Under Valdraca

This is for the Vocal Fantasy Prologue Challenge.

This is a short fiction with elements of The Handmaid's Tale and possibly Game of Thrones (Here be Dragons)

Valdraca Is Here

“There weren’t always dragons in the valley, but that was before you were born Mia and you are twelve and I need to tell you about our history”

“Ma I am listening, but they frighten me. I am scared that they will eat me or burn as they did with Tinia’s brother when he tried to leave”

This was a conversation that happened often in the dwelling in the valley village of Elyl. The history had to be known but mothers wanted to protect their daughters as long as they could. Their sons were already lost under Valdracan rule and that was enforced in violent and forceful ways.

“Our Valley Village of Elyl was a happy place, our fathers and husbands were the workers and grew food, built homes and some joined King Cerle’s guard to keep us safe from anyone who might threaten us”

“Did I have a father?”

“You did, and he was a good man, and hopefully still is, but he was taken by the Valdraca along with your older brother. I miss them so much”

“I had almost forgotten about Pyotr, I loved him and cried when he was no longer here. Did they take him as well?”

“They did. He and your father have been taken into the Valdracan army and workforce, so they may be either fighting or farming for Valdraca. But back to why we are having this talk.

When Valdrace came with their dragons and their dragon flags they destroyed King Cerle’s Guard by fire and then took King Cerle from the keep before levelling it. All men and boys over the age of 12 were taken to serve Valdraca, any that tried to escape were burnt or eaten by dragons.

King Cerle has been imprisoned in Cara Valdraca and is under a glamour that makes him think he is a sheep. He has forgotten us and now eats only grass. If only someone could rescue him and break the glamour he could lead us even though it would be an army of women, to rescue our men and bring the Valley Village of Elyl back to what it was before the Valdraca came.

But this is why I had to tell you this when you reach the age of maturity the Valdraca send men in to turn you into mother. They rape girls to give them the next generation of workers and servants. I am helpless to stop this but everyone is so frightened of the Valdra that we just serve and wait”

Mia was shocked.

Shocked and frightened.

Then said:

“Ma I understand. I work in the fields, I am strong, and I can stand up for myself. When we are working we talk about leaving the Valley to go on an adventure. That adventure should be to rescue King Cerle from Cara Valdraca. We will speak with Maither Sharlata, our seeress about breaking King Cerle’s glamour. I know there are seven of us including me who would undertake this.

I know it will be dangerous, and my friends will as well, but we have the option of risking our lives to restore the Valley Village of Elyl or being raped until we are made pregnant with undesired children. I don’t think we have a choice, we need to do this or die trying. I do not want to be raped by a Valdracan. Do I have your blessing Ma”

Mia’s ma grabbed her and hugged her, they were both in tears about their situation.

“I do not want to see you raped, I know that you can succeed in this. I don’t know how. Now go and see Maither Sharlata and she will advise you wisely, gather your friends and make your preparations. YOu all have my blessing. Now Go……”