Mullins Eternity

Chapter One:

       

"I know you can do better than this. What's bothering you, Miah?" my guardian held up the half-finished chain.

    "Nothing. I just need more time to finish everything," I answered scornfully.

    "Get after it then. This necklace has to be done by tonight."

    Bates placed his glasses on his workbench, set a timer, and left the room. I worked better alone. Dealing with self-hatred was easier than someone's judging eyes.

    Dust danced in wide sunbeams. Molten silver bit my fingertips as I worked. Twenty minutes later, it was done. Silver wove into gold, twirling together to make an eye-catching piece. The necklace was for our King's favorite hunter, Dragomeir; the same man who once trained my mentor. I watched amber glitter over its clasps. All that was missing were the jewels. Bates would take care of that since he was more precise than me.

    The timer buzzed. I cleaned my workbench and packed away the tools. Bates strode back in. His vivid-green eyes narrowed.

    "This was the final test. You've mastered the trade at seventeen years of age. Your detail attention is astounding," he smiled warmly.

    I nodded, "Thanks to your teaching."

    Bates locked our masterpiece in the metal trunk and led me into the kitchen. Our farmhouse was my safety. I was found in the King's stable. Orphaned. My parents assassinated by our blood enemy, the Forest King. He was our King's older brother, exiled to the Deep Woods during a gathering.

    "The kingdom gathering is tonight. We'll be attending. You'll compete for a new mentor along with the other fledglings," he filled the tea kettle, "You'll do well."

    "That wasn't our deal. You're my teacher."

    "This won't provide you a good life."

    "I'm happy here. Why do I need to move away and learn from someone else?"

    I chose a pear, took an angry bite, and glared. Even our bravest knights wouldn't argue with him. Bates worked hard, long hours to pay bills and keep our home. We lived paycheck to paycheck. The copper kettle screamed. Bates poured two cups, chose tea bags, and let them steep.

    "Listen, Miah, you can live here and work alongside me when you're available. But Dragomeir is coming to the gathering. He's ready for another apprentice. I told the King that you would be the next favored hunter," he continued moments later.

    I sighed, finished my pear, and stood. My shoulders were sore from being hunched over all day.

    "You'll make your parents proud. Start getting ready, and dress for a fight."

    Rushing upstairs, I stripped off old clothes and changed into grey pants. I slowly buttoned my black shirt and tied red ribbons around my forearms.

    Battle colors.

    My parents proudly displayed them until death. I barely remembered their faces. Their voices, laughs. I sat down in the kitchen again. Bates gazed at me as I ate another pear. Finally, he smiled.

    I must look like my mother.

    My heart skipped. I had the chance to make our kingdom remember my family's name.         Bates changed into grey robes, grabbed his walking stick, and gestured for me to follow.