"No harm will come to you if you cooperate. That is all I can promise now as these are serious times."

~~~~~~~&~~~~~~~

Hours

That was how long it took for the unit to reach the main town. To be fair Siren was sure that it was because of the route they took. The number of twists and turns she had her head boggled and a semi-permanent scowl.

It was the smell of honey like roasted meat that alerted her to the proximity to the village. Though calling it a village was an understatement.

The arch way was an art declaration, cool blues and green hue skyscrapers with marble statues towered over the center platform.

The stone guardians connected to large obsidian gates which stood around twelve feet tall giving presence to the entrance of a bustling city.

Though what was more notable was Malos's face. " Batho needs to end causing unrest." he muttered as the party continued to approach.

"The Queen, May her Reign last. Seventeen years have passed since the foreboding, and we have suffered much. Not even the Court Wir has been able to solve it. "

The town square was filled with bystanders, long, harsh faces standing. Many of those who had heard Bartho's speech before but with the passing days of hunger growing deeper one could say that there was more strength to those words.

"The court governs have abandoned us to starvation." He continued; arms stretched out as if welcoming the crowd to agree with him." We must band together this winter and bring forth the ever-rising problems. How much longer can we go on like this?"

People started to murmur in agreement. The curse took hold of the land and with every passing day, the worse it seems to get.

"Our leadership is crumbling in front of our eyes. Who among you has had hope since we last saw the prince. That the sovereign that leads care of how we suffer. I believe it is now time for my breth-"

"No!" Malos voice rose amongst the crowd. "You know the laws; shall we tumble around like animals or move along the situation. The curse is no fault of our own, but you know the prophecy."

The speaker turned to the ringleader of the turning mob. Eyes meet clashing with one another. Either one knowing giving an inch would be winning the battle.

"The Pathfinder shall be chosen soon. Airmonth will come once again. There should be no others whispering such talk. Those know very well what shall happen to such loose lips. "

The restless mob hushed at such a harsh statement. Anyone these days could be labeled as an Ebeler and that was a more assured death sentence than starvation.

Karmic was the statement as the actions were followed with guards started marching towards the crowds. Captain Malos gave a jarring look at the ringleader of the masses. His steps echoed from the armor as the gap lessened on the stand.

"What is this Bartho, leading another petition of hope I see. Maybe if you would stop hosting this nonsense and go back to your fields less would have to be......rationed." His hand was steady on the hilt of the sword. Eyes burning with the readiness of a fight.

Bartho squared his shoulders at the taunt. His footsteps made defined strides as he stared into Malos eyes. Ever ready for the challenge. Siren poked her head around a guard trying to get a better view.

"Crops have been going downhill since Foreboding. Even you who are pig headed at best can't deny that there are other powers behind such. The land is seeking justice for us to prosper. How much longer do you think it will take before consuming?

Another foot edged forward into Malos' space.

"The Queen would weep at such a state of her land- smash. Quick was the sound of flesh smacking against flesh was unmistakable.

"Hold your tongue. "Malos spat, seething with a red flushed face, "You who would not even join the queen's army should have no say in anything. Are you even for your country or a ring master that just puts on a show.

Malos turned to the crowd before barking orders. Anyone else who is found guilty of slacking can be turned out of the town. See if so, called allies will help you then.