Chapter 4) Secrets

'Oh, I hope I'm not late!' I thought to myself as I rushed down the labyrinth of hallways that was my home.

This was one of the problems of being a princess. You have to show up to these boring meetings with ambassadors and priests. All I really do in there is sit, nod, and smile. I'm not allowed to voice my own opinions, even when it is about me or my own family.

"They always treat me like a child, even though just as much iron is in my blood as them!" I quietly yelled at myself.

This was another problem I could do nothing about. Talking to myself is just habit now because I am never allowed to leave the palace gates. At least, not without guards around. Besides my secret exit from the palace, there was nothing that was hidden here in my home. As I made my way through yet another corridor, I saw the massive doors that led to the assembly room that was my destination. Inside, waiting, would be my father, King Aaron, the first of his name. As well as the crowned prince of Enete, Prince Lucian, and his father's right hand man, Grand Councilor Erwin. This meeting today was to discuss a trade route that was to be built between the two nations. This would greatly help our struggle against the warriors of Brole, who have been repeatedly causing madness on the outskirts of our territory.

Father says that it is certain we will be going to wage war against the people of Brole if these activities continue. This brings me great worry, because my dream had our capital washed in flames, and I could distinctly remember what looked like a battle scarred area right on the outer walls of Lumia.

As I made it to the entrance of the assembly hall, the guards appointed there opened the door at the sight of me. I quickly ventured inwards only to see that the prince, his counselor, and my father, were staring at me as I made my way to my seat. My father initiated the conversation that had seemed to be taking place before I arrived.

"As I was saying, (clears throat), I propose that we cut a path through the Forgotten Forest and into the southern side of Lake Valore. This would take less time, and insure that trade will be almost directly to Lumia so that it may be distributed across my land."

Erwin seemed to ponder the idea before saying:

"The thing is Your Majesty, no one in their right minds would want to work on a path that runs through that accursed area. It holds a malicious air and is said to bring bad omens to those who venture deep within. Why don't we establish the route near the village of Terria, and branch it around the forest to ensure the safety of our workers?"

The counselor let the thought sit in the air for a bit before the prince himself said:

"Why must we go around a forest built on myths and old wives tales? I see no harm in cutting this path, I myself could be the one in charge, that way, we do not double cross you in anyway, considering this forest has a bit of a reputation, don't you agree, Your Grace?"

My father looked Lucian dead in the eyes, scanning the young man with the wisdom of his age. After many moments, my father let out a heavy sigh, and spoke so everyone would pay attention.

"It is true that the forest does indeed have a past, but I myself have ventured deep within, and do I look like how any of the tales say? Unfortunately Lucian, I don't really have the power to give you the right to take charge in this operation, considering I am not your father. I can give you one week to return to your kingdom and discuss this matter directly with your father. If he agrees, then I will allow you to take lead. Just make sure of one thing, boy. I never said that all the myths and legends were false. There are some things in this world that a normal man must never lay his eyes upon, and trust my words when I say that even I sometimes hear the whisper of evil within there."

The look on Lucian's face drifted from a cocky smile to one with a hint of fear. The fear on his face was only there for a moment, but everyone in the room had seen it, so now he sat down heavily, defeated.

"I will return home at once, and bring back an answer within the following days. That I swear on the pride that I have as a man."

With that, Lucian and Erwin left the assembly hall, where out in the hall, guards escorted them to the carriages that were presumably lying in wait at the front gate. At this moment, my father turned to me, and beckoned to follow him. I did as he wished, and for a time, we walked throughout the halls, until we arrived at his study. Here, he started to speak:

"My sweet daughter, Lucy, why was it that you were late to this important meeting today?" he asked with no hint of accusation or resentment, he just genuinely wanted an answer to a simple question.

"I had woken up a bit shaken father, so I had gone to the meister in order to ask if he could prepare a poultice that I may take, in order to combat the weariness. As you know, his lab is a long way from the assembly hall, and that is why I arrived late."

I didn't want to talk about how when I had awoken, it was in tears. It would only worry him, and that was not a nice thing to do to a king of a kingdom. He grows old with each passing day, But that doesn't mean his fighting spirit has fled him yet. He still ventures into the Forgotten Forest often enough with a few of his Kingsguard and companions. My father nodded, thinking something to himself, before saying:

"I was wondering something Lucy. Have you been having strange dreams recently? Perhaps it wasn't strange, but out of the ordinary in your standards? I ask this because recently, my dearest, I have been sensing a strong power. It is unidentified at the moment, but it seems to not even exist in our world. It radiates through time and space, and that is what worries me."

My father looked at me with a worried look, searching for an aide to his problem. I thought for a moment before saying:

"I have recently been having a strange array of dreams father. They don't make any sense, but I feel as though they aren't actual dreams. More like premonitions that don't have an order yet. As for that strong power you speak of, I don't feel anything unusual."

With that answer, I was sure he would be eased a bit. On the other hand, he seemed to sink deeply into his chair, staring off into the lands of lost thoughts. After what seemed like an eternity, he came back to his senses and looked up at me.

"Thank you Lucy. You have helped me understand a bit of my troubles, and for that, I am grateful. Keep in mind now child, I will explain what I meant by power in due time, but for now, you may go. Have a good day sweetest, and please do be careful."

After that conversation with father, I don't know what to think. It sounded as though he was keeping a secret from me, about some strong power. It makes no sense but one thing is for sure, I need to figure out what all this means. I was walking through the botanical garden in the courtyard. This little path always calmed my nerves, but today, too many thoughts were on my mind to even appreciate my favorite flower, the blue orchid.

I crossed the garden and walked to the adjoining hall to get to the palace library. As I made my way there, I decided to recall all the gruesome details of the past couple of interrupted nights. I slowly started to piece together all the dreams until I banged against the library door.

"Ow!"

I squealed as I rubbed my forehead. My train of thought shattered, I stepped inside and searched the honeycombing shelves of multiple hundred thousand books.

'How on earth am I supposed to find information within so many books?'

I wondered as I made my way to the area we kept history and folklore. I pulled out one of the older books and carefully skimmed the pages for anything that linked to "power" or "premonition." When I thought I had searched for what seemed like hours, I found a small leather bound book that had been hidden behind two large history tomes. I peered inside only to find that it was written in what seemed to be a different language. Some words seemed to be of Lumenian descent, but the others were completely new to me.

'Well, I found one thing. I will just bring it back to my room and hide it until I can fully decipher what it says.'

After coming this far, I found my first clue to the truth.