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Cyfar
By: Kodo Teal

CHRONICLE ONE:
SHIAK’SE


I stood on the rickety bridge, terrified. A leather-bird swung low, missing me by a few feet. The rest of the group had already gone forward, urging me along.

Even though I was deathly afraid of heights, they had convinced me to cross. Father had said it to be childish to be afraid of such things as heights and snakes, but I couldn’t help it. In my opinion, it’s human to have fears; but then again, I’m a female, and females don’t usually have opinions where I’m from. We are only good for a few things; breeding, laboring, cooking, and most importantly, bartering. At least Father was good enough to me and my mother to talk freely with us. I could tell Father was disappointed I wasn’t male, though. He often told me to ‘buck and bare it’ as though I were.
“Shiak’se!” He called, “you must hurry! The leather-birds will catch you!”
I looked over at him, worry etched into his dark tanned face. I glanced back to the other side, a very long way away, and found I had gone further than I thought. Just as I looked back, Father’s near-black eyes shot up in horror. Everyone was shouting at me to hurry, but I couldn’t hear them. Huge wings flapped above me, the beast threatening to catch me up and carry me away. As I started running, I felt a rush of air behind me as it grabbed the empty air.
This made me run harder, causing the bridge to shake violently. I stumbled, clenching my eyes tight so I wouldn’t watch myself fall to the shadowy bottom of the abyss. As I fell, however, I could feel myself being lifted toward my father and the others. It seemed I was being carried to safe ground, and set gently on the cool shaded grass.
I opened my eyes and saw father looking over me.
“Shiak’se, are you alright?” He asked.
I nodded.
“Good. Let’s go.”

We quickly moved west, away from the desert and toward our ally, King Zreidel. King Zreidel, before known as Zreidel the Great, gave half the land he conquered back to its formal ruler as a peace offering. Hifjil, the previous king, gladly accepted. Many people in Sambar, now known as the ‘Salty Lake Province’ were glad to have a leader who gave respect to his enemy after a war. It showed charisma and generosity, which was needed when a new person came to lead.
The reason we were on our way to King Zreidel was because he had a young son, and I, being the chieftain’s only child, was to marry him. I was to live with him, and his ways were to be adapted throughout our clan. Part of his dowry to me was to go to my family, and mine to him was our two most prized possessions; a tamed saber-toothed tiger named Ghiva, and an heirloom that was to be given to each chieftain’s first-born son at the age of manhood- a flawless red pearl the size of a man’s fist, which we called Sa’alrec.


CHRONICLE TWO:
A TURN FOR THE WORST


As we continued our journey, bad things started to happen to us. The first thing was that Ghiva became terribly sick. It was late one night, when I heard Ghiva moan a tiger’s moan. I grew up around her, so I knew when she was hurt. I jumped up immediately and went over to where she had been tied for the night. Lying on her side, she slit her golden eyes open enough to see.
She moaned again, this time her stomach heaving. Gently I laid a hand on her side, soothing her with soft words. When I was sure she was a bit comfortable, I ran to Father calling for his help. He was awake immediately, asking what was wrong.
“It’s Ghiva,” I told him, “she’s sick. It doesn’t look good.”
Father ran over to Ghiva’s caretaker, an old man by name of Sidrake, who hobbled over to her. She opened her eyes slowly when she heard him, her golden eyes wide with wonder. Sidrake knelt down, cooing to her, stroking her face and neck, while with the other hand he reached inside his his robe for a bottle with an unknown yellow substance. He popped off the cork with his last three teeth, then, with his free hand, he opened the wide mouth of the feline, all the while being extremely watchful of her two long razor sharp teeth. He spoke to her in an indecipherable language, making her relax, then poured the substance down her long, pink throat. After a while, when Ghiva had relaxed totally, her chest slowly moved in and out with shallow breaths.
“Sidrake, what did you give her?” Father asked.
The old man looked up from his sitting place and answered in the old language, “C’nu faiw qaff ofqoz’x faku awxaju off ir ex. C’nu cadu nox lidu riz ex ci diezw c’nu Juoj owj Lufuyzocu c’nu Fakawb.” (The Lion will always live inside all of us. The time has come to mourn the Dead and celebrate the Living.)
Then, in our slang, he said, “This may be the antidote for her sickness. She’s had the illness for a long while now, yet the effects haven’t shown until now. The medicine will either kill her or cure, but the ultimate decision is up to the One.”
“You mean she may end up dead anyway? We cannot allow that, Sidrake! She must be in perfect health for the King!”
“As I have said, the ultimate decision is up to the One.”
By this time the entire village was up now, gathered around the old man and the tiger, awe-struck by the powerful words he spoke.
Ghiva didn’t die that night, and we were so very glad. If she had, then my wedding to the prince would have been off. One of the conditions was that the cat would be fine and healthy, and her getting sick was not a good sign.
We thought it was over, but our troubles had unknowingly just begun. The next night, a wild dog sulked into our camp and stole off with one of our youngest, a seven month old boy named Zeke. Our watchdogs were at the head of the camp, and there were no winds to carry a scent. The stray crept into the campgrounds, unnoticed, and grabbed the baby by the neck, killing him instantly. This is how we thought he had died, because we later found his mutilated body parts spread everywhere. The worst of it was that not all the pieces were there. Zeke’s mother, my mother’s sister, cried for days on end.
On the third day, huge storm clouds built up on the western horizon, quickly developing into a major thunderstorm. We did manage to get to higher ground before the flooding began, but despite our best efforts, nearly everything was swept away.
On day five, when the storm finally let up, we had nothing left except a few tents and our very small group of animals. Luckily Ghiva survived as well. Also that day, a large group of bandits came through and raided our camp, stealing everything they could get their grisly hands on.
We were trying to determine how we were to keep continuing our journey with such few items when our dogs began barking. All of us turned at once and saw the group coming toward us. They were dirty, uncivilized, unruly, and had no manners to speak of. They came through quickly and did their awful deeds quicker. There were about seventy-five of them, and a couple hundred of us, but they had weapons, technique, and rest. We had only two things; our fists, and our vast majority. Don’t forget our weapons had been washed away. The men brought us down fairly quickly, slaying many men and women. They showed no mercy to the children or elderly.
Unfortunately I seemed to have caught the eye of their leader, because the largest of the dirty, foul stenched men came over to me and threw me to the ground. I tried to stand, but my legs were too weak. I was tired, hungry, and couldn’t do much to ward him off. I did back up, but he slung his arm across my face, sending pain through my jaw. When I looked back, to my horror he was unstrapping his loin cover. I tried my best to get up and run, but the man was too strong. He pushed me down again and threatened me with his knife. I had no choice. But even if I was stuck, I wasn’t going down without a fight. I brought my foot up hard between his legs, causing him to shout in agony. However, this only outraged him more. He hit me again, this time bringing blood to my mouth. I tried to squirm away, but with little effort. He managed to cut my thigh so I wouldn’t move it, then lowered himself over me. I braced myself, not really knowing what he was about to do, but had a strange feeling it would hurt just the same. He grunted and murmured things to me in his language I didn’t understand, his foul breath making me gag; and pain seared through my petite body many times before he was satisfied. I was silently crying with my eyes shut, trying not to give him the satisfaction of a true victory over me. As I opened them again, I saw him walk calmly away to raid another tent. Unfortunately, the man’s comrades had seen what he had done and began after the other women.
After a moment or two I got up and limped over to a tent that had already been raided. I stepped inside and found cushions were torn, water canisters emptied, and in the middle lay Sidrake in a bloodied mess, his possessions misplaced. I did manage to find a flask with a bit of water in it and proceeded to clean myself as best I could. I tore a piece of cloth from the tent for my leg and bound it tightly, and another longer piece for my abdomen which I bound around. Though I was still bleeding only a little when I finished, the pain was almost overbearing. But as a dedicated member to my family and tribe, others came first. I quickly placed a blanket over the old body of our lion tamer, storyteller and musician and said a hurried prayer.
Afterwards I snuck outside, still sniffling, to see the leader of those bandits holding Father up by his collar speaking in a thick accent in our slang. “Vheres is its?” He asked, no; demanded. “I knovs yous haves some kinds of vealths. Alls yous filthy groups haves its! Vhell? Tells us vheres it is!” He shook Father violently, his meaty knuckles growing whiter with anger.
Luckily Sa’alrec was buried in a hilltop nearby. Father did not give in, and shouted something to the man perhaps I shouldn’t repeat. I had never heard him curse before, so winced as he screamed at him. Father then spat in his left eye, showing the utmost disrespect to him and his band of thieves. They had almost killed Father, beating him so badly. Then they left suddenly when they did not find out what they wanted. However they did leave their mark on us by beating the rest of our men and raping the remainder of our women.
We had approximately eighty-five left of us out of a rough estimate of two hundred and ten. Somehow Ghiva managed to survive the entire ordeal, and Sa’alrec was out of harm’s way. Our healer, Fina, and I cared for the badly wounded. One woman was beaten so badly she had to walk with a big stick to support her for the rest of her days.
I told no one of what had happened to me, for fear of what Father might say. I did tell Fina, however, after all she is the medicine woman of our camp. She told me not to stress too much, and not to do much walking, as it might make the wound worse.
“Why did it hurt so badly?” I asked when we were alone and she had examined me. “Usually I can tolerate pain, but this- this was horrible!” I spat at the ground to emphasize my words.
“The pain inflicted on you (and the rest of us women) may scar you for life. But- I think that you shouldn’t tell anyone that this has happened; especially to your new husband.”
I took that to mean that it would hurt on my wedding night. Oh, how I loathed men!
The burying of the dead delayed us several days, but when Father was better, we packed what little we had and picked up the pace. On the eleventh day, the day we were expected to arrive in T’las, we were three days behind and counting. However, because we had so few people and items to carry, we arrived in T’las in just a couple of days when ordinarily it would have taken us at least seven or eight.
But, some of our tribe didn’t wish to continue as they were convinced that bad omens had been placed on us before our journey west. They wanted desperately to turn back, but Father reassured them that we would continue, and our lives would get better. I’m not sure how, but he managed to convince them. I, however, was not so easily swayed.


CHRONICLE THREE:
THE KING AND HIS SON


When we arrived, the whole town was in an uproar for our coming. Children waved, women danced, men cheered. Royal guards dressed all in red and yellow escorted us to the castle, the grandest building I had ever seen.
Gray stone towered above us, with parapets surrounding the rounded corners of the defenses. Armored soldiers walked back and forth across the rook-shaped defense. As we entered the main gates, I noticed the flag of T’las. The banner was a deep maroon with two yellow slanted lines in the lower left-hand corner, while a man in armor fought a wingless dragon with a sword. I turned to my mother and asked, “Why does the man fight the dragon? Has he no respect for animals?”
She replied, “Though these people may not respect nature as we do, perhaps he is defending himself.”
I looked back at the flag. The wingless dragon didn’t seem to be in attack.
After we entered the gates, there was still a long way to go, up the mountain. Apparently the outer fortress surrounded a lot more than we had anticipated. It went around huge gardens and very organized military buildings situated between the other fortress and inner one of the castle. The second wall was taller and surrounded by a moat, but it was undeniable the castle was beyond it.
As we went through, a rider came galloping up to my father followed by two saddled horses with no riders. He announced himself to Father in a respectable manner by getting off his horse, removing his cap and bowing, telling father his name. “The Prince has issued for his future bride and her father to ride our most noble steeds to his humble abode. “
Mother raised her eyebrows at me. “Perhaps you were wrong about them, Shiak'se. You thought he would be rude and stuck-up. It seems you may have judged too quickly. As had said before- not all royalty are bad. You know what the king did and how fair he was to the people of the land.” She winked then motioned for me to follow Father.
I walked up to the bay mare intended for for me, and noticed the saddle only had one stirrup, with a loop near the top, which I quickly presumed was for my other foot. Father helped me up, being careful my pant-skirt was straightened out properly. He looked up and smiled, and I smiled back before he proceeded to his own horse and mounted.
Father and the rider rode ahead, me following and trying hard to balance myself and not look like a fool who never rode a horse before. It was all I could do not to throw my leg over the other side and gallop ahead. After me, though, was Mother, then the rest of our caravan.
I could hear Father ahead speaking in low tones with the man, making small-talk, I presumed, for the man responded in two or three word answers.
After a quarter of an hour, the gate of the second wall lowered down over the moat as a crossing-bridge. After we passed the next stone wall, the first thing that caught my eye was the castle itself. It was on a hilltop, with spires and domes and parapets. Moss and vines covered several of the walls, while high windows overlooked a huge lake to the south-western side of the kingdom. It had to be the Salty Lake, for which the place was named after. The city of T'las (named after the royal family) extended down to the lake, with its dirty streets and crowded buildings.
The castle itself was huge, even for being as far away as it was from the town. In this area where we were currently, however, instead of military housing it was a city by itself; apparently for the barons and
and counts and dukes. Perfectly trimmed houses decorated the scene in the most orderly fashion. Each house had its own garden of vegetables and flowers, and in each yard was an individualized shrub sculpture. There was a lion, an elephant, a dragon, a horse, and what appeared to be some creature with longs arms and large ears with a long tail that curled around a piece of longfruit.
When we reached the main castle gates, the rider with father dismounted and handed his horse off to a paige. Father was about to do the same, but he stopped him.
“Sir, you are to ride inside the gates to the door. The royal family will greet you there. I am not to accompany you.”
My eyes couldn't help but travel up where the top of the arc was of the gates, seeing words carved up there that I couldn't read. They were Latin letters, words of the Ancients. I later found it said “Amor Vincit Amonia In Saecula Saeculorum”. It meant, 'Love Conquers All; Forever and Ever'. The castle itself towered above us, sending shadows through the entire east side of the kingdom.
Ahead of us were a handful of people dressed in the fanciest attire. One man, obviously the king, was ahead of the rest, with scarlet robes and a jewel-encrusted crown on his head. He had a beard that covered most of his face, the same flaxen color as his headhair, but with tinges of white, showing he was aging. A very attractive woman stood behind him with a small smile that seemed to smirk at me, and the lightest hair swept up behind her head with a delicate crown with emeralds and diamonds in it. Her dress was long and graceful, with corresponding patterns of yellow and green that intertwined with slender silver vines. Another man stood next to her, whom of which I presumed to be my future husband. I suppose he was handsome for a prince, but I didn't think he would be what you would call 'my type'. He had blond hair like his mother, eyes the color of a cloudless sky, and a smile that would make my mother blush crimson every time she saw it.
The Prince's attire was a sleeveless velvet red tunic overtunic with black diamonds that reminded me of a deadly snake. His shirt was cream colored with ruffles at the cuffs and collar. He wore straight black velvet trousers that were tucked into perfectly shined black knee-high boots.
As we arrived in front of the family, a paige came up immediately to receive our horses. Father swung off with ease, sliding to the ground with a low thump. I waited for him to help me off my horse, my 'training' (taught by my expert mother) kicking in. I held my hand out to Father, who took it in his own and helped me down. I hadn't realized how high up I was until I hit the ground. I swayed a bit, leaning against him. He bent his head quickly and said, “Be careful. I don't want them thinking I have a z'tulk for a daughter.”
King Zreidel walked gallantly over to Father, pumping his hand hard. “How wonderful it is to meet you at last! We're all very excited about the wedding- her majesty won't stop talking about the arrangements!” He smiled wide, showing white teeth that gleamed in the early evening sun.
Next was my father's turn to speak. He bowed low, showing respect to the man. “Yes, your majesty. And might I say how- lovely your home is.. and how exciting it is to finally be standing here.” I could tell that he was referring to our troubles in the plains, and I stared at the ground, shivering at the sudden memories, despite the warm weather. But Father smiled, and for the first time I noticed his teeth weren't so white. Or as straight.
“Yes, and- this must be your lovely Shiak'se!” The king stepped forward and looked over me, as though I were a horse being sold at market. For the first time, I felt open, as though someone had pulled out my insides in front of everyone before letting me see. I became aware of my height, only four feet and six inches, aware of my carefully brushed and braided black wavy hair that went past my waist and toward my knees, aware of my dark skin that so matched my fathers, and aware of my blue suit that was my best, but compared to the Queen's was mere rags.
The king towered over me by at least two feet. If I stood on tip-toe, I wouldn't have been able to see over the top of his shoulders. It made me feel small, but I did not waver. I curtsied low, bowing my head at the same time. I had practiced doing this so many times my knees cracked a little.
“Well then!” He smiled wide. “'Tis a pleasure, lady Shiak'se” He bowed in return then looked over at my mother. “Ma'am.” He then looked to the prince. “This is my son and heir, Feiven. And this is my queen, Norea.”
The lady curtsied without cracking anything and the young man stepped forward. Like his father, he towered over me, but I curtsied again and nearly kicked myself for my knees made that horrible noise again. I put out my hand anyway and the prince took it, his warm soft hand gently accepting my own dark calloused one and kissed the tip of it very lightly on the top. “You have the most lovely gray eyes, Shik-say.” He whispered low, looking directly into them. He then straightened and kissed Mother's hand as well. That was the first time I'd ever seen her blush such a deep shade of scarlet. It was then he bowed to Father.
This was not the customs of the tribes to greet the women first, or at all if they weren't closely related to the chieftain, but Father kept his mouth shut and his face slightly grimaced and irritated. Then he surprised both Mother and I. He went to the Queen and bowed low. She smiled sweetly and offered her hand. He kissed it lightly as Prince Feivan had done.
“Now!" The king said. “Let us go inside and have the merriments begin! But you've been traveling for so long. You must be terribly exhausted. Your quarters have been arranged.” Clapping his hands, several women all dressed in the same uniform appeared and helped us inside. One of the younger ones came to me and offered her hand.
“If I may, ma'am.” She inquired. I put out my hand as though to greet her, but she shook her head. “No, ma'am. Your possessions.” Mother handed them to me. It was just a small sack. The young maid carried them for me and motioned for me to follow. We went inside the doors and a magnificent sight beheld my eyes.
All around the foyer on the walls were beautiful pictures painted of ladies and men and lakes and one- of Prince Feivan, sword in hand, fighting, not defending, the wingless dragon just as in the flag. I stood there agape for a moment before the maid ushered me forward. Ahead up on a high stone wall were stained glass windows casting red and blue and yellow all over the huge room. I didn't get a good look at the picture itself, but I did glimpse a few outlines of tall buildings and people sitting on birds. In the past, stories were told of the ancients and how they traveled by huge shining birds from continent to continent. I had never thought too much about it, but for some reason that the thought of people flying on birds was rather amusing. However, soon I noticed the girl that was leading me to my room was suddenly very far ahead. Running up, I walked next to her and began to ask her questions.
“What's your name, miss?”
“I am your chambermaid, ma'am. My name is Fresca.” She replied.
“I'm Shiak'se. But I'm sure you already know a lot about me already.”
“Yes, ma'am. The king and his son-,” I noticed a slight pause here as she raised a hand to her mouth- “have told us all about your coming.”
Fresca said nothing more after that. I wondered what the pause was for.. and it seemed she had blushed a little, too. Shrugging it off, I followed her up a grand staircase, down a hallway with lush carpets and beautiful paintings, then through a great exchange room with large cathedral windows with a skylight and a fountain in the middle. Several staircases and about five hallways emptied into this room, and many servants went to and fro, along with a few dignitaries, which of whom I presumed to be guests. It then dawned on me that only three people were actually living here full time, except for perhaps the kings advisors, and maybe a few of the queens dignitaries. This huge palace for only a small handful of people. I wondered how many of the Sambarian royalty lived here when they were in charge. Knowing People of the Plains, perhaps the entire Sambarian name, even distantly related, lived here. A sudden chill went through my spine as I took a step closer to Fresca.
“How do you know your way around here so easily, seeing as King Zreidel only captured this land so recently?” I asked, casting a gaze up toward her.
A shadow fell on her face as she replied with a tinge of sadness in her light voice, “Oh, ma'am. I've lived here all my life. I know where everything is.” She must have been at least twenty-five.
My eyes widened. “So- you're Sambarian?”
“Yes, ma'am.”
I felt my heart nearly stop.


CHRONICLE FOUR:
A FESTIVLE AND A KISS


After that she led me up one of those grand staircases and down another hall. At the end was a beautifully carved wooden door with a bronze latch. Fresca opened it and led me inside.
"Here is your room, madame. If you need me, there is a string there you can pull. Your wardrobe is already full, and there are fresh fruit on the table. The King does wish for you to join him for the evening meal to celebrate the arrival of your family. The meal will be in three hours, enought ime for you to freshen up. Here are your things, madame. Goodbye." Fresca quickly set my sack down on the fruit table and left just as fast. I thought I heard reluctance in her voice, though I couldn't be too sure.
Looking around my new room, I gazed open-mouthed at all the lovely things inside. It was magnificant! A bay window was cracked open, letting in some fresh air. I went over to it and opened it all the way. A breeze went over my face and body as if telling me that it was the beginning of summer. The sun was almost lowered to the horizon, the blue changing from purple to pink and red to yellow all across the sky. Hardly a cloud littered it; but the heavens revealed its starry lights one by one to the world beneath, guiding the deceased back Home.
I went out on the small balcony to soak it all in. The land stretched out to the horizon and I could see the city below go out to the Lake. It was breathtaking.
As was custom and belief with my people, a few minutes after the sun disappeared from sight, I said a prayer. I sat on my ankles faing opposite the sunset and folded my hands inward toward my chest. Then, in our old languge I said, "Ci off iv owz q'ni nuarx, hefuoxu rivmaku dez divcof xawx owj olluic q'noc maaj A diz pevawm cidivviq. Ci c'nu Iwu, Odduw." (To all or any who hears, please forgive my mortal sins and accept what good I may bring tomorrow. To the One, Ammen.)
Afterward I stood up and finished looking around. The room was divided in two, a large doorway leading into the sitting room where in the center was a round table with soft velvet covered chairs faced outward from it. My eyes followed the pillar at the side of the wall up to the ceiling. There was a painting of clouds and birds all across it. In the next area of the room wa the bed. A large stone fireplace was across from the bed, but because it was the beginning of summer, the shield was in front of it. While I did grow up in tents my whole life, I did know a bit about these 'civilized' things, due to my mother. Her own mother was born in a place like similar to this, with large, shiny things with fancy names and such, and when she was about fifteen married a Plains man. She taught her daughter things, and in turn, Mother taught me these things a well.
A wardrobe was situated on the long wall in front of me. Next to it was a stand with a pitcher of clean water in it. I had never seen such clear water before. Everything- everything was so incredible- amazing! Overwhelming, for sure. The size of my room alone had to be the size of one of our family tents! I felt myself turning in circles. This was it; my family would now live in luxury. No more hunting, or being hunted. We could live peaceful, happy, lives.
Just then a knock came to my door. "Ah!" I stopped spinning and spun the other way a couple times to stop the dizzy spells. "Yes, who is it?" I asked, smoothing out my skirts.
"It's me, Fresca, Madame." Came a soft-voiced reply.
"Come in." I said.
The young dark-haired woman entered with a silver tray of tea. "I- I am to help you ready for tonight's supper." She busied herself with making me a cup of tea after that and hardly said a word as she lit candles around my room and walked over to the wardrobe. I watched, interested, as she opened the doors to it and began shifting through some dresses. Being used to trunks and cloth bags to carry around my clothing, I found it surprising that each dress was hanging from wooden sticks that swung loosely from a long wooden bar. As she looked in there for a dress for me to wear, I began to wonder about her. If she's Sambarian, how many of the other servants were, as well? What about their king? Was he, also, sent to servitude to the new king that now rules over their land?
Just as I opened my mouth to speak, Fresca turned around and held up a lavish green dress with a low bust line. "This will match your eyes perfectly, Madame."
'No one would look to my eyes.' I thought to myself as I eyed the low-cut dress. But, I held it up to myself anyway and faced the mirror by the washtand. In the reflection a girl stared back at me, the same black hair, gray eyes, and dark skin. She was short, too short, maybe; and when examined closely one could see a scar on her chin from when she got into a fight with one of her cousins a couple of years ago. It was noticeable. I wished I could wash it off like a piece of dirt.
But, the dress didn't seem to match me anyway. My small breasts would fall out of it much too easily. I went over to the wardrobe and fished through it, looking for something. Pinks, yellows, greens and whites; all too bright. Lace, frill, velvets, delicate embroidery, all too fancy. As I was about to give up hope, a dark piece of fabric caught my eye. I pushed the other clothes aside and saw what I was looking for. A brown dress with short bell sleeves and buttons that went from my neck all the way down to the floor. It went straight down to my ankles. I held it to myself and said, "Well?"
"Oh, it- it's beautiful! But- Madame, that's a travelling coat."
"..." I was silent as I looked down at it. Then, I shrugged. "Oh well. I like this one."
"Eh.. Well, the Prince will have no reason to look anywhere else in the room! It suits you well, I mean."
I wasn't quite sure what to make of that, so I nodded.
"But first, we must get you cleaned up. Here." She took the dress from me and laid it on the bed then guided me over to the washbin and started trying to pull off my blue 'dress'.
I smiled sheepishly as I untied the shirt. She then realized it was two pieces. The 'skirt' was actually very large pants that first tied in the front, then the back.
When it was finally off, she very carefully set my blue clothes next to the brown dress. I noticed how my selfmade clothes seemed dull and flat next to the thickness of the 'simple' travelling coat. When I was naked, Fresca undid my hair and I heard a gasp from her as it tumbled all the way to the floor. "Madame! Your hair is so long! I don't know what I will be able to do with it- it's so thick and heavy!" As she brushed the full length of it out, she kept complimenting it and ran her hands over it.
I felt my face turn a bit pink from all her ooing and awwing over me. I tucked my face down a bit as I took a soft damp scented towel and started rubbing myself with it. "Usually I- I just wrap it in a bun. And- please, call me Shiak'se."
"Oh- alright. Shiak'se. Let me see about your hair then."
After an hour I was clean and dressed, to Fresca's satisfaction. I had ended up with my hair pulled back into two tightly braided buns while long pieces hung over my ears. She had applied some makeup to my face, exclaming it was very popular to do so. It made my face itch, and I looked like a fake version of myself.
"Now, we're ready." She declared, looking me over one last time.
"But I believe we still have another half hour." I had learned a long time ago how to read the time from the melting of candles.
"You are to meet your family in the third Exhange Hall. Do you remember where the fountain is and the halls and stairways lead to it?"
I nodded.
"Good." She ushered me out and blew out the candles except one, which she carried with her. She guided me down the hall toward the first staircase we had come up on.
"Fresca?" I asked, pulling up my too-long skirts to keep up with her.
"Yes, Ma- Shiak'se?" She kept looking forward.
"Are you- former King Hifjil's daughter?"
She stopped in her tracks.
"Fresca?" I turned and looked back at her. Her head was down. "What is it?"
"My king is Zreidel."
I was expecting her to say more, but when she didn't say anything I stepped forward and leaned my head in a bit, hoping to get a better look at her shadowed face. "But, your last name is Sambar. So I only thought that maybe-"
"I said my king is Zreidel!" She looked up at me quickly, and when the small candle flickered its light across her face, I saw her eyes were teared. "That is all I know." She continued walking and said nothing else. I didn't push her.
Once we arrived at the Exchange Hall, Fresca turned abruptly and walked away. I'd hoped I hadn't upset her too much. I stood still for awhile before continuing on.
"Ah!" That was my mother's voice. "Shiak'se, you look so beautiful!" She came up to me, the lit torches on the Exchange Hall making her glow. She was wearing a frilled pink dress with short sleeves that seemed too small for her while her hair- her hair was cut. Short and tightly curled, it bounced when she moved her head. "How do I look?" She spun in a circle for me, her sides making the dress bulge while her curls bounced with her head bobbing as she spoke. "I'm so thrilled! I can't wait to sit with the Queen!" She was already walking that way as I found my father, wearing his best overcoat and his hair greased and pulled back with a leather strap. He looked quite handsome, I thought, though I knew compared against the King and his son, he would look like a peasant.
Sighing heavily, he fell in step with me. I noticed then the deep line set in his brow. I knew he wasn't happy about mother's unnatural behaviour. "She seems happy." He said slowly, keeping his eyes forward.
"I know." This was the life she'd always wanted. Since her mother told her about delicate, feminine things, it was all she ever wanted. I understood that now. "Father?" I asked, looking up at him.
"Yes?" His sharp dark eyes looked toward me.
"Are we safe here?"
He stopped, which made me stop.
"Father?"
"You've felt it too?"
I nodded.
"I don't know. Something about this place makes feel uneasy."
"Me as well." Though we hadn't had any idea the real weight behind our instincts.
"What's holding you two back? Let us go and eat!" Mother had trotted back to us, an excited look on her face.
"We are coming, Mother." I said and tried to smile. Father saw that and he, too, tried to smile. For the sake of of the King, and our tribe. We had to show our strength, not our weakness. But, King Zreidel had done many things for this kingdom since he came into power. He conquered this land fairly, and under the circumstances, King Hifjil gave his position up for the new king. Zreidel gave part of the land back, he allowed the people to have their name, and their people. It was a peaceful exchange. However, after awhile I did start to think about living here permanently, but a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach failed to go away. The tall passageways may have been something to get used to, along with the enclosed feeling as though we were caged birds. But, if these people did it, why couldn't we?
I glanced at mother constantly throughout the walk. Between her new personality, father's embarrassed glare at her, and the weird feeling in my gut, by the time we arrived in the dinner hall, I wasn't even hungry. I just wanted to crawl into my sleepsack, cover my head up, and hum myself to sleep.

---

I sat at the long oak table with my back straight and a small smile plastered fakely unto my face. I looked at each person as they spoke, and politely tried to sip my wine. But, it tasted foul and the food was no better. I couldn't eat but two bites throughout the whole meal. Prince Feivan stared at me the entire time, his crisp, judging blue eyes boring holes into my head. I don't remember everything that was said, as it was mostly a blur. But I do remember Queen Norea; her high laugh and her insistancy on talking during Father's stories. The look on his face showed he was fed up with this. He wanted to leave, to get moving again. He was a true Plainsman. He wanted nothing more than to move his family where things made sense and women knew their place. The other thing I remember was how Mother tried to copy the queen's manner, and how she mimicked her laugh. I could almost see Father standing suddenly and ordering Mother back to her room. But- this was a different place than the Plains. This was in someone's home, and we were their guests. He would have to deal with Mother later.
"Miss Shi- Shik-say?" It was the first time Feivan addressed me, and my head turned quickly to face him.
"Y- yes, your majesty?" I felt my face turn slightly pink when I realized someone was talking to me. He probably thought I was trying to be dainty.
He grinned. "You have such a lovely smile. I see where you got it from." He held his wine glass toward Mother.
Mother, suddenly having all eyes on her, turned bright red with embarrassment (more like excitement) and laughed just as the queen had. "Hee hee hee! Why thank you kind sir, you are so polite to say so." She looked away bashfully.
"I'm glad you approve, Prince." I nodded once.
"Please, Shik-say. Call me Feivan." He grinned with those perfectly white teeth that would always make mother melt.
My eyes narrowed as he mispronounced my name again. "Then please, call me Shee-ak-seh." I tried to smile prettily as I elongated the vowels in my name.
"Of course. Such an.. exotic name; it's quite fitting."
"It means Thundering Cloud." Father's voice was slight monotone, but the way he said it made me realize in that moment that he wanted nothing more than to leave. Despite everything going on, he wanted to go back to living like nomads again. The way he said those last two words and how his voice caught for just a second, I knew he missed the freedoms of moving place to place, doing whatever he wished.
The rest of the table went quiet and I sat still for a moment staring at my full plate.
"Still; quite fitting, I must say." Feivan grinned again, this time out of slight humility. I wanted to smile in success, but I hadn't said anything.
"You must show your new bride accross the grounds tomorrow, Feivan." Norea looked from me to him with her wide pretty green eyes.
"Of course. Nothing would make me happier." He stared at me through that whole sentence. For some reason, I didn't want to be alone with him. But I smiled sweetly and pretended to sip my wine.

After dinner, we were invited to dance in the courtyard; our people showing one of our traditional dances followed by the T'las custom dance.
The first dance of the Anifawksy started with a single person- me- in the middle of the grounds, my hands raised to the sky along with my head. I was representing the first of the tribes to have emerged from the Ruins of Deeci and Niye; ancient civilizations of histories we will never know. With my eyes closed, I slowly spun in a circle while drumbeats created a smooth rhythm. The people were happy to see sunlight again. When I heard the soft 'chang' of cymbals, I opened my eyes; and whoever I saw first would be the one I invited into my dance. The people rejoiced, and took each other in their arms. As I opened my eyes, I paused. I saw only a steel blue gaze boring into my soul.
I walked up to Prince Feivan, synching my hips and shoulders with every step to the beat. His eyes never wavered from me as I approached, and lifted his hand when I offered mine. I could have sworn he was smirking at me, but in reality this meant nothing. We were only dancing, that's all. I wondered- did people in the Salty Lake Province take the art to a literal- more sensual level? I decided not to think about this, for I needed to concentrate on what I was doing. I couldn't mess this up, not now. I was in the middle of a story; and I would NOT show myself as a fool to these people.
Feivan's palm was raised as mine was, almost touching. We circled each other as strangers do in meeting; seeing of the other was hunter, or hunted. When the ancients emerged from their ruined cities, they had no idea how to cope with life- or each other. Every new person and thing might be a threat to them; or a friend. I took a step closer to Feivan, leaning my face near his as he lowered his head near to mine. He was doing well in following for his first time dancing our traditional dance.
His warm, slightly minty breath cascaded unto my face and I think I was supposed to be enticed by it, but I wasn't. His eyes were staring right into mine; those clear blue pools of what I'm sure any other woman would have melted right into had no effect on me, what so ever.
"Shiak'se." His voice was smooth as cream as he said my name.
"Yes, Feivan?" I asked in responce, raising a brow.
"You've stopped dancing."
I had? Glancing around quickly, I realized that the music had stopped and everyone was staring at me. I flushed in frustration. I forgot my next step! I had known that dance for eight years and I actually forgot what I was supposed to to do next! I qiuckly looked pleadingly toward my mother. She nodded and took father's hand in her own and walked out next to Feivan and they continued where I had so absent-mindedly left off.
The Prince guided me back to the edge, eyeing my parents. "So. Do you often get lost one's gaze?"
I blushed in embarrassment for about the fourth time that night. Crossing my arms, I replied, "Do you often try to suck one's being into your soul?"
He blinked down at me in surprise. So he wasn't expecting me to be rebellious. I had an upper hand now.
"Only the ones that have captured my heart, love." He was eyeing me carefully with warm eyes.
I felt my face turn several shades of red at his comment; from frustration, embarrassment, and a mix of other things. It was after that I realized I didn't have much of a choice then. I would spending the rest of my life with this man as my husband, my mate, so flirting wouldn't get us, or rather- him, very far. I looked back up at him and smiled a little, letting him know he had won. He didn't have to have my heart before he took me; I had no choice. I was trapped as a wild bird in a cage and our families were the bars. "Of course." I smiled up at him as he was leaning down in the process. Perhaps his intent was was to kiss my cheek, or turn my head and kiss me proper; I'll never know, or think twice later on. But- in that instant his lips touched mine and for the second time in my life I had a man's mouth on mine. I wanted to scream in panic, but I couldn't move.
"Ah- I- My apologies, Shiak'se. That was inappropriate of me." For the first time, I saw his face was red.


CHRONICLE FIVE:
ETIQUETTES AND REALIZATIONS

As the days went by, I learned alot about proper manners and how things 'should' be done by us women rather than what I been taught. Instead of hauling things and doing work, I learned that women were supposed to dress in fine clothing and look pretty and do embroidery and drink tea from small cups and raise my little finger out as I sipped from them. During the day I was taught how to speak like them; how to read, write, walk, even eat like them; eating with my hands was very improper.
At night, sometimes, Prince Feivan would sneak me notes and I would meet him in the library where he taught me how to play one of the oldest games known to man (so he claimed); chess. each person was assigned either a white or black army of wooden men set on a checkered board. There were the smaller armies of Pawns, then there were the people of the castle such as Rook, Bishop, Knight, King, and Queen. He laughed when I asked where was the prince. Once I got used to the moves of each piece (the Bishop was my favorite) I found I could beat Feivan. He claimed that no one would play with him because they got bored with it because they lost, and if I was found playing it at all, I would get a good speech of threat from the Tutor and his his mother on how women shouldn't play such trivial games. I grinned when he told me this. I liked doing things that would risk getting me in trouble; I always had.
"So." He asked one night when we were playing one of our games. "What are you most afraid of?" He moved his Knight, taking out my Rook.
"Uhm. Snakes. And heights." I shivered a little. He saw my shiver.
"Is that all?"
I nodded, blushing slightly. However, there was a third thing. I moved my Bishop to kill his Knight.
"I have a feeling.. you have a third fear?" He took out my Bishop with his other Knight. I was in Check.
I looked up quickly at him. "I- no- uhm.." I looked back to the board and kept my head down as I took his Knight with my Queen. He was in check now.
"Are you afraid.. of failure?" He moved his pawn and killed my Queen.
I swallowed. "No." I moved my other Rook toward his King.
"Of.. me?" His Bishop took my Rook.
"Yes." I whispered as my King inched out of hiding.
"Why's that?" His Queen moved from behind a pawn, placing me in check again.
"Because. You-" I inhaled as I thought about it. "You are a prince. You have power that I cannot imagine. You are in control, and can do whatever you like. I- don't know if you'd ever use that against me." I swallowed a lump of a lie in my throat.
He smiled in relief as his eyes warmed on me. "I wouldn't. You should know by know that I care for you. I really do. In reality.. I thought you would be a bit- wild." I blinked at him on that last word. Wild? Really? "I'm greatful to learn that you are more human that I thought. And I'm glad for that." He smiled at me, and for the first time, I melted a little inside. "It's your turn, Shiak'se." He leaned back in his chair.
"Oh." I stared at the board, not really paying attention to it. "What are you afraid of?" I mindlessly moved my King again, and I heard him laugh. "What?" I looked up at him.
"Check Mate." He moved his Queen in front of my King.
My hand hit my head as I swore in my slang. "Kuffe!"
He laughed again, harder, bringing tears to his eyes. "Honestly.. I don't think I've ever met a woman quite like you, Shiak'se." He looked at me and grinned. "You are one of a kind."
My face flushed.
"It's too bad we can't get married tomorrow, hm?" His eyes twinkled.
"Ho- how far away is that, anyway?" I swallowed. I was in no hurry.
He inhaled and sighed. "About a week. The thought of seeing you in that white dress really.. really makes me want to hurry this up."
My eyes widened a little as I thought about what else that could possibly mean. Thoughts flashed in my head as I recalled my past with those bandits that had raided our camp and I shivered again, closing my eyes.
"Shiak'se? What's wrong?" Feivan was setting the board again so no one suspected anyone had been there.
"No- nothing!" I sat staring at the board for a moment before standing quickly and heading toward the door.
"Shiak'se, wait!" Feivan followed quickly after and caught my arm before I could reach the door. "Please, tell me what's wrong. You can trust me, you know that."
I looked up into his blue eyes and I gave in. "I.. I thought you were being.. p- perverted." I looked down.
He giggled as he brought me close to his chest, rather his stomach because of his height, and held me to him. "You are very innocent, Shiak'se. Very innocent. But if it bothers you so much, I won't speak of any such things until after the marriage."
Was I really innocent? I didn't think so. I just didn't like being thought of as someone's plaything. "Please." I inhaled his perfume and closed my eyes. His warmth was welcoming.
"Very well." His arms were around me, and I felt, for a moment, the feeling at the pit of my stomach disappear. I was falling asleep. I thought I heard him laugh softly as he lifted me into his arms.

---

The next morning I awoke to the bustling of Fresca as she was murmering to herself. She was doing something in my room, and it was bothering my sleep. I was having such a nice dream, too. "Mh.. Fresca, please let me sleep." I turned over and covered my head with my blankets.
"Ma'am! Please get up, everyone's been talking!"
I opened my eyes slowly and turned my head to look at her. She didn't call me "ma'am" unless there was someone else in there as well. "What's going on?" I then saw my future mother-in-law standing nearby. "Ah! You- your majesty.." I hung my head as if to bow.
"Oh please, child. It's just us." The queen seemed to ignore Fresca and walked gracefully toward my bed where she sat on the edge. "But- I heard rumors that my son was seen sneaking off to his room with a girl in his arms last night. Can you tell me anything of that?" She looked at me with earnest green eyes. "You know you can tell me anything. I want you to trust me, Shiak'se. I don't want to be your enemy." She stroked my knee through the coverlet. It was then I noticed I wasn't in my sleepsack.
"I don't know, really. I was in my room all night."
"Don't lie. I know when someone's lying to me, dear." Her eyes squinted at me.
I swallowed. I didn't want to lie. But, those nights, when it was Feivan and I, it seemed precious to me. I glanced at Fresca for help. "Well, I-"
"It was me, my Lady." Fresca piped up, her head down and her hands held in front of her. "I apologize!" I stared at her, dumbfounded.
"You?" Norea turned to look at the servant. "Why? You know it's Shiak'se he's marrying!"
"Yes your majesty, I'm sorry! I- I told him that I would sleep with him if he'd stay away from the ma'am. I didn't want him to take her too early- sometime's the lust of men can overtake their-" She was cut off as the queen smacked her across the face. "Ah!" Fresca sank to the floor, a hand on her face.
"Now you're lying to me, and the prince cannot be found!"
I gasped. "What? What's happened?"
"That's just it, girl. No one knows where he is."
I jumped up and dressed quickly, ignoring that the queen was there. I silently prayed for Fresca to forgive me for that, and I tied my hair up in a bun and ran for the door. I didn't notice the queen's smirk behind me.
I ran out into the halls and the first place I searched was the library. Apart from a couple of old scholars and a few servants, no one was there. Next I went to Feivan's room. His bed was made. I didn't know if someone had made it this morning or the morning before. I looked under the bed; it was clean. I checked in his privy; spotless. Then I checked his wardrobe. It was messy. Maybe he didn't want anyone going through it. I moved some clothes aside from the bottom and a piece of paper was there. Picking it up, I read, "Come to the center of the hedge maze. Beware the Thorns; you will know what I am afraid of. - P.F." Did he leave this for me? He must have. He made reference to our coversation from the night before. He knew I'd see this! I stuffed the paper into my pocket and I turned quickly, seeing Norea appear at the door.
"Nothing, then? His room has already been searched."
"N- No. Nothing. I'll look elsewhere."
"Let the servants do it. You should come down for breakfast, dear."
"In awhile. I'm meeting my father now, so I'll be down later."
"Hm. Alright then." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she let me pass. I hoped she didn't see the look of worry on my face.
I ran down the stairs and toward the servant's entrance. The basement was especially for them, it had their rooms and the kitchen, and the cleaning stations; everything was placed perfectly for when things needed to be done. I ran past some of them, and they pretended to ignore me. I went to the door to the outside and opened it qiuckly. Running up a small flight of stairs I looked out as stableboy was leading a horse away. "Boy!" I ran forward and grabbed for his arm. He looked at me suddenly, pulling his cap down a little over his eyes. He wasn't much taller than I, and had very dark skin.
"What?"
His accent was somewhat familiar, but I had other things to worry about. "Where's the hedgemaze?"
"That way." He pointed.
"Thank you!" I ran past him, into the direction he pointed. I needed to find Feivan. I felt something was wrong; that feeling in the pit of my stomach had come back. Once I arrived, I searched the front for an opening. It was near a large tree, I should have looked there first. Entering, the first thing I noticed was how dark it was. The hedges towered over me, at least twice the height of Prince Feivan, but I could still see the towers of the castle when I looked that direction. I just had to keep it to my back, I figured. I was heading toward the center of the maze, after all. However, despite my best efforts, I got lost very quickly. I found many dead ends and wrong turns. I was getting scared now. There was no telling how long I was in there, and I couldn't hear anything except my own heavy breathing. How long had it been since I'd had a good run? I had an idea then. Cupping my hands around my mouth, I called out for him. "Feivan! Prince Feivan, where are you?" No answer. I called again, but all I heard was a chirping bird. Sighing, I rested my head against the wall of the hedge. "Where the hell are you?" I said in slang. I missed speaking in my language. I missed open spaces, and racing horses against Father. Looking up to the sky I whispered, "Please let me find him." Closing my eyes, I put my hand on the wall of leaves and started walking. Maybe if I kept to a side I would find my way; it seemed logical.
Walking further and further in, the sun slowly crept higher in the sky, and my stomach rumbled. Grumbling to myself, I turned another corner and got a wiff of something quite fragrant. Opening my eyes, I was looking directly into a bright red rose. "Ah!" I backed up a step and looked around. This part of the maze was covered in fully bloomed roses. I hoped I was getting closer. Pulling Feivan's note out of my pocket, I read it again. "Beware the Thorns, he said. Capital T?" I glanced around again. The stems of the roses had thorns, I saw that, but why the capital T? Walking again, the fragrance of the roses became stronger and stronger. I was becoming a bit dizzy. I had to hold my breath. Finally, finally, I turned a last corner, and there, in the center of a large area that was raised, was a statue of a man; holding his sword up, slaying the wingless dragon.
I could breathe easier now, but as I walked toward the statue, a feeling of uneasiness washed over me. Something wasn't right. There were no sounds, no wind, no birds. Nothing moved. There were no clouds above, and the sun bore unto my back. Stepping toward the statue, I called out. "Feivan?" Walking around it, I saw a pair boots laying on their side. They were his, I was sure of it. Rushing forward, I saw the rest of his clothes, strung out on the ground as though he had carelessly took them off. "Feivan!" I then noticed an open hole on the ground, near the statue. It lead into the earth. My eyebrows went together as I walked forward and slowly looked into it. Sone steps led down into an empty, dark, passageway. I wish I had a torch.
Stepping into unto the first step, I pulled up my skirts and walked down slowly. It was instantly cooler, and the smell of fresh water and moss met my nostrils. My slippers were already wet to my feet; I took them off and set them aside. My feet could handle this. As I walked downward into the darkness, my eyes adjusted a bit and I could see a little of what was down there. This here had to be pre-T'as. The T'lasians hadn't been here long enough to make something like this and already have it falling apart. Unless it was natural; though I doubted, because the floors were marbled and the walls were carved. I was afraid to say anything aloud because I might disturb the old and ancient peace. I walked inward, the darkness accepting to my eyes now, and I could make out where I was going. I wasn't sure if it was the right direction, but I was curious about these man-made caves.
However, a movement caught my eye and I hid behind a pillar. I had forgotten how long I was there for.
"Ooh to thee, my fair and wonderous lady. How was it that I should have ever thought of you as nothing but fair?" It was Feivan's voice; he was singing to himself. "If you ever see me as anything but as I may seem, please do let me know; I would wish nothing but the truth from my fair and wonderous lady." Something splashed and he shook his head- I could hear him making vocal noises as he did so.
Creeping a little from behind the pillar, I saw him, waist-up, standing in a pool of water. Overhead, beams of light strung through cracks in the ceiling. I wondered what was overhead. I had stepped out, about to call to him, when he spoke.
"Ah.. that feels so good.." His back was turned to me.
I looked back at him and I saw something move from the water; a head appeared, then a full body. A very.. veluptuous body. My eyes widened as I wondered about Fresca's words from earlier about keeping his lust in check or something.
"Mh. My Lord, please do the same to me."
I frowned. This woman actually wanted him to touch her?
"Of course, my Queen." He leaned down and was kissing her neck to her chest.
I felt a bit of bile push up from my stomach to my throat and I turned away quickly, my back leaning against the pillar. I thought that note was for me!
"Mh.. my Lord, please touch me here."
I was going to be sick. Firstly, I couldn't believe any sane female woman would WANT to be touched by a man in that- way, and second, I couldn't believe that Feivan could do this! I thought he and I- I thought we were- I closed my eyes as I felt hot tears run down my face. How could I compare to that woman? She had large breasts, she was tall, she had a small waist- everything I didn't have. And what a voice. I couldn't make myself sound like that if I tried. Sliding down, I rested my forehead on my knees and wrapped my arms around them. What had I led myself to believe? I was a plaything to him. He didn't love me.
"So.. what is my Lord afraid of?" I heard the woman speak in her sultry voice.
My eyes widened as I strained to hear his responce.
"I am afraid.. of losing you." A bit of a tease was heard in the last word.
"I'm serious! What are you afraid of? You never show fear."
"Mh." He was silent a moment. "I suppose.. I'm afraid of losing my kingdom. My father fought long and hard to get it; and the previous leader- whatever his name was, gave us hell on terms. He threatened us, but- in the end, we got it."
"I see. So you'd do anything to keep it?"
"Yes. Anything. It's important to me."
"Hmm. So headstrong. I like that."
I couldn't believe he talked about the previous king like that. Hifjil was a good man, we had heard many good stories about him. But, I sensed he was keeping something to himself.
"What about that little Thorn you're always around? She seems to really think you like her." My ears twitched.
"Who? Shiak'se? She's.. nice. Can catch you off guard, if you're not careful."
"Hmp. Not like I'm going to be around her any time soon."
"Well. She is my future wife, you know."
"Uhg! That Thorn is nothing but; a thorn in our sides."
So that's what a Thorn was. Me and my people.
"Don't say that. They're not all bad."
"I can't stand it anymore! I just want to be with you, my love."
"Mh."
I swallowed. So he was going to have a mistress. Me for a political front and this woman as his real love. Suddenly, I needed fresh air. I stood and ran back the way I had come, not stopping for breath. I ran back up the stairs and out into the open. I inhaled deeply and looked down at his clothes. I had an idea then. I scooped up his clothes and carried them with me. But- I had no idea where I was going. I looked around and saw the different openings back into the maze. Picking one at random, I ran for it and kept running. I pressed his soft shirt to my nose and inhaled deeply. His sweet scent met my nostrils and I let myself cry a bit into them. Finally looking up, I ran again, this certain pathway having no openings, I noticed. Just a turning passageway that went right, left, right, right, left again- I was getting confused. Weren't mazes supposed to have choices to take so you get lost? But no matter- by the time I emerged it must have been straight noon. My stomach rumbled loudly and I squeezed Feivan's now wrinkled clothes to my chest. I wasn't sure where I had come out to. The castle stood in front of me, but it must have been the back. A long building stood there as well, and the smell of dung and hay wafted toward me. Stables, of course. Walking forward, I looked around and saw a pen with chickens and across from it another pen with pigs. The ground was well walked on, and hoof prints criss-crossed each other on the ground.
Walking forward, I glanced up and saw that no large windows were on this side of the castle. A few were at the rounded corners, stairwells, I presumed, but the rest was gray stone. At ground level was a single large wooden door that was opening. It startled me; I had to hide, I was carrying Feivan's clothes! Running as fast as I could, I went into the barn and looked around. A pathway went straight that held stalls on either side while a pathway went to the left as well. Taking this path, I ran in and looked up and to the right. There was a ladder leading up to a higher level. I bolted for it as I heard someone enter behind me. Climbing the ladder felt a bit awkward, I hadn't done it before. But at the top I dived behind a stack of hay and pushed Feivan's clothes into a barrel. Panting heavily, I kneeled down and leaned back, resting against something that was warm and moved when I touched it.
"Ah!" I turned quickly, grabbing for my knife at my belt- but it wasn't there. I held up my hands instead. "What are you doing here?!" My eyes were wide.
"I could ask you the same thing." It was a young man, not much older than Feivan, but his skin was dark and his eyes were sharp, and he had long, black hair pulled into a ponytail and stuffed down the back of his shirt. He was sitting like father used to, with his legs crossed and smoking a long pipe. I didn't recognize him.
"I- none of your business! Do you know who I am?" I lifted my head a little.
He shrugged. "A girl in a dirty dress?"
"I'm going to be your princess, give me some respect!"
He frowned at me, almost as though he would laugh. "With an additude like that that, you must be royalty. Though from your looks, I would swear you were a Plainswoman."
I squinted. "You wouldn't know about that."
"Would I?" His eyebrows raised as he inhaled on his pipe. I missed the smell of burning tobacco.
"We are proud and not anything like you! We don't scoop poop after animals!"
"But you lower yourselves to marry into a Y'deruts?" A Y'deruts was a family who had a permanent home; it wasn't a good term for someone.
"What are you talking about? You're just a stableboy!" I crossed my arms at him.
"Stubborn girl." He finished his pipe and set it on his pack.
Looking down, I saw that he had made a small area for himself up here, as though he had just got there. "You're not.. from here, are you?"
He shook his head. "How observant."
"Well- I'm Shiak'se." I offered my hand to him the way I was taught by my Tutor.
He stared at it as though it were a rotting carcas. "You certainly don't act like a plainswoman."
He was rude! I smacked him in the face then moved to stand. "How dare you-!"
He grabbed me suddenly and held me down, covering my mouth with his hand. Panic raced through my veins as my eyes widened. "MHH!"
"Shh!" He stared into my eyes but didn't move. "Someone's coming." He whispered softly.

TO BE CONTINUED