Call of Darkness

Chapter 1

The blistering sun scorched my back as I heaved the heavy beam into place. Wiping the sweat from my forehead, I looked to Mr. Robinson, who sat on a upturned bucket, reading the newspaper. "Is that all for today, Mr. Robinson?" I asked. "Yes, that is all. Thank you, Miss. Blackrose." I nodded, collecting my things before calling out my farewell to Mr. Robinson.

It was a hike to the front of Mr. Robinson's large property, but it was worth the walk as I was enthusiastically greeted by Conquest. I hauled his saddle on, tightening up the straps and pulling down the stirrups, before sliding on his bridle and mounting. "Good boy." I encouraged, slapping his strong neck as we made our way homebound. 

This 'home' was little more than a run-down shack compared to the old palace I once lived in, but the shack provided a roof over my head and a warm fire to sit by on cold nights. I set Conquest free out the back, chuckling under my breath as he playfully galloped around the paddock, neighing and nodding his head up and down. 

Grabbing his saddle and bridle I stored it inside and set down my day pack. I headed outside again and sat on the steps. An exhausted sigh ran through my body as I stared out into the setting sun as it disappeared behind the mountains. I always marveled at the array of colors that lit up the sky, a pallet of beauty. 

This life, it was different from my last. There were no expectations of me now, other than providing for Conquest, my loyal companion. In the time before, I was constantly under pressure to make the right choices or lose all that I had worked for. In this life, I was free from the burden of my parents and their decisions that crippled the capital. 

Noticing the wind had a bite to it, I wondered around to the back of the shack and grabbed several arm-fulls of wood and kindling, taking it inside and making a pile next to the fireplace.

The shack was had once been a small, respectable house, but had long since been abandoned. The only thing that was really left was the fireplace, which stood strong in the middle of the house. Most nights, I would drag my bedding out in front of it and sleep near it's glowing warmth. Striking a flint and steel to the stack of wood I had masterfully built in the open fireplace, a spark sizzled to life. 

Soon, the house was warm enough for me to relax and lie on the fluffy wolf-fur rug that lay near the fire. I gazed into the hypnotizing flames as I tried to ignore the odd gust of freezing wind as it blew between the walls and floorboards. I was soon fast asleep.

Banging on the front door woke me from my slumber. It was still dark out, and my hand slid underneath the thick rug, pulling out a sharp, beautifully carved knife. The banging persisted, rattling the old walls. If they didn't stop soon, the whole place would collapse. I was hesitant, but I was on my feet and opening the door before I could think my actions through. 

Several guards stood staring at me as I peeked out, and their captain barked, "On behalf of the king, you have orders to travel to the palace immediately in escort of my guards. More instructions are to be given within the walls of the throne room." My eyes widened, then narrowed at the guards. "And if I refused?" I asked. "You are to be hung for deserting your king and his kingdom." I frowned and turned around, ignoring my thudding heart. "I'll be out in a minute."

I was shaking. My breath was rapid as my mind bounced from one thought to another. Did he somehow know? Why did he want to see me? Was he here to drag me back to my kingdom, my cage?  I scowled at the thought. Having no choice, I packed what little I owned into Conquest's saddlebags. 

I knew the king was calling on me to discuss my past life. I dressed in a black cotton top with a tight fitting black vest. I pulled on my dark riding trousers and swung my black cape around my shoulders, nestling my head into it's fur-lined hood and shoved my boots onto my feet.

 I thought about bringing the wolf-fur rug but with a sigh of regret I left it in front of the fire place. The next person to live here will appreciate the find. I headed out the back door, slamming it closed behind me. With a sharp whistle, Conquest came galloping to my side, obediently standing still as I saddled him up. Mounting, I encouraged him into a walk to meet the soldiers.

The captain scowled at the sight of Conquest, but my glare made him hesitate as he mounted his own horse. "If you run, we'll kill you." He snapped, "Threaten me again, captain, and I'll kill you." He froze in his saddle, glaring deep into my eyes. "If you kill me, Princess, we'll declare war." He rebounded, "And we'll win." I growled, putting my hand on the pummel of my sword. 

From the confines of his helmet the Captain hissed - hissed - at me, then turned his back and trotted to the front of the group. The rest of the soldiers sat uneasily on top of their own steeds, before we left for the palace.

Taking a better look at the captain, he had sharp features, with pale skin and dark hair that ended at his shoulders. His helmet had a mane of dark red that ran down the middle, and the front had 'T' like gap for his eyes and mouth. A short red cape hugged his shoulders and partly hid the metal chest plate that was engraved with beautiful patterns. He wasn't the tallest in the group but you could feel his confidence from miles away. The rest in the group were dressed similarly, with different helmets and lack of capes.

My wondering eyes didn't miss the large swords that lay at their sides, nor the huge bows that lay behind the archers, who were dressed in lighter armor. We paused to watch the sun rise, and I had my last glimpse of the shack as we passed the crest of a hill.