The four remains

Chapter 2

Adrenaline still coursed through my veins. My breaths were heavy, and as I sat down, my heartbeat raced. I had fought a knight. I had survived. Amazing. I felt as if I was back in the fields again, dancing with my best friend Meredith, eating delicious sweets. I would run barefoot through the fields, the soft grass brushing against my feet as I picked cabbages, helping my father in the field. All was amazing, and now the adrenaline was gone. I was once again back in my cave.

The lonesome, boring cave where all my despair reaches me, grabs me, chokes me until I have no air left. This cave is a murderer, but it's supposed to make me feel safe. What use is this, and what is the point? How am I supposed to stop the most powerful dictator? He possesses powers no one has ever had before. He found what was supposed to be a legend, and now that legend is true. He found it and used it against humanity.

I sighed and picked up the rice, mixing it with my curry. I put it in a bowl and ate quietly. Once I finished, I grabbed the newspaper and scanned it for any news I needed to know. There was nothing about me as I skimmed through it. Suddenly, a name that I recognized appeared on the page.

Fear crawled inside me, clawing at me with gasping pain. Tears ached to come out but were shut deep inside, never to be seen in the light again, though it pained me. I felt as though my lungs were deflating, leaving no more air for me to survive. I went back to the header and read from the beginning. I began reading from top to bottom until the article was finished. I couldn't believe it. I wouldn't.

My letter had been found despite all my precautions. After everything we had been through together, no, I refuse to accept this. She has done so much and stood strong. She was the only thing I have left. This couldn't be true. I read it again and again, forcing myself to believe it would be the last time.

New Crime in Town?

As we have all known for a while, it has been 10 years since the dreadful, unspeakable incident, or as the king calls her, the "little devil." We have been informed that 10 years ago, she insulted the king, leaving the kingdom aghast. This insult has never been forgiven, and she has been on the run since. Sir Lancelot has reported that she was spotted at the grocery stand by the storekeeper named Oliver.

"I have never seen a woman like her," Oliver Wood stated. "Unusual. She fought two knights and won? I wonder who taught her to fight, but it must have been a man. All I know is there are probably multiple people working with her."

Furthermore, it is true. Florane Marywood, the mother of the "little devil," has been caught communicating with the unspeakable. The king has scheduled her hanging for today at noon. This urgent matter is being handled by the Great Dear Sire. That is all for today's news. We inform you that the king has set many guards around the kingdom searching for the "little devil." We wish you a good day.

I felt like crying. This was all my fault. They found my letter. I should have added more precautions. I ate my food, consumed by guilt. It's all my fault, all mine, I thought.

"Are you just going to run away again?" a voice inside me asked. "Like the coward you once were?" I felt like the bubble inside me was about to explode. This was too much to take; I can't do anything. Nothing is all I have ever done.

"Then do something," the voice inside me grew louder. "Do something to prove you're not pathetic. Prove yourself once and for all." I looked out the tiny hole. The sun began to set, and noon was approaching.

This was my chance. I grabbed my new sword, tied my hair into a better braid, and draped the cloak over myself. I was going to save my mother. If I have to die on the way, I will. Maybe, finally, I can meet my father once again. Maybe... I stared at the rusty sword. I might need it for good luck. I grinned, grabbing the old worn-out sword. My mother's gift would protect me. Father, if you see me now, maybe you'll be proud of me.