Rachel promised me that when we were secure she’d instruct me how to sword fight.

We have been at it for a while, and I was excited to finally learn how to use this thing.

Rachel won most of the sparring matches between them, but I am getting much better than I was. Our swords clacked against each other as sweat dripped from my forehead. Even though I’m slender while Rachel is more muscularly built I think we both were more than a good match for each other. We don’t speak to each other as we train.

After a while, Rachel notices we were being observed. She whispered to me. We paid it no mind retaining our focus on each other.

I struck at an opening Rachel had inadvertently left open and she crumpled under the blow. She thrust up her hands and said, ”You win.”

“Good fight today Rachel.”

Rachel looked at me and said, “Good job now keep a brave face.”

I nodded. I put the sword away then turn to look at the people she spotted.

We saw a couple of knights standing in the corner. They had been surveying us for a while. Someone with them was dressed differently. In some kind of uniform, I could not recognize.

“I recognize that man. He’s the Queen’s messenger,” Rachel said as we walked towards them. I wonder what he wants.

The elegantly dressed messenger came forward and said, “Inka, you are summoned by Queen Ellen of Freymoor. You are expected without delay. I am to wait until you are ready to leave and bring you before her.”

I gulped and then nodded. As was anticipated, the queen knows exactly who I am. She knows what I possess. She must desire it back. Will I be punished? I hope I can explain myself. I look at Wolf. She doesn’t appear to be worried.

“Give me a few moments to get my things, and I will join you.”

The messenger nodded, and I went to my backpack.

Rachel follows me and says, “Don’t worry so much. If she wanted you dead, we both know you’d be dead.”

I smiled and said, “I guess you’re right.”

She nodded and said, “Soon you’ll be safe and I’ll be back to normal. Maybe I’ll even remember more about myself.”

I looked to her and said, “It’ll be odd now I’m used to seeing you this way.”

I laugh but she doesn’t. We gather our belongings then met the messenger back where he was lingering and followed him.

…

Four narrow, round towers reach twice the height of the next tallest building in this elegant castle and are connected by tall, vast walls made of a dark brownstone. A regular gate with massive wooden doors. It's the only way in. Carts, boxes, tents and various trade goods are stacked and packed outside the castle, ready to be sold. I had no time to rest they took me straight to the queen.

“She’s here your majesty,” the messenger said as the queen continued to write responses to the reports that had been coming in.

By Cristina Collazo