Wolves of the North

1

"Ughhhh..." mother glared at me over the loud groan.  Today was going to be miserable.  Here I stood, a soft emerald silk gown, and slippers. The gown's sleeves hugged my arms snugly before opening into great bells of fabric. Delicate and elaborate embroidery of gold decorated the gown, there was no doubt it was beautiful and showed my father's wealth to perfection.  I hated it.  I longed for my soft leather breeches and knee-high heeled boots. A soft peasant shirt and tightly laced leather corset and jacket completed my normal outfits.  Blades and knives of all types could be found in various sheathes hidden throughout.  My sword in its scabbard, and bow and quiver not far from reach, usually slung across my back. 

As firstborn, I was not only raised to be a proper lady, but also the future queen of these lands and its people. My training had begun at an early age. Most mornings I would spend with my father and his warriors, learning the ways of battle.  After our midday meal, I would train with my mother in the ways of diplomacy and etiquette. My afternoons were incredibly dull and I truly hated them. I occasionally would try to escape them to go to the woods and hunt which only infuriated my mother. "A proper lady does not carry weapons, least of all hunt! That's what your father's warriors are for!" she would scold me when she found me. I would smile and agree just to placate her she would growl and then turn away. 

Today, however, she would not relent on her position. This was the first day of the annual Gathering of the clans.  There would be games of prowess and valor while the chieftains would discuss trade and the troubles their clans faced.  I dreaded this day all year, for this year a suitor would be chosen from the sons of the other clans.  The firstborn sons couldn't be considered as they would rule the lands of their fathers. So the games had been opened to the second born sons as well this year.  Oh, why me? I thought for the hundredth time, a growl escaping my lips. My mother turned to me with a glare, "You will behave as a proper lady should this week. There will be no excuses!" she informed me with a glare that could turn fire into ice. As always, I simply smiled sweetly and nodded my agreement.  God's help us when she found out about my arrangement with father.

The horns called once more signaling the arrival of the clans, and the time to go to meet my fate. My sisters, Francine and Sarah laughed at my overly sweet smile as I passed them. They suspected I was up to something and couldn't wait to find out my secret.  This was a special year for Frannie as well. Once I was spoken for she could then seek out the affections of a boy of her own.  Yes, a boy not a man.  She was forever going on about Edland the miller's son. He was nowhere close to being a man. He couldn't find his way out of a grain sack let alone fight his way out.  The last time father had tried to train him with a sword, Edland managed to cut himself severely long before the training had even begun!

As the horns called a third time, mother insisted we hurry to the front steps of the castle.  She never ran but walked as swiftly as she could. We reached the top of the stairs just as the clans began to arrive, taking our places beside father.  Mother and the girls to his right and I to his left as etiquette dictated.  At least he would be between mother and me when the announcement was made. It was either that or I had better be prepared to run, for death may be a possibility and a long painful death it would be to be sure.

Once the three chieftains and their most trusted warriors had arrived father stepped forward to begin his welcome.  "Welcome one and all to Dungold! My home and hospitality are open to you. May your stay be pleasant and your trades be fruitful. As you know the games this year are of great importance! From among the victors, a suitor for my daughter Princess Eleana shall be chosen. Hopefully, your sons are as good a warrior as my own!" he finished with a hearty laugh.  The clansmen were sharing his laugh when I stepped forward to join him, touching his arm lightly. He turned to me with a nod, placing a gentle kiss on my cheek, he returned to my mother's side. Her frown was out of place with her gentle appearance, I swallowed my fear and cleared my throat drawing everyone's attention.

"The rules of the games are very clear.  The firstborn of any chieftain may participate in the annual games. This year the second sons will also be permitted to challenge for the right to be my suitor. We wouldn't want a clan to be without its heir now would we?" I asked garnering a chuckle from the crowd. I could feel my mother's narrowed glare boring into my back as I spoke. It was time to seal my fate. With a deep breath, I continued. "As I said before the games are open to all firstborn of any chieftain, and as my father's firstborn I will be competing as well this year.  So I agree with my father, you had better send your best warriors, for only the best will be considered for a suitor!" I finished calmly.

My mother's loud growl rumbled the ground beneath my feet, causing silence to descend over the crowd. After a moment, Boromir, chief of the Black wolves of the east stepped forward. "My queen with all due respect," he said bowing his head to her. "The princess is correct, she has every right as the firstborn to compete in the games," he said surprisingly coming to my aid.  "As it is written, but I also think that if a suitor is to be chosen for her you would only want someone who can tame her willful ways," he finished solemnly.  I met my mother's gaze only to see her smile. Her expression had turned almost confidently smug. "You may be right Boromir, we should find a warrior who can tame her ways," she replied gleefully. 

I couldn't stop my groan as I realized that I had truly just sealed my fate. Mother would take great interest in any man who could best me. It was too late now, I just hoped I was as good a warrior as everyone said or I was doomed.

A/N Ok so I started a new story tell me what you think! There are some hints in this chapter of what's to come but there will be some very interesting surprises! This will be a rather mature story so be forewarned now! I hope to have an update by Friday!