Silver Songbird

Hedges and Rugs

My father once told me to always take care, to always take caution, and to never ever forget your pocket knife. He said your life could change in an instant, but I always assumed he was exaggerating, that his brain was aging faster than his body and his words were one of senile nature– But now, his words slapped me across the face. And it stung.

Somewhere along the way I traded a pocket knife for a sword, and caution for doubt. No matter if I blame a damn horse, or a piece of paper, or the damn air I breathe, the outcome would still remain the same. I have no standing, no money, no nothing. I have the clothes on my back and a piece of steel.

I may have lost my caution, but I still take great care of the things I do own.

I take a moment to stare into my own eyes as I clean my sword, my reflection shining from the pristine metal blade. I was always prideful in the end result, it looked as if it had never been touched, fresh from the forge. I suppose it was true it never saw real combat, or blood, but I whacked some training dummies and some armor here and there.

It has been nearly a week now since I met with Commander Ulric, absolving me from my position. I was going crazy inside the castle walls. I've yet to hear any news or information on my future, so I decided to fill my days by exploring the grounds.

This morning was a bit more exciting than most, some high brow royals from overseas arrived to meet with the Queen. They spoke the common tongue, much to my surprise. I only know this because who I assume to be the King of wherever they came from yelled at one of the maids the second they all arrived at the castle.

Their arrival gave me some insight as to the layout of the castle itself. My room was in the back of the castle, in a hallway mostly used for storage purposes and the castle kitchen. Near my room was also the living quarters for the maids and servants. At the front was the gigantic foyer, where on either side broke off into a wing of the castle. Up the twin set of stairs in the foyer were off limits, much to my disappointment. Most places were off limits to me, but I knew there was a library on the left wing, and guest rooms on the right wing. The two wings went further back, creating more hallways and more mystery. I tried to determine where things were by the items maids would take to each wing. It was hard trying to seem inconspicuous in doing so, as many maids have given me odd looks, or asked me if I had needed anything. I would usually attempt to ask them questions they weren't allowed to answer, and I would always frown when they brushed my question off.

In many sorry attempts to ask maids or knights why I'm still here, I've learned that I'm not being kicked out. A young maid told me so herself as she brought me new bedsheets two days ago, and it was clear she wasn't supposed to speak a word to me about it. My incessant and almost annoying asking has scared the old maid that usually comes to change my bedsheets away, but I've spotted her a few times since. I caught her eye just this morning, and I giggled a little as she quickly slipped into a different bedroom, clearly trying to avoid me. I had apologized to her the morning after I got absolved, genuinely sorry for breaking the wooden chair. She gave me her usual stone expression, and shrugged.

I laid my sword gently against the wall in its sheath. It was the one thing they allowed me to keep, and I was grateful for it. My armor had been taken away, probably given to some other knight. I entered the hallway once again this morning, and I had my mind set on the gardens. It was cloudy today, so I figured they would be empty.

On my way there, a few maids scrambled with trays of food past me, taking it towards the opposite wing where the royal guests were staying. I craned my neck to try and get a glance at which room they took the food to in the long forbidden hallway, but it was no use. I sighed and continued on.