The Flight of the Eagle (Editing)

GoldenGale

There it was, GoldenGale, the capital of Lorian. The High Lord's castle just up ahead, brick walls taller than any other building I'd ever seen. My chest tightened at the sight. It was better than I'd dreamed.

The castle hid the sun. It didn't matter, I could make out every detail of the land below. They pitched tents all around the castle, in order of their Clan's power.

Lightning stomped his foot, no doubt wishing to get rid of my weight. We'd ridden hard for a week, five days, just to be here. I swung my leg, landing easily on my feet, rubbing his face. "Better boy?"

He neighed in answer. A smile lifted my lips at the sound. My thighs were stiff, but even that could not ruin my mood. After seventeen years, in the month of Petrum, I, Sapphire Raine, was looking at something Second Daughters never got to see.

Lightning followed close behind as we made our way through the tents, most of them smaller on this end, where the smaller clans O'Longeneh and Starabon had settled.

The ground was soft from the summer rains. My boots sank into the mud. Mother would not be happy. Anxiety swam through me, butterflies flying in my stomach. When they'd invited me, they'd said it was so important that something had gone wrong. Was it father? Since he'd broken his leg a few years back, he'd never been the same.

I kept my head down when I reached the tents of the Six. Each one was bigger than the last. Servants running around emptying pots or hanging clothes to dry on the line.

I didn't want anyone to think I was Lyanna. Though I'm sure if they knew her, they'd know she'd never wear pants. Still, better safe than dead. Lightning bristled at me when I stopped. My eyes snagged on a familiar red banner. With the slight breeze, it seemed like the eagle was flying.

With the promise of an apple, I tied Lightning to the tiny post and dinged the silver bell that hung outside the tent. Amannah greeted, the smile falling off her face when her eyes landed on me, "Be careful."

Before I could ask what was going on, her fingers closed around my wrist and gently tugged me inside. A fire burned in the center of the tent, lavish pillows thrown around, a metal kettle sat over the fire. It was much roomier than I thought it would be.

Father's sword lay near my feet, a sword he hardly ever used these days, no need. I clutched the daggers at my sides, eyes moving to the enclosed sleeping areas. "Are they not here?"

Amannah shook her head, brown hair whipping around her small face. She was the only servant they'd taken with them; I wondered if it was because she had been my closest friend whom I'd not seen for three months since they'd come here.

"They are dining in the hall with the High family." She pointed to the teapot. "Shall I make you something to drink?"

I cocked an eyebrow. "I can make my own tea, you know this."

The tightness in my stomach intensified. Why was she acting this way? What was wrong? I started removing my boots. Thankfully mother wouldn't see how dirty they had gotten, a plus.

"Sapphire." She bit her lip.

I placed the boots just outside the tent, intending to clean them after washing and changing my clothes.

This wasn't like Amannah, she'd never been hesitant to tell me anything. We'd shared everything, "Tell me."

She opened her mouth to speak when the tent shook and father limped in, mother and Lyanna right behind him. His blue eyes seemed to brighten when he saw me, which was rare.

"You're here." Mother said, motioning at Amannah to make tea while she sat on the pillows, fanning her face. Mother was stunning. Even now, in her older age, men still stole second glances at her. She was blonde and thin with long legs and dark blue eyes that reminded me of my favorite pond back home.

I nodded. Silence was better.

Lyanna embraced me, nearly squeezing the life from me. "I'm so glad to see you! These past three months have been agony!"

I returned her hug, studying her face as she pulled away. It was like looking into a mirror. Her nose was small and straight, lips full, with the top lip slightly smaller. Expressive eyes like mine, but there were two differences between us. She had freckles all across her face while mine were just on either side of my nose.

Father grunted as he sat down on the largest pillow. We got our coloring from him, his red hair short but beard nearly down to his chest. "Come here, girl."

I thought he was talking to me, but it was Amannah he was addressing. Her eyes downcast as she approached him. "You will draw me a bath and wash me when I take care of this."

My heart fell into my chest. No, there was no way he'd use Amannah. She was only 19. That was so young... "Father," I started.

He waved me off. "Shut up. Sit down, let me talk."

I didn't move, crossing my arms over my chest, "I can hear your words from right here."

Lyanna inhaled swiftly, hand squeezing mine. I didn't care. I'd taken his wrath more than once.

"Insolent girl!" Mother said, "There is no way this will work."

"What will work?" I asked, tired of being kept in the dark, anxiety giving way to anger.

Father's lips lifted into a smile, "I've given you the chance to help your sister."

Amannah moved in front of father to grab the tea kettle, pouring water into the metal cup my mother held. Her eyes flickered to mine, a warning in those deep browns. She made sure her shabby red dress didn't touch my mother as she passed.

"Drengr has announced that his son wants to marry a woman that is equal to him in every way." Father's beady eyes glowed in the fire's light. "He wants a woman who can handle herself on a battlefield and in court."

My eyebrows furrowed. "I don't understand." I looked to Lyanna. She was biting her lip, making them appear much redder than what the paint on her lips did. "I'm a Second Daughter, there's nothing I can do. He'll want a First Daughter."

"Stupid." Mother muttered, kicking her feet out over a long pillow, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Naturally." Father said, "But you're going to help Lyanna win him over." His grin turned dark. "You will pretend to be your sister when it comes time to show off her fighting skills."

I pulled my hand from Lyanna's, taking a few steps back till I hit the tent, "That's against the law."

Sweat broke out on my skin. When did it get so hot in here? I needed air, had to breathe. They were asking me to risk my life, all for the sake of power. Was this family not strong enough? Clan Raine sat at number three, just below clan Jaisinn and the High Lord's clan. Other clans feared us, wanted to be us. Why was that not enough?

"I love him," Lyanna whispered, looking down at the earth-colored rug beneath her feet. "I've gotten to know him a little, and he's perfect, Sapphire. It would break my heart to lose him."

Father smirked, knowing I would agree, because I'd do anything for Lyanna. I sighed, pushed my braid over my shoulder. "If I do this. You are never to touch Amannah, that understood?" I rubbed my temple. "If I ever learn that you have, I will make sure you never see your daughter as a High Lady."

He nodded, "Agreed."

That was too easy. Amannah shook her head, kneeling on the servant's white, waiting mat. Pity on her pretty face. They had tricked me. Oh Gods, what had I gotten myself into?