Soft light filtered through the delicate rose petals.  For a moment, they appeared as gold under a dragon’s flame.  Their beauty was paramount in Eicht and many envied the garden Susan grew.  Helena had come to both hate and fear the tiny piece of land the prickly buds grew on and didn’t stop to admire their beauty.

            “Butter,” she hissed at her goat that had managed to escape the pen that morning.  The silly beast was protected by her thick fur and had managed to squeeze herself between two bushes.  The plants were well kept and Butter had reached the furthest flowers, the ones that grew the largest heads.  “Come out of there Butter!” Helena tried again. 

            Butter was named for her rich yellow coloring that only varied with white at her tail, belly, hooves and nose.  The animal turned her deep golden brown eyes on her shepherdess for only a moment before her lips curled around a rose head and she tore the delicate petals from the plant.

            “No!” Helena wailed as quietly as she could and glanced toward the blacksmith’s home where Susan could emerge from at any moment.  “She will notice if you take one more, now come out of that mess!”

            The goats had gotten out before in years passed and had even stripped the bushes bare once when they were in full bloom.  The blacksmith’s wife had come out and whipped not only the goats, but Helena and her sister as well.  Most of the animals were afraid to tread the land afterward, but Butter was a kid and hardly knew better. 

            In her rush, Helena had left her shepherd’s cane and could not reach Butter without being pricked.  Somehow, the silly beast had ducked under a tangle of thorns and stems where Helena could not reach.  She glanced about for a stick, or even a stone she could use to scare the kid out, but a door slammed at the blacksmith’s home and she knew there was no time.  In desperation, she ducked down and reached through the thorns to grab the rope around Butter’s neck.  She bit her tongue when thorns dug into her hands and arms, but got a hold on Butter and yanked her out.

            The emerald leaves rustled and rich soil shifted underfoot.  Helena pulled Butter toward home, rushing before Susan appeared to whip them.  Once on the dirt road, she ran and Butter was left no choice but to follow.  She thought she heard shouting as they rounded the corner that revealed home, but didn’t stop to be sure.

            The air was cool, but not cool enough to numb the pain of the scratches she’d sustained.  “That was very bad,” Helena scolded the goat.  “The blacksmith’s wife is liable to kill the next goat that dares strip a single one of her precious rose petals.”  The only answer she received was a wagging tail as Butter glanced about in the vegetation that surrounded the path for something to chew.

            Home was a small house on the top of the hill.  The roof was thatched with straw and the exterior walls whitewashed white.  Herbs, cabbage and spuds grew in the garden, but Helena’s mother knew better than to try and grow anything as delicious looking as roses.

            The pale morning light was just touching the house when Ruby appeared in the shade of the doorway.  Her dark, auburn hair framed her face and the light illuminated her perfect features.  Helena did not wonder why the boys of the village sought her sister’s company.  She was more a princess than the ones residing in the castle at the heart of Tirven.  Ruby’s green eyes flashed in the morning light when she spotted Helena.

            “Why did you not wake me?” she asked.

            “You were so peaceful I could not,” Helena responded.  She tied Butter to a post so she would not get away again before striding toward the pen.  The rest of the herd became lively as she approached.  They pranced from foot to foot, all trying to get her attention at once.  The soft sound they had been making only moments before became bleating calls.  Their deep braying overpowered any other senses.  She opened the gate that squeaked on its hinges.

            “I see Butter managed to escape already this morning,” Ruby said, shouting over all the noise.

            “She was in the roses,” Helena answered, knowing Ruby would understand.

            “Did the witch whip you?” Ruby asked as her face twisted in concern.

            “No,” Helena answered with a shake of her head, “she did not see me, but she will undoubtedly know we were there.”

            “I will never understand how another person can use such violence against another because of roses,” Ruby muttered.  They were collecting the milking the pails that had been stacked by the gate the night before.  Warm goat bodies bumped them on all sides and little tails wagged as they fought for attention.

            “Perhaps her roses mean as much to her as our goats do to us,” Helena pointed out.  She knocked a bit of hay from its place above, letting it fall into the milking stand her father had built.  Apple, a rusty colored goat, was the first to step up and Helena placed the metal bucket under the goat once the creature was situated.  She tugged at the goat’s udders until there was rythmatic tink tink as the streams of milk hit the metal.  She leaned her head against Apple’s round stomach and let her mind calm after coming so close to the blacksmith’s wife.  Ruby led another goat to the second stall and a thick silence fell over them as the rhythm of work took hold.  The low murmur of voices coming up the path broke the silence not much later.  They recognized their father’s voice before they saw his form, along with someone else, lumbering up the hill.

            “I did not know father would be away this morning,” Ruby said as the two men slowly made their way closer.

            “He is the magistrate, he is away most mornings,” Helena said.  “I wonder what has happened this time.”

            “You do not think Susan has been speaking with him, do you?”

            “Of course not, only if she saw him on the road.”

            Butter was still tied to a post outside the pen.  She’d managed to wrap the rope around and around until there was nothing left of the leash and she strained against her collar.  The men drew near and came to a stop right next to Butter as their father scrutinized the goat.  With him was none other than the tradesman who was really more of a drifter, but found himself in Eicht more often than not.

            “Everything will be well, Matt,” their father was saying.  He put a hand on Butter’s head and stroked her ears.

            “I tell you there is an unrest,” Matt said.  “Are you not concerned for your daughter?  The time is nearly at hand.”

            “Helena is not of age and will not be until her birthday next year.  Besides, you know as well as I that the blade has not been awakened in many long years.  The magic is dead.  It is a fool’s hope to revive the Violet Warrior’s steel.”

            “Some agree with you, Ian,” Matt nodded.  “I would say most do, in fact.  However, there are some who say the blade only sleeps.  There are rumors of a darkness spreading in the land, one that only the Violet Warrior may defeat.”
            “You have been spending too much time with the sharp tongued ones,” Ian said, his deep voice full of humor.  “The blade with come to Eicht, just as it always has and it will leave here the same way it came.  If we are lucky, the Riders will not find cause to stay long and the monsters they ride will bear them away to leave us in peace.  Eicht is small and often overlooked.”

            “Eicht was overlooked because there has only been one violet eyed child here since the last Violet Warrior was put to rest.  Eicht will not be overlooked as it has in the past.”

            “Do not allow yourself to become this worked up, Matthew.  Nothing will come of it.”

            Helena and Ruby listened in silence, only glancing up to exchange worried expressions.  They continued their work as if the men were not there, but they heard every word.  Helena had finished with Apple by then and released her from the stand.  When she knocked a bit more hay into the manger another stepped up, eager for her turn at chewing a bit of breakfast.

            “Has Butter been wandering already this morning?” Ian asked his daughters.

            “Yes, papa,” Helena answered.  “She was in the roses.”

            Ian’s face fell and he stopped stroking the goat.  “She did not strike you again, did she?”

            “No, papa,” Helena said and shook her head.  Her curly hair was kept in a kerchief tied about her head, but still bounced as if it had a life of its own.

            “I expect I will hear of it soon,” Ian muttered.  “Excuse me Matthew, I must be about starting my day.”

            “Of course,” Matt nodded and turned back toward the path that led to the heart of Eicht.  His tall, lanky form seemed to bob as he walked on his long legs.  Ian sighed and shook head before turning his attention back on his girls.  He was tall as well, but that is where the similarities between he and Matt stopped.  There was nothing lanky about Ian.  His arms and legs were thick with muscle.  He leaned against the pen fence and a goat called Berry went to put her head in Ian’s hands, asking for a scratch.  Despite his rough appearance, Ian was a gentle sort of man and complied to Berry’s wishes.

            “Papa,” Ruby asked as she wrestled the stubborn Pepper into the stall.  “Is there really an unrest?”

            “I have heard nothing of the kind before today,” Ian said with a shake of his head.  “Matt gathers too many stories during his travels.”

            “Why were you in town this morning?” Helena asked.  “Has something happened?”

            “All is well,” Ian responded with a wide smile.

            “Do you really believe the magic to be dead, papa?” she asked.

            “We can only hope so.”

            Helena nodded even though she wasn’t sure she hoped such a thing.  She’d seen the blade before.  It was carried to every village and city in search of one who would awaken the blade.  The King’s men came yearly in their search of violet eyed youth.  Each violet eyed person turning eighteen was required to touch the hilt.  Helena only remembered seeing one person do such and that was Tom, the blacksmith’s son.

            Her mind was still dwelling on the purple jeweled blade when a sweet little voice carried to them from the house as Helena’s little sister bounded from beneath the shade of the roof.  “Papa!” she shouted and ran into her fathers arms, her golden, curly hair bouncing as she did.  “Mama said you might not return until later.”

            “I thought so as well, but everything was resolved before I knew it and here I am.  Have you been helping your mother this morning?” he asked with a laugh as he wiped flour from the child’s chubby cheeks.

            “We are baking bread for tomorrow,” Raluca said proudly.

            “I am sure you are an excellent little helper, but your sisters need help as well. Do you think you have grown strong enough to bring the milk in?”
            Raluca’s little shoulders squared and she nodded her head seriously.  “I have been growing.  You said so yourself.”

            “You are growing and soon you will be a young woman.  For now, stay and help your sisters while I go and talk to your mother.”

            “Yes papa.”

            Ian placed Raluca upon the dusty ground.  Many years of hoofs pounding the earth had worn away everything but the dull dirt from the back of the house to the road, leaving the yard bare.  He patted Raluca’s head before going to the house and disappearing inside.  Raluca ran over to the gate and nearly succeeded in letting the herd out before she managed to push the goats to one side.  She went over to where Helena and Ruby were working, watching intently for a few moments before her blue eyes turned to Helena.

            “Mother says you are to have a new dress,” she said and her eyes sparkled like a jewel.  She smiled proudly at the revelation.  Helena frowned and pulled on Apple’s teat too hard.  The animal stomped the bucket.  She caught it before it spilled, but milk splashed everywhere.

            “Watch out!” Ruby exclaimed.

            “I am sorry,” Helena said quickly.

            “Are you unhappy?” Raluca asked and her face crumpled in confusion.  “I thought you would be overjoyed!”

            Faking a smile, Helena shook her head.  “Of course it makes me happy.”

            “I hope you have not ruined a birthday surprise,” Ruby warned.  “You know it will be Helena’s birthday in a few days.”

            “I matters not,” Helena said.  “I will act surprised.”

            “If you are to act surprised, try to do a better job of it than you did just now,” Ruby said, leaning over her goat to pat Helena’s cheek.  “You are scowling.  Mother says that causes premature wrinkles you know.”

            At this, Helena laughed.  “I am not the one with a special suitor, who do I have to appear beautiful for?”

            At the mention of a suitor, Ruby’s lips curved into a pretty smile and her eyes lowered to the pail of milk she was filling.  “I do not either.”

            Helena bit her tongue, knowing Raluca would fill the silence.  She never failed to let them know her thoughts on any issue.  Sure enough, her young voice chimed in.  “Everyone knows your suitor.  You were kissing him just last evening!”

            Helena laughed again when Ruby’s face turned scarlet.  “I did no such thing!  How can you tell such imaginative tales?”

            “You did!” Raluca insisted.  “I saw Gilbert give you a flower!”

            “I will not tolerate such childish accusations,” Ruby said indignantly and grabbed her pail from under the goat she was milking.  She released the animal and turned away.  As amusing as the situation was, Helena thought it would be best to distract Raluca before they went inside for breakfast so the story would not reach their parents ears, whether it was true or not.  She lifted a pail to her baby sister who stood ready.

            “Do not spill, do you hear?”

            “I will not!” Raluca said happily and gripped the handle with all the strength her little body could find.  Helena released Apple before going to help Raluca with the gate.  Once she was on her way to the house, walking with her little legs bowed so as not to kicked the pail, Helena led Berry back to the stall to finish milking the remainder goats.  Ruby was silent as she worked.  Raluca returned a moment later for another bucket.  Soon enough, the milking was done and all but a few of the pails had been hauled in.  As the trio made their way indoors with the last of it, the sound of their footfall was muffled in the yellow-green grass.  Raluca’s body rocked awkwardly as she made great effort not to spill.  Ruby had yet to say a word and walked a few steps behind.

            “Raluca, I have a problem,” Helena said.

            Raluca’s chest puffed out with pride.  Her eyes set with a sound determination to fulfill any task Helena put before her.  “I can help, what is the matter?”

            “You know my birthday party is coming soon.”

            Raluca nodded seriously.

            “I do not know which color of ribbon I should choose for my hair.  Which color do you think is best?”

            “Oh!  Pink is the best color for a party, unless you happen to have purple.  Do you have any purple ribbon?”

            Helena wanted to laugh at how seriously her little sister reacted.  They had reached the door by then and Helena put a bucket down to free a hand to open it.

            “I do not think I have purple, no.”

            “You may borrow mine since it is your birthday.”

            “You are very kind, thank you Raluca.”

            In the kitchen, Ian sat at the table drinking from a steamy mug.  The smell of freshly baked bread filled the room.  Sunlight streamed through the windows above the workspace where their mother leaned over a stove.  The sisters poured their milk into a barrel and Raluca went out back to rinse the pails in water.  Ruby was tense when sat at the table and leaned forward on the edge of a wooden chair.  She jumped a few minutes later when Raluca returned and went running to their father.

            “Guess what papa?”

            Ian set his mug down just in time to keep his youngest from slopping its contents all down the front of him when she leapt into his arms.  “What is it my little blossom?” he asked in his deep, booming voice.  Ruby was even more anxious than before as she leaned over expectantly.

            “Helena is going to use my hair ribbons for her birthday!” Raluca informed her father happily.  Ruby relaxed a bit and toyed with the blue kerchief that tied her hair.  Ian’s eyebrows rose.

            “Our Helena is worried for her hair?” he asked and looked at Helena.  “If you need ribbons, you should have said.”

            Helena had yet to sit at the table and had her hands on the back of a chair.  Her mother turned from the stove with a joyous expression.

            “I do not need them really father, thank you.”

            He laughed.  “Helena, promise me you will try to smile to day, eh?”

            “Yes,” Abigail agreed.  “You are so serious.  If you smiled more you might have a suitor or two.”

            “Leave her be, mother.  She will court when she is ready,” Ian said as he placed Raluca back on her own two feet.  “Let us eat!  I am famished after the goings on this morning.”

            Abigail moved swiftly to put bowls of porridge on the table.  Helena sat opposite Ruby.  The food was blessed and the small family ate quickly, Ruby perhaps a little too quickly.

            “Speaking of suitors,” Ian said after the meal had begun.  “How is young Gilbert?”

            Helena’s teeth clunked on her spoon and she glanced at Raluca whose eyes glinted with sudden mischief.

            “He is well,” Ruby said quickly.

            “They were kissing,” Raluca piped up.

            Abigail’s face fell.  “Raluca, you should never tease in that manner.”

            “I do not tease!  They were out by the pen.”

            Ian’s face was suddenly serious as he set his spoon down.  “Ruby,” he said while giving her a stern look.  “Does Raluca speak the truth?”

            It was difficult for Ruby to speak of a sudden as her throat visibly tightened.  “Yes, papa.”

            Abigail gasped from her place at the end of the table.  “Ruby!”

            “Wait a moment, mother,” Ian said.  “Helena, take your sister and start early.  Ruby will join you later.  Abby, will you please prepare their food?”

            As she stood, Helena tried to catch Ruby’s eye, but Ruby kept her head down so Helena only saw her dark lashes.  Abigail parceled some bread, meat and the few pieces of dried fruit they had remaining after the long winter.  Raluca and Helena were rushed out the door as soon as the lunch was ready.

            The herd had crowded around the gate to wait for them.  Their ears were erect and their funny eyes watched carefully as Helena retrieved her cane before throwing the gate wide.  The sun was out and the night’s chill had fled.  The sky was blue with a few puffy clouds floating lazily by.  The goats filed out and started up the trail they had traveled many times.  A haze of dust followed where they trod.  Helena tried to focus on keeping track of her animals.  Counting and re-counting gave her mind something to do as they picked their way to the mountain pastures.  Another thought crept upon her as they drew nearer to the blacksmith’s home and she remembered what Butter had done.

            “Is Ruby in trouble?” Raluca asked as they walked.

            “I think so,” Helena said simply.  Raluca’s face fell and her feet faltered as she trotted along.

            “I do not want Ruby to be in trouble,” she said in a small voice.  Helena grabbed her hand.

            “She will be alright.  Papa can be scary, but he loves us.”

            “Will she be mad?”

            “That I cannot guess.”

            “Will you tell her not to be mad?”

            Helena laughed.  “She will not be too mad.”

            Raluca didn’t seem satisfied by that answer, but Helena could not worry about it just then.  The constant clanking of the blacksmith’s hammer reached their ears and her stomach tightened.  Their establishment was the last when taking the path to the mountain.  The goats were as loud as they ever were and Helena was afraid they would draw Susan’s attention from the house.  She all but jumped when a figure appeared under the doorway of the shop.  She relaxed instantly when she saw it was Tom who was wiping his hands on his apron.

            “Helena!” he called in way of greeting, waving as he jogged over.

            “Hello Tom,” she said and smiled nervously.  “Ruby will be along later.”

            His head moved from side to side as his violet eyes searched over the sea of fur.  “I hope all is well?”

            “Everything is fine.”

            “Ruby’s in trouble.”  Raluca’s big blue eyes penetrated into Tom.  “Will you tell her not to yell at me?”
            Tom’s lips quivered in a suppressed smile.  “Did you do something to land Ruby in the trouble she finds herself in?”

            Raluca shook her head and Tom grinned.  He moved to kneel in front of the child.

            “Tell me Raluca, is your sister Helena having a birthday party?”

            “Oh yes!” Raluca immediately perked up.  “She is going to wear my hair ribbons.”

            “Is she?  She will be most beautiful!  Do you know if friends will be invited to this party?”

            “Of course they will,” Raluca answered.

            “And do you think your sister considers me a friend?”

            Raluca nodded agreeably.  The goats were getting too far ahead for Helena’s liking.  “I am sorry Tom, but we must stay with our herd.”

            “Understandably so.  I will try to catch you on your way down.”

            Helena nodded and hurried Raluca along.  It was a thirty or forty minute hike to the lush meadow that was covered with a dome of blue.  When they arrived, the goats went to their favorite bits sweet grass to graze.  Raluca made a cozy nest from grass and leaves to settle down for a nap as she often did.  Helena was careful to stay near her and pulled her wooden flute from her apron pocket.  She played a few lullabies for Raluca, but her heart wasn’t in the music that day.  She watched for Ruby to come, anxious for her.  It was nearly two hours later that Helena spotted Ruby’s maroon and brown dress through the trees, her dark hair and blue kerchief easily gave her away against the long and waving grass.  Her eyes were red and swollen, but oddly, she was smiling.

            “What happened?” Helena asked when she was close enough to hear without having to shout.  Ruby smiled and covered her face with her free hand, the other occupied by the shepherd’s hook.

            “I may just faint from embarrassment.”

            Helena was taken aback.  Ruby didn’t look embarrassed.  She didn’t appear to be sad or mad as a person might after receiving a scolding.  She leaned against her cane and glanced over the meadow, looking very content.  “What happened?” Helena urged.

            “Father went to Gilbert and they spoke for a time.  I understand Gilbert’s father joined them as well.  I was terrified that papa was going to do something to try and keep us apart, but Gilbert came home with father and he asked me to marry him!” Ruby beamed and her eyes sparkled.  Helena was inclined to yell in surprise and joy, but she knew she would scatter the goats if she did.  She hugged Ruby and jumped up and down instead.  “That is wonderful!”

            “Helena, I am so happy!  I never knew a person could be this happy!  You will help mother and me with the preparations, will you not?”

            “Of course I will!  Do you already know when it will be?”

            “Not yet, but I was thinking sooner would be better.”  Ruby’s nose wrinkled in amusement.  Raluca stirred from her nest and rubbed her eyes.

            “Helena?” she asked sleepily.  Ruby broke from Helena’s arms and went to their baby sister.  “Are you mad?” Raluca asked, her face pulled in an instant pout.  Ruby gathered Raluca in her arms.

            “Who knew a tattle could turn out to be such a wonderful thing?”

            Raluca wasn’t sure what Ruby meant, but she was pleased with herself and her pudgy arms encircled her oldest sister’s neck.  Helena was glad Ruby wasn’t corss and the rest of the day went much as any other, except Ruby seemed to step lighter and smile more.  In late afternoon, the girls started home with their small herd.  As promised, Tom came to talk with them as they passed his father’s shop.  He didn’t seem discouraged when Ruby told him the news of being engaged as Helena thought he would.  Raluca had tired some time before and Helena was carrying her on her shoulders.  She could feel little fingers playing with her hair as they walked.

            “Have you decided to allow me to attend your party?” he asked her after congratulating Ruby.

            “Of course you are invited,” Helena answered.  His smile was pleasant and flashed in the sinking sun.

            “Helena’s going to wear my ribbons,” Raluca said excitedly.

            “Yes, I know.  You told me this morning, remember?  I think ribbons are nice, but you really should consider this, you have the appearance of a fairy queen.”

            Helena patted a hand to her head where Raluca’s fingers were intertwined.  She had loosened the kerchief Helena wore and flowers were tangled in her locks.

            “What have you done, Raluca?” Helena scolded.  “Where did you find those flowers?”

            “I pulled them off the trees,” Raluca answered happily atop her perch.

            “You had better remove them or I will not allow to ride up there again.”

            Tom, who was at Raluca’s eye level, shook his head.  “No, do not take them out.  You look very pretty indeed.”

            Helena laughed as if he’d made a joke and shook a few flowers free.  Ruby had gotten ahead with the herd and Helena knew she had to hurry.  She started to walk away, but Tom stopped her.

            “When is your party?”

            “In two days.”

            “I will be there.”

            She nodded and hurried with Raluca still on her shoulders.  The goats were nearly home and Ruby was smiling her joyous grin.  “You could have spoke with him for awhile,” she pointed out.  “These silly animals know their way home.”

            “There is milking to be done, were going to do it yourself?”

            “No, but you could have at least smiled.”

            “Why would I?” Helena lifted Raluca over her head and put her on the ground.

            “You could work on your flirting a bit.  How do you expect to catch the eye of a man?”

            “I do not want to,” Helena said.

            “Oh, Helena, what do you want then?  To stay here with mother and father the rest of your life?”

            She didn’t answer as she pulled her kerchief out of her hair and a few pair blossoms tumbled to the dirt and were trodden over by cloven feet.  The group had reached the pen and the goats knew the routine.  Some of the ones who needed milking went to stand by the stall in the hopes their udders would be relieved first.

            “When a boy says you are pretty,  you could at least tell him thank you,” Ruby said gently then whirled to the gate, her skirts flaring dramatically.  Not even the comforting rhythm of work made Helena forget what Ruby had said.  Tom had come out to greet them in the mornings since as long as she could remeTwittermber.  Helena had always assumed he did so to see Ruby.  All the boys tried to get Ruby’s attention and that was the way Helena preferred it.  The only time they paid any attention to her was when they were curious about her eyes, but Tom was the last person in the world to be curious about her eyes.  He knew what it was to bear the unusual shade.  The idea that a man went out of his way for her seemed far fetched, but Helena couldn’t deny it the more she dwelt on the matter.  Almost any girl she knew would have been flattered to know Tom was interested in them, but she was mostly afraid and confused at the her lack of emotion.

            The sun went down and the night sky became deep velvet purple and black.  The sliver of a moon rose and made the village soft in its light.  Helena was distant that evening over supper.  Her mind was wondering over love and how to fall into it.  Luckily, her family was celebrating Ruby’s engagement and no one noticed her lack of enthusiasm.  As they readied for bed, Helena couldn’t help but think of how her sister’s face lit every time Gilbert’s name was mentioned and it bothered her that she didn’t know if she would ever feel that way about any boy.

2: Chapter 2

            The next morning, Helena woke bright and early.  She ate breakfast and performed her chores.  It was surreal to hear her mother and Ruby discussing wedding plans.  Raluca was enchanted by the entire idea, but Helena was quiet as the three girls led the goats to their favorite spot.  When Tom ran out to say hello that morning, she tried to do what Ruby had suggested and smiled as pleasantly as she knew how.

            “Good morning,” she said as he approached.  He went straight to her and she couldn’t recall if that was how it had always been.

            “Good day.”  He tipped the cap he was wearing to Raluca.  “And good morning to you little one.  It is a nice day for herding.”  He glanced at the blue sky which was free of clouds that day.

            “Does the warm weather make it hotter in there by the forge?” Helena asked, feeling stupid all the while.

            “I suppose it might a little, but it is always hot in there.  Almost anything else feels cool.”

            “O-of course,” Helena could feel Ruby’s eyes piercing into her from behind.  “How are your mother and father?”

            “They are well, and yours?”

            “Yes, they are well.  Will we see you later on?”

            Tom’s clear eyes smiled.  “I look forward to it.”

            “And we will too,” Raluca said, not wanting to miss a chance to join in a grown-up conversation.  Helena smiled again in an attempt to flirt and moved Raluca along quickly.

            “What was that?” Ruby hissed as she neared.

            “I was trying to do as you said,” Helena retorted curtly.

            “You looked as if you were in pain.”

            She groaned.  “Was I that awful?”

            “One would think you have never spoken with a man before.”

            “I do not believe I am ready for this.”

            “Yes you are.  Everyone knows how to flirt.  You must practice.”

            “Great,” Helena said through her teeth.

            “Perhaps you will wed soon too.  Would that not be wonderful?”

            “Marriage?  Me?  I do not think so, Ruby.  I am just learning to flirt!”

            “You make it too complicated.  Raluca flirts better than that.”

            “Tom is nice,” Raluca said.  “Is Helena going to kiss Tom?”

            Ruby couldn’t keep from laughing.  “We will have to wait and see.”

            “I am not going to kiss anyone,” Helena grumbled.

            “You will when the time is right.”  Ruby was smiling more than Helena cared for about the matter and she hurried ahead.  Once they found an area for the goats to graze, Raluca made another little next in the shade and was soon napping.  Helena sat near her, playing her flute.  The music drifted through the meadow and echoed off the mountain.  Ruby busied herself by picking wild flowers and Helena was glad for the time to think about how silly she’d acted that morning.  She wondered if he thought she seemed silly, but she couldn’t bring herself to really care what he thought.  Ruby went to sit with Helena after her flower collecting had failed.

            “Where are your flowers?” Helena asked.

            “Ginger fancied them.”

            Helena giggled.  “You are very generous to share your flowers with a goat.”

            Ruby shook her head.  “It is impossible to pick flowers with creatures that eat anything they can fit in their mouths.”

            As if to prove Ruby’s point, one of the younger goats came to put her head in Helena’s lap.  The goat was a butterscotch color with white socks and beard.  They called her Pumpkin.  She hid her face in Helena’s arms and chewed on her apron.

            “They have a tendency to be funny creatures,” Helena agreed as she stroked Pumpkin’s head.

            “Helena,” Ruby said as she situated herself more comfortably on the boulder she sat on.  “You have been quiet this morning, more than usual.  Is something wrong?”

            “No.”

            “Do you feel glum because of my engagement?”

            “No.  That is a silly thing to think.”

            “Then why have you been acting out of sorts today?”

            Choosing her words carefully, Helena stalled by scratching Pumpkin’s neck under her chin.  “I have been watching you since you and Gilbert became engaged.  Did you know your face comes alive when you see him, or if someone mentions his name?”

            “I was not aware,” Ruby said and her cheeks went pink.

            “I am worried.  What if I never love someone the way you love Gilbert?  I am ust not interested in that sort of thing.”

            “You should not worry, it sort of just happens.”

            “What if it does not?  How did you know Gilbert is the one for you?”

            “Life seems dull when he is not around.”

            “Including me?” Helena asked with a grin.

            “You that is not what I meant.  Time seems to stand still, or stretch when I am not with him and it goes by all too quickly when we are together.  I think the months before our wedding will be the longest I have ever had to endure.”

            Helena was disappointed at her sister’s explanations.  She had never had those emotions for anyone and she wasn’t sure she was about to just because she wanted to rush the process.

            “You look worried,” Ruby said, watching Helena’s reaction.

            “I do not feel that way about Tom.”

            “You have only just realized he is a man.  Give him some time, he may grow on you.”

            Helena had to admit to herself that Ruby could be right.  Just because she wanted everything to work out right then didn’t mean it would.  Wandering in the mountains didn’t ease her worry as it normally did.  Usually, if she had a problem to mull over, the fresh mountain air did her good, but the problem insisted on digging at her brain.  By the time they had started for him, she had thought of little else.  As promised, Tom came out of the shop when he heard them coming.  Helena became flustered and felt more like hiding than conversing.  When he approached, his hair was damp with perspiration, no doubt from working the billows for his father.

            “Tom!” Ruby moved toward him first, probably to buy Helena some time.  Helena, who hadn’t stopped feeling overwhelmed since she started considering the complications of love, was grateful.  Ruby said something to him, but she didn’t quite catch her words.  Raluca was trotting along, clutching Helena’s hand.  Ruby was distracted and that gave Helena an excuse to try and disappear.  To her horror, Tom hurried to her after he finished speaking with Ruby.

            “Helena, hold on!”  He waded through the small ocean of goats.  “I just wanted to say hello.”

            “Oh.  Hello Tom,” Helena said, hoping she wasn’t saying the wrong thing.  “It is nice to see you again.  Have you had a good day’s work?”

            Tom shrugged his broad shoulders with a small grin.  “It has been busy lately, but work is good.  I would rather have too much work than too little.”

            “Yes,” Helena agreed.  “It is nice to know one’s time is put to good use.”

            “It is nice to find other things to do with one’s time as well.”

            He had a hand on a goat that was trying to chew his trousers, but he was giving her peculiar look, one she couldn’t decipher.  She realized it was her turn to say something, but words wouldn’t come to her mouth.  Unfortunately, Raluca never ran out of things to say.

            “Helena is not ready for kissing.”

            Helena’s eyes went wide and her face got hot.  Tom, on the other hand, was somehow pleased by this information.  He sat on his haunches in next to Raluca.

            “You do not think so?”

            Raluca shook her head and opened her mouth to say more, but Helena jerked her by the arm.  “We should be getting home.”  She was so horrified she could barely speak.  She pushed Raluca around Tom and kept her eyes on the ground.  Tom chuckled behind them, but she did not dare look back.

            “I will see you tomorrow night then,” he called after them.

            “How could you say such a thing to him?” Helena hissed at her baby sister when they were a safe distance.

            “You said it,” Raluca said with an innocent smile.  Helena groaned and tried to focus on the work at hand to block out the near painful memory.

            Ruby was a few yards behind and hurried to catch up.  “What happened?” she asked as she encouraged the goats through the gateway to their pen which Raluca opened for them.  “Your face is beet red.”

            “I will never master the art of flirting with Raluca around.”

            Ruby stopped and the only sound came from the goats as they noisily crowded the opening to their pen.  She glanced at Raluca who, as always, appeared innocent.  “What did she say?”

            “She told Tom I am not ready for kissing.”

            Ruby laughed and Helena glared at both of her sisters.  “I do not think this is very funny.”

            “We will have to be more careful with what we speak of around Raluca.  Do not worry.  If you think about it, things could have been a lot worse.”

            “I can hardly fathom how!” Helena gasped.  “He probably thinks I do nothing but sit about and speak of him.”

            Ruby giggled and handed Helena a stool.  The usual steady pace of work didn’t ease her thoughts as she tried to think of something she could say to Tom the next they spoke.  No matter what she thought, nothing seemed appropriate and she would have been satisfied if she knew she would never see him again.  They finished milking and Ian came out greet them.  He took the pails Raluca and Helena were carrying.  “When you have washed, I need to go to market if anyone wants to come?”

            Squeals of delight came from both Raluca and Ruby.  Normally, Helena might have found an excuse to stay home, but she wanted to be with her family and forget the embarrassing afternoon.  The three girls hurried to wash.  Ruby took care with her hair and helped Raluca untangle her curls.  Helena tightened her kerchief and washed her face and hands, listening to the constant babble that came as a result of Raluca’s excitement.  Ruby was laughing gaily when Abigail came from the house, dressed smartly with her hair pinned.

            “Helena, you scrubbed your face too hard!” she said disdainfully, taking her daughter’s chin in her fingers.  “You should be more careful.  You could irritate your lovely skin.”

            “Are you four through preening?” Ian asked them.  “I think Janice closes her stand soon and we would not want to miss the meat pies.”

            “Papa!” Raluca grabbed her father’s fleshy hands and tugged his arm.  “Let us hurry!”

            Ian scooped her up and she came to sit on his broad shoulders.  “Were you a good girl today?  Only good girls may have a meat pie.”

            Raluca bounced up and down, her golden curls shimmering.  “I was good!  Helena only scolded me once.”

            “Really?  And what did she scold you about?” Ian asked casually as they started down the heart of the village.

            “Nothing,” Helena said quickly.  “It was not a scold really.  Raluca was very good today.”

            “She was,” Ruby agreed and that put the matter to rest.

            The family was in high spirits as they chatted and laughed all the way down to the valley.  They passed the small houses, saying hello to their neighbors as they went.  The first order of business at market was to find the pastry stand for Raluca who was suddenly dying of hunger.  They enjoyed the savory, buttery pastry as they moved along the stand.  Ruby and their mother were fingering items after their pies were eaten and they couldn’t stop talking about the upcoming wedding.  Most anyone they ran into seemed to have heard about the engagement and they were quick to congratulate the family.  It was a good thing the market wasn’t crowded or they might have been there all day.  They saw fabrics, ribbons, jewelry and hair combs.  Helena would nod and say how pretty Ruby was when she held something to her hair or body, but she had not desire to try anything.  She was surprised when her father put Raluca on the ground when Ruby was going through some ribbons.  He sorted through the selection and found a shiny gold strand, pulling it out.

            “Helena, this would be nice in your hair,” he said and held the ribbon to her locks.

            “Oh yes,” Abigail remarked as she watched.  “That is a nice color for our Helena.”

            Helena was sure she was blushing again.

            “Do you fancy this color?” her father asked.  She nodded, flattered by the attention.

            “It is the prettiest ribbon I have ever seen!” Raluca gasped.  “You will be as pretty as a princess!”

            “You must let me plait your hair for your party,” Ruby added and Helena nodded again.  The ribbons were scarcely paid for when they were approached by one of the village’s more prominent gossips and none other than Lily’s mother.  Brunhild was older than Helena’s parents and had a plump stomach and graying hair.    Her husband worked in jewelry and trading of high quality items.  Everyone knew to be careful of what they said around Brunhild because they knew she would tell anything that happened and add her own embellishments to the tale.  Once, when Ruby was younger, Brunhild saw her talking to a group of travelers.  The word was quickly spread around town that Ruby wanted to leave home and join the gypsies.  While it was true that Ruby would often talk of foreign lands and her want to see them, she had never expressed desire to join the gypsies.  There, in the market, she approached the family with an elongated frown.  Her daughter, Lily, followed like a silent, ghostly shadow.  “Good evening Ian and Abigail,” Brunhild said hurriedly.  “Ruby!  Why did you not tell me you are getting married?  I have just heard the news from Janice.”

            Ruby beamed.  “It all happened so quickly, I haven’t had the chance to tell a lot of people.”

            Brunhild seemed appeased by the answer.  “You will be such a radiant bride.”

            “Thank you,” Ruby said graciously.

            “My Lily has some prospects,” Brunhild put a hand on her daughter’s arm.  Lily had stringy black hair and hollow cheeks with sad eyes.  Her arms and legs were lengthy and made her gawky.  Brunhild spoke before her daughter could offer a word.  “We have refused some offers because of her eyes.  She will try to touch the sword you know.”

            “Yes,” Abigail said, instantly curious.  “You know our Helena will try next year.”

            “Yes,” Brunhild said with a puckered brow.  Helena and Lily had long been compared to one another.  Some of the elders in town said that Lily’s eyes were not violet at all, but merely a brilliant blue.  There was no mistaking the color of Helena’s eyes as the purple shade shone and glittered.  “I see the color has died in her,” Brunhild said.

            “No,” Ian said when Abigail opened her mouth again.  “Helena has very lovely eyes.  Are you coming to Helena’s birthday celebration tomorrow?”

            Brunhild smiled.  “Of course, I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

            The two families went their separate ways as the sun was sinking low in the sky.  They went home, but not before Abigail and Ruby found an entire slew of things Ruby’s wedding couldn’t do without.

            Readying for bed that night, Helena reflected on what Raluca had blurted to Tom.  After some thought, she decided Ruby was right.  Perhaps the incident wasn’t as bad as she’d first thought.

            The next morning, Helena was sent to the mountain on her own.  Grinning ear to ear, Raluca and Ruby made several excuses, none of which Helena believed.  There was nothing she could have wished for more on her birthday than to have so much time to think.  Tom had not come out of the blacksmith’s shop, but it only meant she would have to face him later.  Tom aside, she enjoyed the day of lazily watching the goats graze while basking in the sun.  The meadow’s lush, long sweet grass danced in the light breeze.  She wished for time to stand still so she could enjoy the beautiful serenity forever.  Presently, it was time to go and she whistled for the goats to head home.  They stopped what they were doing and eyed her with their horizontal eyes.  They hurried to follow when she started walking down the trail.  She counted their scruffy heads and wagging tails all the way back to their pen.

            Back at home, Ruby was waiting to help with the milking.  She took charge of the herd and told Helena to go inside.  The house was warm and smelled of sweet pastries.  Abigail was at the table, mixing something in a wooden bowl.  She turned when she heard Helena come in.  “You are home!  I was beginning to wonder if I should worry.”

            The scars under Helena’s dress itched.  “You should not have gone through all the trouble for me.”

            “Nonsense, you are my daughter and you should be treated like a princess on your birthday.”  She set the bowl on the table.  “I will finish this later.  It will be better to get you washed and dressed now while Raluca is taking a nap.  I promised she could stay up for the celebration if she took one this afternoon.”

            Helena followed her mother to her room where a tub of lukewarm water waited.  Abigail helped scrub Helen’s skin until she was a healthy pink.  She washed Helena’s hair with scented soap then hurried her out so she could get dressed.  Somehow, her parents had found money for a new dress and she suddenly knew why her father had chosen the gold ribbons.  The dress’s skirts were yellow and gold with a gold bodice embroidered with shimmering gold thread.

            “Mother!” Helena gasped.  “This is too much!”

            “We only want you to be happy.”

            “I am happy, mama.  Thank you.”

            “Put it on,” Abigail said and put the garment in her arms.  When the dress was on, Abigail looked on with a tear in her eye.

            “Mama, please do not cry,” Helena begged.

            Abigail sniffed and wiped at her eyes.  “I cannot believe my babies are becoming women.  It seemed you were just an infant in my arms and now you will be married before we know it.”

            “Yes, mama,” Helena said, hoping it would be that simple.

            “Look at me, wasting time when we are pressed for it.  I will fetch Ruby for you.  She needs time to wash as well.”

            “Thank you, mama.  This is more than I ever imagined.”

            Abigail’s eyes glistened for a moment as she paused at the door.  She gave Helena a quick hug.  “I love you Helena.”

            “I love you too,” Helena whispered.

            Abigail pushed Helena’s hair over her shoulder before hurrying to find Ruby.  Helena was left alone just long enough that she began wondering if she had time to climb out the window and disappear for the night.  Just as she was seriously starting to consider the idea, Ruby came with an arm full of yellow daisies.

            “You look as if you want to hide,” Ruby said as she spread her times on the bed.

            “Do you know a good place?  Those are not all for me, are they?”

            “Of course they are.  You said I could fix your hair.”

            “I remember what I said, but surely not all of those flowers are needed?”

            “I do need them.  Come and sit here.”  She patted the corner of the bed and retrieved a brush the armoire.  Helena went tentatively over and was otherwise left out of the creative process.  When she was done, Ruby hurried around the bed to see her handiwork.  “Oh, Helena!” she exclaimed.  “You are beautiful!”

            Helena squirmed.

            “You are supposed to say thank you.”

            “Thank you,” Helena mumbled.

            “Now it is my turn to get ready.  You may be able to help mama or papa.”

            “That is a good idea,” Helena agreed readily and sprang from the bed, hurrying from her sister before she could decide to put another ribbon or flower in her hair.  She went down the steep stairs to find her mother working at the stove again.

            “Do you need help?” she asked, going to see what Abigail was making.

            “You are stunning!” Abigail cried with a smile.

            “Thank you,” Helena said and clutched her skirt in her fists.

            “I do not want you in here making a mess of our dress.  The party will start soon.  Go and help your father.”

            Helena obeyed and found her father outside with an armload of lamps they would use to challenge the darkness that had already began to close over the valley.  Ian saw her approach and smiled with delight.  “Here is my beautiful daughter!”  He embraced her with his free arm.

            “Thank you, papa.”

            Together they carried the lamps to the town center where the party would be.  The center of the village was marked by a large stretch of a cobblestone clearing.  There was a bubbling fountain.  By day it was the market, but night it was an impromptu dancing hall when the weather permitted.  This night the weather was warm and clear.

            “I believe your mother has invited the entire village,” Ian said, indicating some tables he’d situated near the fountain.  They were overfilled with good things to eat.  “Do you think it will be enough?”

            “I certainly hope so,” Helena answered.

            Ian set up the lamps where they were needed and, when they were lit, guests began arriving.  It was not long after that music was played and beckoned all to come.  The town center was suddenly very alive and very full.  She was swept up in the formalities of being a gracious birthday girl.  Everyone who came said how pretty she was and she learned to smile and say thank you as Ruby had instructed.  Helena barely had time to breathe and was startled when Tom appeared in front of her in the midst of mingling people.  She had to admit he was handsome with his black hair tossed to one side and his clean white shirt open at the neck.

            “Helena,” he said, speaking so softly that she barely heard him.  “You look ravishing.”

            “Thank you,” Helena said.  He held up a yellow rose.

            “This is for you.  I apologize that I could not think of anything else to give you.  At least, not with so many people around.”  He held the rose out and Helena cupped its head in her hands, blushing madly at his insinuation.

            “It is perfectly lovely, thank you.”

            “Have you had anything to eat or drink?”

            “I must not, not now.  I have to—”

            “Go and eat,” Ruby said, appearing with Gilbert not far behind.  They were holding hands.  “I can fend off the crowd for a little while.”

            “There, you see?” Tom a smiled in a handsome way and put her arm through his to lead her to the table of treats and drink.  It seemed her mother had made everything Helena enjoyed eating, but she had barely gotten a bite when dancing music livened the air.  “You must dance with me!” Tom announced excitedly.

            “I am not sure—”

            “You cannot say no,” Tom insisted and she was given little choice as they were suddenly in the middle of a lively dance with an energetic bunch surrounding them.  They fell in sync with the others, clasping hands and joining the circle.  Another boy named John asked her for a dance, then another named Crispin.  Tom didn’t seem pleased when John stole her, but he was quick to claim another dance.  Again, the music and was lively and people were laughing and singing.  Helena even found herself laughing despite her nerves.

            There was a shock that fell over all when the music stopped suddenly mid-song and a hush fell over the crowd that had been boisterous a moment before.  Everyone was watching the sky and she looked up in time to see a shadow descend.  Tom’s arms came around her and pulled her back as four griffins landed nimbly and their riders dismounted. They wore the King’s emblem on their cloaks.  A murmur ran through the company as everyone fell to one knee, their hands facing forward in a symbol of peace.

            The rider nearest them dismounted.  The pin at his throat gleamed in the firelight as he approached the crowd.  Ian met him halfway.  “Greetings Rider,” he said.  “You are most welcome here in Eicht.”

            “We represent King Tarik,” he said.  “We have come early in an attempt to find the violet eyed children of Tirven.”

            “We have only one this year, good Rider,” Ian said.

            “There are some changes to the age limit,” the Rider said, putting up a hand.  “From this year forward, all who are seventeen must touch the blade.”

            “Seventeen?” Ian asked.  His back was to the villagers, but Helena thought his voice had gone weak.  She couldn’t be sure as her legs were suddenly like pudding.

            “Does this change the number of violet eyed participants then?” the Rider asked.

            “Indeed it does, Rider.  My daughter is seventeen just this night and her eyes are violet.  Perhaps…perhaps you and your men would care for some food and drink before they are made to touch the blade.”

            “You are most kind, but not now.  Bring the violet eyed ones forward then,” the Rider said wearily.

            Ian turned and easily spotted Helena.  He waved her forward and her feet felt as heavy as boulders.  She shuffled to her father who looked as if he’d swallowed a live moth.  “Where is Lily?” he asked, but the question wasn’t needed.  A moment later Brunhild came while dragging Lily behind her, stopping only when she was before the Rider.  She curtsied and Lily awkwardly followed her example.

            “My daughter is one of whom you seek,” Brunhild said.

            “I cannot see your eyes in this low light,” he said to Lily.

            “I assure you,” Brunhild said, still next to her daughter.  “Her eyes are violet.”

            “Excuse me,” Ian said and retrieved a lamp in order to drive it into the ground near the Rider, revealing his features.  Helena noticed his square jaw and straight nose before two came behind him carrying a large, long box.  “Nevertheless, I must be sure,” the Rider said and leaned closer to Lily.  He shook his head, but snapped his fingers and the lid of the box was lifted.  Helena inhaled sharply, as did the rest of the villagers when it was opened.  Lying on a velvet cushion was the most extraordinary sword.  The hilt was bright violet laced with silver.  An amethyst jewel adorned the end of the handle.  It gleamed brilliantly in the torch light, almost as if alive.  People moved in closer to watch and Matthew brought another light.

            “Touch the hilt,” the Rider said and Lily stretched out her hand.  Her long fingers came to rest on the glistening surface of the steel.  All those around held their breath, Helena included.  Nothing happened.  “Thank you for your participation,” the Rider said and, just like that, all attention turned to Helena.  One of the men holding the lid of the box stared intensely when Lily moved aside.

            “Nik,” he whispered to the first Rider, “her eyes!”  Helena lowered her gaze, sure she was glowing red from head to foot.  The Rider touched her chin and raised her gaze, examining her more closely.  Ian leaned in while pressing the lamp even closer, the anxiety showing on his face.

            “Your eyes match the jewel,” Nik explained.  “What is your name?”

            “Helena,” she answered quietly.

            “She is the one, is she not?” Ian asked under his breath, but he did not sound thrilled.

            “There is only one way to tell,” Nik said, speaking more to her than anyone.  “Touch the hilt.”

            Her hands were shaking and she hesitated, unable to forget the look of dread on her father’s face.  He had said the magic was dead, but his expression revealed his true thoughts.  She shut her eyes, taking a deep breath before opening them again and stretching out her hand.  The air around was still as if the very earth waited in anticipation.  Her fingers were inches from touching the steel when a shadow grew from behind the Riders.  Although it looked a shadow in appearance, it moved faster than one.  Suddenly, it was upon them, revealing two hugely monstrous beasts.  Helena saw jagged teeth and what appeared to be an armored bear with elongated, pointed ears.  As she reacted, so did those around her, but few were quick enough.

            She claimed the sword just as the box fell to the ground with a crack as the men freed their hands to draw their weapons.  Something foreign came over her—an instinct she was not aware of owning.  Pure, bright white light broke through her fingers just as she lunged toward the strange, menacing animals, fully intending on attacking one if not both.  The light burst in a surge of magic, more brilliant than the distant fireworks she’d once seen.  The rush exploded, temporarily blinding and deafening all there.  Helena was aware of trying to scream, but was unsure of how well she succeeded when she could hear nothing, not even the sound of her own voice.  When the light faded, most were on their backsides or knees, blinking rapidly to regain their sight.  The monsters still fresh in her mind, Helena scrambled to her feet, her stomach knotting to see Nik and his company on the ground.  They had received the brunt of the explosion and were unconscious.  Unfortunately, the beasts were not.

            One great black mass struggled to stand.  The other was moving, but was not aware enough to roll off its backside and its legs kicked wildly in the air.  The first regained its footing and fear fanned to life when it focused on her.  The flames from the surrounding lamps and torches reflected red deep in its unfeeling eyes and the snout of the monster curled in a snarl.  A growl rumbled in its chest and, with hackles raised, it advanced.  Unsure of what she was doing, Helena raised the magical sword.  Her father’s voice came from behind as if from a dream, demanding she stop, but she barely heard.

            Nik had remained unmoving until that moment and he moaned, forcing his limbs to function and push his body from the ground just as the bear-like creature stood over him.  Its attention shifted and its paw came up, armed with cruel, thick claws.  Screams began erupting all around, but Helena did not hear them.  She sprang forward and came between the monster and Nik, raising the sword just as the animal’s paw came down.  The blade sliced through flesh and bone and the great paw fell to the dirt, dark black blood pooling under it.  The animal screamed in rage and reared its head, but she did not pause and rammed the point of the sword upward through the bear’s neck.  Blood coursed down her fingers and arm, painting her skin black.  The beast fell, but arms came around her middle and threw her back just as a second set of horrible claws ripped the air where she had been.

            A screech resonated through the night and there was a flash as a griffin descended, followed closely by the other three.  They took it in turn to dive at the beastly thing, slashing and tearing its thick skin with their strong beaks and razor claws.  Swatting with its huge paws, the monster tried to fend them off, roaring until Helena’s chest shook, but the griffins won out in the end and it fell.

            “Helena!”  Her name came to her ears as if she had been summoned from a nightmare, but the gore remained before her eyes.  Her father grasped her shoulders, her face, searching her eyes with his.  “Helena!” he yelled again when she did not focus.  He shook her non too gently.

            “You said to stop,” she mumbled.

            “I did!” Ian yelled.  “Why did you not listen?  What were you thinking?”

            “They could have hurt…someone,” she replied.

            “Yes, child!  They could have hurt you!”  Ian hugged her close.  As she hid her face in his shirt, she was mildly aware of the villagers muttering and coming closer.

            “She saved our lives,” one of the Riders muttered.

            “Does this mean she has been chosen?” Abigail asked as she emerged from the villagers, followed closely by her other two daughters.  “Where is the sword?”

            Helena thought the question was an odd one because the sword was gripped tightly in her right hand.  Although it was covered in blood, it was discernable as a blade.  She broke her father’s embrace to glance down at the weapon.  “It is here,” she answered.

            “They cannot see it,” Nik said, suddenly next to them as well.  “No one can but you.  It is how one is chosen.  When the hilt is touched, the blade vanishes to all but the one who has been chosen to bear it.”

            “How is this possible?” Helena asked.  “Only moments ago I was just another…I have no idea how to wield a weapon.”

            “I do not believe you would convince them of that fact,” Nik said and jerked his head toward the monsters.

            “You certainly looked as if you knew how to wield a weapon,” Ian pointed out gently.

            “Did I?”

            “What will happen now?” Ian asked, pulling her close again.

            “I…” Nik glanced to the other Riders and sighed.  “I must take her to the King.”

            “Nik?” one of the men asked, his face fallen.  Nik waved his query aside and shook his head.

            “She is brave,” Abigail said while pretending not to notice their unusual behavior.  “But she has barely left childhood.”

            “I understand how confusing this must be, but there are strict laws in place regarding the invisible sword.  Come morning, we must leave…and she must come with us.”

            “Why were those monsters after you?” Ian asked.  “Are they likely to attack again?”

            “There are many enemies to the royal crown,” Nik said.  “The griffins will ensure our safety with their speed.”

            “We…” Helena whispered, emerging from her father’s arms.  “We are to ride them?”

            “Yes, but do not look so very afraid.  They are tamed and gentle,” he assured her.

            “Gentle?” she asked with a raised voice.

            “Helena,” Ian spoke softly and took a hold of her arm.  “They will not hurt you.”

            “I cannot,” she whispered.  “Papa, please, I cannot ride them.”

            “You must obey,” he said although a pained expression crossed his face.

            She shook her head and broke Ian’s grasp, fleeing the scene and everything that had happened.  Her legs carried her swiftly up the hill to her home where she all but fell into the goat’s pen.  The goats had congregated in the furthest corner to keep warm, but gathered around her without hesitation, their tales wagging acceptingly.  She propped the sword against the nearby fence, then knelt in the dirt.  The herd nibbled the flowers from her hair.  Dozens of goat lips grazed her skin and chewed her locks.  She reached for the nearest goat and wrapped her arms around its neck.  Butter bleated quietly and nibbled the back of her neck.  Their warmth offered comfort until she noticed the blood still clinging to her arm.  Her stomach rolled and she stood with a jerk, going to the rain barrel and washing the filth away, using the dipper to pour water over the stains.  She scrubbed desperately as if a dirty disease might infect her skin.

            “Helena,” someone whispered as she scrubbed with her nails.  She fully expected to see her father, but Tom stood at the gate.

            “He-hello Tom,” she sniffed and he opened the gate, quietly sliding inside.  The goats shied from an outsider in their space.  Water gurgled and splashed when she dropped the dipper back into the barrel.

            “Do not say how lucky I am,” she wiped her eyes with her fingers.

            “I was not going to—I do not wish you to go,” he said meaningfully.

            “You know I must,” she said, breathing deeply to control her emotions.

            “Your path is not so certain.  We could leave…you and I together.”

            The shock of his words caused her to blink rapidly as the idea hit her.  “No, Tom…I-I could not!”

            “You could!  It would be easy.  We could leave now.  I have learned enough from my father to start out on my own.”

            Helena shook her head.  “I could not…not that way.  I do not love you.”

            He looked as if someone had slapped him.  After a moment, he laughed and shook his head.  “You say that to ease the pain of your leaving.  There is no need to lie.  You do not have to go with them.  We could find another kingdom where they do not know anything about you, or the sword.  There is nothing to fear because I will protect you.”

            “You are brave, but I meant what I said.  As fearful as I am, I cannot run away.”

            “I do not believe you,” Tom persistently put a hand on her waist.

            “You must stop this,” she whispered and pushed at his arms.

            “I will not allow you to walk out of my life because of Royalty’s tradition.  I love you.”

            “I am sorry,” she whispered.  “I never meant for things to go this way.  Please release me.”

            He held her tighter.  “Not until you admit you lied.”

            “I wish I were lying,” she sighed and calmly tried again to remove his hands.

            Unexpectedly, they heard the gate rattle and the wood groaned as another person came into the pen.  Tom let her go, looking a bit surreptitious.  Helena took a few steps from him for good measure before facing the newcomer.  The last person she wanted to see watched on.  Nik drew the sword that hung by his side, letting the tip rest in the dirt for the moment.

            “You dare attempt to steal from the King?” he asked Tom.

            Tom squared his shoulders and glared.  “You insinuate she is property then?  She is not anyone’s property!” Tom bellowed.  “You come and make these demands without regard to the lives you disrupt, but have you asked her if she wants to go?”

            “Permission is not a thing I seek from anyone.  The King demands her presence at the castle.  I will not allow a lover’s quarrel to hinder this mission.  Obviously you have no idea the danger you would place her under I you had succeeded.  I ask again, do you challenge me?”

            “Stop!” Helena said with a cry.  She barreled into Tom, catching him by surprise and pushing him to the dirt.  “I said I do not love you!”

            Tom slowly got to his feet and his eyes glinted in a way Helena had never seen.  Nik’s sword swung through the air and came within inches of Tom’s throat.

            “I do not like the look in your eye.  It would be well for you to leave before you decide to act on your thoughts.”

            “How could you know my thoughts?”
            “I have my ways,” Nik said self assuredly.  “I will take it personally if you so much as speak to the girl again, do you understand?”

            “Perfectly,” Tom snarled.

            “Your young heart will recover from this blow,” he said and lowered his steel.  “Now go.”  Tom hesitated, but Nik’s domineering stare fixated upon him until he left.  After he had disappeared into the darkness, Nik faced Helena.  His dark chestnut eyes seemed to shelter a storm and his mouth was set in determination.  He had short hair that covered his eyes when he lowered his head.  His strong chin and stern brow made him seem austere in a mysterious way.  “I am sorry things did not work out for you and your friend.  That was dignified of you to send him away.”

            “I spoke the truth,” Helena informed him.

            He raised an eyebrow as if he didn’t quite believe her.  “That gathering was in your honor.  I apologize for spoiling it.  We came early to compensate for the King’s tight agenda of late.”

            Helena went to the place where she’d left the sword and her fingers closed around the hilt.  She hated how nice the grooves felt in her grasp.  “King Tarik has yet to learn of what an oaf I am.  He may change his mind yet.”

            “You?” he laughed a pleasant chuckle.  “An oaf?”

            “You have only just met me,” she said and handed the sword to him.  “Here, I am guessing you want this back.”

            He looked to her hand, but seemed to look through the sword.  She rammed the point of it into the dirt and released the hilt.  His eyes focused there and he jerked it from the earth.  “You did not seem an oaf when you were dancing with your friend.”

            “Did I not?  I certainly felt one.  Is it possible you really do not see the blade?” she asked.  “I have heard the legends, but never thought they could be real.”

            “It becomes invisible under your touch.  I only saw it do such a thing when I was a boy and it was disconcerting then.”

            “I hope the King is not disappointed when he sees me,” Helena said and cast a hand at her herd which was cowering in the corner.  “I have never known anything but goats all my life.”

            He suddenly held very still and listened intently to the night.  He studied the sky as if he expected flames to burst from the clouds and consume them.  “I think it would be best if you were with your family,” he said with one eye on the skies.  Curious, she hesitated, but bit her tongue and offered a quick curtsy before leaving the pen.