Dragon Whisperer | Discontinued

02. An old hags prophecy.

This will be the first time I have stepped foot outside of the Castle grounds, and it excites me--kind of, I mean, I may be a little scared because I don't know what I will face out there. 

Be strong Arianda, I told myself.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out.

The sun was high in the middle of the sky, shining its light directly down upon us. I looked up, squinting I saw birds flying above the towers and Keep. Birds are not the only animals that fly up there, oh no, the creatures that bring fear with them also occupy the skies. They come swiftly, riding on the winds, they bring death wherever they go — the same creatures who took my mother from me. I will avenge her death and bring peace to our lands, I need to become a Knight first.

"Your Royal Highness," I tore my eyes from the sky and towards the voice's owner, a Guard bowed to me. "Sir William is waiting for you," he said.

I nodded, looking below into the inner courtyard at the bottom of the steps, many people moved around repairing the damage from last nights attack. If I---no, not if when I become a Knight, I can finally protect my lands.

I inhaled sharply. Relax, I told myself, You can do this.

Inch by inch, I walked down the remaining steps into the inner courtyard where Sir William waited for me with my horse. Two guards trailed behind me with Chelsea behind them.

"Oh! Milady! Please be careful! There are many terrible things in the village!" Chelsea said, pushing the guards out of the way. She grabbed my wrist, making me stop. "Please," she pleaded, her eyes glossy. "Be safe. I don't know what I'd do without you. Oh! Dare not even think about it! it hurts too much!"

"Chelsea? My wrist if you please." I cocked my eyebrow at her.

"Sorry Milady," She released my wrist. "Please, be safe, come back to me, to us, please-"

"Do not fear," A deep, loud voice cut her off. I turned around to come face to face with Sir William; his green eyes bare no emotion nor do his face. "I will protect her. You have the word of a Knight."

"Oh! Thank you, Sir Knight! You-"

I cleared my throat if I didn't stop her, Chelsea could talk for hours. "Are the horses ready?"

"Yes, Your Highness," He gestured towards two horses saddled behind him. "Assuming you know how to ride?

"You question my ability to ride Sir Knight?" I shot him a look, a death glare if you like. "You suggest because I have been a prisoner of the Castle, I do not know how to ride?"

Although his neck is partially hidden beneath his mail coif, I could see Sir William's Adams-apple move up and down. "Of course not milady."

"Don't question my abilities again, Sir Knight," I held my head high and walked towards my black mare.

I haven't mounted a horse for a few years, and I'm wearing a dress, so this ought to be interesting.

Oh? Interesting for who? You or Sir William?

I approached my mare, named Scarlett. "Hi girl, did you miss me? We haven't seen each other for-"

"Do you make a habit of talking to animals?" Sir William inquired from on top of his stallion.

I blinked.

And blinked again.

He's already mounted his stallion? How did he mount it so fast?

I straightened my posture, "Does Sir Knight make a habit of questioning his Princess?"

"No Milady, forgive me."