Origin Stories

3

-Palace of the Emperor-

I finished my fifth cup of tea and gave a sigh. We'd arrived home several hours ago, though I had no recollection. As predicted, I'd passed out behind Zane on the horse and hadn't woken up till just a few minutes ago.

A large woman suddenly rushed in. Her pin-straight gray hair was up in a bun, her skin was wrinkled with age, and her kind blue eyes were steady.

"Amah, has-" But before I could finish my sentence, the grandmotherly woman cast another cup of tea into my hands.

"Drink, Evie. You've been unconscious for six hours, and therefore must drink six cups of bitter-whi tea." Amah commanded.

Not wanting to show any disrespect I nodded and drank my cup of tea without question. The hot tea burned my tongue and throat but I wolfed it down quickly. After that, I sat up straighter and asked, "Amah, has Atlas returned yet?"

Amah looked me over sadly, the look made me uncomfortable, "No, child. The boy has not returned."

I tried to stand, my legs only wobbling slightly, "I'll ride out and-"

"Evie!" A voice called. My little sister slid into the room, "Father wants you!"

I nodded, "Is he in his workshop, Etta?"

Etta nodded, and held out a vial to me. The energy giver.

I shook my head, leaning against the wall. I didn't want to drink any more of that stuff than I had too.

Evalynn then came into the room, "Father wants-"

"I already told her," Etta said proudly.

Evalynn frowned, "But Father asked me to get Evie."

Etta shrugged, "Snooze you lose!"

Evalynn growled, "Why you little-"

"Will you girls help me to Father's sitting room?" I asked before a fight could break out.

Evalynn shot Etta a glare but nodded, taking hold of one of my arms. Etta took the other then the three of us began to walk down the palace halls. After a few minutes, we came to a stop.

Sliding open a bamboo screen, Etta turned around, "We're here!"

Inside my Father's sitting room incense burned, smelling like cinnamon, and the light was dim. My Father sat on one of the many pillows in the room, looking as serene as ever.

"Thank you girls, you two are dismissed. Ma-eve, take a seat," My Father's firm, but quiet voice commanded.

My sisters bowed respectfully, then after helping me to sit down on a pillow they left the room, closing the door behind them.

Silence.

Then, "How was your trip, Ma-eve. Your sisters have told me many stories, but explained that they are not with you when you slew Shen-Hei," My Father said.

I nodded, "I felt it would be best to leave the younger ones in the village since Atlas as I were riding into wild lands. I was afraid that my worry for them would leave me distracted and vulnerable to Shen-Hei."

My Father nodded, "That was wise, Ma-eve. So tell me, how did you slay the beast?"

I quickly reaccounted the battle with the monster, his defeat, and his burial. Once I was finished I said, "Atlas was helping the captives to the nearest village, but I'm worried. He hasn't yet returned."

"You plan to seek him out?" My Father asked.

I nodded.

"You are not fully rested."