Noble Songbird

Chapter 2

Chapter 2
Katherine

"The flower that blooms in adversity is the
most rare and beautiful of all."
~Disney's Mulan

My father would be furious. It was past sundown and I haven't returned. I flew toward the camp so fast that Dawn's hooves were barely touching the ground as we galloped through the harsh terrain of the lush forest. The campsite finally came into view, still partly obscured from view because of the density of the trees. My stomach dropped when I emerged from the treeline and saw who was waiting for me just past the gate.

Still barrelling towards the silhouette, I yanked on the leather reins to avoid colliding with him. Dawn came to a stop just feet in front of his towering figure. Trying to avoid his gaze, I nonchalantly dismounted, and began to quickly lead Dawn to the stables, but stopped in my tracks when I heard an all too familiar yell.

"Katherine! You broke curfew, AGAIN!"
"Sorry, father." I uttered while still avoiding eye contact.

The whole camp went silent, expecting
entertainment from the consequences I would soon be getting. I could feel their gazes drilling into my back. My father becoming aware of the sudden audience lowered his voice and said, "Go put your horse away and go straight into your tent, I will deal with you later."

Without saying another word, or even glancing back, I continued toward the stables surrounded by an unmistakeable cloud of shame.

After removing the riding gear and placing it in its proper place, I quickly brushed my Palomino's soft, golden mane, and scurried out of the stables into my tent.

After a few agonizingly long minutes of pacing the flattened grass in my overly-small tent, I heard heavy footsteps approach my tent and whipped my head toward the entrance.

My father yanked back the tent flap and stormed in with a furious expression, his body barely able to squeeze through the doorway. "I am so ashamed of you," he hissed through his clenched teeth.

I stood up straight and slapped my arms against my sides, just as I had seen the other do when my father approached, "My sincerest apologies. But perhaps you might consider giving me a shorter scouting route to ensure that I will be able to return on time," I said, staring straight into his chest, keeping my face and voice emotionless.

"Perhaps," he spat, "if you are denied both your morning and noon rations, you will find the motivation to finish your route in a timely manner."

It took everything I had in me to not protest and keep my face void of any emotion. I just stared straight into his chest and hoped he couldn't see the fire blazing in my eyes, my tight jaw, and my clenched fists. I feared that if I uttered another word, he wouldn't let me go unscathed. We stood in silence, the only sounds were our controlled breaths and the men outside boisterously conversing around the bonfire. After what felt like an eternity he finally spoke again, only this time, his voice sounded less annoyed.

"You know of the encampment's dealings in Quendawyr, yes?"

Caught slightly off guard by the abrupt subject change, I hesitated before answering, "I only know that your efforts are causing the people to be restless. I hear rumors of the commoners rioting to secure their safety against the bandits."

His face slowly spread in a wide genuine smile, presenting his rotten teeth and his putrid breath. "Yes, you are correct." he paused standing up a little straighter and bringing his hands behind his back. He was obviously proud to hear that I have heard of his affairs in the city of Quendawyr. "Our sources are saying that they are even sending their beloved prince to calm and protect them."

"I fail to see how you are pleased to hear news of a royal coming to undo what you have done," I bluntly remarked. Even though I had a pretty good guess on what he was planning, I chose not to voice it.