Kingdoms of Caelum; Autumn of the War Queen

Chapter 8

Amya skipped away from the stables. She loved riding: the thrill of the speed, the control, the freedom of it. She loved to watch the faces of her wet nurse and wards when she made risky jumps too. Amya laughed and ran over the cobbles and into the castle with her mud ridden dress flapping behind her. It would be fun telling Katla about it. The corridors were empty and dark as she ran, her tiny steps echoing beneath her, but she didn't slow in her desperation to reach her sister. It was almost eve outside now and supper would be served soon; Katla was sure to be washing in their room.

"From whom do you run so fast?" Ragan's cold voice bounced off the shadows. He had just returned. He made Amya jump and stop dead in the hallway. At first, she couldn't see her uncle, but then her eyes adjusted and she spotted him leaning in the doorway before the Great Hall.

"No one." she replied timidly. He scared her more than anyone else. He always had.

"Then I suggest walking is more appropriate for a little lady."

Whenever Ragan spoke, he always sounded dangerous. Amya nodded in the darkness and scurried past him quickly, head down and obedient. Ragan watched her. She would be little trouble. He would let her live, he thought.

She walked slowly up the stairs, and then when she was far enough away from him, she ran again, a defiant grin on her face. She reached the oak chamber door and pushed, but the room was empty.

"Katla?" she called anyway.

A frustrated disappointment grew in her stomach. She was about to turn and search the castle when she spotted the parchment, rolled on the pillow. Amya stepped quietly over to it, shutting the chamber door. Gracefully she unrolled it and read the best she could.

"Oh no!"

With her heart racing, she took the note and ran from the room, back to find Ragan.