Chapter 12: Just a Failure

The quiet in the tent after her father's departure was loud to her ears. Serenah gently wiped away the blood from her split lip. She would not cry. This was just another day of many days that her father had reprimanded her. It was embarrassing to be treated this way. Not that her father cared. He only wanted to prove a point. She ignored the gazes of pity from the healers and soldiers. She had a job to do.

"Alright. Everyone, back to work. The injured are not going to heal themselves."

Noise resumed as the tent's occupants followed her order. She moved to the next hurt soldier and fell back into the rhythm of healing.

Time passed by and she paused for a small break. Alastar's worried gaze did not faze her. She wasn't near her limit yet.

"Princess...,"

"Yes?" she responded not turning to look at him. When he said nothing else, she glanced over her shoulder and froze in shock.

No one was moving and it dawned on her that there was no sound either. A gentle breeze began to blow as she slowly stood, warily glancing about. This was magic. The question was why was she the only unaffected one?

"Serenah," rumbled a deep voice.

Her eyes widened when she spotted the source. Coming toward her was a ball of light. She remained still, unsure of what to do. She had magic other than healing, but it wasn't very strong. She wouldn't be able to keep herself safe or anyone else. It was times like these when her father's derision would ring in her mind. Maybe she was useless. She couldn't seem to protect the things that she wanted to.

"Yes? I am Serenah." She hated that her voice trembled. This anxiety in the face of unexpected situations could be crippling. She needed to push it back, not let it overwhelm her.

"Serenah, daughter of Bayrel and Celia, you have failed to complete my edict."

Serenah trembled. She now knew who the voice belonged to. Autem was before her. A chill stole over her. Was she going to die?

"Failed? How so, My Lord? I came to the battlefield as you ordered."

"Yes, you did, but have you tried to prevent this battle?"

She frowned. "My Lord, you did not ask that of me. You ordered me to be here and I am."

"Child, have you forgotten your dreams?"

Dreams? What did he... She gasped when her head started to ache. How had she forgotten them? They were more nightmares than dreams. She hadn't wanted to remember them because their intensity had frightened her. And, seeing the people closest to her die over and over again in those nightmares had made her even less willing to recall them.

"I am sorry, My Lord. I did not understand the meaning behind the dreams." She bowed low, scared of what he would do to her.

"My child, you shall be punished along with the rest. You have a heavy responsibility as my chosen one."

She gulped. Chosen one? When had he decided that? She knew the stories of what happened to those chosen by God. They did not have easy lives and often died young. Was Autem condemning her to such a fate? It wasn't fair! She didn't want this. Denial burned her throat, but the words did not leave her mouth. She dare not.

"My Lord, please, show mercy."

"No. You will learn to heed the dreams I give you. Steel yourself and do not fail me again."

She fought back the tears that wanted to flow. This was all so wrong!

"You will heed my words and become my mouthpiece. Make them change or all shall die for their defiance."

"My Lord, you would punish the innocent, too?"

"All are guilty. If you allow your leaders to go astray and not stop them, should you not suffer the same fate as them?"

Serenah wanted to argue but could not find fault with his logic. She could not live with herself if someone died, and she could have prevented it.

"I understand and will obey, My Lord."

"Good. Now receive your punishment."

She raised her head and blinked. The ball of light was changing from white to a bright yellow. The intensity grew until she closed her eyes. The heat coming from the light was intense and burned her skin. She yelped as agonizing pain ripped through her body, sending her screaming to the floor. Her last thought as she slipped into unconsciousness was what would happen to everyone now.