Author Games: A Knight's Valor

Task Five: Female Entries

Lemaria Female: Ren Lancaster

"Renauda of Lancaster, please rise."

The king motioned to her from his perch on his throne. After standing, Renauda could not help herself from glancing over at the prince, more than a few times. She could not believe how he had managed to stay hidden for so long. She knew that there had to be a story there, one that she would hopefully be able to hear.

"As you know, the Trials of Loyalty have always been a sore subject in the competition. The moralities, as well as the psychological ramifications, are things that can affect knight throughout their career. We want to know your opinion."

Ren raised her eyebrow, a bit surprised at the request. "Well, my royal court. I was not a fan of the task, that I can say without contemplation." She subconsciously moved her hand to the row of stitches that ran from her ear to her the center of her forehead, an ugly blemish on her beautiful face.

"But," she continued, "I think they are necessary. If we, as knights vying to protect your lives, cannot keep information from a mock interrogator, then how can we protect you when it counts?"

The king nodded and leaned back in his seat, obviously satisfied.

"Did you know," the queen spat, "that it was our very own Roland Delmere who was the person inflicting such torture on you?" She was not Renauda's biggest fan, perhaps because of the close relationship Ren had formed with Cynesige.

"I was unaware, your majesty." Renauda eyed the old man with some apprehension, biting her lip to avoid giving the man a piece of her mind.

"I assume you failed then." The queen smiled wickedly, as though Ren not knowing who her assailant was automatically determined her failure.

"You would assume incorrectly then. I was injured severely, as evidenced on my head. I protected the information I knew to the point where I fell unconscious. I would have given my life for you."

The queen scoffed as Ren continued speaking.

"My king," Ren continued, "I have reason to believe that your lives are in danger."

"Whatever do you mean?"

Earlier that day, Ren had been looking for Cynesige, who of course was not in his room. She assumed he had found some poor parlor maid to spend his night with, since she had turned him away on more than occasion.

After running into a dead end in the castle, hushed whispers caught her attention. She could not tell the gender or whose voices they were but she did know what they said.

"Have you completed your task."

"Yes, everything is set, by tomorrow evening the kingdom will be in shock."

"By tomorrow evening, the world as we know it will change forever."

"Something is going to happen," Ren told the king. "Something bad."

A shrill cackle echoed throughout the room, followed quickly by the boisterous laugh of the king. "Lady Ren, I think that the trials have been too much for you." The queen could not help but shooting down Ren's fear.

"Why don't you go rest now, you need your strength for the next competition." The king waved her away, looking concerned for her well being.

"But my Lord-"

"Thank you for your time."

With an exasperated sigh, and an impending fear, Renauda turned away. But not before she saw a light go off in the prince's head.