Magnoliophyta

15. CASSANDRA THAR

" All you have to do is judge a sword fighting competition among women." The king thundered.  "You may be our guests in the palace. ESCORT THEM GUARDS!" The king got up and stormed off. We were taken to our rooms. Lil and I got one room and the boys got the other.

" Whew! what a day. So... what is the big deal in judging the best swordwoman?" I asked. "I have no clue! but I am sure it must have some catch, so let's just keep calm and work our way into gaining their trust. "You're right, good night". "Good Night". We hadn't had a proper soft bed since forever and it felt amazing to finally have one. My body immediately went into rest mode and fell fast asleep.

I was just going to meet my parents when the sound of trumpets filled my ears and I shot up in my bed in bewilderment. I hate trumpets. They just disturbed me from the most wonderful dream ever. " Good morning visitors, the king has asked you to be presented in court." the soldiers shrieked their orders and left the room marching. I shot their retreating figures an irritated look, before turning and finding Lil still asleep. Lil slept like a log. I patted her cheeks and pulled her ears until she finally decided to open her eyes.

"Quick, get up! we need to be in the court in five minutes!" I shouted. We both got dressed in record timing and quickly drank a cup of coffee just to boost up our minds. We met the guys outside the door and by the look on their faces, I could tell they enjoyed the bed as much as we did! We made our way to the court and presented ourselves to the highness. I did a quick clumsy bow and stood erect. " The day has begun, you are required to complete the challenge before dusk today." The king squeaked. We bowed and were taken to the stables. We picked some horses and made our way to Menshwik's arena for swordfighting.

The arena was in the open with thousands of spectators thronging the gallery. The king had a special compartment from where he could view the competition. As we were heading towards the arena I asked one of the commoners  "So, do you have such displays frequently?". The man replied, " Yes, the king is the best swordsman in the kingdom and he enjoys looking at others who have some talent in sword fighting." The man stopped, looked around, leaned towards me and whispered, " The king especially likes women fighting with the swords." The man put on a peculiar expression, before taking his seat. I thanked him and walked ahead with my friends.

When my eyes rested on the arena, my eyeballs popped right out of their sockets. I understood why this task was given to us. It was impossible to judge one best swordswoman from a horde of hundreds. Swarms of women parried and struck each other, practicing for the upcoming tournament. We were meant to lose. The others were equally shocked. I glanced at the king and he  smirked. I couldn't let him win.

Suddenly, a thought began to take shape in my mind. My mind raced and my plan became clearer. I slowly connected the dots and I knew what had to be done.  I went over to Jared. "Hey, do you know how to fight with a sword?" He looked surprised. Lil had overheard my question and answered on behalf of Jared. " Duh! Jared is the best swordsman in all of magnoliophyta!" Lil informed. This was becoming better and better. I grabbed jared's arm and dragged him away from the crowd. 

" What are you doing?" He hissed. " Shhhh! Listen to me carefully. I want you to go to the king's viewing gallery and challenge him to a fight. The king will have no choice but to accept. Begin fighting at the same time as the other swordswomen in the arena. GOT IT!" I raised my voice impatiently. Jared nodded his head " But....." he started. " Just trust me on this okay?" I asked, looking right into his eyes. He looked right back and smiled. " I trust you" He said and fled towards the king's cabin.

The first part of the plan was in action, I decided not to mention anything to the others. I went back and joined my friends. " Where is Jared?" Amor asked. " With the king" I replied. my friends looked surprised but decided not ask more about it. They must have read my mood. " This fight is a lost one, How will we judge the best swordswoman, when hundreds of them are fighting simultaneously!" Amor cried out in despair. " Look. don't worry. I have a hunch and I hope it is right. You guys try to identify the best swordswoman and tell it out when you are asked to, ok?" I said. The others nodded there head, no doubt they must be confused but I just didn't want to tell them my plan just yet, in fear of it going wrong.