Fight or Flight? (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 7

Kestrel looked up at the huge sandstone tower, watching the dust dance around the bottom. Shielding her eyes to block the winds, which was rushing dust into her eyes, Kestrel sighed. She had taken a couple days to get prepared, sharpening a branch to make up for the loss of her knife, and storing as much food as she could. Now, at the time of the meeting, Kestrel braced herself to climb the tower.

When she had first arrived at the Sandy Towers, Kestrel had found a feather that told her to climb the tallest tower. So after days of mental preparation, Kestrel was ready.

Looking up, Kestrel placed her hand on the rough, jagged wall. Tightening her grip around a ledge, Kestrel tested her weight, pulling herself up. The ledge held. Satisfied, Kestrel aimed for another ledge and very slowly, began to climb the tower.

* * *

Kestrel looked up, relieved that there was only a few meters left to climb. Trying not to look down, Kestrel scrambled up the last meters, flinging her hand over the edge and pulling herself up.

Swinging her leg undignifying onto the tower, Kestrel stood up and examined her hands. Surprisingly, they weren't scratched and bleeding, like she thought they would be. Maybe living for weeks in the wilderness really helped. Kestrel thought, proud, before she turned to face the person who tried to kill her.

Nigel was standing at the center of the tower, his black hair flowing into his own face. His cape, of the same color, blew around him. Kestrel snarled quietly to herself.

"Young Princess." Nigel bowed his head lightly, then his black eyes stared at her. "You have come as I asked."

Disgust rose in Kestrel. "I do not obey your requests." She spat, indigo eyes flashing with fury. Kestrel's hands were balled up to fists, and she was crouched in a fighting stance.

Nigel raised his eyebrows. "Then why have you come?" He clasped his hands behind his back, face a mask of calm.

"To know the truth." Kestrel said. "Who?"

Nigel shook his head in disappointment. "I cannot just tell you the answers, Princess. You must find them yourself."

Kestrel growled. "Tell me why my parents were killed."

"I thought you knew." Nigel tilted his head.

"My parents were good rulers." Kestrel growled. "There was no need for rebels!" She had thought of it when she was living with the wolves, and it gave her another reason to find Nigel, however much she hated him.

"Then what do you want to know?" Nigel asked calmly.

Frustration bubbled in Kestrel's chest. "Why they were killed! And who killed them! Tell me!"

"I cannot." Nigel said simply.

Blinding anger flared in her head, and Kestrel's voice dropped to a whisper. "I'll kill you then." She let the fire inside her burn into fury.

"You will be missing lots of opportunities then." Nigel smiled, but it was not one of kindness. "I'm offering you one more chance. Join me, Princess, and we shall lead the world to greatness."

Kestrel snarled. "Your opinion of greatness is different from mine."

Nigel smiled. "Tell me your ideas of greatness then." He said calmly.

Kestrel laughed with a wry amusement. "Why would I? You would twist all the ideas."

"Princess." Nigel's face was no longer casual. "Do not tell me you will not lead."

Kestrel pondered this for a moment. Would I lead? Technically, she was the Princess, and she was the heir, so she is the next Empress. But will I lead with Nigel? Kestrel asked herself. She voiced her thoughts out loud. "Not with you." Kestrel declared. "Never with you."

It was true. Kestrel would never lead with someone who tried to kill her. I will achieve my future by myself, not with anyone else, and especially not with a murderer.

Nigel's face was one of pure anger. Kestrel forced herself not to move. "Do not tell me I killed them for nothing." He said with rage.

Kestrel froze with shock as her sluggish mind pieced together the meaning of his words. "You killed them." She whispered hoarsely. "Wh-why? Why did you do it?!"

"Because it was their destiny!" Nigel growled. "Just like how your destiny will be to continue their lead with me by your side!"

"I will never lead with you!" Kestrel shouted, rushing forwards with her arms stretched out, to punch Nigel, who she had trusted for all of her years. "NEVER!"

Nigel blocked Kestrel's punch easily, throwing her back so hard Kestrel landed on her back, knocking the wind out of her. Kestrel gasped for breath as Nigel stood over her. "Don't you see, Princess?" He asked. "It's all just a game. And you were born to be a major player." Nigel held out his hand to her. "Let me guide you in this, and you'll reach greatness."

"Madness and greatness can share a face." Kestrel murmured, remembering the words Torrente had told her. Louder, she continued. "No. I do not want your guidance."

"You have no choice." Nigel whispered, pushing Kestrel forwards with his foot, towards the edge of the tower. "Rebuild our empire."

"It's not your empire." Kestrel hissed. "I'll build myself an empire, and it'll just be me!"

"You'll be lonely then." Nigel said sarcastically. "People will love you if you join me."

"I don't care if you fear me or love me!" Kestrel said determinately. "I don't care if anyone fears me or loves me!" Except Specklefire. I wish she was with me. She let out a soft sigh.

"I'll push you off without hesitation." Nigel warned.

"You can throw me to the wolves, and I'll be alright." Kestrel said, smiling softly at how true the statement was.

"Very well." Nigel said, black eyes cold. "I'll rebuild this empire by myself." He nudged her forwards with his foot, and Kestrel struggled to get away, but she was too close to the ledge. Kestrel's legs fell, and she hung onto the ledge with her hands. She looked up at Nigel, staring into his cold black eyes, as he pried her hands away from the ledge.