Imperfect

Part 4

The guards dragged the black sack in front of the king, and handed him a dagger. In one swift move the king sliced open the sack, revealing a blood covered woman in tattered clothing. Mother.

The three of us sprung to our feet and rushed to her side. "Are you alright mother?" I managed to say as tears streamed from my eyes. Her arm had a large bloody gash starting from her shoulder and ending at her elbow. "When the king cut open the sack". I thought. Her face was covered in far worse markings then Valencia's, and her clothing was ripped and stained with blood.

"I'll kill them." Valencia muttered. I knew what she would try to do, but before I could stop her she was already charging toward the king. All of the guards rushed in front of the king, white staffs in hand. One guard swung at her with his staff, but instead of landing a hit, Valencia slid under his staff and kicked him between the legs sending him to the ground within seconds.

Each guard that attempted to hit her was either dogged or kicked. Where had Valencia learned to fight? I looked down at mother, who's head lay in my lap. Her eyes were fixated on Valencia. She looked so proud. "Had mother taught her?" I thought. I felt a slight pain in my chest. "Why didn't she teach me?"

"DIE!" Valencia screeched as she revealed a small red dagger from within her shirt. She pounced toward the king and fearsfully swung at him with the dagger. The king avoided her attack and kicked her in her side. When Valencia was finally down the king straightened his clothes and glanced over at me. "Retrieve your rat." He said sternly to me. I scrambled behind him, and picked Valencia up from under her arms. I carefully dragged her back to were mother lay. I was careful not to touch the side where she was hit by the king. I could see nothing but pain in her eyes.