The Four Tales Read online

  A chill flickered through the camp. Simon noticed a few men shivered and pulled at their clothes, wondering if the cold would seep through. Knowing his father, the “one” Delano referred to, was involved in this story made him anxious to hear another version of the tale.

  “She was the young love of Prince Tritium. He was a brave lad and wanted to please his parents. However, he fell in love with a girl in the Kingdom of Dalry, and although it wasn't forbidden to love and marry someone from within our own kingdom, Queen Aster and King Agar had other plans for their son,” Delano paused.

  “Queen Aster spoke to Queen Siobhan and King Sullivan and brought Princess Arlyn from the West Kingdom here to meet her son.” He looked around the group. “They were to hold a ball in her honor.”

  “They said she was the prettiest princess in the kingdom!” another man called out.

  Delano nodded. “This ball turned into an engagement party because Prince Tritium took one look at Princess Arlyn and fell in love with her on sight. They say she was the fairest Princess of all time, and her heart was said to match her beauty.”

  Simon recalled the portrait of his mother in the great hall. She had been, and still was, beautiful. For a moment, Simon thought of Cassie. He imagined what it would be like if his mother were to meet Cassie. He suspected his mother and father would like her very much.

  The story also made him wonder what plans his father would have about his marriage. He was of age now. It was one of the reasons he had been preparing to return home from King Iver's kingdom. Would they allow him to choose, or would they choose for him?

  Delano's voice broke him from his thoughts and back to the legend. “The whole kingdom fell in love with Princess Arlyn. However, when Prince Tritium tried to explain his change of heart to the girl, she did not see it the same way. If he chose his Princess, then he would not only say goodbye to her, but he would have to face a curse.”

  “The king didn’t believe her?” Timmons asked.

  “No. Not one person had mentioned magic since the last war. When the magic the group had amassed exploded in on them, everyone believed it had been destroyed itself. The new government was formed, queens elected, and the world rebuilt,” Alasdair explained.

  “The girl claimed she would bring it back. No one believed her until the night a bright light burned the woods, and no one could explain it. She said she would enact a curse against our king, and she proved herself capable that night,” Delano added.

  “Yes, but it was more than two decades ago! Nothing has happened to give credence to her curse, if there was one!” one young man shouted.

  “Aye!” many men agreed.

  Delano was unmoved. He waited until they were finished and continued with his story, “The witch didn't say when the curse would be enacted. She only said it would haunt his descendants until the kingdom's destruction could be fulfilled with the stroke of midnight.”

  Taking a swig of water from his canteen, Delano looked around the group. “The prince talked the matter over with the king and his council of advisers. They all agreed to go on with the wedding to the princess. It would mean more to have such an alliance than worrying about a woman who was obviously grasping at straws. They didn’t believe anyone had magic anymore.”

  “The prince and princess announced their marriage.” Delano took a deep breath. “The prince tried to apologize and make amends to the girl. He offered to move her to another kingdom. She refused and told him to be prepared to suffer.”

  “He should have asked her what she meant!” a voice called out.

  “I think she made her intentions clear the evening she showed up on his doorstep,” Alasdair said.

  “She did,” Timmons added. “Delano?”

  “The night of the ball, my father saw the flash of light in the deep, south woods. It happened at the stroke of midnight. He was one of the only people, outside of a few of those at the ball, who saw it. The next day, the guards found blood along the whole fenced area of the castle,” Delano continued.

  “They never found out where the blood came from,” Alasdair interjected.

  “Tis true,” Delano said. “The day after, the witch came to their doorstep, she gave them a warning and told them they would find the woods blackened by fire. Each ashy stub would give them evidence of their coming destruction. It was in this very wood.”

  Subtle clearing of throats around the campfire erupted at this part. Many shifted once more. The air seemed to be charged.

  “To sum up her words, she said, 'You have lied, and this will be your curse. From this day forward, you must be prepared to live in fear. All the pieces will fit together and out of the ashes will rise your greatest, undefeated enemy. He will set fire to your kingdom.’”

  The group around the fire looked off into the woods. Some shifted to a defensive position. The rustle of the wind through the trees had a few bringing up their weapons. Captain Timmons sat up straighter.

  “She said, ‘You will go up in a blaze. No one will be able to save you. When death realizes its true form, you too shall realize your end. The end of the Kingdom of Dalry’,” Delano's voice trickled off at the end.

  No sound was heard. The birds seemed to have finished their squawking in the trees. The wind had stilled. Breaths rushed in and out.

  Finally, Delano finished his story. “The witch disappeared and was never seen or heard from again. The kingdom searched, but she had covered her tracks well. Her family, fearing retribution, left the area a few months later. People didn’t know if they were a part of her threats.”

  “Why didn’t they detain her family?” someone asked.

  “They didn’t want to put the family through any more needless pain, especially if they were innocent. However, they did keep them under surveillance from what I heard,” Alasdair said.

  “When nothing else happened, and she remained unfound, they forgot her curse,” Delano expounded. “They didn't believe, but now, here we are. Battle being waged over something as insignificant as a piece of the south lands. Why would any king decide to disrupt peace and bring our kingdoms into war? Perhaps, because the witch said it would occur.”

  “Why after so many years? Wouldn't it have made more sense if her curse had happened right after King Tritium married Queen Arlyn?” another man asked what they all were thinking.

  “I don’t know why. I just know how everything from the night of the ball in 2313 has felt different. I know what my grandfather saw. He told the family how blinding the light was. He always feared her words were true,” Delano answered.

  He coughed and cleared his throat as he shrugged. “Remember, she didn't say when, just that all the pieces would have to fit together. I wonder if they are fitting together now?”

  No one spoke for so long the squeal of a bird sent many men jumping. Simon found himself jerking. He had heard this story since childhood. The telling had been more of a history lesson than a story to scare a child. His grandparents had taken the curse very seriously.

  It was repeated and given thoughtful attention at first, but when nothing happened, his parents decided there was no cause to worry over a spiteful warning. They were not smug enough to ignore a threat. Although they were unsure of its truth, they wanted each generation to be prepared and to consider its possibility.

  Simon had not considered the curse a part of this war, hadn't crossed his mind until now. Since he had grown up knowing about it, he felt it more in terms of a fairytale than anything else. Now, it appeared he'd have to rethink his easy dismissal.

  Were they really seeing the legend come to pass?

  Some of the stories they'd heard since the war started would be explained if magic was involved.

  “I heard rumors from those close to the border patrol that King Tritium is offering to hold a ball in King Ammandon's honor to strike an accord. He is even going to invite all the single ladies of the kingdom in hopes of enticing King Ammandon into a treaty,” an older gentleman, Auggie, told them.

&n
bsp; Simon looked at Alasdair when he heard this. The older man's eyes were already upon him, as though he could hear the younger man's thoughts.

  All single ladies... Cassie. No.

  Their eyes held as talk continued.

  “I've heard the prince is on his way back with more men from King Iver. They are to reinforce the border, so hopefully no more of King Ammandon's men will break through,” Auggie admitted.

  “I hope the ball works. They say it will act as a Stay of Arms until a decision is reached. I don't want to lose any more men,” Timmons interjected.

  Simon's eyes jerked to Timmon's when he heard the leader speak of the prince.

  So, this is the what the prince is doing, huh?

  “I suppose time will tell if any of these rumors are truth. For this night, let us sleep and be prepared to move at dawn,” Timmons told them.

  They extinguished the campfire, tucked the leftovers of the evening meal away, and slid into their blankets. The night guards at post were silent as they watched for signs of the enemy.

  10

  Farview Country

  “Did you finish my laundry?” Petunia asked with a smirk.

  Cassie sighed and turned from the hot pot of water she was bent over in the back yard. She had been scrubbing out three loads of laundry for the last three hours. The largest number of clothes, primarily Petunia's, had been added to her stack.

  “Yes, Petunia. I'm washing the last few now.”

  “Good. And I'm getting hungry. Are you going to start supper soon?”

  “I had thought to do so. Of course, you're more than welcome to get it started if you’re so hungry.”

  Petunia's eyebrows descended over her eyes, and her lips pinched together. She looked a little like a picture of a shark Cassie had once seen.

  “Just finish quickly. Oh, and here's a thought, you may want to take a bath once you’ve finished. You look like a dirty hag, covered in soot. I heard there is to be a ball at Castle Dalry, and our invitation should arrive any day now. I don't want you opening the door looking like-- like a- a- a chimney! Ashes and cinder. It's disgusting.”

  “Well, if you would like to clean out the chimney next time, please don't hesitate to ask, Petunia. I would be grateful for the assistance.”

  Petunia took a step forward, and her hand reached up as though to slap Cassie. However, Cassie didn't move and dared her stepsister to hit her. Something checked her though, and Petunia dropped her hand and tilted her head with another smirk.

  “Not everyone can clean as well as you. It's almost as if you were made for a servant's role. I think you should get as much practice as possible. I'm sure your father would agree if he were here.”

  Cassie dropped the shirt she had been scrubbing with a loud splash. Some of the water flicked up and hit Petunia's pants.

  “Eww!” Petunia screeched and jumped back. “You did that on purpose!”

  “No, I didn't,” Cassie said even as her jaw clenched.

  “Disgusting!” Petunia screamed. “You just wait! Just wait, C-cc-Cinderash! Yes! Cinderash! That fits you perfectly, you nasty wretch! I'm going to change, and you can wash this too! I don't know why mother ever married your father. Grr!”

  With that last indistinguishable word, Petunia turned and flounced into the house.

  Sighing, Cassie sat back down on the stool and folded her hands on her lap. For a second, she'd been afraid she would be the one to hit Petunia.

  Spoiled brat, she thought. Why do I take this?

  She knew the answer, without hesitation, to her own question. Her father. He wouldn't be pleased if he heard she had hit Petunia, even under duress. Or even if it was deserved. Doing what she knew how to do best, Cassie picked the shirt back up and started scrubbing it with a little more vigor than before.

  Perhaps I'll find those dead tadpoles and create a soup tonight.

  Her lips pulled up at the right, and she fought the full-fledged grin at the consideration. The thought held an appeal she couldn't deny.

  Humming, thinking of just how to season the disgusting amphibians, a smile broke through. Leaning forward, Cassie scrubbed the dress a little harder and wondered if Simon would appreciate her idea. She suspected he just might, and she had to bite her lip to keep from laughing aloud.

  “What are you laughing about?” Aven’s voice came from behind her.

  Jumping, Cassie dropped the shirt for the third time. “Aven! What are you doing?”

  She glanced at the woods spreading out behind him. He walked up to her with a bow slung over his shoulder and an arrow spinning in his fingers.

  “I was hunting rabbits. I heard how you spoke to Petunia. Do you think it’s wise to anger her?”

  Cassie swallowed and kept her eyes on him as he approached. “I wasn’t trying to speak any certain way. Your mother should be home tonight. I’m sure after three days, the baby must have been safely delivered.”

  “Mrs. Kemyss enjoys my mother’s company,” Aven changed the subject. He twirled his arrow between the fingers of his left hand and shifted it to the right.

  Her eyes watched it flicker between his fingers and feared what he might do with it. Clearing her throat, she shrugged. Standing still, she waited for what else he had to say.

  “Have you ever considered what might happen if your father dies?” Aven questioned, his glance meeting hers before returning to his arrow.

  “What?” Cassie swallowed. Her fists curled, and she checked herself from hurling her body into his.

  “Just a question. I wondered if you realized we’d oversee your life here. This would be our mother’s home.”

  “It’s my father’s house!” Cassie argued. “It would go to me. It was given to his father by Queen Aileen when they started to rebuild this world. Your mother wouldn’t own it.”

  “I wouldn’t be too sure,” Aven raised his head and sauntered closer. “Also, I wouldn’t make any of us angry. Accidents happen all the time, Cassie.”

  He placed the arrow under her chin. Head frozen, Cassie watched his blue eyes. They were so much like Petunia’s in color and design. Right now, they held the same evil spark.

  “Do you understand my meaning?”

  “Yes,” Cassie whispered.

  “In fact, so many people die in war. I wouldn’t count on seeing your little friend either. Death isn’t selective, and I hear it’s very greedy. You should get used to being nicer to my sister, to us all. We have your fate in our hands, you know?”

  He scrapped the tip of the arrow under her chin. Cassie didn’t move. She didn’t even breathe. Her fear felt like another person trapped inside of her body and keeping it motionless.

  “Hmm?” he asked and pulled the weapon from her throat.

  “I understand you perfectly, Aven.”

  “Good. I’m so happy we had this tiny chat. It makes me feel thrilled inside to know you now see everything clearer. I’m going to go wash up. Have fun.” He nodded to the pile of clothes in the basket before strolling toward the house.

  His whistle reached her ears before he disappeared inside. Every threat he’d uttered made her want to scream. However, she grasped the full meaning of what he said.

  Bending and picking up a stick, which had fallen nearby, she threw it with every ounce of her strength and wished she could have thrown it at his head instead.

  “If only I was braver. Tadpoles in their soup won’t fix this,” Cassie muttered.

  She’d never considered the possibility of her father’s death. She hadn’t wanted to contemplate it.

  “How do I survive if he dies?” she questioned.

  Around the yard, birds chirped. The sun began inching toward the west. A gust of wind blew the clothes she’d already hung on the line.

  The shadows in the woods stood out to her. She imagined the enemy slipping through and killing her. Cassie shook her head.

  “Don’t get maudlin. The enemy is inside your own home,” she whispered.

  Her body turned from the woods to th
e house. She might be safer in the woods than there. If she had to escape, she would. Even if it meant losing her home, she wasn’t going to be their slave.

  “Why do they hate me so much? I wish..” she let her thoughts trail off and sighed.

  There was no use worrying over imaginary friendships. She wished Aven and Petunia would have come into her house willing to be friends. Neither had seemed to want that, though, and she hadn’t wanted a new family herself.

  “Maybe if I had done things differently?” she wondered aloud. “Still, I know what I must do if father dies. I’ll escape from here. It’s the only way.”

  Resolution filled her, and she turned back to the wash. For now, she would carry on as always. Later, she would find the tadpoles and make a plan of escape.

  Scrubbing at the shirt in her hands, Cassie prayed she’d have the courage to leave when it was time.

  11

  Tyree Forest

  “Alasdair?” Simon whispered.

  The old man didn’t bat an eyelash. He was out cold. Simon decided not to wake him but remained still and listened to the world around him.

  He wasn't sure what had awoken him, but he knew he’d heard something. Simon was on his feet and sliding through the woods looking for a guard or the enemy or whatever the noise had been. Both knives were at the ready as he slid on silent feet through the underbrush.

  He hadn't made it far before he spotted the bright light. It only lit the sky for seconds, like an electrical storm. For a moment, he couldn't look in its direction. He couldn't see. It was so blinding, he crouched down and hugged his legs to get his bearings.

  By the time the light faded, Simon jumped to his feet and turned back to camp. He’d seen the light coming from its general direction, and fear shoved down his throat and made his stomach revolt. It reminded him of the light Delano had spoken of hours earlier.

  “No, no, no, no, no,” he chanted.

  Terrified to call out and alert the enemy, he ran for all he was worth, zig-zagging through the trees. He hadn't gone far, but it felt like forever getting back. He was almost there when he tripped over something.