The War Within

Chapter 2

The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection -Thomas Paine

The wind's pretty calm this morning, I could always take the easy way to the castle but I can't, I could put myself at risk or expose my true identity. I started packing my backpack but stopped half way through realising that there is no point in bringing anything with as the princess has "everything." "Are you ready to go, master Anakin?" Francis pokes his head into my room.

My dark dull room, blocks out any chance of light impending through the window, and this creates a shadow like atmosphere which I personally enjoy. My floors are wooden planks unevenly laid, my bed is set to the east side of my room against a plain wall which I plan to paint black and place photos of myself onto. A tallboy is placed beside my window, along with a desk and a chest which contains photo's of my mother . "Actually Francis I was thinking about taking myself to the castle today." Francis raises an eyebrow "And how you plan on doing that Master Anakin?" I shrug, as I walk past him smirking "I have my ways." Before exiting the front door, I dust the Brass metal doorknob- still dirty, I guess I haven't been out much since that day. Hand still on the handle, I pivot myself  around and stare at the golden tessellated photo frame with a young beautiful women with brown crimped  hair and hazel eyes stationed in the centre- my mother . Never will I take that down , it's the last source of her I have left.  

I impel the door handle down and head out ceasing,  as I heard Francis shout "Have a good day master" before smiling with anticipation and walking towards Ezra forest. I kneel down, hands on either side of my legs with my head down as I stare up into the dangerous dark forest. The energy of the forest is repelled throughout it, giving you a feel of it's darkness, which is highly likely conquered by evil. I hasten forward at full speed, dodging trees , leaping over stones in a flash of black, as it is the only colour clothing I wear. As I near the end of the forest I see light, I slow down being careful not to be spotted running at infinite speed. I would never be able to think of a reasonable explanation for that. I gape at the castle-still looks the same as yesterday . At least I had gratification this morning  because as soon as I step into the castle premise, it's going to end. Not even needing to knock, the large door sways open and someone yells "It's open." I recognise the voice as being the princess. I'd recognise that sweet but stern voice anywhere.

I rubbed at the back of my neck as I eyed her up and down. "Morning Princess." She growled harshly, "your late." I laugh at her ionic expression. "What's so funny? Huh?" I wiggled my eyebrow at her. "Sorry Princess, but by any chance did you look in the mirror this morning?" I sucked my stomach in, trying to process the ridiculous scene before myself. Liora was slightly slumped forward, her hair, was obviously bed headed and she looked like a zombie. Unlike myself, I had perfect posture and was as handsome as a devil. "Whatever!" She threw a book at me before storming away. Ouch. "I guess that not everyone likes my looks." Snorting in laughter, I chased after the princess.

Reaching the large birch door. I froze. Sighing I stood outside the room. Waiting for the princess to exit her 'spacious' place. Tapping my foot patiently, I stared at the ground. The wooden planks were heavenly lined and covered with a grand hallway rug. Hearing a sudden gag, I threw my head upwards, only to feel my eyes squeezing to escape my head.

"Gareth?"

 "Now what would my idiot brother be doing here, in a royal castle looking after the princess?" Gareth leans against the tall scrapped sculpture of a dragon. Why does everyone enjoy calling me an idiot? I clear my throat, standing up tall I say "Well I have been offered a job to guard the princess, not look after her.. She's not a dog." "Well, I guess you had to do something active ever since mum died, all you ever did was sit in your room and sob." Gareth smirks whilst staring at his nails. I feel a sharp sting in my heart and like he hadn't said enough he added ," And you look terrible when you cry man." I growl and throw myself onto him almost tempted to strangle him, how can he say such a thing about his own mother, about our mother. "That's enough!" Immediately I froze. Getting up slowly and shakely I turned around and eye locked onto Liora's blue eyes. "What do you think your doing?" before I could talk she shoved her hand on the side of my head. Slap. "You may have rolled your way into being a guard, but there is so much you need to learn. So respect your damn position"