Golden Moon

Chapter 3

Kimi opened her eyes but quickly shut them again. Pain throbbed from her head down and down her arm. She moaned, trying to sit up. With great effort she opened her eyes, wincing as her eyes watered. She rubbed her head as she looked around her. She was in her room and the familiar sight was soothing. Her bare walls sported the typical smooth black rock of the Palace. Her door that lead to the main hall was ajar. She gritted her teeth as sh stood up.

On top of her silver dresser was a single sheet of folded paper sealed with black wax. She reached for it, but hesitated, her hand hovering over it. It's from Father. This can't be good. She thought to herself. She quickly picked it up and broke the seal, unfolding the sheet.

"Kimi:

When you awake come to my study. I must speak with you.

-Father"

Kimi sighed then swung her wooden door open and entered the dark hallway. She turned left, following her well traveled memory to where her Fathers study was. On her way, she passed the kitchens. It was neveused except for her sake. Her father needn't consume food, nor any of the servants. She did, however. Just not as often as most.

The room was empty of anyone so she walked over to the counter as her stomach grumbled. There was a tray full of fruits, breads, and meats. She inspected the entire thing then settled on a butter croissant and a slice of turkey. She continued on while eating her breakfast. She didn't see any of the normal servants around. Weird, she thought. Normally at least I see one unless their service is needed elsewhere.

The absence of beings continued until she reached the door of Gormedunes study. Study was a polite term for the room. The door itself was made of bleached bone; the handle iron wrought from the depths of the Underworld. Kimi quickly opened the door without knocking, eager to have this whole conversation with him over before it started.

She walked quickly down the well-lit corridor, shielding her eyes from the light. Ugh, father needs to learn to see without light. She grumbled to herself. The walkway forked with either left or right. Without a hesitation, she took the right path knowing her father would be in this room. Their wasn't a door so kimi just strode into the room.

Gormedune stood looking out over his palace of stone on the level above kimi, deep in thought. "Kimi, welcome," he said without turning around.

Kimi was used to this and replied, "morning, father. What do we need to talk about? I need to work with Kaida."

At this he turned around. "Yes, of course. But first explain to me why you came back unconscious, your face burned, and your left hand melted."

Kimi looked down at her hand. She hadn't noticed tha the joints were melted and the wirings damaged. She looked past her father at a mirror on the wall. The skin on her face was blackened and red in spots. She sucked in a breath, trying to conceal her surprise.

"I'm just as confused as you are."

He was silent for a while, making kimi sweat a little. Finally he responded,"You accomplished the task?"

Relief washed through kimi. "Yes, of course. He was a smart mouthed bastard if I ever saw one."

Gormedune nodded. "Good. Report back to me when you find out why you returned how you did." He looked her in the eyes, "and don't forget this time. I didnt bring you from the filth of the streets to lie to me. You would still be there if it wasn't for me."