The Kingdom of Ash and Blood

Chapter One

I woke up this time in a pool of sweat. My wings shivered from the cold gust of wind that seemed to  pool in from the open window, and I cursed myself.

The cold air clung to me, as I bit back my freezing curse.  

slamming  the window shut the only response was the loud clink. 

I heard James' steps before the scent of him came fluttering into my chambers stinging my nose.

The door opened and closed yet, there was silence around us, and then James appeared. 

 His smile was genuine, and it never once faltered from his face.

I could sense the change in the air even before James had told me that they had found her; briefing me of where he had seen her last heading North.

God How long has it been since James has been away looking for her?

Lilith Amere was her name.

I smile smiled at my friend  and I knew that me kingdom was saved. I  had the sensation to hug him, but instead  I said thanks. Offering James a warm smile before vanishing.

I knew it, somewhere on this ungodly earth I knew it; I knew that I would find her even if I did have the slightest doubt.

I followed the trail that James told me  to take just before vanishing into the crisp chill of the early winter morning. 

The golden hue of the sun shone upon me casting a golden glow as I admired myself through the clear crystal water of the sea.

I watched the earth below me  making out the silhouette of Evergreen trees, and large Oaks.

 Many small villages which occupy the free space in between. Some were endless, but some were dead. Burnt at the orders of my father marking those who were Traders to the Crown.

I started thinking to myself about my Kingdom, about my Wicked father, and about the looming Darkness which killed my mother only a few months ago.

my  Arraggent father whom  took pride in ordering people around, and taking innocent lives got down on his knees, and weeped for the loss of his beloved wife.

Ever since then my  father has become a deranged psychopath who wanted blood, and revenge.

He seemed to have let his rage become a living thing, and I am  slowly   starting  to fear my  father more, and more everyday.

I stare ahead, and into the deep forest below, and then the world goes dark.

I have fallen to earth. 

I let out a sharp cry of pain as I started to feel the warmth of my blood hot against my wings.

 I gently pulled out the arrow which only seemed to make the blood drip more frequently. 

I did not have time to act as she came crashing into me. 

 she threw  all of her weight against me, and I hit the large oak tree with a loud thud. 

She held her sword against my throat. 

 My eyes pleading for a brief second. 

 I closed my eyes in that instant. 

  I was hungrily waiting for the feel of blood to come trickling down, and for death to take over.

The smell of metal grew near stinging my nose as my heart seemed to drum against my breast bone. This is not how I am supposed to die I say to myself.