The Messenger

Melania retrieved the writing kit from the top drawer of her desk and dipped the quill into the inkwell.

'Where should I start?'

Although she was determined to send the letters promptly, now that she sat down to write them, her mind went blank. The gravity of the situation hit her belatedly.

War. A war against her people. To kill them. To kill everyone.

Her hands began to shake uncontrollably, and the princess dropped the quill, splattering ink across the pristine white page.

'No time... No time to waste. I need to start writing; at least something.'

Melania made another attempt. After dipping the quill in black ink once more, the words flowed forth on their own, filling the pages with urgent messages.

Two distinct letters took shape; two envelopes were addressed to two different kingdoms. One to forewarn; the other, to seek counsel.