Heir of Aelesia

Melanie fell to the earth, sorrow’s crushing weight pushing her down. Her delicate hands covered her tear-stained face as she leaned over the water and cried. I have failed! There is no way I can go on. She continued to sob into her hands, unable to hold back the wall of tears.

Suddenly, she felt a warm breeze surround her, almost like an embrace. Her heart filled with strength as the air brought her a sense of serenity. As she looked up, she noticed a reflection in the water. She gasped, whipping her head around. No one was there.

Curious, she looked back at the lake, inspecting the reflection. She recognized the figures, for she had grown up on the stories of the kings of old – her ancestors. As she peered closer, the man in front laid a hand on her shoulder. Without thinking, she raised her hand to meet his, forgetting he was not physically there. She let her hand drop sadly. As she watched the reflection, she saw the face of her father, the king before her.

She broke down again, knowing she had let him down – unable to govern the kingdom as he had – having become overtaken by Albadar, the sorcerer. I am just not strong enough, Father. As she thought this, the figure lifted his hood to uncover his face. His steel-gray eyes were not filled with disappointment like Melanie expected; instead, they conveyed love and hope.

“You are not a failure, Mel,” she heard his loving voice in the wind, “You will find a way to rid our land of this evil. And we will be there to guide you.” As the last words rustled by, the figures stepped forward, unveiling their hooded faces. Each one contained a look of love, determination, and hope for the future.

“We know you are strong enough to fulfill this task. Do not forget who you are,” a chorus of masculine voices rang through the clearing.

Her heart overflowed with hope and her eyes stung with tears anew. They were no longer of sorrow, but of gratitude. As a tear dripped from her face, it caused a ripple in the water and the figures vanished.

Melanie wiped a hand across her face, removing the remaining tears. Slowly, she stood. She straightened her back, squared her shoulders, and rose to her full height. She stared at her reflection again, seeing the strength inside her. She had forgotten herself when Albadar took the citadel, forcing her to flee.

She brushed herself off before looking to the sky, determining how much daylight remained. With a resolved countenance, she gathered up what little belongings she had and marched off toward Darkwell, the heart of King Ethelred’s Kingdom. Even though their kingdoms were at odds, Melanie knew an alliance was her best chance at defeating Albadar, for King Ethelred’s army was great.

She knew she would have to find a way to convince the King to aid her. It would be no small feat. For reasons unknown to her, King Ethelred and her father hated one another. She hiked toward the border of Aelesia and Caiziviel, pondering on what she could use as leverage to gain his aid.

Too soon the sun had set. Melanie could walk no further. She sat with her back against a tree, allowing sleep to claim her.

***

Rustling in the branches above startled Melanie awake. She leaped up and drew her sword, searching for danger. Seeing no one, she sheathed her blade. Sighing, she leaned against the tree to calm her nerves. It was still a while before the sun would peak over the distant mountains, but there was still enough light for Melanie to see. She grabbed her things and set off in the direction of the rising sun, knowing she would reach Ethelred’s kingdom by nightfall. She would not want to cross at night. Melanie made plans on where she would camp before continuing on the next day.

After a long day of travel, the sun began to fade. As dusk fell upon the world around her, Melanie spotted the cave she had planned to take shelter in. During her time as Queen the natural shelter was often used by patrols during the night. Now that Albadar ruled, there were no patrols out to occupy the cave. It was the perfect place to hole up for the night.

***

Morning light filtered into the little cave and Melanie stirred. She soon noticed several birds chirping and sat up, rubbing the rest of the sleep from her eyes. She took a drink from her waterskin. The contents made her stomach grumble, reminding her that she had eaten very little since she fled. She quickly scavenged for berries and roots. She would have no time to set traps for game. She needed to cross the border.

As Melanie neared the border of her land, she took extra care to dodge Ethelred’s patrols. Before crossing into the new country she donned her hood.

Two cities stood between her and Darkwell. Though it would add an additional half day to her journey, she knew she would need to skirt around Luton and Ramshorn if she wished to remain undetected.

She took few breaks and was able to reach the outskirts of Ramshorn before dark. She kept to the forest, hiding easily in the foliage. As the light in the sky dimmed, Melanie found herself staring at her father’s ring. It was kept on a cord around her neck. This one piece of jewelry was the symbol of her right to Aelesia’s throne.

She fiddled with it, as she had often done after her father passed nearly a year before. Help me, Father, when I face King Ethelred. Please. As she continued to stare at the ring, she felt a warmth enter her and she knew he was there to guide her.

***

Melanie woke at the snap of a twig. Her head shot up and she quietly looked around for the source. She crouched low, not wanting to be seen. With one hand on the hilt of her sword, Melanie surveyed the area. A bit of black cloth poked out from behind a nearby tree.

She crept toward the hidden person, slowly drawing her sword. Before she could surprise the man, she herself had become surrounded. Melanie had been so focused on the one man that she had not noticed the rest of the men around her. They wore mischievous grins on their faces as they raised their own weapons.

“What’s a pretty doll like you doing out here all by herself?” one of the men asked her in a gravelly voice. Her throat constricted as fear gripped her.

“Leave me alone!” she shouted as a warning. She was met with hearty laughs from the men surrounding her.

They started to close in, and Melanie’s instincts took over. She counted five in total. As they attacked she slashed and parried, dancing perfectly as one with her blade. She smirked as she saw the bewilderment on the men’s faces.

“I have trained with a sword as long as I’ve been able to hold one in my wee arms,” she boasted with a smile, continuing to ward off the ruffians.

Within minutes, she had dispatched all the men. She breathed heavily as she took in the aftermath. She had not wanted to kill, much less fight anyone on her journey. If she wanted to persuade the King to help her, she needed her ledger to be as clean as possible. Melanie wiped her blade clean and sheathed it, heading off before anyone could connect her to the commotion.

***

She was within a league of Darkwell when Melanie felt a shiver run down her spine. She turned around, searching for the source, but could find nothing. She wrapped her cloak tighter around herself and continued moving toward the capital of King Ethelred’s kingdom.

Melanie could not help but feel as if she was being watched. She quickened her pace, and within seconds Melanie could hear arrows whizzing past her. She broke into a run, heading straight for the castle. The ground felt uneven and Melanie found it hard to keep her footing.

Foolishly, she looked back, trying to figure out who was shooting at her. As soon as she did, she tripped on a root. Her arms reached out to stop her fall, but they buckled and Melanie could hear a gruesome pop as she came down hard to the ground.

Melanie winced in pain as she struggled to get up. Her wrist ached and throbbed. The skin now held a sickening blueish hue. Melanie scrambled up and tucked her injured arm close to her body. King Ethelred’s men were closing in. Melanie knew she would not be able to fend them off.

They caught up to her, binding her hands, despite her injury. She bit back a cry. Mustering her courage, she demanded to know why she was being detained. The man tying her wrists smirked.

“Wouldn’t you know,” he retorted humorously, “’Tis a crime for a noble such as yourself to cross into enemy territory.” He eyed the ring resting against her chest.

She scowled at him as she struggled against the restraints. “I demand to see King Ethelred!”

The men laughed. “And what gives you the idea you can demand such things?” another man asked, amused, as he relieved Melanie of her sword.

“As queen of Aelesia, I have the right to an audience with any of the royalty of neighboring kingdoms,” Melanie replied, her head held high.

The man let out a snort. “As my feisty lady requests,” he answered, bowing humorously low to the ground. The rest of the men laughed at his display. “This way,” the man holding her commanded, pulling her along toward the castle.

“I can walk on my own, thank you very much,” she replied, trying to yank her arm from his.

“Wouldn’t want m’lady tripping again,” he replied with a smirk, holding onto her tightly.

Melanie huffed as she realized he was not going to let go. Yet she walked with the men to the castle, head held high, as her father had taught her.

As they walked through to the throne room, Melanie made sure to keep a mental note of the layout of the castle. Having an escape plan would be a good idea. The large doors opened and Melanie saw King Ethelred sitting on his throne as if bored.

“Lady Rowland,” he greeted her, his voice like stones scraping together. “What do I owe the pleasure of this trespass?”

The guards forced Melanie to her knees before she could reply. She looked up at King Ethelred, trying to keep fear from her eyes.

“I am here, sire, because the sorcerer, Albadar, has overtaken Aelesia,” she replied as firmly as she could, staring into his eyes.

“And what does this have to do with me or my kingdom?” Ethelred inquired.

She raised an eyebrow. “You think Albadar will stop at Aelesia? No, he will come for your and Lord Kendrick’s kingdoms as well.”

He let out a mocking laugh.

“Let him come!” He boasted, raising from his throne, “I have the mightiest forces in all three kingdoms!”

Melanie let out a breath, scorning his arrogance.

“I do not think you understand, sire,” she retorted. “Albadar has a mighty army of the undead. Even our mightiest warriors could not fair against them. They cannot be killed. They cannot be stopped, that is unless we can destroy Albadar himself.”

The King narrowed his eyes at Melanie, “Your father was a no-good Gobermouch who thought he was better than everyone else. When we needed your army’s help, your father turned his nose up at us and refused to help. Why should I grant aid when none was granted to me?”

She looked at him quizzically for a second before remembering what had happened many years back.

“I remember your plea. We could not lend help when we were dealing with problems in our own kingdom,” she answered back pleadingly. “It was not my father turning his nose up at you. It was my father putting his own kingdom first,” she finished, looking Ethelred directly in the eye.

“I never understood why you and my father hated each other so much, but now I understand it was nothing more than two stubborn men with egos bigger than their own countries, unwilling to put pettiness aside to better both kingdoms,” Melanie stated, boldly. “I, for one, am not willing to repeat these past mistakes. Please, Lord Ethelred, agree to a treaty to strengthen both our nations and rid this whole land of the evil that is Albadar.”

Melanie knelt in silence as no one dared speak after such a bold outburst. Her words hung in the air as King Ethelred considered them. After minutes of silent deliberation, the King walked back over to his throne.

“Untie her,” he commanded, and a guard quickly followed his demand. Melanie let out a small gasp of surprise.

“Thank you, My Lord,” she said clearly, dipping her head in gratitude.

“I see you hurt yourself on your journey here,” King Ethelred intoned. “Have my court physician take a look and see what he can do for you.”

“Thank you, sire,” she bowed, expressing her gratitude before allowing herself to be led away to see the physician.

“You have dislocated your wrist, My Lady,” The physician commented after examining her injury, “I will have to reduce it and splint it if you wish for it to heal properly.” Melanie just nodded.

“This may hurt a little. Are you ready?” the physician asked kindly.

Melanie nodded her head. Let’s get this over with. She placed a piece of leather between her teeth and braced herself. The physician’s gentle hands grasped hers and her arm and with a sudden jerk, placed the wrist back in the proper position. Melanie clamped her teeth down on the leather strap, leaving deep impressions as she tried not to scream out in pain.

She panted as the physician wrapped her wrist in a splint. “You must not use this hand for a few weeks as you heal, or you risk putting it out of place again.” he told her.

“Thank you,” she nodded.

“My pleasure,” replied the physician. He handed her a bottle filled with some sort of liquid, pushing it into her good hand. “You can take this for the pain.”

She grasped the bottle and thanked him. A guard then escorted her to the council room where she found King Ethelred waiting for her.

“Before we begin,” Ethelred started, “I would like you to tell me all you know about Albadar and his attack on your kingdom. It is best to know all the facts before we discuss anything else.”

“As you wish, sire,” she replied calmly.

Melonie recounted the tale of how Albadar had infiltrated her kingdom and cut down her warriors as if they were nothing. As she spoke she promised herself not to shed a single tear, for if she did, she may never finish the story. She told him of how quickly the undead soldiers made their way to the center of the city. How they ravaged her people and slayed her soldiers. She paused for a moment when she got to the part where Albadar made it into the castle.

“Albadar burst through the castle, searching for my mother and me,” Melanie continued, “He found my mother first, having retired to her room early as she tended to do. I heard her screams and ran to save her, but I was too late.” Melanie took in multiple breaths to calm her racing heart. She forbade the tears that had filled her eyes to fall.

"After seeing my mother fall to the ground lifeless, I beheld the fire in Albadar's eyes. I knew I alone would not be able to defeat him, so I fled. I ran as far and as fast as I could, only able to grab a few of my belongings along the way," Melanie recounted, taking a deep steadying breath.

"I knew I would need help to have any chance at regaining my kingdom. This is why I traveled to your land. The mightiness of your army is renowned across all nations," She gazed upwards, bravely meeting the King's eyes.

Her face softened a little, “I know it is much of me to ask for your aid, but whether you face him now, or within a fortnight, I can tell you, you will face him sooner or later. Why not do it on your own terms?”

The words came to her without thinking, but now that she said them, she was glad they came. King Ethelred stroked his chin, pensively contemplating what Melanie had just told him.

“I do not wish for my men to fight an invincible army,” he started slowly. Melanie almost cut him off, but he continued, “However, it would be better to surprise Albadar and face him and his army on our terms rather than on his.”

He sighed, “You are right. A man like Albadar is not likely to stop after conquering only one kingdom. He is a very greedy man. He will not stop until he rules the entire land.”

Melanie smiled at his response. While she did not want to sacrifice the lives of so many, she knew that if they did not strike soon the whole land would fall to ruin under Albadar’s hand. King Ethelred paced across the room, a thoughtful look on his face. He paused abruptly.

“We should send word to Lord Kendrick in Acrodour,” he suggested. “If we attack on two fronts, we are more likely to succeed.”

Melanie nodded. “’Tis wise, indeed, sire,” Melanie replied, “If we send a messenger with a letter containing both of our royal seals, he will know that it is indeed urgent and will understand that the best course of action is to aid us.”

King Ethelred looked at Melanie with an appraising look, “You are wiser than I would have expected.”

Melanie smiled slightly, blushing, “Thank you, Milord.”

Ethelred wrote out a script on some parchment, imploring Kendrick to attack from the west as his warriors attacked from the east. When he had finished, he stamped his seal and handed the page to Melanie to do the same.

“Have a messenger on horseback deliver this letter to King Kendrick of Acrodour as soon as possible,” Ethelred commanded, handing the parchment to one of his servants. They took it and bowed before walking out the door.

***

As they waited for word from King Kendrick, Melanie talked with King Ethelred to prepare him, and in turn his army, for what to expect when facing Albadar. Within a week, a message was brought back from King Kendrick’s kingdom. He agreed to meet and discuss a plan to rid the land of Albadar. It’s not exactly the reply I was hoping for, but at least it is not a no.

Together the three nobles created a strategy that was mutually agreeable. Kenrick brought a surprising amount of knowledge about sorcery and necromancy to the meeting. Upon receiving their letter, he had delved into the dusty old books in his library concerning the topic and had read everything he could find.

“My forces will concentrate on the western side of Azmarin, while Lord Ethelred’s soldiers will attack the eastern side," Kendrick announced. Both Melanie and Ethelred nodded.

“While our men are busy with Albadar’s skeleton army, we three will make our way into the castle and find Albadar,” Ethelred said.

“I know of a secret way into the castle that even Albadar will not know about,” Melanie added, “There is a labyrinth of tunnels crisscrossing under the palace. Many men would easily get lost within, but I grew up exploring the tunnels and I know them like the back of my hand.”

The two kings nodded in agreement.

“Will you still be able to fight with your injury?” King Ethelred inquired. Melanie nodded.

“Yes, sire,” she answered, “My sword hand is unharmed and the tonic your physician gave me has done wonders for the pain.” King Ethelred grunted in acknowledgement.

“Well then, it is settled,” he announced, “We shall ride out in five days, once Lord Kendrick is able to rally his forces.”

“I implore you to stay the night, Kendrick,” King Ethelred spoke quietly, “Best to leave when you have a full day ahead of you and a warm meal in your belly.”

Kendrick nodded in agreement. He was then shown to his quarters and Melanie retired to hers, bidding the kings a good night.

***

In the morning, Kendrick rode back to his kingdom while Melanie chose to practice fighting.

“Do not go easy on me just because I am a girl,” she reminded the soldier she was sparring against. “Trust me, I can hold my own, and then some,” she smirked before getting into a fighting stance.

The two circled each other, observing each other's actions. He lunged and they began exchanging blows. They seemed evenly matched until the soldier tried to take advantage of Melanie’s injury. She was prepared for such a tactic, and easily maneuvered her way to throw the soldier off-balance. She then easily knocked him to the ground and stood over him, sword pointed at his chest.

“I yield, m’lady,” the soldier said and she withdrew her blade, offering a hand to help the man up.

King Ethelred came out from under the bridge connecting a tower to the outer wall, slowly clapping his hands, “Well, well, you have even bested one of my own. I respect a man, or woman, who can hold their own in a duel.”

Melanie gave him a curt nod. Then a coy smile spread across her face. “Would you care to test yourself against me, sire? Surely you are more of a challenge than your men.”

King Ethelred smirked and removed his cape, “I will gladly take the chance to give you a lesson in real swordsmanship."

A group of soldiers formed a circle around the royals as they faced off in combat.

“I must say, you offer more of a challenge than most women I have fought,” King Ethelred grunted between blows.

“Too bad I cannot say the same for you, King Ethelred,” Melanie goaded. “I could do this all day. You are supposed to be better than your men, are you not?”

Ethelred grimaced at the taunt and pushed Melanie harder. They no longer had the breath for words as their swords met again and again, sending a clang through the training grounds. Soon, the whole yard was filled with spectators watching the two nobles duel.

Within minutes they were both breathing hard, neither one allowing the other to gain an advantage. Melanie could feel her arm tiring with each blow. In a split second, Ethelred had somehow disarmed Melanie and she was left at his mercy, panting. He smiled and sheathed his sword. Laughing, he picked up Melanie’s sword from where it lay and held it out for her.

Melanie took it gladly, a begrudging smile tugged at her mouth. She sheathed her blade and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Ethelred held his hand out to her. She took it in a firm handshake.

“It was an honor to duel with you,” Ethelred appraised. “You are a worthy foe. Either of us could have won that fight. It was pure luck that I was able to disarm you.”

Melanie’s begrudging smile turned to a large, genuine one. She nodded gracefully to him.

“It is I who am honored, My Lord,” she replied. “It has been a long time since I have been bested in swordplay, and I find that I have learned something for the first time in a long time.”

Ethelred chuckled deeply at her reply, “Will you accompany me for a short walk around the castle? I would like to get to know the queen from my neighboring kingdom,” He held out his hand, a gesture of trust.

She took it, “I would be delighted to take a tour around your home.”

Melanie allowed King Ethelred to lead her away from the training grounds. As she walked with him around a bend, Melanie could not help but look around at the magnificent castle. She had never once visited Darkwell – her father had never let her come with him. Even though her father and King Ethelred had been at odds, they had somehow kept their feud from starting a war between their kingdoms.

The castle was magnificent and as she looked around, she could feel a smile creeping onto her face as she imagined all the secrets she would have uncovered in her youth about the place. “Coin for your thought, Lady Melanie?” King Ethelred asked, interrupting her daydream.

She looked away from the castle, blushing. She turned to look at Ethelred instead. “I was imagining all the secrets I would have tried to find around the castle if I had been allowed to accompany my father on his trips here,” she replied wistfully. At the thought of her father, her hand subconsciously found his ring and clutched it at her neck.

“Ahhh, yes,” King Ethelred mused, “I had heard you were quite the adventurer as a child.” Melanie blushed. My dad had talked about me? “It got me into quite a bit of trouble,” Melanie admitted, “But I would not take back a second of it. If I had not been, we might not have had a way to get into the castle at all with Aldabar’s army in our way.”

Ethelred smirked. “Then it is a good thing indeed,” he replied.

He noticed her twirling the ring between her fingers. “That was your father’s, was it not?” He inquired. She looked down, not realizing she had been playing with it again. She nodded. “I had heard rumors about the Ring of Zyldor,” Ethelred drawled, “And yet, if your father did possess such a ring, the legends about it must be wrong, for he would still be here if they were.”

Melanie looked at Ethelred quizzically. “The Ring of Zyldor?” She asked, never having heard mention of such a thing. King Ethelred nodded. “Yes, the Ring of Zyldor is claimed to have such power that the wearer cannot be harmed,” King Ethelred explained, “It is rumored to be able to stop any attack from reaching the wearer.”

Melanie looked down at the ring again. Her eyebrows furrowed as she pondered Ethelred’s words. “Why do you think my father’s ring was the Ring of Zyldor?” She asked, looking up from her ring to King Ethelred’s eyes.

“The engravings match those pictured in the legends,” Ethelred answered.

Melanie took the cord from around her neck so she could get a better look at her father’s ring. She had never taken a hard look at it before, but now, she could see an intricate design molding around the outside and foreign runes etched within the inside of the band. As she turned the ring in her nimble fingers, the sunlight caught it just right and it seemed as if the runes glowed gold.

Melanie gasped and closed the ring between her palms. King Ethelred had been watching her every move the whole time. She looked to see if he had noticed the glowing runes as well, but if he did, he did not show it. She hung the ring back around her neck.

Melanie pretended to be searching the sky for the time. “Shall we adjourn to the banquet hall for dinner, My Lord?” She asked innocently. King Ethelred squinted his eyes for a moment, and changed to a smile so quickly, Melanie wondered if she had been imagining things. King Ethelred nodded. “Let us go have some supper,” he announced and led her to the dining area.

***

Later that night, Melanie stood in her chambers, twiddling with her father’s ring again. Could it be true that my father’s ring is magical? She examined it in the candlelight. Her eyes narrowed, trying to somehow sense the magic within. She slid it onto her middle finger for the first time ever. She had always worn the ring on the cord around her neck, never once thinking to try it on one of her own fingers.

Melanie was astonished as the ring shrunk to fit around her finger, glowing an amber color and then fading back to silver. She examined the ring on her finger and could feel its power. She sucked in a breath. She did not actually think it would be magical, and yet, there was no denying it.

She quickly pulled the ring off her finger and placed it back on the cord. She waited for it to go back to the size it had been, but it stayed the same. I cannot let King Ethelred see this. He will know it shrunk, and then he’ll know it truly is magical. She wasn’t sure how she would hide it from him, but she thought perhaps she would figure it out by morning.

Melanie yawned and suddenly realized how exhausted she was. She changed out of her clothes and into a nightgown King Ethelred had procured for her. She walked over to the bed and sat down, pondering. Before long, she found her head hitting the pillow, her father’s ring grasped in her hand. She blew out the candle and let her dreams take her away.

***

On the day of the attack, King Ethelred lent Melanie one of his horses. As they rode, Melanie found herself fiddling with her father’s ring. If the legends are true, I may want the aid of this ring during our battle. She took the cord off from around her neck and slipped the ring off. Hesitantly, she placed the ring on her finger as she had before. She should not have been surprised when it once again fit perfectly.

Melanie marched along with King Ethelred and his army toward her home – Azarim – from the East, as planned. Kenrick’s army came in from the Southwest. Unsurprisingly, it seemed Albadar had known they were coming. They were met by thousands of undead skeleton warriors. Luckily for them, they outnumbered the creepy skeletons three-to-one; though, Melanie doubted they would prevail against the undead army as long as Albadar lived.

The armies clashed in a deafening clang. Melanie looked around and saw no indication that Albadar was among the army. That coward is likely hiding in the castle. “I do not see Albadar,” Melanie announced to the two kings.

King Ethelred shook his head, “I do not either. He must be controlling his forces from within the castle.”

While the army kept the skeletons distracted, and at bay, the three nobles snuck down to where the secret tunnel entrance lay. Melanie led them through the tunnels crisscrossing under the castle. Having grown up exploring these tunnels, she knew where each little branch led. Thankfully, neither of the kings questioned Melanie’s decisions as she led them through the seemingly endless winding maze.

Within half an hour they had reached the secret doorway that led into the castle. Kendrick chuckled lightheartedly. “Looks like you weren’t kidding, girl,” he jested.

“Let us skewer us an evil sorcerer, shall we?” Ethelred suggested with a grin.

As they sneaked through the castle, they found it surprisingly void of anything. They headed to the throne room, expecting Albadar to be within. “Well, well, well,” a low, sinister, voice sounded to the seemingly empty room. The three nobles warily looked around, trying to spot the source of the voice.

“Little Mel has come back home,” the voice slithered through the air, “Why don’t you save us both some trouble and surrender now?” A deep, evil, laugh filled the room. Melanie’s eyes swept over the room, trying to find Albadar. She knew he was here somewhere – she could sense his evil presence.

Kendrick signaled for them to split up and circle the room to find Albadar. Melanie went to the left, Kendrick to the right, while Ethelred headed straight for the back.

Suddenly, a ball of fire flew at Melanie’s head. She had not seen where it originated, but she saw it just in time to duck and roll, quickly dodging the attack.

“Come out and fight me yourself, you coward!” She shouted, continuing to scan the room. She could see the two kings creeping around the room as well, swords held ready, trying to find the sorcerer.

The next thing she knew, all of the candelabras in the room sparked with flames. They hurtled across the room, each one heading for a different noble. Melanie could tell Albadar was just toying with them. She had seen first-hand how powerful he was – what horrors he could really inflict.

As the candelabras neared, they became animated. Melanie fended off the attacks as the arms came sweeping toward her. She deflected each blow with her sword. It took all her concentration to dodge and parry the onslaught.

As the candles continued to burn, the wax melted and was flung all around as the candelabra swung its metallic arms. Melanie gasped in pain as a large glob of hot wax landed on the side of her neck. She dropped back behind a pillar as she tried to get the wax off. She was not fast enough, though, and the candelabra was able to land a hit.

The surprisingly strong whack from the candelabra sent her flying to the floor, landing hard on her back. The force caused her head to slam backwards into the floor. She groaned as her vision turned red. Wax covered the front of her armor where the candle had hit. She stumbled back to her feet, readying herself for another attack.

As the onslaught continued, Melanie heard an amused laugh ring out from the throne. She narrowed her eyes and swore she could see a shimmer above it. She blinked and it was gone. Betting it was Albadar, somehow disguised, she tried to signal to King Kendrick and Ethelred to converge on the throne.

“How dare you sit in what is rightfully mine!?” She shouted at Albadar, “You do not deserve that throne!” The air shimmered and the figure of Albadar emerged onto the throne. He threw back his head, letting out an evil cackle. His eyes burned, flickering as if literally made of fire.

“You will never stop me, little one,” he jeered, his voice cutting through the air like steel. Blades shot from his fingers toward Melanie, and she jumped out of the way, swinging her sword to bat the others aside.

Where are King Kendrick and King Ethelred?? Melanie looked around, trying to find the two men that had entered the room with her, but she could find them nowhere. Great! They abandoned me!

She squared her shoulders at Albadar, holding her sword ready for the next attack. As if reading her thoughts, two figures emerged from behind pillars. Melanie could see their eyes were glossed over as if they could not see a thing. Albadar smirked and the two kings converged on Melanie, swords raised.

“What are you doing, Ethelred? Kendrick?” She asked, frightened. She started to back up, but there was nowhere else to go. Hesitantly, she lifted her blade. “I do not want to hurt either of you,” she warned, “We are supposed to be fighting together against Albadar, remember?” Her pleading fell on deaf ears.

As they fought, Melanie tried to maneuver herself around to get to Albadar, but whenever she tried, one of the kings stepped in her way. Albadar released a haughty laugh as he saw Melanie falter under the blows of Ethelred and Kendrick.

Melanie was finally able to find some luck. She was able to jam the hilt of her sword on Kendrick’s head, causing him to crumple to the ground, unconscious. With one less opponent, Melanie’s heart surged with strength anew. The ring on her finger began to glow a fiery golden color. She felt the strength of her ancestors coursing through her limbs as she raised her sword again.

She managed to knock Ethelred’s sword aside and render him unconscious as well. With nothing stopping her, she headed straight for Albadar. He hurtled objects at her, but she just swatted them aside like they were nothing. The fear she felt transformed into fury. The strength of all of her ancestors combined filled her. Nothing would keep her from cutting down Albadar where he stood.

With a flick of his wrist, Albadar sent Melanie’s sword clattering to the ground. Despite the setback, Melanie continued toward Albadar and sent a fist toward his face. Stunned that she had managed to resist his magic, he was barely able to dodge. Melanie leaped up onto the throne and grasped the hidden sword from the tall back of the seat.

She turned back to Albadar, sword raised. “Your reign of terror ends here,” Melanie declared, her voice laced with more power than she had ever felt before. She charged the sorcerer and with one fell swoop, cut his head clean off. It dropped to the floor with a sickening thud and rolled to the foot of the throne.

“Long live the rightful heir of Aelesia,” Melanie roared at the decapitated sorcerer. Albadar’s body thudded at her feet. She could hear cheers ring out beyond the castle walls. She turned to look out the nearest window.

As she looked out, she could see Kendrick’s men celebrating as the skeleton soldiers fell to the ground, the magic sustaining them cut off. Melanie turned back to the throne room with a grin. She walked over to King Ethelred.

“Lord Ethelred, can you hear me?” She asked, shaking his shoulder. His eyes fluttered before opening slowly. When he remembered his surroundings, his eyes flew wide, and he scrambled up. “It is all right, My Lord,” Melanie soothed, “Albadar reigns no more.” She could see the king relax, letting out a sigh of relief.

Melanie made her way over to where Kendrick lay, hoping she had not hit him too hard. She knelt down and tried to shake him awake as she had done with King Ethelred. “Milord, wake up, the battle is won,” Melanie urged, yet his head lolled to the side. Oh no.

Melanie felt for a heartbeat. It was there, but faint. At least he is still alive. She could see no other injury on Kendrick and started to worry that she had caused him to fall into an endless sleep. She looked up at King Ethelred, worry etched on her face.

He came and knelt beside her. After finding no injuries either, he looked solemnly at Melanie. “We should get him to a physician,” he announced, “There is nothing more we can do for him.” Melanie’s face filled with fear.

“I didn’t kill him, did I?” She asked, bringing her hands up to her face.

“There is no telling until a physician can assess what could be happening with Kendrick,” Ethelred replied, placing a hand on her shoulder, “But you mustn’t blame yourself. You did what you had to.” Melanie nodded absently.

“Help me carry him,” Ethelred commanded gently. Melanie nodded and stood up. She bent over to carry Kendrick’s legs while Ethelred tucked his hands under Kendrick’s arms. They waddled away towards the physician’s quarters, hoping he had not been executed by Albadar.

When they arrived, Melanie and Ethelred, laid Kendrick down softly. Melanie rapped on the door, calling for her physician. She waited for an answer, fretting he had been slaughtered like so many others in her kingdom.

Suddenly, the door swung open. Melanie gasped in surprise as her physician’s face appeared. She flung her arms around him, so glad he was still alive. He had tended to her as long as she could remember – every knee scrape she got as a kid, every illness that had befallen her, he had been there to make her feel better.

She even had found herself turning to him when she needed someone to talk to. They were closer than most. The only people she was closer with had been her parents, but now they were both gone. Before the tears could come, she stepped back.

“We cannot wake him,” she said, gesturing to Lord Kendrick. The physician looked past her to the fallen king, a grim look on his face. “Bring him in,” the physician told them, “I will do as much as I can.” Melanie and Ethelred picked Kendrick up once more and carried him to one of the beds in the physician’s room.

The physician turned to the two nobles still standing. “You two still have much to do,” he commented, “Go. I will update you when I have news.” Ethelred nodded and turned to leave. He noticed Melanie hesitating.

“Come now, Lady Melanie,” he soothed, “We must update the armies and assure the people we are finally safe.”

Melanie nodded and followed King Ethelred out the door. “Since Kendrick is currently indisposed,” Ethelred relayed to Melanie, “You must be the one to face his men. Show courage and strength and they will listen. Do not doubt yourself, or they will sense it and doubt you as well.” Melanie nodded.

Melanie steeled herself to face Kendrick’s army. She walked out toward the western gate and walked through. The second she was spotted, the clamoring stopped. All eyes turned to her. “Where is King Kendrick?” The soldier closest to her demanded.

Melanie cleared her throat before addressing the crowd. “Do not fret,” she started, “Lord Kendrick was wounded in battle, but he is being seen by my physician. I believe he will make a full recovery.” She took a deep breath as she stared at all the faces before her.

“I want to thank you for your bravery today,” she shouted out for all of them to hear, “because of your courage and sacrifice, a great evil has been purged from this land! We have claimed victory this day!” She heard shouts as she finished her announcement. She smiled. We have won!