I Am Not Cinderella

Chapter 38

A fortnight was drawing to a close and Derek had yet to search Barrie out.  She let out a sigh as she dressed for the tournament.  Johnny was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs.  He was to be her guard as she traveled to and from the lists.  Barrie couldn't wait for the tournaments to end.  She was almost tempted to give up, but she knew she couldn't.  Her people were counting on her.  She was their only hope at a better life.

"Are you ready daughter?"

Barrie looked up and smiled at Grekken.  Grekken stood by the fire polishing some of Barrie's armor.  Grekken wore a worried look.  "I'm as ready as I'll ever be Mother."

Grekken gave her a half smile as she walked up and handed Barrie her helmet.  She touched her daughter's cheek.  "All you need to do is be the best fighter out their today.  Don't think about letting anyone beat you."

Barrie sighed as she tucked her helmet underneath her arm.  "I won't mother."

"You're worried about Derek aren't you."

"What if he decides to out me?"

Grekken framed Barrie's face with her hands.  "Don't  think like that daughter.  If he meant to expose you then he would have days ago.  Give him time sweetheart.  He still has 3 days to give you an answer."  Grekken kissed Barrie on the forehead.  "Now go.  You don't want to keep the suitors waiting."

Barrie laughed as she put on her helmet and disappeared into the hidden passageway that lead from her room down to the dungeon.  Every time there was a tournament she used a different hidden passageway to move about the castle.  Her boot steps echoed down the passageway as she made her way down the tunnel. She paused at a doorway and touched a stone to the right of the doorway.  The wall slid back and Barrie stepped out into the dungeon.  She walked across the dungeon and disappeared into a broken part of the wall.  Barrie's breath was loud in her helmet as she traversed the length of the tunnel.  Bright sunlight blinded her as she stepped out of the passageway. 

As her vision cleared she saw Johnny waited at the bottom of the stairs.  He didn't say anything as she appeared.  Barrie clapped him on the arm as they made their way to the lists.  The lists were overflowing with people today.  The sun beat down on everyone and Barrie could already feel sweat trickling down her back.  She rotated her shoulders and she drew her sword. 

Time flew by as Barrie defeated suitor after suitor.  Cheers and jeers were thrown from the crowd at each and every suitor.  Several of the suitors were repeat ones who hoped to finally beat the Black Wolf.  A smile split Barrie's face as she saw Derek stride towards her.  He stopped less than six feet from her and bowed. 

"Give me your all Princess," Derek said softly before he lunged at her.

Barrie laughed as she met Derek's thrust.  They fought back and forth, swords clashing against swords.  It had been almost a year since last they'd fought.  Derek had a few new sword tricks up his sleeve, but Barrie was ready with a whole new set of her own.  Things were looking good until Barrie leaped backwards out of reach of Derek's sword.  Her right foot caught and turned on a dirt clod causing her to trip and fall.  She sprawled on the ground and instantly rolled back onto her feet. 

Barrie saw her sword lying twenty feet away.  She ran for it.  Derek blocked her attempt.  Barrie tried again to no avail.  It took her many minutes to finally reach her sword.  She tucked her toe underneath the sword and kicked it up.  Barrie caught it and spun around to fight Derek.  She swung her sword around with a cry and watched as Derek ducked.  The sword flew by over his head and Barrie knew that she'd just made a mistake.  The momentum of her sword put her off balance and Derek saw his chance.  He stepped forward and smashed Barrie in the helmet with the pommel of his sword.  Barrie stumbled and was sent sprawling as Derek kicked her in the back. 

Barrie rolled over onto her back and her eyes widened as she saw Derek standing over her with his sword resting against her chest.  The lists were silent before cheers erupted.  Barrie let her head bang against the ground.  She was glad that it was Derek who defeated her.  Out of all of the suitors this was the only one that was decent.

Derek removed his sword and held out a hand.  Barrie gladly took it and allowed Derek to haul her to her feet.  She walked over and picked up her sword before she headed over to stand before the King and Queen.  Claude was already there waiting to speak for her.  Before Claude could open her mouth her father held up his hand.

"I want to see the Black Wolfs face."

Barrie placed her hand on Claude's arm as he opened his mouth.  She shook her head and spoke quietly to him.  "It's time everyone knows the truth.  Ask the King for leinancy for the Black Wolf and for the Princess."

Claude bowed before he turned and spoke to the King.  "The Black Wolf asks for leinancy for himself and the Princess your Majesty."

The King looked closely at the Black Wolf before he nodded.  "I know not why you ask for this, but I grant you and my daughter leinancy.  Now show me your face."

Barrie took a deep breath before she reached up and slowly took off  her helmet.  She shook her hair free and rested her helmet underneath her arm.  Barrie gazed up at her father defiantly.  The look of shock and disbelief on her father and stepmother's faces were priceless.  Barrie watched as her father's face reddened.

"What is the meaning of this?" He thundered.

Barrie raised her chin and glared at him.  "I refuse to be talked about and traded like a side of beef father."

"How dare you?"  The Queen began as she started to rise.

"How dare I?"  Barrie spat out as her eyes flashed fire at the Queen.  "I know of the plot you have against me.  I learned of it long ago."

"What plot do you speak of?"

Barrie turned her gaze back to her father.  She let nothing hide as she glared at her father.  "I know the truth of my birth," Barrie hissed from between clenched teeth.  "I know that the Queen is not my mother just as I know that Beau is my brother.  I know who my real mother is and I have some to realize that my father is nothing but a hypocrite who spouts lies to those he holds most dear."

The Queen's face was ashen and the King seemed stunned.  Silence reigned over the arena as everyone watched with baited breath the events that were unfolding.  Barrie blared at the man who had raised her.  She took a deep breath as she closed her eyes in an effort to gain control of her emotions.  When she opened her eyes they were devoid of emotion.

"I will take no man as a husband and I will not stand by while you ruin this kingdom.  From this point onward Father, you and I are enemies.  You have been more concerned with that pampered woman who sits at your side than the welfare of your kingdom."  Barrie turned her attention from the King and Queen and addressed the crowd.  "I plan on ruling this kingdom as my ancestors did!  This kingdom used to be ruled by Warrior Queens!  My goal is to bring that time of peace and stability back to this kingdom!"  Barrie turned her attention back to the King and Queen.  "Prepare yourself Father.  For tonight is the last night that I will call myself you daughter."

Barrie turned and left the lists with long sure strides.  Grekken met her at the stairs and followed her up them.  Johnny and Claude followed her.  Barrie was surprised upon entering her room to discover that Derek had followed them up.  She offered him a smile as she began the process of stripping off her armor.  As she stripped off her armor she gave everyone instructions on what to do.