In the Shadow of the Night

Facing the Darkness

We walked for a long time until we reached a small village. It was horrible to see the conditions the people had to live in. The roads were nothing but mud, everything was grey and the buildings were on their last foot. The women were trying to find something edible in the trash for their children. Cries of pain were everywhere and a tear rolled over my cheek.

Had life come to this? Had people such need for food that they had to degrade themselves to scavenging like animals? I bowed my head and made a silent vow. If I may become the queen I would not let them suffer like this. We were halfway through the town when people started noticing our presence. The hostile and greedy looks on their faces scared me and I kept my hand on my sword just in case.

That was when I noticed it, on walls, posts and doors were 'wanted' posters. They had my face on it and the price of a thousand gold pieces. People started pointing at the posters and at me and soon our way got blocked by men. I looked at Daniel and I saw fear in his eyes. Not fear for these men, no we could handle them. It was fear to hurt the innocent, they were just desperate people wanting to feed their children.

As I looked at Daniel I nodded at him, he knew what I was going to do and hurt swept over his face.

"People, I do not wish to fight you" I called and I put my sword on the ground. "I surrender to you, please take me to the queen's guards so that you may receive your reward" I said.

The men rushed forwards with chains and bound my wrists with them. They were not harsh though and one woman holding a tiny baby stepped forward.

"Thank you so much for your sacrifice, it will not be forgotten" She said as she squeezed my hand.

Daniel stood back and I saw him disappear in the crowd. The men led me to the guards who were staying outside the town.

"We have the girl who's wanted" They called out and the guards confirmed it.

The money payed and just like that I got sold to the queen. Just like that my fate was in her hands. I did not feel angry and I stepped into the cart that would bring me to the castle.

The road was long and rough. I tried to remain brave but still tears of fear escaped me. After an hour or so I fell asleep.

When I awoke the whole cart was lit with a bright light. I rubbed my eyes and when I opened them I stared straight at my mom. "M...Mom?" I stuttered.

"Yes my dear, it's me" She said and she put her hand on mine. "What you have done today is the bravest thing you could do. You must remain strong" She said her voice touching deep inside my heart.

"I don't know if I can do it, I'm not strong or brave" I whispered.

"You can do it my dearest Aislin, let the light guide your way" She said as the light ebbed from the cart.

With a start I woke up, it was just a dream. But when I looked down at my necklace it was still glowing with light.

The cart came to a halt and two guards lifted me out. Their strong hands wrapped around my arms but I wasn't going to protest. I knew what I had to do and I was going to do it with bravery. The doors of the castle opened with a groan and they led me to the throne room where the queen sat on my mothers throne. They forced me to my knees.

"What do we have here" The queen's voice echoed through the room. "It's the little princess who has caused such stirrings inside my land!" she said while standing up.

"And now you're here to give up, such a noble girl" She teased as she took my face in her hands.

"You will die a coward's death just like your mother," She spat.