A Touch of Magic

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven
Evergreen

She was gone. My neighbor across the way. Her family reported her missing almost immediately. I did not know her name, but I did know she was a good girl and served her family well.
As expected, the queen of our clan responded quickly. How could she not give all the disappearances that have occurred as of late. What I didn't expect was her to declare war on the enemy. Surely, the other clan must have been behind the disappearance.
With war on the horizon, I could do nothing but lie in bed, praying that justice would come at last. My mother would be avenged. The enemy would get what they deserved.
My thoughts led me back to the wall. How could I not fight? I was no warrior, but I had a reason to fight. I would find a way somehow. I would beat the odds. I would be the first woman warrior in all of Glamora. Until the queen shot me down.
"It is far too dangerous. You have no experience in combat. It would be suicide."
That was the end of it. I kicked the wall in frustration. For the first time in many years, I wanted once again to cross the threshold.
I waited until night fell across the land, covering me in a blanket of darkness. The brick scraped my palms and left blood stains on the wall, but I pressed on, climbing higher and higher still.
I plummeted onto the enemy soil and stifled a scream of pain. I could see a castle in the distance. No doubt the queens. As I was examining my new surroundings, Glade perched on my shoulder.
"You should stay behind."
I told him.
"It will be very dangerous."
He responds firmly.
"Wherever my mistress goes, I will follow."
I reach up and stroke his
soft feathers.
"Alright then. Let us be off."
As I walked farther and farther away from the wall, I felt an increasing sense of dread. I had no weapons. No food or water. Only the clothes and hawk on my back. What was I thinking? Hunger possessed me, and I became weaker with every step.
The sun had a long set, and only the light of the moon guided me. Perhaps there were some berry bushes around?
Then the smell hit my nostrils. Grilled meat. Food! I needed to get to the food! I stumbled in the direction of the smell, my nose guiding me.
In the distance, there was a small campfire with a rabbit cooking over it. My mouth watered. A man who looked about my age sat by the fire, occasionally adjusting the skewered meat. I was helpless. The only thing I could do was beg for a bite.
As I slowly approached, I recognized the man at the fire. It was Brikwood.