The soft breeze swirls around me, gently playing with my dark hair like a soft caress. The sun rises higher in the east as I scan the plains of Kiyamet. There are very few trees in Kiyamet and of what trees there are, give little shade. Off in the distance I can see the Keep of Winds; my life and my home. The clear blue sky is broken by far away clouds hovering over the Keep.

The loud snort of a horse pulling up alongside me brings me from my daydreaming. I look to my right and smile as Alys brings her grey mare beside my white one.

“It’s a beautiful day for our return to the Keep.” Alys has a face full of angles and a body of curves. Her light hair that falls to her waist is tied back and held in place with a number of pins. How she manages to preserve it perfectly, I have no clue. Her blue eyes also sought out our home, which lay far off on the horizon. No more than a tiny speck in the distance.

“And hopefully we will reach it in time for the banquette your father has held,” Yvette replies before I can. Stopping her midnight mare on my other side.

“Well, it is still a two day ride, so let us hope the weather stays as good as this.” I turn in my saddle looking for the rest of our company. They are taking their time, their mounts barely managing a trot.

Yvette’s gaze follow’s mine and she lets out a small groan. “Can they move any slower?” Her restlessness is mimicked by her mare, Morningwhisper. The black mare’s nostrils flaring and her hooves stamping the ground. She nudges Morningwhisper around and they canter the few acres that separated us from the rest of the group.

Alys sighs beside me, “She is very impatient, isn’t she.”

“I would be lying if I said she wasn’t.” Comes my reply. “But she is enthusiastic and a good rider. I’ll give her that.” I watch as Yvette mauvers her mare to bump into Conrad’s mount; probably making some trivial remark about his riding. Those two are always going at it.

Eventually Yvette is heading back to us – the rest of the company in tow behind her. I glance out across the plains again and turn back to face the others; a smile coming to my face. “So, are we ready to return home?”

Each of them smile in turn and Conrad gives his twin – Gabriel – a friendly punch; his grin taking up most of his features. If that is even possible. Who knows what is going on in that head of his. His light hair and blue eyes are unusual for an Emarian. The golden locks that have been cropped short before we left have grown back and a tiny curl hangs across his forehead. Most Emarian woman find him attractive; mainly because of his differences to most men. I however, have no time for men.

His brother is completely different; with his shoulder length dark hair and brown eyes. Not only are they different in appearance but their attitudes are seemingly opposing. Where Conrad is more outspoken and direct; Gabriel is more silent and thoughtful. He hardly ever converses unless he is being spoken to directly or if they are in battle and communication is a must. Even though they are complete opposites they each protect the other with their lives.

Are you ready to head off again, Shadowmere? I send the thought to my white mount as she snorts.

I’m as ever eager to return home as you are. Comes her silent reply.

Then let us be off. As I send the thought she starts into a steady ground-eating pace; the others needing to commands to follow.

xXxXxXx
 

The sun is starting to sink behind the horizon; casting red, orange and golden rays into the sky. An Emarian sunset is something to behold. Beautiful but holding a certain and strange wilderness about it. In some ways I find I reflects our lives and our horse’s. Wild and free.

Shadowmere comes to a halt without me signalling for her to, she can read my emotions easily enough to know my wishes. I can see the village of Haldya in the distance looking like a dusting of freckles on the otherwise blank horizon. It is the closets village to the Keep of Wind for miles; so we will be staying there for the night before taking the last leg of our journey and returning to the Keep. The others see the village and Shadowmere can feel my anxiety.

I am just about to push her onwards when I catch sight of smoke rising from the village. Confusion wells in me as I look upon the now burning structure; fire catching easily to the wooden buildings and burning out of control. From here we can hear the villager’s screams as well as the bellowing of frightened livestock. I hear Shadowmeres soft snicker and feel the mares own anger through our bond. The other seven horses mimic the white mare; their ears flat against their heads and the whites of their eyes showing. They dance on their hooves restlessly – each of them eager to be off again. That’s what makes Emarian knights so dangerous; their horses are always ready for battle and travelling, no matter how fatigued they may be.

Wrenching my eyes from the devastating scene playing out before us, I turn to Garrard. His black hair falls to his jawline with some strands having been tied into thin braids. Two falling on both sides of his face; framing it. He has unusual dark eyes that seem almost black even during the day. He is sitting high on his thin, tall stallion. It’s dark grey coat shimmering in the fading sunlight.

“Looks like bandits.” He speaks, gathering his reins in anticipation of my orders. That is Garrard for you, always ready and waiting.

I nod. “Take Starstrider,” his mount, “and scout ahead. Look for any townsfolk trying to escape and help them. There have to be survivors.”I try to keep my voice calm, I have been brought up to handle situations like this my entire life. It is our duty as Knights to keep our lands safe from rats such as these. I know he picks up on the fear lacing my words and am glad he doesn’t say anything about it. Some things are hard to keep from those you have grown up with and who can read you like an open book. “Send Nyv out if you come across any trouble and someone will aid you.” Nyv is a grey Ghost Hawk. Garrard saved it while it was still a hatchling and raised it himself. Now the bird is entirely loyal to him.

Garrard nods, holds out his arm and whistles. A few moments later Nyv dives from the sky; landing with a soft, neat thud on the lanky Knights gloved hand. The small piece of meat Garrard offers the hawk is gone within moments as the raptor swallows it whole. Garrard turns Starstrider around and they gallop down the hill we are currently stationed on.

I watch as he circles around in a long, wide sweep and can only just see his hunters bow half drawn with an arrow at the ready.

My gaze finds Balthazar’s and he grimaces anxiously before pulling his large grey stallion – Duskraider – beside us.

“How can this many bandits sneak by us?” I exclaim. “Our lands have been clear of bands such as this for years; they must be from the North.”

“It is possible but I doubt they would risk a run in with one of our patrols.” Balthazar shrugs.

“Then how? I do not understand. It is not like they could have come from anywhere else. Our borders are surrounded by mountains on all side. Every direction but the North. How can they enter our lands when we have patrols covering the only entrance?”

He lays a hand on my shoulder. “Some answers aren’t always clear to us. They will always reveal themselves in their own time.”

I nod and absentmindedly stroke Shadowmere’s arched neck. “We need to stop them, for it Haldya falls there will be no village for our Knights to rest before returning to the Keep. It is also Yvette’s home village. She will be eager to stop these thugs.”

He removes his hand and gathers Duskraider’s reins. “I understand, Celeste but we should wait for Garrard.”

As if on cue Gabriel speaks up. “Garrard has sent Nyv to the skies; he must have found some of those bandits.”

Are you read for a fight? I ask my loyal steed.

I am always ready, you know this. The mare stamps her right leg over and over, digging a hole into the dirt.

Then let us show these brutes they have messed with the wrong village.

Conrad ‘whoops’ and spurs his black stallion – Hiddencurse – into a gallop heading straight for the village; drawing his sword as he does so. I nod to the rest of the patrol. “Gabriel, Yvette and Amery, I want you to go with Conrad and attack the bandits in the village. Balthazar and Alys will accompany me. We will find Garrard and attack from the other side.”

I turn in my saddle to the young boy seated on an elderly chestnut gelding. He is leading our bay packhorse behind. His light blue eyes and mop of red hair make for a strange combination. “Red, follow along behind and make your way to Haldya but make sure you stay away from the fighting. If anyone sees you and attacks, get out of here and go straight to the Keep and send for aid. Leave the packhorse, she won’t stray far. Am I understood?”

He nods and I swear I can see a glint of courage spark in his blue eyes. A brave young lad, he is.

The three speed off after Conrad; each drawing their own weapons and checking they are strapped tight to their saddles.

Shadowmere leaps down the face of the hill in the direction Garrard had taken not minutes before. She gallops at a neck breaking pace with Alys’s mare – Sorrowsweet – and Duskraider at her heels. I can feel my mare’s need to get to Garrard and his stallion before the worst can happen.

Do not worry Shadow; we will make it in time. Garrard and Starstrider will protect each other. They can both handles themselves out there.

I know. She replies. But I do not want to keep them waiting. Who knows how many of these horrible creatures are out there.

It is hard to see where we are going now because the last dying rays of the sun are disappearing. I trust Shadowmere not to run us a hidden ditch or tree. Her eyes are a million times better than that of any humans and thanks to the bond – their riders also have heightened senses. It is one of the many perks of becoming an Emarian Knight.

I notice shadows moving through the trees keeping pace with us. The dark shapes have eyes that do not blink as they stare and I am sure I can see a hunger and greed show in their red depths. Harsh whispers and growls seep from them; as though they will attack at any given moment.

Trying my best to ignore them I become uneasy as Shadowmere rounds a thick cluster of shrubbery and we find Garrard fending off a group of six foes. Two have already been killed and lie dead with arrows protruding from their chests. It is an unusual amount of scouts in one place; especially at the same time. Usually they only scout in pairs and on the odd occasion threes.

Shadowmere’s deafening neigh splits the cool night air as she bares down on the village burning thugs. I draw my sword as they turn their focus to the three Emarian Knights and their mounts charging. I can just glimpse a small group of villagers huddled behind Garrard in the shelter offered by a cluster of vegetation.

Bringing my sword above my head I slice down and the silver lade cuts though one of the bandit’s necks. Blood spraying upward, the tiny droplets covering myself and coating Shadowmere’s white neck; staining it crimson. She rears, trying to fend off the thug attacking from her other side while I am otherwise occupied. Only she is not quick enough. Dodging the mare’s hooves the large man pulls me from the saddle; ripping the leg straps holding me in place. It will no doubt leave bruises on my now throbbing legs.

I curse as I fall to the ground, my hands flailing; trying to get a hold on something, anything to keep me in the saddle. The bandits grip is tight and pain lances through my chest as I land in a heap at the man’s feet; winded. My sword has fallen a few arm lengths away.

Spitting dirt from my mouth I look up into his ugly face. It is twisted with a wicked, unforgiving smile; making him look like a monster told in children’s stories. I can tell by the number of scars that crisscross his face that he is an experienced fighter. His eyes glint dangerously in the moonlight and he raises his Warhammer; aiming for the killing blow. It never comes. He stumbles as an arrow lands in his shoulder and without wasting any time a dagger strapped to my leg appears in my hand. Its curved blade ending up buried to the hilt in his chest. I do not take any chances and twist the dagger, tear at muscle and organs. His eyes roll into the back of his head and he lands with a heavy thud in the dirt; where he belongs.

Looking for Garrard, I spot him holding off a bandit just as big as the one I just killed. The thug holds a rusty short sword in one hand and a war axe in the other. He is swinging widely; aiming for Starstrider’s legs – hoping to break or damage them. Before the bandit can harm the stallion, Nyv dives from the sky, moving as a grey blur. Spreading her wings the raptor opens her talons and strikes home; raking her claws down his face. Blood gushes from the wounds and Garrard loses an arrow; burying deep into the man’s throat.

Balthazar and Alys take quick work of the remaining three bandits and they dismount immediately; swiftly checking the dead remain dead.

Dusting myself off, I move to the huddling villagers, my boots crunching the dried leaves coating the ground. I kneel beside them so I am eye level with the man who appears to be the village elder. He is a big man and his hair looks like clouds on a stormy day. The skin around his eyes and mouth have started to wrinkle; quite badly.

“Elder Groynyn,” I greet him. “It’s been a long time. I am glad to see you have survived this unprovoked attack.” Touching two fingers to my right temple in the formal Emar salute. By doing so, you acknowledge they are there and are your equal.

“Lady Celeste. I am glad you and the Seven arrived when you did.” His voice sounds as old and frail as he looks. Sweat drips from his brow and he wipes it away with a rugged cloth. He then pauses to return my salute.

“How many made it out?” I ask.

‘Just my family and these two orphans, My Lady. I do not know of the others.” He indicates to his middle-aged wife and three children. The orphans are dressed in worn rags and have grime covering their faces. I smile at them a rest one finger on my left temple; signalling a silent ‘hello’, knowing they would be too frightened to talk. They each signal back.

I smile, speaking softly. “We will keep you safe and get you all to the Keep. There you may stay until the village can be repaired.”

The two adults praise and thank me in turn. I stand as Balthazar’s voice beckons me over. “You’d better come see this Celeste.”

Joining him, I look down at one of the dead; only his eyes are wide and not so lifeless as I would expect. I kneel beside the dying man and grab his black tunic with a clenched fist. “Who sent you?” I demand.

He tried laughing but only managed to cough as blood spills out of a gash in his throat. “This – this is only the … beginning.” Is all he manages to say before Death comes for him.

My breath catches as I glimpse the unmistakable shape of a crow standing over a pile of bones. The bird’s wings are spread wide as though it is taking off. Its beak open in a silent call. The ink-feathered crow is surrounded by a spreading pool of blood; the crimson colour liquid resembling the shape of a triangle. All Knights of Emar are shown the crest of our ancient enemies since the beginning of our training. We all know the insignia as well as the backs of our own hands.

I glance at Balthazar; my wise wide with shock and my voice comes as a whisper. “The Darkspawn – they’ve returned…”

2: A Dark Day

What of the others, are they Darkspawn as well?” Alys mutters, checking the attire of the other seven men killed here.

“Only four of them.”

“Five Darkspawn travelling and hunting with bandits. They have their own armies.” I look into her blue eyes. “This will spell trouble for us all.”

“This one works with dark magic,” Balthazar kneels by one of the bodies. “He’s a necromancer.”

The Darkspawn he is talking about is the one with all the scars, which – under closer inspection – I notice are actually tattoos. I study his face again, the ink having been used are dark red and black.

“He must have concealed them to blend in. They never travel without a guard either.” Balthazar stands after a few more moments, a troubled look on his features. “Some of these markings I’ve not seen before. We need to bring this one back with us so I may study them.”

I nod, concern taking my face. This news can bode ill for the entire Kingdom. I cannot tear my gaze from the sorcerers face. “You all saw the shadows too, then?”

Alys nodded, fear sparking in her eyes for a moment before vanishing; as if it were never there. “I thought there was something out there, though I wasn’t sure if I was just imagining them.”

“He’s dead now,” I turn to Balthazar, “there could be more of them in the village. We must go.” I make for Shadowmere, reaching for her reins.

Balthazar’s hand catches my arm, stopping me in my tracks. “They never hunt in pairs, Celeste. They are too thinly spread throughout the Darkspawn armies. There aren’t enough of them.”

I ponder this new information. I am lucky to have Balthazar, he is like a moveable library. “Garrard,” my voice shakes a little and I swallow a few times to get my emotions under control. “I need you back on your horse.”

He nods without complaint and retrieves his arrows from the dead. Starstrider follows him calmly, stepping over the mass of tangled limbs.

I wipe the blood from my dagger with a cloth and place it back into the sheathe strapped to my thigh. Making my way carefully to Shadowmere, I pick up my sword and clean that too. I run a soothing hand along the mare’s neck, trying to calm her.

That was a close one. I look into her one blue eye.

You are lucky the Tall One. Garrard. Was there to distract him. Her head swivels around and her ears flattened dangerously as she gazes at the necromancer’s body. I do not like this at all, it is too similar to what happened before.

Shadow, the Darkspawn are never going to take power here again. Of that, I am certain. I tickle her chin. We will make sure of that. But if it pleases you, we will tell the High Lord as soon as we return to the Keep. For now, we need to make sure the others haven’t gotten themselves into trouble.

Checking my saddle is sitting comfortably on her shoulders, I mount and glance down at althazar and Alys. “Dispose of the bodies and get these villagers fed and warm. We will still need to camp here tonight. I do not want another run in with these foul creatures tonight.” We are all far too exhausted for another battle, is left unsaid but we are all thinking it.

Shadowmere starts into a steady trot and I beckon for Garrard to follow. I cannot help but yawn as the two horses pick up their pace. We’ve been travelling since dawn that morning and have only briefly stopped to rest the horses and eat something small. All of us are craving a hot meal and fresh, warm clothes. The horses are probably longing for a spell in the wilds.

The wind picks up and is now blowing strong with the moon a quarter of the way in the sky as we come into view of Haldya. I check the straps on my saddle. Yep, they are all broken but one on each side. It isn’t overly good but they will do. Two is better than none.

Each Knight has their saddles custom made in the Keep forges to keep them safe when sleeping on the road or engaged in battle. This is so they don’t have to fear falling out of the saddle while completing a number of tasks. It comes especially in handy when using a bow.

Garrard indicates for us to stop and leads Starstrider around to an outlying hut just outside of the village. He loosens the straps around his legs and stands in the saddle; bow in hand with a notched arrow. I watch silently, not arguing but trusting in his judgement. I keep an eye out for any movement around us. Garrard pulls himself onto the thatched roof and crouches silently; fitting another two arrows into the bow string. His archery ability is by far the best I or my father has ever seen.

So I am confident to leave him here, as a kind of an overwatch while Shadowmere starts into a fast canter. We move through the village with ease, heading toward the dying flames. As we get closer, breathing becomes more difficult as the smoke thickens. Ash settles on my arm forearms and small burning pieces of wood float through the air to land in the bare skin of my cheeks. They sting for a moment before burning out.

Shadow, not so fast. The smoke is too thick to see through. I urge her to slow down, allowing her to move at a fast walk. It is too dangerous to go cantering trough this much smoke, we could trample someone or she could stumble and send us both flying into the ground.

We finally come to the village center and a gust of wind clears the smoke for a moment. I can see Morningwhisper, Soulstreak, Hiddencurse and amery’s black stallion – Stormrider – standing together. I have no idea where their riders could be but before I can explore the rest of the village shouts erupt behind us. Glancing through a half destroyed structure I make out a swarm of dark figures.

Shadowmere snorts as I spot the dark tattered shapes of their cloaks. After them come Yvette, Gabriel, Amery and Conrad. They run to their mounts and swiftly charge into action after their quarry. Shadowmere turns on her heel and gallops back in the direction we’d just come; our enemies just ehind us.

“Garrard!” I yell, “Incoming!”

He answers with three arrows – one after the other and they whiz over my head. I hear a satisfying thud as they meet their targets. Three are dead. Conrad and Amery finish off the other two with quick slashes of their swords.

Shadowmere slows and turns to great the two black stallions.

“Did you find any other survivors?” I ask quickly, feeling more than a little uncomfortable in this village now.

Yvette nods, “Half of the townsfolk were already fleeing when we arrived.” She strokes Morningwhispers dark neck; calming the jittery mare. “We told them to make for Howling Rock and we would meet them there once we finished off the invaders.”

Relief runs through me and in turn, Shadowmere. “Good.” I pause as Garrard and his grey mount join us. “I want you four to join them and camp there for the night. We will meet you in the morning and make our way to the keep from there together.”

“May we meet again.” I farewell them all and they each mummer a reply; cantering back through the empty village. There is nothing more we can do here other than keeping the townsfolk alive. I need to report what happened here to the High Lord. He will send a company of men, woman and soldiers to rebuild Haldya. Hopefully he can find a solution to the Darkspawn as quickly as possible. We will need to deal with this Invasion before it becomes a full scale war.

As if we haven’t already had enough bad luck, the weather decides to turn for the worst and it begins raining. The icy drops pierce our clothing and freeze us all to the bone. A shiver passes through me and into Shadowmere as if we are one creature and not two.

“Come, let us leave this place.”

xXxXxXx

The next morning, we meet up as planned and are on the road home within minutes. The group is no larger than about thirty villagers and three carts. Pulling each is a pair of frost oxen. Their long, thick fur keeps them warm from the chilly winds that sweep in from the mountains and their large, thick bodies are built perfectly for pulling wagons. This makes them ideal labour animal.

In this part of the world horses are forbidden from being used like that. Here in Emar they are worshipped like gods and only the strongest and bravest serve the Emarian Knights. Legend has it that fallen Knights return as great horses to serve once again and protect their Knight that guard the land. At least that’s what we are all told. No one but the horses know for sure and none of them seem willing enough to prove the legend true. Personally, I think they like to watch us guess and worship them regardless.

“What is troubling you, My Lady?” I would have fallen from the saddle if it wasn’t for my remaining straps keeping me in place, as Alys brings her mare alongside mine; making me jump.

“The Darkspawn, Alys.” I rub my eyes tiredly. If my mother could see me know she would scold me for being so – how did she used to put it? – ‘un-ladylike’.

“It is the first time in decades they have been seen inside our borders. What if, in all this time, they have been growing their army and are preparing to strike us down once again? What if we have grown too lazy and content with the lack of threats—?”

“You needn’t concern yourself with the Darkspawn, Celeste. That is for your father and the council of Nobles to worry about.” She smiles and sighs when I am about to continue with what I was saying but cuts me off before I can. If she were anyone else I would have her punished for such an act but she is a life-long friend and I wouldn’t dare punish my Knights.

“The Keep is closer than it was this morning. We are finally home. You can give your report to your father – the High Lord who deals with all of these petty greivences – and get some rest before the banquette.” She spurs Sorrowsweet into a trot and joins the brothers at the front of our escort; leaving me to ponder her words.

She is right. I shouldn’t be concerning myself with such worries but I cannot help but feel like I should be the one to stop them. To figure out a way to make sure they ever attack us again. It is my duty to my people to protect them in any way I can. It is in my blood.

She is right, you know. I hear Shadowmere’s voice through our bind. Let your Council fret over the Dark Ones.

I know, but I do not want—

No more. We are done talking about this. She snorts angrily and dips her head, snatching the reins from my lose grip; scolding me for it. If you do not keep a tight hold I may run out from under you.

You wouldn’t dare do such a thing—

I start before I realise she isn’t messing around. With very little warning the white mare starts into a gallop. I hear Conrad’s frenzied laugh as they all watch on. I try to get a hold on the reins bouncing in front of me as they flick up and down on Shadowmere’s neck. She bucks and I would be sent flying if it wasn’t to the last two saddle straps holding me to her back. I grip the front of the saddle as she speeds down the paved road leading into our city. Folk move out of the mare’s way with angry mutters but none want to be trampled by a heavy Emarian horse.

She gallops trough the outskirts of the Keep; weaving between market stalls selling goods and food. The inhabitants of the part of the city gape at us and shout curses as the mare bumps into crates; spilling their contents all over the street. She passes through the gate leading to the inner courtyard of the Keep and here she comes to a jarring halt. The saddle straps strain and snap with the pressure.

A loud crack sounds in my ears as the straps break and I tumble over my mare’s lowered head. Instead of hard cobblestone I am sent flying into something soft with a thud. Falling to the ground I land sprawled on top of him. My ears ring and head throbs.

“Celeste! What are you doing? Running around like some crazed peasant.”

I am pushed to the ground and look up as he rubs is head. His dark eyes glitter with amusement.

“No I—I—” I sigh, collecting my breath. “Shadowmere was just trying to make a point.”

A laugh escapes his throat as he dusts himself off. “It looks like she succeeded.”

He holds out a hand and I scowl at him but take it anyway. “It is nice to see you too, Kylar.”

His laugh turns to a soft chuckle and he bows – a little too low I might add. “Welcome home, sister. I trust your patrol was a … fruitful one.”

I roll my eyes and turn as the rest of my company joins us, the townsfolk looking tired and hungry.

I face my brother and see is raised eyebrow. “Don’t ask.”

I wave a hand before he can speak, dismissing any words that may come from his mouth.

“Where is Father?”

“He is inside with the Council. They are deciding on training more Knights.”

“What does he want?” I ask.

He runs a hand through his short, dark curls. “He wants them trained now but the Council are against wasting our resources when we don’t need the extra manpower. They say we have entered an age of ‘enteral peace’. They question him on why we would need more Knights when there are no wars to fight.”

“I think I will change their minds with what we’ve all just seen.” I signal for a groom to see to Shadowmere’s needs while I walk up the steps leading into the Keep; my brother beside me.

“This doesn’t sound good.” I grabs hold of my arm and we stop on the top step. “What is it?”

“Darkspawn.” I say with anger seeping into my voice. “We have just killed some inside our borders. They were in Haldya.”

I leave him standing in the doorway, stunned at my news. It is a dark day for all of Emar. 

3: The Council of Lords

I make my way through the maze of halls and go to open the door to the council chamber, when a guard stops me.

“I’m sorry Milady but you cannot go in there.” One of them holds out his spear, blocking my path.

Brave he is, to do this to his Lord’s daughter. I glance at him, my mismatched eyes showing their anger and impatience.

The other one speaks up. “They are in the middle of an important discussion.”

I glare at both of them before pushing past. I know they are only doing their jobs, but they are doing it with the wrong person. I pull open the doors and interrupt one of the Lords. “But My Lord, I – we – just do not think now is the time to be training any new Knights—”

The Noble falls silent as he sees me and all eyes turn. I walk around my father’s circular table and stop by the High Lord’s chair. He is in his late forties with tiny streaks of white beginning to show in his long, dark hair. Time has been kind to him over the years as he has shown no other aging signs. I fear it will catch up with him rather soon and when it does, it will attack hard. His grey eyes light up when he sees me and stands. As he does, so do the Nobles.

“Ah, my beautiful daughter returns at last. I was expecting you yesterday.” He embraces me. It is a custom unique only to my family, as most royals never show such affection publicly; even in the presence of their Nobles.

I step from his arms after returning the hug; only because of our audience. Otherwise I would have stayed there all day. Safe, warm, loved. “Father, I bring terrible news.”

“My Lord, if I may.” One of my father’s Nobles speaks up. “Can we get back to discussing the delicate matter at hand? I’m sure reunions can wait.”

I glance sharply at the man who is speaking. Lord Caster. I expect no less. This man has frowned upon my father’s laws for years. Especially the one making men and women equals. Had my father had different views when he took Lordship, I wouldn’t have been allowed to stand here before him like this. It is why the guards stopped me. After fifteen years they still find it hard adapting to his new ways.

“No, Caster.” My father turns on the noble. “That ‘delicate’ topic can wait. My daughter brings us news and I will hear of it.”

I lay my hand upon my father’s tense shoulder. “Father, it is okay. Truly.” I turn my gaze to Caster, staring intently.

He is a balding man in his early fifties and I am surprised at how he has clung to life this long. His plump figure and fine clothes the result of his hard working peasants treating him like a King and not the lowly Noble he is. The High Lord would’ve had him thrown of the Council years ago but Caster’s lands are far too valuable. The horses our Knights use come from his farms. Without him, we couldn’t have such a powerful and legendary cavalry.

I gesture for my father to sit back down and walk around the table to stop by Caster. I know I am going to bully him but if my father won’t do it, someone has to. These Nobles walk all over him and I’ve taken it upon myself to make sure they don’t anymore.

I address the whole Council to begin with.

“You may think it is best for our people to not waste our time, energy and resources on new Knights. You are all wrong.” My voice rises a little; irritation sparking in my heart at their ignorance. I can see a few of the nobles becoming annoyed at my insult of them. Again, if it weren’t for my father’s law, I would not have the luxury of addressing them like this.

“It is for the best.”

A noble opposite me speaks up.

“It is more important we focus our energies elsewhere…”

I turn my gaze on him and he trails off; unable to look me in the eye.

“And where would you have us focus this energy, Casimir? To the cities we protect or our allies homes? When is the last time any of you ventured further than these walls? All you do is sit here –” I gesture to the chamber around us “– and cite what you think is best for the Kingdom. You seem to think we have enough Knights to dispose of any threats that challenge our borders. You’re wrong.”

Lord Casimir remains silent and I cannot help but feel delighted; my mood lifting a little.

‘I think I speak for all of us when I say, we fail to see the point you are trying to make.” Caster practically growls at me, aggression lacing his tone. He also fails to address me in the correct manner and this rewards him with a sharp and deadly look from my father. “– My Lady.”

“It is time you all stop trying to tell my father – your High Lord – how to rule his own Kingdom. The Darkspawn might not have breached our borders and roam freely unchecked and unchallenged if you old men were not blinding him to the rest of his Kingdom outside the Keep.”

Shouts erupt from the Nobles even before I have finished. I cannot help but notice Caster remaining quiet. My report failing to shock him in the slightest; as if the news is old.

I glance at my father, only to see him pale; whiter than the hide of my own mare.

“That’s impossible!”

“The Darkspawn haven’t been seen in years!”

“Why would they show themselves now?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, we destroyed them years ago.”

“They are gone from world, we all know this.”

“The High Lord killed their Warchief and cursed them for all eternity!”

“What if they found a way to break the curse? To return from their banishment.”

“What if the revenge they seek has allowed them to come back?!”

“They will kill us all!”

The shouts continue and this is the first time I’ve seen the Council act in such turmoil. It is so bizarre I cannot believe my eyes. My father recovers from his moment and raises his hand. Immediately the room falls silent – an uneasy hush settling in the chamber. We all wait anxiously for him to speak. Only he doesn’t. Instead he gestures for me to carry on.

The Nobles – now silent – look at me. Some with fearful expressions, others unbelieving.

“Last night the Seven and I found Haldya being attack. At first we thought they were just simple bandits. That is, until my trusted Balthazar found this sown into their clothes.” I reached into a pocket on my left leg and produce a small piece of fabric. The Darkspawn crest on it.

The Council breaks into hum soft mummers – obviously still unsure of the truth behind my words.

“Let me see that.” Caster reaches a hand out to snatch the fabric from my grip and at the same moment, a knife is in my own hand; aimed at his throat.

“Be careful, Caster. Do not touch me.”

A few Nobles glance our way, confused at the scene unfolding in front of them, before being drawn back into their separate conversations.

“It seems your daughter has grown wilder, My Lord.” He addresses my father now, disgust mixed with his words. “Perhaps allowing her to join the Knights has more harm than good.”

“I did not allow anything. She was chosen. There is nothing more to it.”

I push my blade forward so that the tip is touching skin delicate skin. A small flick and his life would end.

“Celeste, please. Put the dagger away. This is a peaceful place.”

I glance at my father and then back down to Caster. The noble is seated calmly and hardly seems threatened. Fury races through me. He still does not take my position as High Lady. There must always be a High Lord and Lady at the Keep. So when my mother passed some months ago, and me being her only daughter, I was appointed the new High Lady. A few of the Nobles congratulated me but most – like Caster – only humoured me. They never took my opinions seriously and have started to consider my father touched in the head. Old age, of course. At least that’s what I hear them say when he is not around.

I hold my father’s gaze for a few heartbeats before giving in. I could not and would not challenge him. Especially around the Nobles. Especially around Caster.

“Father, there is something else.”

My voice carries and once again the room falls into silence.

“One of the invaders was a Necromancer.”

“Are you certain of this?” He almost seems to age in front of me and I am instantly reminded of just how old he really is.

“Yes. Balthazar was able to identify him as one. My Knight is deeply disturbed. The necromancer was wearing new tattoos; markings that have never been seen nor recorded before. We may be facing a bigger threat than the last time.”

I glance down at Caster and finally see some fear show in his dark eyes. It is gone before I can be certain it was even there.

“What devil magic did he wield?” Caster speaks up from his seat beside me as my father remains quiet.

I shrug. “We are not entirely sure. Balthazar has brought the body back to study but he seems sure the necromancer was skilled in illusion. Though was only a mere novice.”

“This does sound serious. Perhaps we are too blind with our greatest victory to believe they could have returned to power.” A Lord speaks up from across the table, looking directly at me but addressing my father and the rest of the Council – particularly Caster and his little dog; Casimir. “High Lord Vladimir – brother – we should not discard Celeste’s news – as much as all of us may want to – and take this threat seriously.”

I can feel my eyes begin to droop as adrenalin leaves my body – the only thing keeping me awake and alert. Vladimir stands and walks over to me, looking into my eyes. He is the only one of the Lords – apart from my uncle – that can do so without cringing.

“You have done well to bring this news to the Council but you must be exhausted. Retire to your chambers and rest.” He lifts his gaze to look over my shoulder – at who, I cannot be certain. “I will see you tonight at the Feast. For now, the Council has something serious to discuss.”

I nod and walk from the chamber. I do not like to leave my father alone in there but I know he speaks of the truth. My body aches for my bed.

I start in the general direction of my chamber, feeling like a ghost – awake and walking but not entirely there; not aware of my surroundings. I bump into a solid build and jerk back. A hand snakes out to catch me; stopping my fall.

“My deepest apologise My Lady, I did not see you there.” I am startled by the voice and glance up and find myself looking into the face of a beautiful Swadian man.

“Please forgive me.”