City of the Underground

Kaylana stormed through the halls of the castle with her crimson gown swaying at her heels. Her mind fused with angry thoughts. How could he do this to her? How could her father do this to her? She was no ordinary princess. He had made sure of that. Turning the shadowy corners she made her long way back to her chambers. Stretches of walkway left for plenty of time to turn over the recent events in her mind.

When she had first entered her father's study she was glad for the summon. He would often call for her and they would spend hours talking of war strategies and playing chess. She would watch his strong figure hunched in thought over their game. He would stroke the stubble on his chin in intense concentration. Though his hair was flecked in black and white and wrinkles were forming, she ever saw him as her mighty warrior and king. Their talks and games had grown more intense over time. He often would quiz her on her strategy. Her father had taught her so well that she now rivaled him in skill. She could almost visualize the board as a battlefield. Still steaming from their conversation, she pushed open the large doors to her chambers. A room of slumbering darkness welcomed her.

She made her way through the familiar area towards her wardrobe. The oak doors gave in easily to her touch. Yet her mind was so far from the wardrobe before her. She recalled how her father had even went so far as to suggest taking her with him into battles to observe the mayhem and build strategy. Her often looked at her with unprecidented pride. She was just turned 18 and already one of the more skilled swordsman in his kingdom. He had invested so much in her and this was what it was to come to?

Her heart wrenched as she thought how everything had changed as soon as Christopher was born. The strong baby boy came out healthy and happy. He was the joy of the family. All of the pride in her fathers eyes now gazed on him alone.

All of these thoughts reeled through her mind as she grabbed at the few gowns she had that would be light enought for her travels. She didn't need anything weighing her down. Hot tears streamed down her determined face. She wouldn't be treated like fattened cattle. Leaving her father hurt, but to have to leave Robert would hurt even more. She tucked her gowns into her travelers nap sack. It wasn't used to so much clothe and bulged at the seems. She dropped the sack to the floor and reached inside the wardrobe. Counted down to the third board she pushed on one end until the other side popped up. Sitting underneath it was a coil of thick clothe. She pulled out the carefully constructed bedsheet ladder she had used countless times, then replaced everything back to its original position. With the sheets in one hand and her nap sack in another, she briskly strode to the window. Taking the sheets in both hands, she tossed it out the window. The make shift ladder unraveled neatly in agreement, beckoning her forward. The lean girl tied the end, that was still in her hand, to the corner of her bedpost. She maneuvered herself out of the window and turned to looked back in.

If I have to choose between leaving father or leaving Robert, that's no choice at all. I choose to stay with Robert. And with those parting thoughts she was gone.

**

Tumult ensued through Griffith Castle as the shouts continuously poured out of the library study. Past the ornate shelves and endless books a strong young man stood with blood boiling up to his tanned cheeks. There, prince Jonathan convened with his father over kingdom matters.

Jonathan watched his father pacing back and forth in his extravagant royal robes. No king would stand for this.

"Jonathan," the king sighed, "you are going to be king. This is your duty."

"I'm not meant to be king!" he shot back as he leapt out of his chair.

The weary king rubbed at his thinning brown hair. His fathers somber look of sorrow weakened his resolve, but not enough to make him budge. He knew the memory of his eldest brother caused his father pain but it was his only hope.

He saw his father work back tears before replying gruffly "True enough. But Thomas has been gone for more than two years and you are the next in line."

"No! I will find him. I won't give up!" His brother was out there and he would fight through every battle and barrier until he found him. He turned away from his father to look out the gaping window. Tall trees reached up just beyond the glass, hiding the mysteries that so lately abounded.

"Father, just tell me what plagues our lands and I'll purge it. Tell me the source and I will remove it by any means necessary. The thievery and torment was horrid enough, but this?" He turned abruptly to face his father. "No. He's alive and I refuse to believe otherwise."

"Son, if I knew I would surely share every piece with you. But these rogues are a mystery. And I dare not hope for more, lest I lose him twice. You will be king and you must take your rightful place. With a rightful queen at your side."

Jonathan's heart gripped again as his eyes misted over.

"Father, I love her."

The king looked down on his son with compassion and sadness.

"Sometimes son, our duty is stronger than love. You will marry Kaylana of Nereyda son. They will make for a powerful ally against these rogues."