Memory in the End

Chapter 1: Michael

Keeping a low profile was not something I was used to. As the princess, I was used to sporting big dresses and extravagant jewelry that would always catch the attention of everyone in the kingdom. But now, I was wearing old clothes that I had borrowed from some friendly peasants; black ripped trousers with a red patched up shirt, and black boots that seem one size too big. My long black hair is let loose in a wave of curls in an attempt to hide the famous ice blue eyes of the princess. Covering my face was only half the issue; the other half was trying to find the people.

The Magnificent Five, the only hope left for the kingdom, are quite hard to find. Understandably so, considering the kingdom exiled them many years ago. The Magnificent Five were the kingdom's chosen warriors, directly descended from God. They were the finest, the best, and the most skilled warriors we had. Unfortunately, they were deemed by the kingdom as having gone rogue, and so they were exiled, forbidden to come back. Now it seems as though they are our only hope. How ironic, that the one force that we need is the one we had pushed away.

I wasn't quite sure where to start. After all, where does one go after being exiled for eight years? So I started where any warrior not employed by the king could typically be found: the weapons shop. The Black Hound was the only weapons shop close by, located on the outskirts of the city surrounding the castle, and served mainly rogue warriors who found better work as bounty hunters. It was the largest and best shop for them to purchase new weapons or have their current ones repaired, and was actually on par with the castle's own weaponry. One would think that such a shop would not be allowed to remain open, but it is an honest business, and the king has determined that attempting to close it wasn't worth the amount of casualties that would occur. I knew that a lot of the warriors would be able to recognise me, so I had to keep my head down and my face hidden under the hood of my cloak.

Walking in, no one paid much attention to me. Most of the men were of older ages, with scars lining all parts of their bodies, and they were busy with their own agendas. There were three girls working around the store, keeping conversation with the warriors, coaxing them into staying longer so that they'd browse the shop more. The owner was standing at the very back counter, guarding a display with some of the more valuable merchandise. I went over to talk to him. He was definitely in his late age with graying black hair, and dark brown eyes that almost look black, and a deep scar along his cheek. He didn't seem like a guy to smile often, but at the same time he didn't look too threatening. It was more as if he tried to make himself look more threatening than he really was.

"Can I help you, miss?" He asks as I lean against the counter, perusing the shields hanging on the wall behind him.

"Could you recommend me a good dagger?" I ask, realising only after the words were spoken that my mannerisms might reveal my identity.

"Certainly," he says, in a deep but soft tone, "There are many details and qualities that one must pay attention to when choosing any sort of weapon...".

He begins giving me advice about how to look at weapons, and pulls some out to show me. He chuckles after a while, wiping his hands on an old rag, "Excuse me, I got a bit excited there.".

"Not at all. That lesson was actually quite insightful," I remark before mentally reprimanding myself.

He nods and smiles before leaning against the counter. He speaks in a quieter tone, "Now, more importantly, I know a pretty girl like you didn't come into my weapons shop to just hear me ramble. What are you really here for?".

My eyes widen in surprise for a moment before sighing and lowering my gaze, tracing my finger along the gold handle of one of the daggers he had brought out. "I'm looking for the Magnificent Five.".