#a brave & innocent young man with a stutter who is a part of royal family and sacrifices himself for his friends

[the-delta-42]

To Find Hyrule 4

4. The Sheikah Mark part 2

The Nocturne quietly docked at the Isle of Shadow. Further in land, in the village, a seventeen-year-old boy looked out at the ship.

‘They’re back,’ thought the boy, a sneer slowly covering his face, ‘finally, I get to meet what’s mine.’

“Yigia.” Came a voice, making the boy look down.

At the base of the tree Yigia was in, was another Sheikah, their tatoo covering their left eye.

“Get down from there.” They said, displeasure covering their tone.

Yigia sneered before leaping down.

“I’d be careful if I were you, Covare,” Sneered the boy, “If anyone were to find out how you were speaking to the future chief-”

“They’d do the same.” Came another voice, one that Yigia knew all too well.

“Eavesdropping again Kado?” Said Yigia, scowling.

Kado glared at Yigia.

“We all know where your true loyalties lie, Yigia,” Said Kado, his hand falling to a Sheikah Scimitar at his waist, “How greatly to defended Kohga before he was exiled.”

Yigia sneered at the comment.

“At least I didn’t drive my own mother away.” Spat Yigia, venomously.

Kado shook his head pitifully, “Stooping to the level of petty insults, I supposed you were never meant to be one of our leaders.”

Kado’s head suddenly jolted backwards as Yigia punched him.

TFH

Tetra cautiously looked around, while Link practically waved at everyone, which earnt him a wave back.

“Welcome to Kakariko Village.” Said Dorian, gesturing around him, a mixture of Sheikah, Hylian, Goron and some dark-skinned women that Tetra couldn’t identify, were bustling around, “For over seven thousand years the Sheikah were the guardians and protectors of the Royal family of Hyrule.”

“T-then h-how c-come t-t-the k-king d-d-didn’t m-mention y-y-you?” Asked Link, making Dorian turn and face him.

“The King you described and named wasn’t the King when Hyrule was flooded, Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule was the King at the time of the Hero of Time and was subsequently murdered by Ganon while the Princess and her nursemaid escaped.” Said Dorian, before calling another Sheikah over, “Selwyn, this is Link, would you kindly take a look at his throat.”

Selwyn nodded and gently guided Link over to a stand before they started examining his neck.

“What are they going to do to him?” Demanded Tetra, glaring up at her ‘father’.

“See if anything can be done about that neck wound of his, and possibly if they can give him some therapy to help him speak.” Said Dorian, as a woman ran up to him.

“Sir, there’s been another fight.” Said the woman, bowing slightly.

“Kina, there is no need to bow,” Said Dorian, “Do you know who threw the first punch?”

“Yigia.” Said the woman, before leading Dorian and Tetra to the two.

“How ironic, Yigia threw the first punch, yet you left him on deaths door.” Said Dorian, crossing his arms and looking at a boy a year or two older than Tetra who was holding his nose.

“He’ll be fine.” Said the boy, before looking down at Tetra, “Is that her?”

“No, this is the Princess of Hyrule.” Said Dorian, sarcastically, before he facepalmed.

“So, it is her.” Said the boy, holding out his hand, “Names Kado, kinda like Makado but without the Ma.”

“Hi.” Said Tetra slowly shaking his hand, “And you’re important, how?”

Kado feigned a hurt expression, “Egads, she doesn’t know!”

Tetra scowled and decided to pull her shoe off and throw it at him. Kado ducked the shoe but it ended up hitting the unconscious boy behind him.

“Okay, okay, I understand when a joke is wearing thin,” Said Kado, raising his hands in surrender, “But I honestly thought Father would’ve at least mentioned your older Brother.”

Tetra’s Jaw dropped.

TFH

Link rubbed his neck, somehow Selwyn had figured out that his throat would heal up quickly and that his stutter might be the result of ‘nerve damage’. Link wasn’t very apt on medical terminology, but he had a feeling it was something to do with his reflexes or something.

“Other than that, you’re perfectly healthy.” Said Selwyn, jotting something down on their note book.

“S-s-sorry i-if t-t-this i-is r-r-r-rude,” Said Link, looking up at them, “b-b-b-but a-a-are y-you a m-man o-or w-w-woman?”

Selwyn looking at Link and laughed, “I’m neither.”

“S-so y-you’re l-like M-m-makar.” Said Link, looking up at them.

“Aside from the fact Makar is a Korok and I’m a Sheikah, yeah, I’m kinda like Makar.” Said Selwyn, before putting their notes down, “I’m going to give you some cream to help sooth the pain on your throat, but I can’t prescribe anything except therapy for your voice.”

“W-what’s n-n-nerve d-damage?” Asked Link, making Selwyn look at him.

“Nerve damage is where your body is damaged enough to affect the nervous system,” Said Selwyn, “Nerve damage can be the result of repetitive electrical shocks or if an area in your body where the Nervous System is present has had a hard-enough blow.”

Link went to speak again before Selwyn interrupted him, [I can speak sign language.]

Link smiled.

TFH

Tetra huffed as she threw another one of the ‘Blade Masters’ to the floor. So far they’d just had her complete various tasks, one was to assess her balance, which she had to repeat seven times because she fell over once, another was to assess her marksmanship with a bow, which she had aced and the previous one was test her over senses, where they’d blind folded her and had various people attack her with sticks. She hadn’t been allowed to move on to another task until she had passed the previous one. Now they were testing her endurance.

So far, she’d beaten seven people. Tetra and Link had been on the Isle for roughly five and a half months, normally Tetra would be wondering where her crew were, but she’d been told that the Isle was covered in a thick mist that prevented anyone with ill intentions from landing on the island. She had also been told that, even to find the Isle’s existence, the one searching would have to look back to when Hyrule was first formed to find the Isle’s location. The last person that visited the Isle was a young woman who landed on their shores by accident but had left with one of their Blade Masters, Rook, after falling in love with him.

Tetra ducked underneath a staff before knocking Selwyn’s feet from under them. The sound of a hammer hitting a table drew everyone’s attention. Three elderly Sheikah murmured amongst themselves before announcing that she had passed. Tetra felt a wave of relief flow through her, before someone landed behind her.

“I request the right to challenge her.” Came the voice that Tetra had come to loathe. Yigia stood behind her, as if he were the only one brave enough to ask. The previous day Link had wiped the floor with him, prompting Yigia to piss himself in fear. What made the ordeal funnier for Tetra, was the fact Link was holding back during the fight.

“Denied.” Rang Dorian’s voice, no room for argument given.

“Sir,” came another voice, “The next trail requires them to go into the Temple.”

If Silence had a voice, it would be screaming. From what Tetra understood, the Temple was both a prison and a training ground. The last person to make it through there without help was the Hero of Time.

“I have faith in both of their abilities,” Said Dorian, “However, there will be both Blade Masters and Shadows at the side lines to offer help if it is needed.”

Tetra suddenly felt a knot of dread form in her stomache.

TFH

“We’ve been searching for months, Gonzo,” Moan Mako, “Can’t we just take a break.”

“No, Link’s grandmother said that the Isle of Shadow is in that wall of fog, we just need to get through to it.” Said Gonzo, scowling. Impa had left Tetra in his care when she vanished, a girl he viewed as his own daughter, since he’d raised her since she was five. It was bad enough they had to take constant breaks to restock, but now the rest of the crew were suggesting they abandon the captain.

“Gonzo, it’s been near eight months, how do we even know if they’re still alive?” Asked Senza, leaning against one of the cannons.

“You can only set foot on the Ilse if you go they with no ill intent.” Said Aryll, looking though her Telescope, “Besides, they don’t sound like the type to kill innocent people.”

Gonzo was quiet before he turned to face the crew, “Who’s planning on looting the place?”

There was a guilty silence before Senza, Mako, Zuko and Linebeck raised their hands.

“Well, we can’t now, why don’t we try going through again?” Said Gonzo, steering the ship into the fog.

Link’s grandmother was quiet until an Island came into view, “We’re here.” Said Saria.

Nudge lowered the gang plank before Gonzo slowly walked down onto the Pier.

“That’s far enough.” Came a voice, then two young men dropped down and landed in front of the group. One’s face was shrouded by a hood, but the crew’s attention was on the other one, he had the Sheikah mark tattooed onto his forehead and upper nose, but he looked like a male version of Tetra.

“State your business.” Said the man, holding his sword in a reverse grip.

“We’re here to look for our captain.” Said Gonzo, eying up the other man’s sword.

The man sheathed his sword and jerked his head, beckoning them to follow him. The pirates and Islanders quickly followed him, careful to not let him leave their sight.

“You are the one called Gonzo, correct?” Questioned the man, not looking at them.

“Yeah, what if I am?” Demanded Gonzo, his arms tensing up.

“Tetra and Link have an incredibly high opinion of you, I just hope you don’t betray our expectations.” Said the man, his eyes passing over two dark skinned women carrying a naginata each.

“Aveil, Bularia,” Said the man, whom, upon closer inspection, Gonzo found to have a similar birth mark below his ear to the one Tetra had on the back of her calf, “I did not realise you had guard duty.”

The two women glanced at each other before continuing on as if the man hadn’t spoken at all.

“Well, that was rude.” Said the man, leading the group inside the building.

“Who are you?” Asked Aryll, making the man look down at her.

“My name is Kado,” Said the man, “One of the twelve Blade Masters of this tribe and head of security.”

“You look like you’re barely over the age of seventeen.” Remarked Gonzo, making the man tense up.

“Thank you for reminding me.” Said the man, before he stuck two fingers in his mouth and let out an ear-piercing whistle. A rope ladder dropped down from a hole in the ceiling and Kado gestured for them to follow him.

“Imōto no crew is here.” Said Kado, as Tetra’s crew slowly piled into the room.

Link waved from his place over in a corner, his mouth stuffed full of noodles, some falling onto the strange skin tight shirt he was wearing.

Saria tutted and made her way over to where Link was.

“Take smaller mouthfuls, you weren’t dragged up.” Said Saria, as Link had trouble swallowing the food.

“Who’s the old hag?” Came a snide voice from one of the supports.

Kado exhaled deeply, before taking a whip and using it to pull the owner of the voice down by their ankle.

“Yigia, what are you doing here?” Questioned Kado in an even tone, his eyes narrowing.

“My future Fianse is here, so am I.” Sneered Yigia, before Kado threw Yigia down the hole.

“Kado.” Came a deep voice from the end of the room.

Kado sighed before moving to sit next to the owner of the voice. On the other side of them was Tetra, who had what seemed to be a bandage covering part of her head and face, her eyes were covered as well.

“Captain!” Cried the crew stumbling over themselves to check on her.

Tetra only groaned before another loud whistle pierced the air. Everyone turned and looked at Kado, who simply used his spoon to point at Link.

“Give her some room to breathe.” Said Link, his voice still quiet but stronger than it usually was.

The crew was dumbfounded at the sound of Link speaking without him stuttering.

Everyone was quiet before Tetra reached over and grabbed a dumpling and threw it at Link, who caught it in his mouth.

Everyone slowly went back to what they were doing, while Saria started a quiet conversation with on of the elders, who apparently knew the old woman.

“You must all be tired.” Said the man with the deep voice, who sat between Tetra and Kado, “Have something to eat, you must’ve had a long journey.”

The pirates slowly took some food before Aryll looked at Tetra and cocked her head, “Why do you have that on your head, Tetra?”

“It’s a long story, let’s just say that it both cool and painful and someone ended up crying.” Said Tetra, looking at the bowl she had in her hand.

“Okay, so where does Link fit into all this?” Asked Linebeck, making both Link and Tetra start choking on their food.

Luckily, Link recovered first and started to attempt to salvage the situation.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Asked Link, looking between Tetra, Linebeck and a bowl of rice.

“Well, it’s obvious she was the one who ended up crying because of that bandage thing on her head.” Said Linebeck, just as Tetra finished her food and flung the empty bowl at the man, which hit him square on the nose.

“The bandage is only on her lower forehead, that bundle is called a turban.” Said Link, shifting uncomfortably when he noticed everyone’s attention on him.

Linebeck held his face before sitting up, blood running from his nose, “Okay then.” Said the man, not pushing the subject. The rest of the evening went by in silence, before the man with the deep voice stood up and instructed everyone to leave, only when Link and Gonzo stood up were they told to stay.

Gonzo narrowed his eyes, before folding his arms, while Link moved over to stand next to Tetra. After everyone had left, the man turned and faced Gonzo.

“You’re probably wondering who I am.” Said the man, placing his hands behind his back.

“Have been ever since you kidnapped my captain and her boyfriend.” Snapped Gonzo, making Link and Tetra look at each other and jump apart blushing.

The man raised his eyebrows, before turning to face the two and then turning back to face Gonzo.

“An interesting way of describing the two.” Said the man, “My name is Dorian, and I am Sheik’s father.”

Gonzo was quiet before saying, “Who the fuck is Sheik?”

Dorian closed his eyes before sighing, “You know her as Tetra or Zelda, which ever one she goes by.”

Gonzo turned to look at Tetra who made an ‘I’ll explain later’ gesture, before looking back at Dorian.

“Okay, so why are Link and I here?” Asked Gonzo, leaning back against the wall.

“Over the past few months both Sheik and Link were undergoing tests,” Said Dorian, “Tests that they passed with flying colours.”

Tetra had a small, smug smile on her face, while Link’s ears went red.

“When those tests are passed, they are given an induction into the tribe, the mark of the Sheikah.” Dorian took a deep breath before continuing, “Normally, these marks are placed upon our faces, but since Link is a third generation Sheikah, his mark was placed over his back.”

Gonzo frowned quietly before speaking, “So where’s the captains mark?”

“On her forehead.” Said Link, before Tetra elbowed him in the ribs.

“It is customary for the people that the mark bearer holds dear to be amongst the first to see the mark once it has settled onto their skin.” Said Dorian, before gesturing for Tetra to stand in front of him. Gonzo idly wondered why Link was having his mark revealed, before realising that this is an incredibly personal affair and his was still recovering and the shirt he had been wearing were actually bandages.

Dorian slowly peeled back the layers that covered Tetra’s face, her eyes blinking quickly to get used to the sudden flow of light. Link and Gonzo were speechless, on Tetra’s lower forehead and bridge of her nose, was a red tattoo of a red eye and a tear drop. Tetra exhaled quietly, before fully turning to face Link and Gonzo.

“Well,” Said Tetra, biting her bottom lip slightly, “How do I look?”

“Alright.” Said Gonzo, while Link just stared a moment longer before he uttered, “Like a goddess.”

“What?” Asked Tetra, surprised with a blush tinting her cheeks.

“Uh, I-I s-s-said y-you l-look g-g-good.” Stuttered Link, his cheeks going red as well.

Tetra looked like she didn’t believe him, before Dorian placed his hand on her shoulder.

“I take it there is no deterring you from finding Hyrule, is there?” Asked Dorian, peering into Tetra’s eyes.

“Mother said that you should always be a person of your word,” Said Tetra, looking down, “if your word is meaningless, then you are also meaningless.”

Dorian chuckled slightly, before pulling her into a hug, “You are so much like your mother, just looking at you, I know she would be proud of the young woman you’ve started to become.”

Tetra slowly wrapped her arms around her father while he spoke.

“I am so, so sorry for not coming to find you sooner.” Whispered Dorian, placing Tetra at arm’s length and looking at her fondly.

Tetra looked up at him before grabbing his arm, “You could come with us.” Said Tetra, pleading with him, “You said the Sheikah followed and protected the Goddesses bloodline, you could come with and continue, even after we find Hyrule again.”

Dorian chuckled before kneeling down in front of her, “Tetra, I know just by looking at you, that if I came with you, I would only be slowing you down.” Said Dorian, “Once you find Hyrule again, send word, and the villagers of this Island will come to you.”

“And you?” Asked Tetra, trying not to start crying.

“Tetra, our time together has been short,” Said Dorian, solemnly, “which is my fault and my fault alone, but know that I’ll always love you, no matter how far away you are.”

Tetra closed her eyes and bit her bottom lip harder than she had before.

“You won’t be alone,” Said Dorian, “Kado will be with you every step of the way.”

Tetra looked at Kado, who nodded before heading down the ladder. The following sounds implied that Yigia had been trying to climb up again.

Dorian only sighed, before looking at both Gonzo and Link, “Look after my daughter.” The man commanded.

Gonzo could see that this Dorian and Tetra were related, they both had the same gaze when they issued commands, “You have my word.” Said Gonzo, before he decided to head down the ladder as well, “I’ll get the crew ready.”

Now, only Link remained with the two.

“I’ll never leave her.” Link promised quietly, which made Dorian smile, having seen how Link had helped Tetra when she twisted her ankle a month after they arrived.

Dorian then turned to look a Tetra again, “Since you may not be completely comfortable with the rest of your crew seeing you mark yet, I thought you could use these.” Dorian presented Tetra with a box of different shades of cover up. Tetra looked at the box before grabbing Dorian and pulling him into a fierce hug.

“When we find Hyrule, I’ll come for you.” Tetra promised, before she took Link’s hand and quietly led him to the exit, “We both will.” Said Link, smiling before descending the ladder with Tetra following him.

Dorian quietly looked at a picture of Impa that was hanging on the wall.

“I’ve already called for the other Blade Masters to start evacuating.” Dorian said to the picture, “I can only hope that I’ve given them enough time to get away before the betrayal occurs.”

Dorian continued to look at the picture, even when an arrow when through his back and pierced his heart, his eyes were always on Impa.

A/N: Finally, this took an age. It’s probably shit but oh well. You probably know now that Tetra is Kado’s little sister, which it what Imōto mean in a rough translation, Imōto no means little sister’s. The Sheikah language that is used is Japanese is real life, which is one of the languages I want to learn, another being sign language. Fuck me this is a long one.

[spysfreenot-verygreatoldfiction]

The Great Gnome Migration

Fantasy

Prologue and Chapter One under the cut.

Prologue

He had always been a just ruler. Not soft-hearted, but clearly not cruel.

His tomb, she supposed, would not be where his pyre burned, but in the heart of the people.

In a land divided into five counties, with Lords and Ladies presiding over the petty affairs, the King was definitely more of a ceremonial title. However, he always had the last say in matters regarding the realm. He had the ability to declare war and peace, to change the laws or to set a prisoner free.

There were speculations that he was assassinated, that he angered one too many of the poor and wretched rebels. Though it couldn't be proven, there was just too few clues.

The flames gave way to a loud crack and Kaleigh jumped in surprise.

It seemed nothing was expected anymore.

She found it hard to watch her father’s body burn, but it was even harder to look away.

Tears ran down her soft cheeks, tracing lines over the rosy hue. She didn't know what to do. She had never been left to her own devices before.

When she finally looked up from the mournful pyre, she turned to the faces that surrounded it.

The grim visage of her father’s Lord Chancellor was the first to be seen as he stood directly across the flames from her. His ever-solemn features, darkened even more in a steely grief, after all he wasn’t one to show emotions. He had rode into court years ago, a representative of the Darkshire, and everyone knew that Nymphs in the Darkshire believed emotions to be a sign of weakness. He was always described as having a haunted look about him.

Kaleigh supposed it was the grey shadows that hid under his eyes, or the sickly ivory tint of his flesh.  His pale silver eyes never twinkled, but narrowed in thought. He was serious, and mysterious, pensive and silent as the grave. Whenever he entered a room he kept to the darkness of his beloved shadows and watched. Always watched as an outsider looking in. His black hair was short, with two long strands beaded before his pointed ears, hanging down like decorations of honour. On the crown of his head he wore a black skullcap, a sign of the Lord Chancellor. He always wore black. Mostly the shapeless robes of his profession, but on the rare occasion when he was forced to dress up he would don a long black frock coat with a high collar. Once, when Kaleigh was young, she caught a glimpse of black leather pant legs under his capacious robes. At the time she didn’t know that it was a tribal costume of the Darkshire and merely thought the secretive Lord Chancellor was a completely different man underneath it all. Still she liked to think of him as a two faced man, perhaps cold while in the presence of others, and warm with his family at home. Not that she knew of any such family, as far as she knew he was bound to his duties. His tribe, the Lunar Nymphs were secretive, and one could always tell them apart from the fair-haired Nymphs of the Roseshire.

Kaleigh looked to his right at Lord Dakarai. He was looking at the flames with a thoughtful crease between his brows, as though trying to understand the loss. Lord Dakarai was handsome and impish, young and adventurous. His long brown hair was pulled back in a manner befitting his nobility, for he was a blue blooded royal Terra Nymph from the Greenshire, the land on the edge of the land, through the thick forest.  It was once said that Lord Dakarai had so much charm he could dicker with the God of Death and win ten more years on his life. Of course it didn’t hurt that he was dashingly good looking and charming, with his sparkling blue eyes that never seemed to be sombre or grey. He dressed as a noble would, in black satin breeches and royal blue velvet waistcoats. His white shirt cuffs were of the finest lace and his stock the softest silk.  He was Kaleigh’s personal favourite, and had been since they were children together, playing in the sprawling gardens of the palace. His people, the Terra Nymphs, were noted for their brown hair and green eyes, for their laughter and their music.

On the other side of the Lord Chancellor, was Lady Kirsika, looking down her nose as usual.

She was a petite woman, with a large hatred for Kaleigh for reasons unknown. Perhaps it was because Kaleigh was the next monarch and she was envious or perhaps because of Kaleigh's youth. Whatever the reason, Kaleigh couldn’t help but admit that Lady Kirsika was a stunning example of femininity.  She had skin of the softest shade of tan, and sweet dimples on each cheek when she smiled. With impish silvery-blue hair that was short and curled at the hairline and a youthful look that attracted men to give her soft, gentlemanly compliments of her features. It was the way her skin was flawless, the way it look so silken. In her soft velvet dresses, with their laced up fronts and ivory chemises underneath she was truly a Lady of the fashionable Rivershire tribe of Water Nymphs. Her bell sleeves were always the longest, and her slippers never soiled. Men would lay their very jackets upon a spot of unsavoury landscape if only to save her from dirt and gain her favour, only to be rewarded with a dismissive look from her brown eyes.

Beside Kaleigh, with golden eyes that sparkled with tears, stood the meek Lord Piotyr.

He was a man, who despite all attempts to be brave, spoke in stuttering, muttered sentences and fidgeted something terrible.  Regardless of his incoherent speech, he was handsome as any plain man could be. He had a certain look in his darkly framed eyes that gave away his kind hearted nature. It was a calming look, a look that informed all of his easygoing spirit and sharp will. His clothes, although always rumpled, were simple and always well worn. In his black pants a finger and a half too short revealing his white stockings and short black boots underneath, his plain black jacket with simple clasps, and a crisp white shirt underneath, he resembled a farmer more than a Lord of the Roseshire. Especially when he wore his wide brimmed black hat. Kaleigh loved the way his smile would tug at only one side of his mouth, pulling his ruby lips into a crooked grin. She loved how his dark red hair would fall into his eyes, giving him an endearing look of innocence. It was he whom she found most interesting; to be a Nymph from the shire known to produce war heroes and be as timid as he was, was surely an accomplishment at best.  But there was something more to him than met the eye. She knew he had a valiant mind when it came to his shire, or to the realm itself. That he would take up arms, if the need came, and fight alongside the warriors and knights of the realm. He was bravery, hidden under modesty, disguised as frailty. His warrior people of the Fire Nymph tribe were feared for their cold, calculating gazes that they could lay upon a victim with their sharp yellow eyes. They were the closest relatives of the Terra Nymphs, revered for their glossy red hair.

Then there was the quiet, but certainly venomous General Burgundy who stood to the right of Kaleigh, peering into the flames like a man disgusted by the smoke.

He was tall, as tall as the towering Lord Chancellor, but made more imposing by his shoulder width. He wore the uniform of the warriors, the dark blue double-breasted greatcoat and the straight-legged black pants. But unlike the common warrior he had an arrogance about him that betrayed his noble upbringing.  With his snow-white hair tugged back tightly with a black velvet tie, he looked the part of the perfect nobleman. He was tactical and quick to temper, pompous and arrogant. And when he stared down upon you, over the tip of his graceful nose with his cold ice blue eyes he struck a fear deep within, and it surrounded the heart with a thick blanket of ice. To be sure, he was not a man to trifle with. He was the proud warrior of the Frostshire, strangely named for a shire devoted to farming. Still, Kaleigh admitted to herself, he was handsome. Too handsome. His charm and his looks led many a young servant girl astray, but he was quiet about it. Using the secret passages to shuttle the girls in and out, while maintaining the appearance of propriety. She especially was smitten with the beauty mark that perched high up on his left cheekbone, near his eye. And his eyebrows rose whenever he spoke. As if he were mocking the person he was addressing, which he usually was, by treating them like children beneath his boots. His people were the tribe of Ice Nymphs, named for their silvery white hair and icy cold eyes.

Inhaling the tangy scent of burning flesh, she choked back a sob and turned her eyes away as she realized the death shroud had been reduced to ash and her father’s corpse, charred and blackened was slowly being burned away from her life before her very eyes.

She couldn’t do it. She wasn’t a Queen and there was no way they could make her fill her father’s throne. For they would tear away her boyish garb, breeches and knee high boots, to drape lavish purple velvet over her. They would pull her beautiful long butter coloured hair off of her face, binding it tightly up in the style of an older woman. She would be forced to become something she wasn’t.

She would be forced to grow up at only eighteen winters. Not that she wasn’t already grown; she just wasn't as mature as a Queen should be.

She wanted to pout, to scream, to shriek as loud as she could at the injustice. Instead she swallowed the urge and remained silent. For it was inevitable.

She would take the throne.

Chapter One: As a Young Queen

Kaleigh watched her Lady-In-Waiting bustle about and felt at ease with her new found solitude. Cara always seemed to do that to her, just the presence of the slightly older girl gave Kaleigh the feeling of warmth.

She watched as Cara brushed stray specks of dust from the white silk coronation gown, but her mind was wandering a different path. She knew that soon there would be a knock on her door, and her father’s Lord Chancellor would step in, bow to her for the first time and inform her of the meeting she was to attend before her crowning.

Her chest felt tight, and for a moment she had to force herself to breathe.

Cara smiled. “Would you like me to do your hair now, your Majesty?”

Kaleigh sighed. “Yes.”

As her silken hair was pulled back gently by her servant, Kaleigh sighed again. “Do you think I’ll be a good Queen, Cara?”

“I imagine so, your Majesty.” She replied playfully.

“Stop that.” Kaleigh said with a nervous grin.

Cara giggled.

“I’m serious, Cara, will I be good?” She looked at herself in the mirror. Her laughing blue eyes were wide and serious for the first time in her life, she had a feeling they’d never be playful again.

“You may have a rocky beginning, dear. But I think that you’ll be the greatest Queen to grace this realm in a thousand years.”

Kaleigh felt like rolling her eyes. “Right, I have Screaming Saryle to follow. Compared to her, I’m a white lily.”

They teased and joked while Cara finished her hair, and it continued while Kaleigh slipped into the coronation gown, the impending doom forgotten in the moments of safety in her chambers.

When the knock finally came she jumped with fright, and felt her body grow weak. Again she forced herself to breathe and waved at Cara to answer the door.

She climbed to her feet, trying to feign strength, as Cara moved aside for the Lord Chancellor.

His eyes swept the room and landed on her. For a moment he simply stared at her, his eyes grazing up and down her form, and then he blinked. “Your sash goes the other way, my child.” He had a voice like honey, deep enough to be quite masculine, but smooth enough to be melodic and soothing. She had come to love the sound of it, for it always meant safety and that things were under the careful control of the quiet Lord Chancellor.

She had always wished he wasn’t so solemn, but at that moment she wanted warmth in his eyes more than anything. Blushing, she quickly switched the direction of the deep purple sash, a sash that hadn’t been worn since her mother was alive. “I’m not a child anymore….apparently.” She smoothed her gown down, as his eyes took another polite journey over her.

He bowed his head ever so slightly. “Of course, my Lady. Cara, may we have a moment alone?” He asked after a pause.

Cara bowed low. “Yes, my Lord.”

They both watched as Cara left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Lord Rajahal turned his eyes back to Kaleigh. “You’re trembling like a leaf, my Lady.”

She eased herself down onto the bed behind her. “I’m terrified, Lord Rajahal.”

He blinked. “I’m not going to lie to you, my Lady. The people of this realm will not understand what you are going through, nor will anyone alive. You are completely alone in this.”

That was supposed to make her feel better, but now she wanted to curl up into a tight ball and cry.

“However,” he added in his mysterious tone, “I shall be here…to hold your hand if necessary.”

She gave a half laugh, half sob. “Would you really?”

With his stone serious face, he gracefully unfurled an open hand towards her. “I would.”

Taking a deep breath, she stood up and reached out to him, but pulled her hand back slightly. “I-is it wise?”

“To take my hand?” His voice was flat, no emotion in it at all.

She nodded.

“I’m not going to hurt you, my Lady. I could never hurt you.” It was softly spoken for him.

Biting her lip, she nodded decidedly and slipped her hand into his. “I’m ready.”

He paused before his free hand snaked out, smoothing an escaped strand of her hair into its place.

She looked up at him with her purely innocent eyes. “I’m going to miss wearing my hair down.” She confessed as they started for the door once more.

He opened it for her.

“It makes me feel restricted with it up.” She went on, grasping his hand and holding it high as she was taught to.

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. “Who says it must be worn up, my Lady?”

She frowned. “My mother wore hers up.”

“You are not your mother, my Lady.” He replied.

Again she bit her lip. “May we stop for a moment?”

He let go of her hand and stood by while she shook her hair free of it’s netting, letting the wavy butter coloured locks flow down to her waist. Then she beamed impishly at him.

He blinked back at her.

“I feel better already.” She stated, boldly taking his hand from his side. “I like my hair down.”

“As do I.”

She didn’t know how to respond to that, so she changed the subject smoothly. “Will I be a good Queen?”

Glancing at her, he gave her hand the slightest squeeze. “Do you doubt yourself?”

“The people liked my father very much, didn’t they?” Again she changed the subject.

He was very patient with her and answered her softly. “Most of them did, yes. But you can’t please everyone, my Lady.”

“Do you have any advice for me?” She asked one last question as they rounded the corner, leading to the long hall with the single door at the end.

“Look stern, speak softly, carry your head proudly, think before you act and never doubt your decision.”

She nodded. It sounded like very good advice. “Will you hold my hand until we reach the dais?”

His head bowed. “Of course, my Lady.”

Never had a simple walk been so hard for her.

She could feel the accusatory eyes burning into her back as she paraded past the members of court. They blamed her for being so young and naïve to the throne, they hated her already. Her soft hand tightened around the pale digits of the Lord Chancellor, and he reciprocated with picking up the speed a bit.

There wasn’t a breath taken as she climbed onto the throne platform, standing before the golden throne that was once her mother’s.

She was reluctant to release the Lord Chancellor’s hand, but his mouth twitched up ever so slightly, giving her both shock and courage. Pulling her hand free, she tried to figure out what to do with them; panicking quickly she tried to think of what her father would have done. So she clasped them before her, the right hand resting across the palm of her left, her thumbs fitting together in the sign of peace.

A whisper rippled through court.

She bit her lip and gave the court a worried glance. Perhaps she shouldn’t have done that. She turned her attention back to the Lord Chancellor, expecting a wordless reprimand that she had done something wrong.

Instead his usually detached eyes twinkled for a brief moment, before he addressed her.  “Princess Kaleigh of Devron, kneel.”

She did so, quite rigidly.

The sparkling, lace-like silver crown of her mother’s was brought forward by a page and placed in the hands of the Lord Chancellor. She tensed as it was held over her head, and then it was slowly lowered until she felt the slight weight of it.

The Lord Chancellor stepped back fluidly. “You may rise.” He whispered to her.

She did so.

“Lords and Ladies of court, I present to you Queen Kaleigh…the Peaceful.” He added.

The court bubbled with laughter.

She couldn’t help but beam as she went to bow to him, but he beat her to it, bowing so low that he was kneeling before her on one knee, his fist over his heart in a royal salute.

The rest of the court followed his suit.

And then, like that, she was Queen of Devron and all its realms. It couldn’t have been any simpler, Kaleigh was expecting enduring tests and obstacles, but all she got was a few words and a crown of silver.

It was a celebration such as she had never before seen.

There was music and dancing, jesters and jugglers, women in soft silks and men in firm velvets, Nymphs of the forest and Nymphs of the valley, Water Nymphs and Fire Nymphs, humans from beyond their realm and humans that had never seen anything but this realm.

The food was steaming and always plentiful, the chalices filled to the brim with sweet honey nectar and dandelion wine.

Beside her, on a plain wooden chair, on the floor and in the shadows, sat her Lord Chancellor. His loathing of the festivities showed in the scowl his eyes radiated, aimed towards the dancers and merrymakers.

She wanted nothing more than to leave the throne room and hide in her rooms for the rest of her life.

The swirling of the dresses on the dance floor made her nauseous and the heady scent of the perfume gave her a terrible headache.

Lord Dakarai bounded up the short steps and bowed before her. “Your Majesty, will you grace this humble servant with a dance?”

The room fell silent as the grave. Eyes stared up at them waiting for something to happen.

She looked into his beautiful green eyes and smiled ever so slightly. A woman could easily lie in those eyes for all eternity; they were just as green and as warm as spring. Quickly she glanced over at her Lord Chancellor.

He watched with guarded eyes, shaking his head once, telling her wordlessly that it wasn’t a wise decision.

She scowled at him. For some reason she wanted to be angry with him, as though it was his fault she was Queen before her time. Looking back at the handsome Lord Dakarai, she found him locked in an intense glare with the Lord Chancellor.

His attention returned as hers did.

“I’d like nothing more, my Lord.” She said pleasantly.

His face brightened once more, as he took her hand in his rough one and led her onto the dance floor.

It was immediately cleared as the Queen took to it.

The music began, and everything but Lord Dakarai melted into a grey blur.

Kaleigh smiled almost drunkenly as she swayed in her gown. “And he held me in his arms! I felt as glass, it was as though he were afraid to break me!”

Cara smiled serenely and tried to get the young Queen to stand still long enough for her to undo the buttons at the back of the white gown. “Lord Dakarai always seemed to like you best out of any of the girls of court. I could tell.”

Slumping down in the nearest chair, Kaleigh sighed. “Oh, but he’s handsome! For a moment I thought I was going to faint.”

“Then what happened?” Cara took the opportunity to tug the slippers from Kaleigh’s feet.

The Queen pouted. “Then Lord Rajahal stepped in and suggested it was time for the Queen to retire. He treats me like a child.”

“I don’t think they care much for each other.” Cara mused, plucking the string of pearls from her mistress’s graceful neck. “I could have sworn that their families have a deep blood grudge. I heard it from the kitchen girl…what is her name.”

“I think Lord Rajahal’s just a bore who won’t let anyone have any fun. If it wasn’t for Lord Dakarai asking me to dance, I would have died from boredom at the ceremony.” Kaleigh stood up and let the gown slip from her shoulders, landing in a heap at around her feet.

“I suppose that’s just Lord Rajahal’s way. He is, after all, from the Moonshire.” Cara said, picking the garment up and draping it over her arm. It seemed that was the best way to explain the odd behaviour of a Moonshire Nymph, to state that they were what they were and that was reason enough for their queer ways.

Kaleigh sighed again, slipping her white nightgown over her head. “I wish he wasn’t so cold all the time. I swear though, sometimes I see glimpses of a different man smouldering in those eyes of his. Like there’s an imp of some sort, screaming to escape.” She stated thoughtfully, biting on her lower lip.

Cara hung the gown over the mannequin and brushed invisible dust from it. “That’s Nymphs from the Moonshire for you. You never know what exactly they’re up to. Mysterious ones, they are.”

The Queen was about to retort, her mouth was open to do so, when a knock came to the door, softly and in a short cadence.

Kaleigh waved Cara on to answer the door and then watched as she said something to the visitor. Finally Cara stepped aside for the solemn Lord Rajahal.

He moved into the room swiftly, his robes whispering behind him. “Cara may we have a moment alone?” He inquired, staring at Kaleigh in his unnatural way.

Cara bowed. “Of course, my Lord.”

The door was closed, leaving Kaleigh lying sprawled on her bed and the Lord Chancellor to watch her.

The minutes passed in an uncomfortable silence.

Slowly Kaleigh moved from the bed to stand awkwardly in the middle of her chambers, her hands clasped before her.

“Your Majesty,” Rajahal finally began in a strained tone, “am I, or am I not your appointed advisor?”

Feeling the approaching storm, she worded herself clearly. “You are.”

She could tell he was fighting an inner urge to bellow, as a muscle in his jaw twitched. “Then do tell me, why it is you felt the need to go against my advice this evening?”

Kaleigh smiled, though it was out of bitter sarcasm. “Lord Rajahal, if you had been paying me any attention at all during the celebration, you would have noticed that I was on the verge of exploding from acute boredom. If you were any gentleman, you would have asked me to dance as well!”

He blinked. “Lord Dakarai -like yourself- is new to the ways of court. A virgin Queen, is in such a position of weakness, that a simple dance may result in a marriage that is completely unacceptable.”

“I’m far too young to marry.” She protested.

Lord Rajahal swept towards her quickly, grasping her brocade dressing gown on his way past her vanity. Stopping a mere hand’s width from her, he pulled the gown over her shoulders. “You’re far too young to be Queen as well, but here you are under the crown of our realm. You must understand, Your Majesty, things will be different for you now. You must hold yourself with decorum and honour in the presence of anyone other than Cara and myself, lest you find yourself in an unsavoury position or married to insalubrious characters.”

She levelled her chin out stubbornly. “Who are you to order me about? I danced with Lord Dakarai because he asked!”

At this he seemed to back down slightly. “As I said, Your Majesty, Lord Dakarai is new to court. He should know that asking a virgin Queen to dance is like taking her to his bed. There are serious repercussions in doing so.”

Kaleigh pulled the dressing gown tighter around herself. “Such as?”

“In three days time, you will have to announce the state of your relationship with Lord Dakarai.” He took a step back. “Think upon it, and choose well. Until then, trust me when I advise you, Your Majesty.”

She bowed her head, abashed.

“Before you say the inevitable, remember that you are Queen and shall not apologize for anything you do.” He then bowed low, his fist over his heart. “I take my leave of you, Your Majesty.”

She took an eager step forward. “Lord Rajahal? What shall I do now?”

He looked her over. “Lay low for a few days.”