Rise of the Shadow

by Thomas Rouxville

  Here was yet another burden for Athena to deal with. Now, in addition to being scared out of her mind, she had to be paranoid about spies. For all she knew, there could be a spy standing outside the door, overhearing their conversation, ready to attack and eliminate Athena before she could even come to terms with being the chosen one.

  “How can we avoid them?”

  “We'll train early in the morning, before dawn when most people are still asleep, and in the evening starting at sunset. We'll go to your clearing in the forest.”

  “You know about my clearing?” Athena asked, though she figured she shouldn't be too surprised.

  “I didn't follow you there,” Faramond assured her. “However, I saw the path you took and I followed it myself. I knew you stopped at the clearing because I could see your footprints. It's a safe place, not only somewhere to find peace, but to literally find safety. King Landgrave's spies stay mostly within Edgehill's perimeters. A few are stationed on the outskirts and around farms, but I've never seen one in the forest. You and your friend are the only regular visitors.”

  “Wouldn't the spies be more thorough? The forest should be one of the prime locations they look; it's the best hiding spot around.”

  “Most people wouldn't dare go in the forest, Athena. Think, have you ever met anyone there besides your friend?”

  Athena shook her head.

  “Most consider it dangerous. Too dangerous for exploration.”

  “Tobin and I have been hunting there. The soldiers stationed here have eaten our food. They know where the food came from. How can they not suspect me?”

  “They don't know who they're really looking for.”

  Athena gave Faramond a confused look. “They want to kill the guardian. If I'm the guardian, why haven't any of these spies tried to attack me?”

  “King Landgrave doesn't know what you look like.”

  “He had my parents murdered. His mercenaries almost murdered me too. If he was successful then, why wouldn't he be now?”

  “Because none of his spies have heard you speak about the guardian. Until two days ago, you were just a regular girl. You didn't suspect anything, so they didn't suspect anything either. Your ignorance kept you safe. Now that you know everything, you have to stay silent. If any of them hear you even say the words 'guardian' or 'chosen one', they'll catch on to you. Not to mention seeing you flinging daggers and swords around. That will be sure to arouse suspicion.”

  “The forest won't be safe forever,” Athena said. “Eventually, they're going to start looking. No matter how dangerous they think it is.”

  “You're right, but I believe we have some time. And the forest is big enough that we could escape relatively easily.”

  “Relatively,” Athena muttered.

  “Don't worry, Athena. You're smarter than the spies. You have the advantage.”

  “How reassuring. At least there’s one thing I don't have to worry about,” Athena said sarcastically.

  “We'll do your physical training in the forest and your mental training here and in your home. Would that at least be comforting, being inside a house?” Faramond asked. “We can start out with mental training only. Perhaps it would calm you and build your confidence.”

  Athena had no idea what she wanted. Her mind was swirling like it always did, and her feet were beginning to throb. She wanted to fight, she was sure of that, but learning that spies were around, searching for the Guardian of the Kingdom, scared her. She wasn't sure how secretive she could be. One little slip-up, one mistake, could cost her not only her own life, but millions. That was a huge burden to bear.

  “Mental training first,” Athena said quietly. “But, I at least want to know how to use a dagger or a knife. That way I can carry a weapon.”

  Faramond nodded. “Tomorrow morning, I'll stop by the bakery and teach you. Tomorrow evening, come here to practice what you learned.”

  “Okay,” Athena whispered, eyelids beginning to feel droopy. She may have slept all day, but she was tiring again. Her conversations with Faramond were quite exhausting. “Goodnight Faramond,” she said.

  He helped her outside, lighting a new candle to put in her lantern. “If you see any soldiers or anyone even remotely suspicious, just keep walking. If anyone speaks to you, say you were treating me with medicine for my illness.”

  “And what is your illness?”

  “A really bad hangover,” Faramond smiled. “See you tomorrow Athena.”

  Chapter 3

  Athena wrestled in her sleep, nightmares back in full force. Like most nights of her life, this was another restless one. It didn't help that every time her feet kicked, she'd wake up with pain pulsing through them, coursing through the rest of her body. Along with the regular nightmares that Athena could never remember, she saw images of people, neighbors, friends, turning against her, attacking her, trying to kill her. Even her own grandfather appeared, shoving a knife into her back. The worst was Tobin, holding her hand and then grabbing her, stopping her from breathing. He smiled as she suffocated.

  Jolting awake, Athena screamed. Her heart was pounding, and her head was throbbing. It was just a nightmare. Jermyn was not going to stab her. Tobin was not a murderer. But it had all been so vivid, so realistic. She could hear them breathing, see their smiling faces and bright eyes shining down on her. She could still feel Tobin's hand against her lips.

  Paranoia was setting in, even though Faramond had tried to assure her that everything would be okay; even though all of their conversations seemed to be giant pep talks mixed in with life-shattering news. Someone could be right outside the door, waiting for the perfect moment to ambush Athena. At any moment she could be murdered, without even having the chance to fulfill her destiny.

  “Athena, are you all right?” Jermyn called, wearing his night cap and robe. He was looking wearier these days, all of the bakery work becoming overwhelming. As Edgehill fell, so did he. “I haven't heard you scream like that for quite a while,” he said, the worry in his tone evident.

  “I'm fine, Grandfather.” Athena sat up in her bed, stretching. “I think I'll get up now, go prepare things in the kitchen for you and Grandmother.”

  “It's still dark out,” Jermyn said, yawning. “And you haven't recovered from your injuries.”

  “I'm fine,” Athena repeated, more forcefully. Softening her voice, she added, “Really,

  Grandfather.”

  Jermyn obviously wasn't convinced, but he nodded and began to make his way back to bed. Athena rummaged through her clothing, finding nothing but dresses and skirts. Running away from spies and other enemies would be too complex in a dress. It would slow her down, and it could easily snag on a branch or get caught in something. She'd repaired far too many dresses in her short life already, from her adventures with Tobin.

  Getting her sewing kit out, Athena took a skirt and began fashioning it into a pair of trousers. She tried to imitate the look of Tobin's work clothing, practical and comfortable. She sewed pockets onto it, using scraps of old, ruined skirts. She would need places to store things, and possibly hide things.

  Walking around in trousers was a new experience. Athena had always wanted to wear them. She'd even stolen a pair of Tobin's once when they were younger. Laguna wouldn't stand for it though, as it was far too inappropriate and unladylike. Unacceptable. So Athena romped around in her impractical clothing, doing everything she could to flaunt her tomboyish nature. Finally wearing trousers and not caring what Laguna thought felt absolutely liberating, even if she was wearing them because of the fact that her life might be in imminent danger.

  After setting up the kitchen for her grandparents and gobbling up a slice of bread, Athena plopped down in a chair, awaiting Faramond. Dawn had just barely broken the horizon. Athena could hear a distant rooster crowing, but it was faint, weak. Even the chickens were depressed.

  Promptly enough, there was a knock on the door. Athena let Faramond shuffle in, opening the door only slightly in case someone was watchi
ng. She surveyed her surroundings outside; no one was around.

  “You're paranoid, aren't you,” Faramond stated. “After I told you not to be.”

  “I know. You're going to tell me it's okay to be scared, but I need to stay calm.” Faramond smiled. “You're getting to understand me quite well. Also, nice trousers.”

  “Do they look stupid?”

  “I just said they're nice.”

  “I thought you were being sarcastic,” Athena said.

  “I assure you, Athena, your trousers are perfectly all right. Now, shall we get to your dagger lesson?”

  Athena nodded. Faramond immediately drew a dagger from a hidden fold in his coat. It was sharp, deadly sharp. Faramond whisked it around, slicing through invisible air.

  “With any weapon, you must be fast. You have to think of the weapon as an extension of your limbs, a part of you. Don't think of it as an object. Don't be clumsy.” Faramond turned the dagger over in his hands, gently touching the tip to his palm. It drew blood. “A sharp blade is a good blade. The sharper it is, the more harm it will inflict. A dull blade, on the other hand, is torturous. Use it on an opponent only when you want to prolong their suffering.”

  “Does anyone deserve that? A slow, painful, death?”

  Faramond's eyes narrowed. “Only the most evil beings.” He handed the dagger to Athena, clearing his throat. “Can you conceal it well?”

  Athena placed the dagger in one of her hand-sewn pockets. The handle hung out, clearly visible. “Any other pockets?”

  “They're too small,” Athena said. She swore under her breath.

  “The dagger would be too bulky anyway. Do you have a cloak?”

  Athena scurried over to the coat rack, taking her winter cloak. She put it on and set the dagger in her trouser pocket again, with the cloak hiding it.

  “Better,” Faramond said, “though I'd make the pockets larger, not only to accommodate weapons, but other supplies you'll need. You'll also have to carry a pack, so distribute the weight. You won't want to be slowed down by too much weight on your back and in your pockets.”

  “Should I start running around with rocks on my back?” Athena joked.

  Faramond stroked his goatee for a moment. “Yes, that would be a good idea.”

  Athena decided not to tell him she was being facetious. She reached for the dagger and pulling it out, trying to be nondescript.

  “You can't stare at everything around you like that before drawing a weapon,” Faramond said, taking the dagger from her. He mimicked her. “Looks suspicious, doesn't it?”

  “I suppose,” Athena breathed, rolling her eyes. She wasn't much of an actress.

  “Try again,” Faramond said.

  Athena tried again, not analyzing her surroundings first. She was swift, but not attention catching. Faramond smiled approvingly.

  “Now, is there anything we could stab? Something your grandparents wouldn't throw a fit about?”

  “You're not stabbing anything in my house,” Laguna said, appearing from nowhere. “And are those trousers you're wearing?” she asked Athena, eyes widening.

  Perhaps now would be a good time to use the dagger for defense. Athena nodded at her grandmother. “Soldiers don't prance around in dresses.”

  “You're not a soldier yet, Athena.”

  “But I'm going to learn, Grandmother. Are you afraid?”

  Laguna scoffed. “Afraid? Not at all. Only annoyed.”

  “Annoyed?”

  “I'm bothered that the fate of the kingdom rests in the hands of an eighteen-year-old. And not just any eighteen-year-old, but my granddaughter.”

  That was the second time Laguna had shown concern. Athena wanted to hug her again, but her grandmother swiftly turned away, gliding towards the kitchen.

  “We can practice using the weapon this evening,” Faramond said. “Come by my house after sunset. I've plenty of targets to stab.”

  Athena nodded. “Should I carry it with me today, even though I hardly know how to use it?”

  “Of course. If it makes you feel more safe, there's no reason not to.”

  “Thank you, Faramond,” Athena said genuinely, finally beginning to look past the drunk she'd known her whole life. He was a soldier and a mentor. He was going to help her. The moment he walked outside, however, he took up the gait of a heavily intoxicated man. He opened a flask hidden in his coat, took a swig, and gave Athena a wink.

  Athena clasped the dagger in her hands, trying to get a feel for it. She twisted it around, wondering if it would ever feel like an extension of herself, wondering if a sword would feel like a part of her. She hid the dagger and decided it was time to go to the forest again. In the daylight, with shoes on this time.

  She was still limping though her steps were slightly faster and easier. If an enemy were to attack now, Athena wouldn't be prepared. Even if she was, running away was impossible. She couldn't outrun anyone in her weakened state. And she could hardly use the dagger. Her movements with it were clumsy, awkward. She lacked the finesse of Faramond. Stop being paranoid. If no one's suspected you in fourteen years, no one is going to suspect you now.

  By the time Athena made it to the forest, it was midday. Paranoia began to subside, being replaced by thoughts of Tobin and his impending doom. No. He's not going to his death, Athena. Stop thinking like that. Yet, her heart lurched every time she thought of him leaving. There was so little time left, and she hadn't even spent a moment with him. Perhaps he would find her in the forest, sensing she was there. Perhaps they could share just a few hours together. Just a little bit of time.

  “Athena.”

  He was here. Tobin was here. Athena's heart began to pound. “Tobin, you're here!” She ran up to him, hugging him tightly. She held onto him for several seconds, fighting the thought that this might be one of the last hugs they ever shared. Fighting off the thought that this could be one of the last times she saw him. Athena wanted to tell him everything. She wanted to tell him about Faramond, the Guardian, King Landgrave, and the army. Every single detail. But she couldn't. She had to stay silent.

  “My mother broke down when I told her,” Tobin said. He was shaking. “I could hardly stand it.”

  “I can hardly stand it either,” Athena whispered.

  Tobin grasped her hand. “I can't go, Athena. I can't do it.”

  Athena stared at him. There were so many things she wanted to say, and yet, so many things she couldn't say. “You have to,” she said, not meaning it at all.

  “Why don't we leave?” Tobin asked.

  “You're not serious,” Athena said.

  “We could escape. We could take my mother and sisters, and your grandparents, and run away.”

  Tears began to fill Athena's eyes. “No,” she said, forcing her words out, “We can't.”

  “I can't leave you,” Tobin cried out. “I can't, Athena. My father and my brothers haven't come back. They're never going to. They're dead.”

  “Don't say that, Tobin.” And yet, as much as Athena wanted to believe they were alive, she couldn't ignore reality. She could only hope she would save them. She could only hope she wouldn't be too late. “I'm sure they're okay. King Landgrave will protect them.”

  “You're lying,” Tobin said softly. “Trying to make me feel better.”

  “Is it working?”

  Tobin smiled. “You always make me feel better, Athena.”

  “Think of me then, when you leave. Don't forget me, Tobin.”

  “I could never forget you. Not even for a second.”

  Athena kissed his cheek, crying. He stroked her hair and wiped her tears away. She could tell he wanted to cry. He was trying to be strong, for her sake. But just as she was falling apart, so was he.

  “Why can't we escape?” Tobin finally asked, after several minutes of silence.

  Because I'm going to save the kingdom. But that didn't mean Tobin couldn't escape. Wouldn't it be better if he left with their families, so she'd know they were safe? Though it would be painf
ul to stay behind, she would feel better knowing they would be okay. The Shadow wouldn't hurt them. Tobin would not have to go to the army. King Landgrave would be far away. But no matter how much Athena wished for peace, she could not be sure when it would truly come. There was no guarantee the people she loved would be safe, even if they ran to the other side of the world. Maybe there was no such thing as escape.

  “Athena? Why can't we escape?” Tobin asked again.

  “Because we have to be strong. We have to take care of everybody in the kingdom. We can't abandon them.” How strange it was that Athena was now talking about strength, after she had always felt so weak. Was she being strong by sending Tobin away? She certainly didn't feel that way.

  “I don't want to abandon them,” Tobin said. “If I could, I'd take everyone. I'd build a new place to live in. A peaceful place.”

  “A new kingdom?”

  Tobin shook his head. “No, a democracy. Everyone would have power. Everyone would be able to make their own choices. No one would be forced into an army, going to fight for something they don't even understand. Going off to die.”

  “I'm not going to let you die,” Athena said, squeezing his hand. “I'm not.”

  “I feel like a coward, wanting to run away. A traitor-”

  “You aren't a traitor, Tobin. You deserve to know the truth. You don't deserve having to walk blindly into a war.”

  “Why doesn't the king give a reason?” Tobin asked. “Why doesn't he tell us what's going on? He hasn't even acknowledged all of the rumors. It's like he's trying to bury all of the problems, trying to pretend that war isn't happening. And yet, it's obvious something is happening. But we don't even know who our enemy is.”

  The king himself. He's the enemy, Tobin.

  If Athena still felt like she was in the dark, she could only imagine how Tobin felt. He knew nothing of what was going on. He had no idea that the king was releasing the Shadow on the kingdom. Unleashing it.

  Maybe I could just tell him. He'd keep it a secret. I know he would. I trust Tobin more than anyone. But she couldn't. Faramond had told her to stay quiet. As much as she trusted Tobin, there was the possibility that word could still get out. He might tell his mother. If his brothers and father were still alive, and he somehow found them, he'd surely tell them. He would try to start a rebellion, an uprising against the king. Tobin wasn't the Guardian of the Kingdom. Fate had decided Athena was the Guardian. Only she could stop the evil. If Tobin started a rebellion, he would fail. He would die. Athena couldn't tell him. No matter what.