At Night

Mithold is quiet at night. Creatures of magic enjoy the lack of sun; some believe monsters gather energy from the moon as well and stray from traveling at the time.

Now an hour away from Solgrad, Freydis stares into a river as they rest.

“It’s been so long since I left Solgrad, I barely remember what it looked like outside. It’s wonderful.”

“It is. Although I could only go with my dad. We always kept it a secret from my mom, he enjoyed showing me areas away from the safe roads.”

“We’re far from a safe road ourselves, ready to face some of the monsters of the night?”

“I’ll leave it to you; my head is still ringing from the escape.”

“I’m just a little princess; you can’t expect me to fight.”

“I did promise to protect you; can you hold a sword at least?”

“I’m joking, and I prefer larger weapons. There is a condition, I can really only perform when the sun is out.”

“When the sun is out? Why?”

“The sun gives me energy; I become a feared warrior at my peak I’ll have you know.”

“We should have escaped during the day then.”

“The kingdom would have fallen into chaos. You did well, Eiric. I’m impressed, but how are you?”

“I’ll be fine. The headache should subside soon, I hope.”

“We can rest; the moon does give me some strength.”

“No, we should keep moving.”

Eiric draws his sword, something moves from behind the northern trees. Horns appears first, then the tall, lanky body of a man with a deer skull for a head. Much of their body appears to be made of wood, their right foot of mud and sticks.

“What is that?” Freydis is paralyzed, the cold red eyes placing her under a spell that keep her body unresponsive and trembling.

It stops, staring at Eiric who keeps his weapons ready. He does not tremble or step back, the creature remaining still next to the tree it appeared from.

“Freydis.” Eiric pulls Freydis to her feet, hiding her behind him until she can regain control of her body. After she regains control of her legs, the two walk away though their eyes never leave the monster.

“How could you still move?” Freydis asked after the two left the area.

“Well, it wasn’t as scary as when I first met Alvis. I can never fall to fear like that again, it could mean death.”

“Wow, you continue to impress me. I’m sorry, I couldn’t move no matter how hard I tried.”

“It’s fine. It was a scary sight, but you’ll have to gain courage if you want to protect everyone. We can’t leave it to the old guys after all.”

“You’re right. Mmm, you don’t think there is anything like that around here? I’ll have to work on my courage in private.”

“Don’t worry, I can protect you until the sun returns.”

“Spoken like a valiant knight. We’ll have to hire you after all this is done. We pay well from what I hear.”

Eiric and Freydis make camp after another three hours of walking. Still well into the night, the two are still on edge and sit by the fire to rest.

Freydis jumps any time the winds shuffle the leaves of the trees around, the sound of her scolding Eiric for laughing following soon after.

“I’m sorry, I’m scared as well.”

“Hmph, you laugh at the princess of Solgrad.”

“Do you like being the princess?”

“Why do you ask?”

“It must be lonely. I left my last home because I wanted to find my family.”

“It is lonely, I’ve lost most of mine.”

“You can add more to your family. It doesn’t have to be blood that makes you family.”

“Maybe in the future. I love being the princess of Solgrad, but it has been difficult ever since everyone died. My brother was the heir, he was talented. I thought I could just coast along as he would take over for everything. I never imagined I would be placed in charge of it all. I love being princess, but maybe I am a terrible one.”

“I can’t agree with all you have done, but you’re trying to help. That’s enough for me; I’ll choose to believe in you.”

“Thank you. I’ll keep doing my best, but I may not have the choice soon enough.”

“Why?”

“I’m 15, the people of the kingdom believe I should be married off to some noble so that a royal family can be reestablished. They believe it will bring balance and peace, but I have objected. Marrying will not help me find a cure for the blessed or prevent the other realms from threatening us. But the noble families are all pushing to take over.”

“Marry someone else then, before they can marry you off.”

“Hehe, if only it were that simple. I am stubborn, and there are few willing to take my side while the conflicts continue to worsen. Who could I even trust? I hate to say it, but once I find the cure, if I am able to make peace with the other realms, I may step away.”

“Is that what you want?”

“It is not. Solgrad has been my family’s greatest treasures since its inception, it would break my heart to lose it. But they continue to push. Leaving was a risk; they may gain ground and support as I am away. I may even lose the throne in the time. It will all be worthwhile if we succeed however.”

“I’m sure many support you as well, Runa and Alvis do.”

“Those two are loyal to my family.”

“And to you. They speak of you with pride, I think they believe in you.”

“Will I have your support as well?”

“If you can keep your promises, of course.”

“I’ll do my best then.”

Eiric stands, the sound of hooves fast approaches them from the west.

“Eiric!”

Calming himself, Eiric opens his arms as Sigrun flies towards him. Her embrace cracks some of his ribs, though he is just as happy to see her. Six soldiers from Sanctuary follow Sigrun, running at and surrounding the stranger just behind Eiric.

“You’re here, that was fast.”

“They let us leave as soon as you contacted me. Who is this?”

The soldiers point their swords at Freydis. “This is the princess of Solgrad. You captured her?”

“Wait!” Eiric stands in between Freydis and the soldiers, “Please, she is with me.”

“Why are you protecting her?” Sigrun said, “She’s behind the camps and the way blessed are treated.”

“She has volunteered to come with me; she wants to find a cure for the blessed. Please, killing her will only lead to war that we will not be able to stop afterwards.”

“We cannot trust her!” A soldier yelled, “They’ve killed our people Eiric, killing their princess will be a major blow. We could even win the war because of it.”

“Eiric, do you trust her?” Sigrun said.

“I do. She means to help, and we’ll need her to form a new relationship with Solgrad in the future.”

“Put your weapons down.”

“But Sigrun.”

“Enough. This isn’t a decision we can make anyway.”

“Thank you, Sigrun.”

“Let’s go.” Sigrun pulls Eiric by the hand, Freydis escorted by the soldiers to the carraige that will take them to Sanctuary.