Evil Innocence

Prologue

A raging thunderstorm had struck the kingdom of Avalon. The surrounding forest swirled with the wind, and something sinister hung in the air. A young woman, mid thirties, was frantically leading two children to a room in the castle. The two children, a dark-haired young girl around the age of 7, and an even younger brown-haired boy at the age of 6, followed closely behind their mother. The windows blew open and closed. The flames of the torches mounted on the walls flickered. Many of the paintings and tapestries had fallen or been torn down. The boy struggled to keep up, so the young woman picked him up, holding the hand of the small child beside her.

They arrived at a room within the citadel of the castle. Along its stone walls hung a tapestry, one said to have been created over a hundred years ago to honor the vast and powerful Kingdom of Avalon. A single, massive bed sat against the wall, and a chandelier swayed from the ceiling. The young woman placed the boy on a carpet, and the girl sat next to him and wrapped her arms around him. The woman picked up a soft, tan blanket and wrapped it around the two children.

“Stay here, loves. It will all be okay, just stay here,” she said quietly to the children, whose gazes were fixed intently on their mother. A loud crack of lightning struck, which resulted in a booming noise that caused the boy to jump. The girl's arms tightened around the boy in the effort to comfort him.

“I will be right back, dears, just stay put,” the woman pleaded with the children. She hugged them as tears streamed down her cheeks, knowing it might be the last time she did so. Before showing her face one last time, she wiped away her tears, smiled, and walked briskly out the door, shutting it behind her. She then ran down the corridor to the left, then took a right. She came to an intersection, unsure of which way to go. Lightning once again cracked across the sky, revealing a figure standing in the corridor to her right.

“You cannot hide forever,” the male voice said.

“Please, why are you doing this,” she questioned.

“You know why, Marilyn.”

“You can’t seriously believe that nonsense.”

“You know it’s true. You know what must happen.”

“Please, think about what you are doing,” Marilyn pleaded. “Don’t leave my kids without a mother, I beg you.”

“Spare me, my mind is already made up. I am doing what is best for Avalon.”

Realizing she could not convince the figure to back down, she ran to the left. She ran in the hopes of making it to the stable. She knew that once he discovered the prophecy, he would come for her, so she had a plan in place. She unknowingly took a wrong turn, running straight into the figure she had once run away from. There were bells ringing, and they could be heard throughout the citadel. She could hear knights running.

“This way!” One yelled.

A scream rang throughout the corridor. Quick shuffling of feet could be heard. Moments later, a group of knights stumbled upon the woman, and the King had gotten to her right before they did. The hall was lit with the torches of the knights. In the arms of the king was the Queen, Marilyn.

“He..he killed her,” he cried.

“That bastard KILLED HER!” The king yelled. His cries echoed throughout the surrounding halls. He wept at the loss of his beloved wife. Distraught, he began shouting orders.

“Find that damn sorcerer and bring him to me, alive. I want to kill that heretic myself,” he said weakly, still holding the woman in his arms. A tear fell down his cheek and onto the face of Marilyn, who lay lifeless in his arms.

Chapter One: Nothing Ever Changes

Karina had woken up early in an attempt to avoid her servant, Aanor, as well as her father. She dressed in dark pants, a maroon, fitted pullover, and a velvet black cloak. She laced up her knee-high leather boots and slid a thin dagger into her right boot. She fastened her belt to her waist, attached to it her sword. Engraved on the handle was the name Dreamweaver. Little did she know of the famed sword’s history. Any books involving magic had been removed from the library in the castle, and the only other library was a day’s ride away in the city of Riveria. She had found the sword washed up on the shore, covered in sand and unaware of the power it possessed beneath its surface.

The striking brunette quietly opened her door and slipped out of her chambers. She took a left, staying on the right side of the corridor. It was still dark outside, so a small white light rested in her hands, illuminating the ground in front of her. She then slid between a narrow opening in the wall, which led to a set of hidden stairs. She swiftly bounded down the stairs, which led to a small wooden door. She opened it and crawled through to the other side.

She was now in the stables that lay next to the castle, but still inside the walls. She extinguished the light from her hand and walked over to a stall where a black stallion awaited her. On the nameplate was written the Orion. The girl smiled at the horse and pulled a treat from her pocket, feeding it to him. She quickly put Orion's tack on and walked him out of his stall. She mounted and raced out of the stable, waking the stable hand in the process. The teenage boy groaned and shut the stall door of the horse that had just been taken out. Karina’s handmaid, Aanor, peered out of the window, watching her ride off. She smiled.

There were guards at the front gate, so she rode behind the shops to a door hidden from the view of the patrol. She dismounted, silently opened the door, and walked orion through, shutting it behind her. She then mounted again, and the pair sped off towards a trail leading into the woods. They raced through the dark and narrow trail, dodging trees and branches. After about a minute of riding along the trail, Karina veered Orion off the path, which led them to an open field that lay next to a river. She pulled the stallion to a stop, taking a moment to gaze at the beautiful site that was in front of her. The field was bright green, and was covered in flowers due to the arrival of spring. Dew laid on the tips of the grass. It was early in the morning, which meant it was quiet. She could hear the river, known as Silvercreek, that raced along the other side of the field.

The sun was beginning to rise, and light began to break through the tops of the trees. She dismounted and walked towards the middle of the field, where she then laid down. She watched as the sun slowly rose in the horizon, and the day began. She sighed and closed her eyes, breathing in the sunflower-infused air. She laid there, almost as still as death itself. The drops of water on the soft ground began to float around her. She could the earth beneath her, as if it was alive and thriving around her. She always felt like the earth was trying to speak to her. Whether it be through the tingly feeling the grass gave her when she laid down, the rustling of the trees, or the whispers of the wind, she knew it was talking to her.

She heard hoofbeats of another horse, and the drops fell to the ground. She rolled over to her left into a crouching position, drawing her sword in one swift motion. She smiled and sheathed her sword, realizing it was only Aanor.

“Milady,” Aanor said as she pulled her horse to a halt. Karina stood up.

“Goodmorning, Aanor. I’m assuming my father sent you?”

“He did indeed. But I told him you were running a short errand to retrieve some flowers for the upcoming banquet, so you may want to bring some back,” she responded with a smile.

“Thank you. You never have to cover for me, yet you always do.”

“You would do the same for me, Your Highness,” Aanor said politely. Karina chuckled.

“We discussed this, it’s Karina. You’ve known me long enough to not have to call me by those silly names that we deem custom.”

Aanor simply nodded.

Karina picked a handful of flowers and placed them in her saddlebag. The two girls rode back in the direction of the castle.

Upon arrival, King Allan greeted his daughter at the front steps as she was leading Orion back to the stable.

“Aanor, please take both of the horses to the stable. I’d like a word with Karina,” he asked sternly, throwing a displeased look towards Karina.

“Father, I can take my horse myself-”

“Aanor may do it,” her father interrupted. Karina sighed and pulled the flowers from her saddlebag, handing the reins over to Aanor and thanking her.

“Aanor informed me that you had gone to get flowers for the banquet tonight?”

“Indeed I had, now may I go?”

“We’ve talked about you going outside the walls without a knight, especially when it is dark.” His tone was angry.

“Father, can we not do this here..?” Karina asked quietly, noticing the prying eyes of the public.

“No, we can discuss it here, Karina. You know better than to go outside the walls alone, yet you continuously disregard my rule.”

“I’m a skilled fighter, you know -”

“It’s not up for discussion, Karina. From here on out, you are to stay within these walls unless ordered to leave them under my command.” With that statement, King Allen turned around and ascended back up the stairs. Fuming, Karina stormed towards the stable, seeking comfort with her horse, Orion.

A brown-headed, green-eyed boy at the age of sixteen was at the entrance to the stable. Karina scoffed and walked past him to Orion’s stall.

“Ah, there she is. My dear sister,” said the boy as he leaned on the stable door. He followed Karina.

“Malcolm, my dear brother, “ she replied sarcastically as she opened the stall door, grabbing a brush from the box hanging on the door.

“I heard about your fight with Father,” he said, with a hint of guilt in his voice.

“Seeing as it just happened and you were right over here, I’m sure you did. I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole kingdom heard, too,” Karina said, focusing on brushing the stallion’s coat.

“I’m sure he’ll get over it. He always does.” He didn’t sound too hopeful.

“No, Mal. He seemed..serious. He sounded different.”

“I know, he was muttering something about unforeseen dangers earlier when he was walking down the hall, and I swear I heard him say the word...agh, what was it..” he said, irritatingly trying to remember the word.

“Prophecy! He said prophecy.” Karina simply laughed.

“Allen Volkeman said the word prophecy? You’re lying. Father does not condone the use of magic, nor does he ever use any words related to it. He hardly even says the word itself. And when he does, it’s merely a whisper.”

“I know what I heard, Karina.”

She paused to contemplate his words, pondering the seriousness in his voice.

“Okay, maybe you did. But it doesn’t mean anything, especially coming from him. I guarantee you it was complete nonsense, just like our fight this morning.”

Malcolm nodded, deciding to leave the subject.

“So, I heard there’s a prince coming to Avalon.”

Chapter Two: Acquaintances

Karina walked into the throne room in the same outfit from earlier that morning, to which her father scolded.

“Karina, go change immediately. And do so before the Deldroms get here.”

“But Father, it’s only-”

“It’s not up for discussion.”

She scowled, and Malcolm gently elbowed her, offering her a reassuring smile. She sighed, and headed for her chambers, where Aanor already had a dress laid out. Karina entered her room and began getting dressed. She took her time, hoping the Deldroms would arrive at the front steps before she did. As she finished lacing the dress, she peered out her window and smiled. Sure enough, King Adenon and his son, Thorne, were dismounting their horses. Their guards were stationed behind them on their horses. She could see her father looking frantically around for her.

Taking amusement in her father’s irritation, she made her way to the courtyard of the large castle. She stepped through the already open doors leading out to the white stone steps, where she saw her father and Malcolm greeting their guests. Malcolm turned his head and acknowledged Karina as she walked graciously down the stairs. Her hair was a bit of a mess, and she was still wearing her boots. However, they were hidden underneath her dress.

Her father turned, the anger in his eyes disappearing before anyone else noticed.

“Adenon, I’d like you to meet Karina, my daughter, and crown princess of Avalon. I apologize for her untimeliness.”

“Not a problem. A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness,” he said, slightly bowing his head. “This is my son, Thorne.” He motioned to the dark haired boy standing a few feet behind him. The eery, yet handsome stranger, nodded, then smirked. She sensed something there, but it was gone before she could decipher it.

“Karina, Adenon and I have important matters to discuss. Would you mind showing Thorne around to pass the time?” Her father asked. She could see a warning in his eyes, so she refrained from protesting, this time.

“Of course, Father,” she smiled. A fake one, at that.

“Thank you, darling.” He smiled. He shook Adenon’s hand and they began to converse as the king led him to the throne room.

Karina sighed and turned to face Thorne.

“I’m going to grab my horse,” she stated and began walking towards the stable.

“I thought you were giving me a tour of the castle?” He questioned.

“Would you rather be in here, or out there,” nodding her head in the direction of the gates. Thorne smirked. “You raise a fair point.”

***

Karina had swapped clothes before they had left. The two rode their horses down the trail. Orion was showing a bit more energy than usual, and was even showing signs of growing irritation.

“What is it, bud..” she leaned down to whisper in his ear. The stallion reared unexpectedly, but didn’t throw its rider. Karina had always been a skilled rider, and could maintain her balance in the saddle well. She calmed the horse, stroking his neck. She looked down the path and around the trees. She saw nothing, but decided to listen to the warning from her horse.

“I think it’s time we head back,” she suggested.

“Are you sure? We could-”

“We’re heading back,” Karina demanded in a more assertive tone. She turned Orion back towards the castle. Thorne stood there for a minute, a little stunned, before asking his horse to a trot to catch up.

“I’m not that bad, you know,” he suggested.

“Ah, well. You have a..certain reputation throughout the five kingdoms. I’d prefer to keep my distance.”

He smirked. “You don’t even know me.”

“I’ve heard enough about you to know that I don’t want to.”

“What is it they say...about not judging a book by its cover?”

“Do you ever shut up?”

“I’m afraid not, princess.”

“Sh.”

Karina pulled Orion to a quick halt.

“Listen, snarky comments are one thing, telling me to-”

“Shut up.” She said in a harsh whisper.

Listen, she mouthed, pointing to the right. A few moments later, yelling erupted in the once quiet forest. Karina was quick to act and drew her sword, Thorne following suit. She jumped off and began to meet their attackers, her sword clashing with the man in front of her. The two went back and forth, until a second joined in. Karina was surrounded on both sides. However, both men had greatly underestimated her. The first man lunged at her. She sidestepped to her left, throwing out her right foot, which tripped him. While he was down, the second man attempted to land a blow. The two sparred for a minute, until Karina sliced his leg. She sent a kick to his ribs, sending him to the ground. The man knocked his head on a rock on the ground beneath him, ceasing to move.

Karina glanced over at Thorne, who had stabbed one of the assailants, but was still sparring with one. She turned her attention back on the man

Karina stepped towards him, but tripped. The bandit managed to swing at her, and she received a blow that sliced her arm. She quickly recovered, swiftly swinging her sword, which collided with the assaulter’s side. She hadn’t swung hard enough to kill him, but the man had fallen to his knees. She knocked him out with the butt of her blade.

“Damn it..” she muttered, her arm beginning to sting. She withdrew a few steps to collect herself, but was thrown off guard by an attacker from behind her. It was the man Thorne had been fending off, but the stocky man had somehow overpowered him. He knocked her sword from her hands.

Karina fell to the ground. She noticed a woman dressed in a dark coat standing off in the distance. She turned her attention back to the man about to land a blow with his sword. In an instant, the individual dropped his sword, she glanced at the woman, who merely nodded. Karina seized the moment she was granted and swung her right leg out, sweeping her attacker’s legs out from under him. She grabbed Excalibur and knocked the man out with the butt of her blade.

“They’re out..but you didn’t kill them,” Thorne said as he stood up, out of breath.

“No thanks to you. I’ve never seen someone more unskilled with a sword. And besides, killing isn’t really my style.” she retorted.

“I’m better with a bow, you know.”

“Isn’t that the whole point of training? To prepare for the unexpected?” She asked as she mounted Orion. Thorne looked down at the ground. Karina clicked her tongue and Orion took off at a lope towards the castle.

Karina stormed into the throne room, interrupting Allen and Adenon’s discussion. The two men stood up from their chairs.

“We were attacked,” she said, Allen noticing her arm.

“Karina, your arm-”

“Father, there was a woman. She saved my life. I have to go-”

“Karina, slow down. What happened?”

“We were ambushed. There were four, but I couldn’t take them all and Thorne was no help,” she said as she glared in his direction. He simply rolled his eyes.

“It all happened so fast, but before he could bring his sword down on me this old woman stopped him. I have to go find her, I owe her my life.”

The King considered this for a moment. He seemed to have something else in mind, but her heart was racing too fast for her to pay attention.

“Very well. You may go find her, and bring her here. I would like to personally thank her myself,” he smiled.

“..You would?”

The King simply nodded. Karina turned on her heels and walked briskly out the doors, Thorne following close behind.

They reached the steps when Thorne caught up to her.

“What are you, a dog?” She asked Thorne, continuing down the stairs.

“No, I’m just tagging along. It’s better than wandering the castle alone.”

Aanor had been standing with their horses. Karina took the reins and mounted.

“Why are you so persistent in befriending me, Thorne?” She questioned. She knew the answer, as it was obvious. But Karina waited to see if he would tell her himself.

“I’m not going to answer that.”

“Good thing I already know the answer.” She smirked, and began to ride towards the gates. Thorne, bewildered, followed after her.

She pulled Orion to a stop where they had been ambushed. The three bandits were gone, and Karina got off to see if she could track the woman on foot. She searched around the site, but found no trace of the woman.

“It’s like she almost...vanished,” Thorne pointed out.

She continued her search, and spotted gold flecks littering the ground in a trail headed north. She grinned, and got back on Orion, following the trail.

“I knew it.”

“Where are you going?” Thorne yelled after Karina.

“Trust me.”

He sighed. Not having much of a choice, he followed her.

Karina came to a clearing, shaded by the trees. The golden flecks stopped at the stump of a tree. She knew Thorne wouldn’t be able to see them, so she hadn’t mentioned it.

He probably thinks I’m mental, she thought to herself, chuckling.

She walked towards the tree. It was wider than any tree she’d seen, and was seemingly tall as well. Its branches reached almost as if they were trying to touch the sun. She reached her hand out, stroking the tree.

“What are you doing here?”

Both Karina and Thorne turned, startled to see the old woman standing there.

“I came to find you,” She said as she stepped forward

“Is this what we came for? To find an old woman?”

She ignored Thorne, and strided over to the woman.

“I came to thank you, for saving me.” The woman chuckled.

“I was only fueling what you already have, Karina.”

The puzzled brunette looked at the woman.

“I don’t understand,” she replies.

“You will soon enough.”

Karina sighs.

“I wanted to bring you back to the castle, to properly thank you.”

The woman shakes her head.

“I’m afraid that isn’t a good idea.”

“Please, I owe you my life. If my father knows you saved my life-”

“How did this woman save your life, Karina?” He said curiously.

“She…”

“I distracted her attacker, which then gave her just enough time to strike a blow.”

Thorne nods. Karina sees the same look in his eye that she did earlier, but dismissed it.

“Please, let me thank you. You saved my life and I owe you it, truly.”

The woman hesitated, then agreed.

“You can ride with me.”

***

Karina walked through the gates, followed by Thorne. Thorne helped the woman off of Orion, then Karina dismounted. Her father was waiting on the steps. She approached with the woman close behind.

“This is the woman who saved my life earlier.”

Her father smiles warmly.

“Welcome to the Kingdom of Avalon. I am greatly indebted to you for saving Karina’s life. Anything you wish for, you may have.”

“I wish for nothing more than peace, Your Highness.”

Allen smiles, then chuckles.

“We are on the road to peace.”

“Not the peace you seek, but the peace you will not condone.”

Allen’s smile fades quickly.

“Why don’t you stay here for the night, and you may join us at tonight’s banquet in honor of your loyalty to the kingdom.”

The woman simply nods, and Karina smiles lightly. Allen motions to Aanor, who has been standing to his right.

“Aanor, could you lead Miss..”

“Evelyn,” the woman says.

“Miss Evelyn to her chambers?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Aanor says, motioning for her to follow. She walks slowly up the steps and through the doors, into the castle.

***

Karina sat at the table, beginning to eat her food. Her father sat to the left of her, at the head of the table. King Adenon sat to his right, and the two men were conversing. She listens, overhearing a few words.

“A potential marriage..”

“Unity.”

She scoffed. She would deal with it later. Thus far, her father had yet to force her hand in a marriage, and it would stay that way until she either found someone worthy enough to rule beside her, or she would rule alone.

***

The sky was dark. Lightning struck amongst the swirled clouds. The trees swayed. Karina looked around, but she was alone. Her hair blew with the wind. She tried to walk, but couldn’t move. She felt someone touch her, but she turned and no one was there.

She saw something coming towards her in the sky. She couldn’t tell what it was, but it was moving fast. She tried to get out of the way, but was still stuck where she stood. As she looked closer, she thought it looked like a dragon.

“A dragon..?”

She panicked, the dragon heading straight for her. She braced herself and covered her head, but nothing came. She opened her eyes to see a large, white dragon staring down at her. A woman got off the giant. She looked to be in her early forties, but she was ghostlike. She glowed a faint blue, and she was sheer. The woman smiled warmly, and Karina felt safe. The woman walked over and grabbed her hand, releasing Karina from the ground. She walked forwards with the unknown woman, towards the dragon.

“This is Kallivar,” the woman said, resting her hand on the giant’s side.

“Who are you?”

“Someone very close to you, yet very far.”

“That doesn’t help.”

The woman smiled, patting the dragon.

“You will know, soon enough.” Karina sighed.

“I’ve been hearing that a lot lately.”

“You have, Karina. Great things are ahead,” the dragon spoke, startling the girl.

“What great things?”

The dragon chuckled.

“You are special, Karina. You will bring about change, but you must tread lightly.”

Karina looked at the woman, but her face was sad.

“Dark times are ahead, and only once you accept who you are and what must be done can you reach the light. Through evil will the kingdoms be divided. Only with the death of the king can the true ruler rise to power. She will bring about unity and prosperity, and her legacy will outlast those before her.”

The woman reached out and grabbed Karina’s hand once again, pulling her into a hug.

“You’ll know what to do, my love.”

The woman released her and began to climb onto Kallivar. The woman’s voice was familiar, but she couldn’t place it.

“Your next decision will greatly affect your future, Karina. You have made a mistake, and you have little time to fix it,” the dragon said.

“But what have I done? How do I fix it? What does all of that mean?”

“Return to the beginning.”

The dragon began to take off.

“Wait!” She yelled, running after the dragon, but she tripped and fell, waking up.

Karina quickly sat up. She was trembling. She was sure she knew the woman, but at the same time she didn’t know.

“What did I do wrong..” she muttered

***

Karina walked briskly through the dimly lit halls of the castle. Her eyes were dark from a lack of sleep, and her messy hair had been thrown into a braid. It was early in the morning, meaning no one would be up except the guards on patrol. She pulled her hood over her head, concealing her face. She crawled through the trapdoor into the stable, then stood up and brushed the dirt and hay off her knees. She walked into Orion’s stall, the tall stallion turning around and bobbing his head up and down. She chuckled.

“You can come out now. I know you’ve been standing there,” Karina said, still facing her horse.

“Quite the observant one aren’t you?” Thorne said, stepping out from the shadows of the corner.

“Just extraordinarily perceptive. What are you doing here?”

“Shouldn’t I be asking you?”

“It’s my castle, is it not?”

“You make a fair point,” He said, a smile creeping onto his face.

He had been slowly inching closer. He was inches away.

“Look, I’m kind of busy, so if you could-”

He leaned down, placing his head next to her ear and his hand gently on her right elbow. He lowered his voice.

“Surely it wouldn’t hurt for me to accompany you.”

Karina stood, unmoving. His voice caused her to shudder. For a moment, it was as if she had lost the ability to breath. Her arm felt as though sparks were dancing on it.

She moved her right arm, slowly grabbing his left forearm. Thorne smirked, until in one swift motion Karina tightened her grip and shoved his arm behind his back, forcing him to turn around. She pressed him into the wall next to the stall door, Thorne stuck under her grip. She leaned next to his ear.

“Keep your hands to yourself, would you?”

He simply chuckled. He bent his right leg, tucking it behind her right ankle and pulling her leg out from under her, causing her to lose her balance and release his arm. As this happened, he turned around, falling with her and catching her with his left arm and holding their weight with his right, inches from the stone floor. They were silent for a moment, their breathing heavy, before Karina broke the silence.

“Not bad, Deldrom.”

“I was just going easy on you.”

Karina shifted her weight, kneeing his gut and using her other leg to force herself up, flipping him over. She was now bent over him, pinning him under her.

“So was I,” She said, smiling. She stood up, turning her attention back to her horse.

As she was walking Orion out, Thorne ran to catch up with her.

“Come on, can we just start over? I’m really not that bad.”

“Look, Thorne-”

Karina stopped abruptly, turning to face him.

“What did you just say?”

“I asked if we could start over.”

Her eyes lit up for a moment.

“That’s it!” She exclaimed, shoving the reins into Thorne’s hands and running towards the steps leading into the castle, leaving a bemused prince holding the reins of a horse that wasn’t his. He chuckled and shook his head as he watched the dark-haired heir rush into the castle.

***

Karina hurried up the stairs, bumping into Aanor on her way up.

“Hey! I was just looking for you. Where is Evelyn’s room?”

“It’s actually in this wing, first chamber on the right.”

“Thank you!”

She continued up the stairwell before arriving at the door. She knocked impatiently twice before receiving no answer. Before she could knock again, the door creaked open. She steadily opened the door and walked in to find the aged woman sitting on an ottoman in front of a window that overlooked the courtyard.

“A restless one, aren’t you.”

“No, I just-”

“You’ve figured it out. Quite quickly, might I add. Though, I can’t say I’m surprised.”

Evelyn’s voice trailed off. She was now looking at Karina. Disregarding the woman’s comment, she continued.

“I just came to talk to you about-”

“Your dream?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Why yes you do, my dear. How else would you have known to come to me?”

Karina paused, unsure of how to proceed.

“Who are you?”

“Someone who could give you great guidance, provided you allow me to do so.”

Karina walked hesitantly towards the woman, sitting on the ottoman opposite of her.

“How do you know of my dream?”

“Things are being set in motion. You are a special one, Karina. One who will bring this great kingdom out of its current state of darkness. Your mother did everything in her power and sacrificed herself to assure that when the time came, you would be ready to do what must be done.”

“How do you know my mother?”

“She was a dear friend of mine. Wise beyond her years, that one.” The woman chuckled.

“What do you mean she sacrificed herself? What is it that I must do?”

“All is not what it seems. These walls are riddled with lies and deceit. You will know when the time is right. For now, you must focus on what is inside of you.” She placed her hand on Karina’s chest. The woman’s hand glowed a faint purple, sending warmth throughout her body.

“There is powerful, ancient magic inside of you. Older than time itself.” She removed her hand and grabbed Karina’s right, holding it in her own, Karina’s palm facing up. A pink rune symbol began to fade into view on her palm. Evelyn placed her other hand on top and closed her eyes. Strings of light, colored pink and purple, began to stream from their hands and swirl slowly around them. Karina’s eyes gleamed with admiration, her gaze captivated by the lights. Slowly, they began to retreat back to their source, and the woman opened her eyes.

“Are dragons real? If so, what did Kallivar mean?”

The woman chuckled.

“I see you have met him. That old dragon speaks only in muddled words and riddles. However, there is significance behind the words he speaks.”

Karina had been slowly leaning forward, captured by her curiosity.

“What he told you was a prophecy, an ancient one. One that you are meant to fulfil. Through evil will the kingdoms be divided. Only with the death of the king can the true ruler rise to power. She will bring about unity and prosperity, and her legacy will outlast those before her.”

Evelyn repeated the prophecy, leaving the girl bewildered.

“The death of the king? Surely you don’t mean my father.”

“My dear girl, I cannot reveal too much. There are things you must discover on your own. Please remember, you could not have prevented this, so don’t let old Kallivar’s words trouble you.” The old woman chuckled.

Karina sat in silence for a moment, absorbing everything she had just heard.

“My time here is nearing an end, so you must heed my words, Karina. When I am gone, return to where you found me. What you will find there will tide you over until he returns.”

“Until who returns?”

Before the woman could respond, a guard rushed into the room, followed by three more, Aanor behind them. She hurried over to the side, timidly watched the scene unfold. The first one spoke as he approached the two women.

“Evelyn, you are under arrest.”

“Whatever for,” Karina interjected, standing up and positioning herself in between the knight commander and Evelyn.

“Treason.”

“Surely there is a misunderstanding, Killian. I assure you this woman has done nothing wrong.”

“Your Highness, I ask that you please move. I am acting on the orders of the King.”

“I will not remove myself until you tell me what is going on.”

Killian nodded to one of the guards, his son, Maxwell. He walked over to Karina and gently grabbed her arms.

“Please forgive me, Your Highness,” He whispered quietly. He moved Karina away from the woman, and Killian began to restrain her. Karina thrashed and tried to break free of his hold, but alas, his strength overpowered hers.

“I apologise for this, miss. All will be made well.” Killian muttered kindly, softly enough that none of the guards heard him. Evelyn nodded.

“Do look after her, would you?”

Killian nodded, then nodded to his son. As they neared the door, Evelyn turned.

“Kallivar,” she whispered, and Karina understood. A few minutes after they exited, Maxwell released her, and she crumbled to the floor. He looked grimly in Aanor’s direction before exiting the chamber. Aanor rushed over, hugging the girl, who sobbed in despair as she watched the one woman who could have provided her with answers be ripped away.