Caged Birds Will Fly

•9•

Chapter Nine: Old Friends, New Enemies

H E L E N
When my mother was alive, she would tell me stories of a mystical place where girls didn't need to be protected, where villains were like normal people, just misunderstood. She said I was born there, a princess, home to the Valley of Flowers. But when she died my father rejected the thought, screaming that he should have protected her better. I would hug Eli those nights, singing him to sleep. Then when he was asleep, I would cry, miserably. Father would then comfort us both. It was a happy memory, one that was Mother's greatest wish; that we would all be together, as a family. Yet, the memory brings me to my knees, sobbing till I faint. The nightmares chase me while I chase after my parents' shadow, slowly becoming a blur. Something cold touches my forehead, while my body turns strangely numb. I open my eyes, "Hello Lady Helen, I am Dr. Flinn", he soothed, " May I check your physical state?". I painfully nodded. The doctor looked at my wound, occasionally sneaking a peek to check if I winced, or cried, from the pain. I didn't. "Lady Helen, I best advise you to not train for at least a week". I shook my head, "Sir is there any other way". He sighed a 'no'. I lay my head back onto the pillow as the maids bandaged me. This could not get any worse.

Unfortunately, it could. "I heard that Sir Helen is pregnant with a child and that's why she's not training", gossiped Chatrina, one of the King's former maids. Seriously Chatrina, how in the world did you to that conclusion, plus I can hear you, you know! Chatrina was known for spreading rumors and it seemed I was her new target. Somehow that rumor spread throughout the palace. Of course, the "great Sir Helen" won't be bothered by those rumors, that is until the Prince, no way am I calling him King Aurous, confronted me about it, oh how dreadful. "Helen, it has come to my attention that you might be pregnant with a child. Is that true?", his face was pale as he coughed into his hand. Can I slap this guy right now? Of course, I answered the way a Knight would, "Your Majesty, my King, I am afraid that I am indeed not with a child, but I am blessed to have your concern." (How can I be pregnant when I haven't even gotten a boyfriend!)

Lune accompanied me to the garden, where the flowers were in full bloom. "Isn't this great Lune?", he only purrs his agreement. "Good afternoon Helen!", I turn towards the voice. I see Sterling grinning at me, well...mostly at the cat. "Helen, can I talk to you?", I nodded. "I want to practice sword fighting with you"
"Of course, but why not with your brother?", he winces. "I don't want to be compared". I tilted my head, "I get it". I really got it. One of my friends hated getting compared to me. Last I saw him, he was trying to tell me something. I stared up at the sky, I wonder if someone is staring up at the sky thinking the same things as me?
Today is my birthday, but no one knows. August 3rd. The day goes normally, until... Aurous clashes into my room, trying to keep a pile of purple flowers from falling. I slowly get up, cursing under my breath at the pain. Aurous sets the bouquet down on my windowsill. I catch a glance at a tall man, the one that was at my translation party. I scurry down the hall, grabbing on his sleeve. I gasp, my breath slipping me. "What is your name?", I blurted. He eyes are blue, his ruffled hair, grey. He smirks. "Eleanor. Eleanor Stevens. King's Guardian". I grip his arm for support, "Tell me something... do you know anyone named Leon?". He studies me, "Yes". I gasp. I step backward, feeling my way through the wall. He knows. How? My mind sends pictures of Leon: His thin body, curly dark hair, and amber eyes. I stand there as his eyes turn cold, "How do you know his name?". I scratch my head and turn to him. "We were friends when I was younger... but that's all gone", I stammered. My shoulders slumped as he turned on his heel and walked away. I returned to my room, opening the window for air. I lay in my bed wondering who would still celebrate my birthday... am in a different world, alone. Ann, Leon, Eli, Mother, Father, everyone... are they celebrating. I breathed it in. Eli, wait for me. I will come to you. 

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Today is my first day off since the Academy is under repair from the Wizard's practice, so I spent it at the Artifact. Ivory is waiting for me at the door. I am so glad I asked him to come with me. Ivory is a Sub-human, or a demon, yet he acts more human than most. His greenish hair and eyes mixed with his dark skin tone gave me a sense of nature. He notices my staring and smiles; it's a smile of an older brother and it makes me feel a little less lonely. Things have not changed from the last time I was here. Throughout the day Ivory and I explore the Artifact, searching every inch of it. I pull him towards a portrait, "Ivory, look", I shudder. My mother's blue-green eyes stare at me; I read the caption: "Queen Marigold of Arcaid, age 23". She wears a lilac dress with white ribbons. Ivory stares at the portrait, "Helen, she looks a lot like you". "She was my mother". Could I belong to this world? Everything has gone upside down. As I leave, I get the sense that something is watching me. I turn to see a slim figure staring at me. "H-help m-me, s-so tired", it cries. I stare at it for a moment, should I take it with me? Against my better nature, I pick it up. Judging from its figure it is probably a girl. I carry her to Ivory, "Carry her to the palace. Quickly". I settle her in my bed and treat her wounds, witchcraft wounds. Black snakes that wrap around her pale arms. Her hair is as red as fire, skin white, and eyes lightless. Snow White with red hair. I chuckled lightly. She lasted 3 days in rest while the maids looked after her. On the fourth day, she awoke, "W-where am I?", she sputtered as I walked in. "My name is Helen", I tried to speak softly; careful not to frighten her, "and I brought you here. What is your name, if I may ask?". She stared at me; her eyes even more lifeless black than before. "My name is Madalin... and I am thankful for your help", she got up, winced, and sat back down. "Try not to move". She hands me a small blue bottle with a vivid purple liquid inside, "Have this as thanks, but I cannot stay here for long". She laid her head back down. I didn't ask any more questions. She stayed for two weeks, before heading off in the night. I sat in my chamber, going over everything: 'Could I be from the world? Why did they never tell me? Could Eli also be here?', I thought; I clutched the vial close to my chest, this was going to come in handy. I never knew it would save a life. My life.

T/N: This chapter is kind of a filler for the next part of the story which might be another entire book or will be within this book...