Minslethrate finally began to become whole again… The people of Minslethrate began to live their lives in peace, going about their everyday business in a state of happiness… Every day was just a normal day.
And so our story begins…
The time is now that the kingdom shall be stirred and the earth will be shaken.
Undisturbed and sleeping, the land of Minslethrate was about to be awakened by a forbidden and dark power that had long been forgotten—a quiet and hidden ancient evil which lurked in flesh upon the Golden Lands…
CHAPTER 2
Princess Marrisa
The sun was barely up, making the dark-blue sky look strangely beautiful. The clouds had flecks of dark-red and orange, illuminating off of the mountains on the silhouetted horizon. Cool air came in through the large doorway which opened out to a balcony, overlooking the kingdom of Minslethrate. The beautiful but eerie sky of the early morning made the courtyard of the castle and village beyond look dark and gloomy. Long scarlet colored satin curtains that hung in the large arched entryway fluttered in the early morning breeze, looking like clots of dancing blood that were caught up into the air. Silhouettes of leaves from vines that grew around the balcony danced in the breeze, as well as two huge potted rose bushes that grew on either side of the balcony.
Marrisa stood before the massive threshold of the balcony, staring out into the world beyond—lost in thought. The cool breezes of the morning felt good against her body. Her long red wavy hair fell below her bosoms and down her back, and her long white night gown fluttered in the breeze. She looked angelic, like a being of light.
That day was her sixteenth birthday, and the first day of the rest of her life as a woman. That day was supposed to be a happy day, a great day that would involve lavish gifts and full attention, ending in a great feast and a grand ball that would be held in her honor. But to Marrisa, that day was a day of great change, and change she did not want. It was her last day as a free person in Minslethrate, to do whatever she wanted with her friends, to love whoever she wanted, and to just be—free.
Before the great feast she would meet her future husband whom she had been betrothed to since birth, for the very first time. After the great feast there would be a royal ball, then they would be introduced to the courtiers and everyone else associated with the royal family as the new king and queen of a whole other kingdom that she didn’t even care about. Then bright and early the very next morning they would be off to that kingdom to be married—and that is where she would live for the rest of her life. Marrisa didn’t know what kind of people lived in that kingdom; she didn’t even know what kind of husband she would have. All Marrisa knew was that Prince Phillip was from a whole other country, a rather large kingdom by the name of Ishkar. She didn’t even know if they spoke the same language! That day was the day she had been dreading, for a very long time. Marrisa knew that the day would come, but instead of coping with it emotionally, she had been pushing it in the back of her mind, and now that it was there, she thought it was insufferable.
Marrisa wrapped her arms tightly around her bosoms as shivers went down her back. The early morning breeze made the opened room chilly and filled with the scent of the outside air, which was actually pleasing to her even though she grew cold. She walked to the bathing room of her chamber which was not too much smaller than her actual room. An opened arch-doorway led to it.
Her bathing room consisted of a bathtub, a large washing basin that sat on top of a tall standing table, a large standing mirror and a small wooden vanity that had a smaller mirror on it; along with candles, a hairbrush and other things a young maiden might need. With the candles unlit, the room barely had any light. A small window above the commode on the far wall let in as much light as the early morning would allow.
She walked into the small room, wishing that hot water was ready for her in the tub. Lilith usually had the water ready for her every day when she woke up in the morning, with a lovely breakfast waiting for her when she was done bathing. She would miss that too even though she was not too fond of Lilith. She wanted to fetch Lilith to start her morning routines, but decided to leave her alone. The bright sun would be peaking out over the mountains soon anyways.
That morning was different; she woke up way earlier than normal because of the anxiety that lingered in her heart and soul. Marrisa stood in front of the mirror, studying herself from head to toe. She imagined herself as being a queen over a totally different county. She tilted her head slightly, still looking into the mirror, wondering if anyone in Ishkar had red hair. Her long red curls were lovely as they hung just below her bosoms. Her clear blue eyes pierced into her own reflection as she began to think even more, but not of what she would be gaining as a queen, but of what she would be losing as a princess…and she hated what she would be losing. Marrisa detested the fact that she wouldn’t see her father or the people of Minlesthrate anymore. She also couldn’t stand how she would probably never see her sister-like friend, Natalia, ever again or even Tairren for that matter…
†††
Marrisa and Natalia were of the same age and had known each other since they were small children. As young children they would always run and skip through the halls of the great castle or sneak out into the courtyard to play. Lady Natalia was a courtier and belonged to the Ducre’ family. The noble family consisted of noblewoman, Lady Christianne, and lord Fernund. Natalia and her family would always attend every party, dinner, and social event that was hosted by the king. Marrisa and Natalia were always together; even so when they met Tairren for the first time.
Tairren was a couple of years older than both Marrisa and Natalia. He wasn’t part of the aristocracy of Minslethrate, but only a common boy. Tairren and his mother, Moral, owned a small shop in the marketplace of Minslethrate. They sold all kinds of trinkets, fresh herbs and natural remedies, as well as things like fresh honey and preserves and even natural spring water all the way from Haifen Springs from across the land of Minslethrate. Their shop wasn’t a big shop like some of the other entrepreneur’s, but a small quaint little tent with a wooden frame and a large piece of fabric that hung over the top. They made just enough money to buy food, if they didn’t get it from the land, and cheap fabric to make their clothes with.
Tairren and Moral lived in a small little cottage in the Forest Province that was built by Tairren’s father. As a child, Tairren did everything his father did. He learned everything from his father, everything dealing with nature, hunting, and The Holy Father of Light. He showed him what was edible that God put on the earth and what wasn’t. Tairren was also taught how to fish and how to clean them afterwards. During each lesson Tairren’s father would tell him many stories and legends, some true and others too outrageous to even be true. He also learned how to read and write from his father, the Book of Light being the first book he had ever read.
Tairren’s father taught him so much, but everything changed when he was twelve years old. Tairren’s father died from an accident in the woods when he was that age, leaving him as the man of the house.
Tairren wasn’t as social as his mother or anyone else for that matter. He would always be found either in the marketplace, town square, or in the forests, continuing where his father left off, or just expanding his knowledge of the great outdoors even more.
On much of his time Tairren would be found resting under the trees or by the fountains playing his wooden flute in the town square.
And that is where Marrisa and Natalia met Tairren for the first time when they were carefree adolescents—in the town square. Tairren was sitting beneath a tree eating an apple and reading an old looking book, while Marrisa and Natalia spotted him while shopping for new brooches. The two girls were accompanied by three handmaidens, two of them were Marrisa’s: Lilith and Katrinka, and the other was Natalia’s, who was called Sora…
†††
Marrisa smiled as tears began to form in her blue eyes. Her mind drifted away even more as she thought of Tairre
n. She still remembered everything so clearly. She remembered being amazed at how well Tairren knew how to read, considering that he was a young peasant boy.
†††
Her and Natalia had just purchased new brooches and were moving on to the next shop when she noticed a dark-haired boy reading beneath a flowering tree. She noticed the small, thick book he was reading, and how old it looked…
“What are you reading boy?” asked Marrisa.
She noticed how surprised he looked as he peered up at her, realizing who she was. His face was fresh and handsome, shy and humble. He stood up quickly and bowed down to her. She remembered that her and Natalia giggled, covering their mouths so not to embarrass him. She also remembered the looks of disapproval that the handmaidens had on their plane faces, because of her talking to a peasant boy.
Strangely, Lilith stood a little ways away, covering her mouth and holding her stomach as if she were sick. Marrisa never understood why she never went near Tairren that afternoon, or any time after that...
“What is your name boy?” Marrisa asked, still smiling.
She remembered how red his face was, making his blue eyes look even bluer.
“Tairren—your royal Highness,” he said, looking very nervous.
Marrisa remembered what book he was reading, because she had to study copies of its pages, as well as other things, every day. She walked past her family’s book, the original book, many times in the castle library, because it always sat in the same spot, on a little table below a massive stained-glass window: the legendary Book of Light.
“I see you love the tenacious words of our father of radiance,” Marrisa said, sounding mature and well educated for a young princess.
He nodded, and she noticed him looking around at the other women who were staring at him, especially Lilith, who gave him an unpleasant but nervous look.
“Yes your ladyship,” he answered. “The book was passed down to me from my father, and my ancestors.”
“Strange how you come about it. It’s such a rare book to come by indeed. Your family is wise and able… I am Princess Marrisa, but you can just call me Marrisa if you are comfortable enough to; and this is The Lady Natalia Ducre’,” she said, motioning towards her petite, dark-haired friend.
She remembered that he blushed again, lowering his face.
“Your Royal Highness, we must go!” Lilith snapped, still covering her mouth and nose, nauseated by the presence of Tairren.
“It was enchanting to have met you,” Marrisa said with a smile as they began to walk again.
Tairren’s cheeks appeared as a red rose.
Marrisa remembered that they left quickly, and as they left she turned back at Tairren, waving goodbye.
After that day the three of them became secretly inseparable.
†††
Marrisa still looked into the mirror, coming out of her thoughts and daydreams. She was startled as she noticed a dark figure in the reflection of the mirror, standing behind her in the doorway. She inhaled a rush of air as she turned around quickly.
“Lilith, you frightened me!” Marrisa fussed as she held her chest.
She could feel her heart beating quickly beneath her hand.
“I am sorry your Highness,” Lilith said as she came closer to Marrisa. “Daydreaming again I see,” Lilith said, her black eyes just staring.
“No—I’m just frantic about today,” Marrisa said, walking back into her room.
Lilith followed her, fetching a red robe made from the finest fabric in Minslethrate. She held the robe out, allowing Marrisa to slip her elegant arms into the sleeves.
“It is a big day for you—for all of us… I wish you a happy birthday, my lady.”
“Oh Lilith, don’t wish that upon me. How I wish today didn’t even come,” Marrisa said as she let herself fall backwards onto her bed. “I hate today—and have been dreading this day for some time.”
“Today is a happy day,” Lilith said as she lit the fire place on the far side of the room, getting it ready to heat some water for Marrisa’s bath. “Today is a day of great change, a day that celebrates a new beginning, a new way of things…,” Lilith said as she smiled her odd smile.
She seemed more excited about that day than Marrisa did. Lilith walked over to the side of the bed, still smiling. “A day of great change? A new way of things? What is she talking about?” Marrisa thought to herself as she just lay there, staring out of the balcony at the sun rise.
The sky was a brilliant orange now, with flecks of crisp blues scattered about it.
“Don’t say such things, “Marrisa said, turning towards Lilith.
As long as Marrisa had known her, that was the very first time that Lilith had ever seemed to be so excited about something. “I believe I have never seen you smile Lilith, and today you seem to be laughing on the inside. Why are you so happy, and why do you insist that it is a great day?” Marrisa thought, noticing how much Lilith had physically changed over the years. Her face was strange looking.
Marrisa thought that Lilith once looked pleasant, but now with the dark rings under her dark eyes, and the contrast of her ghostly white skin against those wide, coal-colored eyes, she didn’t look so pretty anymore. Her once vibrant blonde hair was pulled back into a pile of braids and she wore her usual plain, dark-blue servant gown. All the handmaidens wore the same thing, except Lilith, who wore a thin leather belt around her waist, accompanied with a large ring of keys that hung from it. She held the keys to every door in the castle.
“I’ll fetch some water to warm for your bath, my lady.” She quickly walked out of the room, closing the large wooden door behind her.
Marrisa continued to just lay there, unimpressed and saddened, staring at the canopy of fabric that was draped over the top of her bed.
She thought of what would happen if she were to just run away. She probably wouldn’t get too far, and would have nowhere to go. She could ask Tairren to guide her and Natalia to accompany her, but they couldn’t possibly live in the forests for the rest of their lives—or maybe they could… Tairren knows everything about the forest, and what to do and what to eat.
Marrisa’s thoughts of what would happen that day and running away whirled through her mind, giving her a headache. Besides, what would odd Lilith do then? Lilith was to come with her to the new kingdom to continue her status as head handmaiden. Lilith would probably hunt her down if she did run away; she was the type of person to do that. But even though Lilith submitted to Marrisa, there was still something about her that Marrisa didn’t like. She was strange and cold, and carried an eerie presence about her. Her demeanor was uptight and—different. She never attended Sunday church with Marrisa, she never ate with Marrisa and she always refused to go near Tairren when they saw him in the marketplace. And there was something about her that sent chills down Marrisa’s spine, sometimes. There seemed to be no life behind her dark-brown, almost black, eyes.
Marrisa turned on her side towards the fireplace. The large mouth of the fire place roared with a bright orange fire. The flames seemed to dance as they crackled and popped. The feelings of sadness and anxiety welled up inside of her, lingering like an illness as she stared into the dancing fire. She didn’t like that Lilith used her fireplace to heat up her bath water. But she knew that it would be a huge hassle for Lilith to carry huge vats of hot water up and down from the kitchen to her room. Lilith insisted that this way was much easier, which it was, but Marrisa didn’t like it. Lilith knew that Marrisa hated fire, but seemed not to care. She just kept away from fireplaces, and fire for that matter. She would rather freeze to death than sit in front of a fire place. There was something about fire that terrified her. It reminded her of death and sadness and for some strange reason—her childhood. Marrisa never really talked of her childhood, except for the experiences she had with Natalia. The only good memories of her childhood seemed to be just of her companions.
She didn’t even have any memories of her mother, but only the knowled
ge of how great of a woman she was, and the stories she heard from her father and other courtiers around the palace. Moral, Tairren’s mother even had lots of great things to say about her. By the many haunting paintings of her mother around the castle, Marrisa could see how beautiful she was; and that she resembled her mother greatly, which she was proud of. The only difference was that her mother had darker red hair and her eyes weren’t as vibrant of a blue as Marrisa’s. Marrisa would ask her father sometimes about her mother, when she would have the chance to actually sit down and talk with him. But he would never say too much about the deceased queen. She would even ask him about her grandmother and grandfather sometimes, but he always changed the subject abruptly, as if he was hiding something…
She kept a large family portrait painting in her room, hanging right above the fireplace. She was only a baby in the painting, but loved to look upon it anyways. Marrisa didn’t like the painting being above the mantle of the fireplace though, but that was the only spot in her room that she could clearly see from her bed. Her father looked happier in it, as well as her mother, who had a lovely smile. They seemed to be in love by the looks of the painting and by what everyone had said. “Maybe my future husband won’t be so horrid… And maybe we can fall in love like mother and father,” Marrisa wondered as she put her hands beneath her head, still lying on her back. “Maybe he will be handsome, and fall in love with me, but not because he has to but because he truly wants to—and I him. Hopefully he is caring, and loves the Holy Father—like Tairren... Oh, Tairren, how I will miss you and everything that you do for me…,” Marrisa’s eyes became flooded with tears as she continued to think of—everything. “I think I will miss you most of all, Tairren…, and how I feel so free when I am with you. Nothing will ever be the same, nothing. I will have no one in Ishkar… Even though we are just friends, I will miss you so badly, more than you would ever know…”
The Last Legend: Awakened Page 3
