The Immortal Blade Trilogy: Book #1: Fate's Destiny.

Heading for Home

When I wake, I stand up and walk into the kitchen. My eyes widen at the sight in front of me. The man and his wife were wrapped up in blankets, and laying by the kitchen table. A little girl lay by their side.

They gave up their room so that I would have a comfortable place to sleep?! Stupid girl!

I scold myself. I can't believe that there are still kind-hearted people in this world. I didn't think such generous people still existed. A tear slides down my cheek as I realize how kind the family is to me. I had no idea that they gave up their room for me. Just at that moment, the little girls eyes flutter open. She stares at me with her big blue eyes, then blinks. She stand up slowly, and walks over to me.

"What's your name?" She asks innocently, as she stops in front of me.

I kneel down. "Alexandra. What's yours?"

"Maddie..." She responds while playing with her nightgown.

"Madeline..." I whisper, and close my eyes, trying to suppress the tears that are threatening to spill.

We had always done everything together. Building snowmen, climbing trees, picking bouquets, playing in the fallen leaves, swimming in the rivers and lakes, I had even taken her to my cave once. I tried to teach her how to shoot so she could help her parents pay for everything. She tried her hardest, yet she couldn't even pull the bow back. I also tried to teach her how to throw daggers, but she could never hit anything. It's not surprising that she didn't survive in the arena. She was so helpless.

I didn't save her. If I would have protected her more carefully she would still be alive. If I would have been smarter, none of this would be happening. I could have saved her, but I didn't! Just like I didn't save Quinlan! All my best friends have died because of me. I'm the reason they're all dead. Why did I have to be born?! I should just die...

Tears are flowing down my face, and I feel small arms wrap around me. I open my eyes and see Maddie hugging me.

"Shh... It's okay... I don't know what happened to you, I just told you my name, but maybe you had a friend named Maddie, or something? I don't know why you're crying, but everything has a reason, just trust that God has it under control, okay?" The small girl says quietly.

How can a small girl, who lookes to be only three, be wiser than me? This family really is a blessing.

I stop crying and hug the little girl back.

"Thank you, sweetheart."

After holding the girl for a few minutes longer, I walk back to the room I was staying in, and tidy it up a little.

When I finish, I walk back into the kitchen and see the family cooking breakfast. When they see me, the bow their heads and offer me a place to sit.

"Please sit, milady." The woman says just above a whisper.

"Please..." I mutter. "Please don't treat me so kindly... A few months ago, I knew not who I was. I believed I was just an ordinary village girl who cared for her family. There were clues everywhere that I was the princess, but I didn't think anything of them. Two months ago, I learned the truth. I hated my father, the king, and I still do. I don't want to be the lost princess, nor do I deserve to be." I look up and see the family stopped and are now looking at me.

Suddenly, the woman rushes to me and embraces me.

"I'm sorry, my dear. I didn't know you felt this way. Sometimes... sometimes, we have a destiny. Although there may be mountains to climb, and valleys to go through, you can't stop living. You have a great destiny, and although you may not think it to be so great, we all believe in you. Don't give up." She holds me for a while longer, then releases me and looks into my teary eyes.

"I cannot thank you enough for your kindness. I will see to it that you are presented with some new belongings one day. I must be on my way now." I say as I blink away the tears.

"We have a horse in the stable outside. We would be honered if you would ride her to your hometown." The man says.

"And we have a map, some loaves of bread, some cheese, and a waterskin in the saddlebags." The woman adds.

"No! You don't have to-"

"No, we don't have to." The woman cuts me off.

"We want to though." The man adds.

I pause as I realize that this family is a family of angels. How can people be so selfless? They are such a blessing, there are no words to express it.

"Thank you very much! I won't forget this! I will return with your horse in three months." I promise as I walk out of the door and to the stable.

After I saddle the horse, I swing easily into the saddle. I scan the map, and ride off into the forest, heading for home. Heading for my family. Heading for my life before I left. Heading towards my lie.