Royally Simple

Chapter 5: Rules For A Ruler

I've never felt so much panic at once. And I don't mean from me. The faces of the people at my party are filled with horror. The weight of their panic pushes down on me. I rise and glance around the room. Lisa looks more frightened than anyone. "It's going to be okay" I say loudly. I don't know if I'm talking to myself or to them. All of these people are relying on me. All of them. All of the doubts I've been suppressing rush to my mind and I fear I am too weak. My legs feel numb but I walk towards the door and as I do I see every person in the room fall to their knees and bow their head. I am their princess. I am their hope

I can see him standings about ten feet from the Royal Vault. He makes no eye contact with me but I can still see his dark brown eyes. I need to focus! "Princess follow me." he mumbles. We walk down the corridor he types in a code. This code isn't mine. I didn't think there was another. As the vault opens up my heart stops. This look nothing like the Royal Vault. This is a room. The Scroll Keepers Room. The room looks dark and dusty. Every wall is lined with shelves full if books. I don't think he could fit another one in the shelf even if he tried. Besides the shelves, everything is simple. A bed is in the corner with a light wool blanket, there is a writing desk, and a small table which I assume is for dining at."you may sit." He gestures towards a chair. "The rules are simple Princess. Complete the challenges and you will prove your worth. There are ten challenges. I carry with me a bag with each challenge written on it. I will accompany you. You may give me direction for assistance but I cannot help you with the challenges. Are you ready?"

"Yes" my voice comes out like a squeak. He hands me a backpack and swings one of the bookshelves open. Behind it is a door that clearly has not been opened in centuries if not ever. He wipes the cobwebs off and pulls a key out of his pocket. As he opens the door he gestures for me to go ahead. The walls and floors are made of dirt and small torches are the only light we have. As we reach the hallway I notice there are ten doors. Each with small symbols. He hands me the first scroll. It is sealed with a wax stamp that has a symbol of a trail on it. I look around the doors and see one with a matching symbol. I stand next to the door and open my scroll.

"Princess,

In order to rule you must be able to ensure harsh times. Even being royalty does not save you from someday being stripped of everything you have. You will trek through the harsh regions of South America. It should take no more than a month to complete. You will be provided with some supplies. But being the ruler of a country also means being a leader. You will lead a group of ten soldiers through the jungle. Inside your backpack is a map, rope, canteen, mosquito net, and an item chosen by your oldest living relative. Do not underestimate Mother Nature, for she can be harsher than you've ever dreamed"

"What's my item?" I look at The Scroll Keeper. "Your father is your only living relative so he chose. Your backpack contains the sword he gave you for your birthday." I open the door and see a helicopter pad. How did I not notice that?! I step in and buckle my belt. The pilot looks back at me and bows his head in respect. I nod and he starts the helicopter. I put on my headset so I can hear the pilot. "Princess Natalia get some sleep. I'm assuming you're gonna need it" I politely thank him and lean my head against the window. The headset drowns out some of the noise so maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to sleep. My eye lids feel heavy as I watch my castle get smaller and smaller. I can see villagers waving handkerchiefs at me to say goodbye. I gently wave and then doze off. My dreams are better than reality.