A Princess Reborn

"Children, we'll be departing soon. Just give me a moment to gather my belongings." It's the day following our pre-wedding dinner. Mara carefully places a single vial filled with a green concoction into her satchel. "I prepared this yesterday. It's best left to rest overnight."

"Eric and Laya are probably eagerly awaiting our return," Rune remarks, looking more fatigued after our visit to Mara than I've ever seen him. This stay has certainly been eventful, and Helia was quite the character.

The journey back to the abandoned cabin proceeds without any incidents. Mara keeps the conversation flowing, recounting stories of her youth and her love for traveling when she was my age. "I've visited many kingdoms in my time. But now my old bones won't allow me the same strength."

"We've arrived," Rune announces as the cabin comes into view.

Mara gazes at the cabin and muses, "How peculiar that someone would leave such a perfectly good home deserted."

"It might be peculiar, but it worked in our favor."

"Luck? There's no such thing, lad. Just as surely as the sun sets each day, everything happens for a reason."

***

As we enter the cabin, there's no sign of life. Hannah's motionless form lies near the fireplace.

"Eric and Laya are probably out gathering firewood," I suggest.

"Hannah..." Her condition hasn't improved since we left, and there's no response to my voice. What did I really expect? That she'd leap into my arms and magically awaken?

I reach out and gently touch her cheek, using the back of my hand.

"Allow me to examine your friend, child." Mara kneels beside Hannah with great effort, pressing her hand to Hannah's forehead. Then she whispers a foreign phrase into her ear. "Mecha elo tari."

Mara shifts uncomfortably, then retrieves the vial from her satchel. When the stopper is removed, a putrid smell escapes that turns my stomach. "This is my most potent mixture against dark magic." She takes Hannah's cheeks in her hands, parting her lips and tipping the vial into her mouth.

Nothing happens. Mara's expression doesn't bode well. "I feared as much."

"Fears as much about what?"

"My child... it's worse than I thought."

"What... is she going to die?"

"No, she won't die. But she'll remain in an eternal slumber. This dark magic is beyond my capabilities."

"Mara, please. Hannah is my confidante and my dearest friend. If you could fathom how much she means to me, you wouldn't give up so easily."

"I don't doubt your feelings, child. But this dark power is beyond my control."

Mara's resignation leaves me trembling.

"What about Helia? She possesses magic."

"Even Helia's magic can't counter this. Your friend has been afflicted with an ancient strain of the purest witchcraft."

In the next moment, Eric bursts into the cabin, as though he's being pursued by a demon. "Who's there? Show yourself and face me!"

He brandishes his sword weakly, but then recognizes all of us.

"Forgive me. The door was open, and I thought... well, I thought it was intruders."

"Eric... it's good to see you're so vigilant," Rune says.

"Welcome back, knight! I've missed your stern presence!"

"And I have... missed your presence as well." Eric pats Rune's back before turning to Mara and me. "Wise one, I've never been happier to see someone in my life. Have you roused Hannah?"

Mara regards Eric with curious eyes. "Do I know you, young lad?"

"No, but I know of you, wise one. So, is my beloved awake?"

I must break the news gently. "Um, Eric, you might want to sit down."

"Sit down? At a time like this?"

"Especially at a time like this. Mara can't help Hannah. I'm sorry."

"What do you mean? It's the Wise One!"

Mara slowly makes her way to a table and eases herself into a chair. "I'll rest my bones if you don't mind."

"Your bones must wait, wise one! You're here to wake my Hannah, aren't you?"

"Have you not been listening, Eric?" Rune intervenes.

Eric's face falls, an immense sorrow washing over him. He looks almost as heartbroken as I am. "Is there truly nothing we can do, Mara?"

"There's only one thing that can save her."

"Tell me, wise one!"

"The power of Princess Liana's medallion."

"The what?"

"The what now?"

"The medallion was bestowed upon the princess by a sorcerer. He came from a foreign kingdom to gift her on the day she was born. It holds immense power."

"What kind of power?"

"Healing power, my child. Not just any healing, mind you. It can break ancient curses and dispel dark magic. Believe me, even the Wise Ones envied the princess for having such a gift."

"Where is it now?"

"The ones who found you and raised you as their own... they would know, child. You were wearing it the day your parents passed away."

I inhale sharply. "You knew who I am?"

"Yes, child."

"How did you know?"

"The gift of sight, child. I've never been wrong."

"But you had me pretend to be your granddaughter and that Rune and I were getting married. All while knowing my true identity?"

"I'll treasure those moments forever, child." Mara meant no harm. It's impossible to be upset with her.

Eric steps in front of me. "You two played games while my love was fading away? And here I was, agonizing myself into an early grave!"

"We're all worried, Eric. You should know we wouldn't waste time on trivialities if it wasn't necessary."

"We did it for Hannah," Rune adds.

"And yet, nothing good came out of it, knight!"

"It was our only choice, Eric."

"To indulge in an old woman's fantasy-"

"Enough, Eric! Remember whose actions you're criticizing?" Eric shifts uncomfortably, managing to force out an apology through clenched teeth. "I beg your pardon... your highness."

"If you were my age, you'd understand the heart of a lonely old woman."

"And if you were in love, you'd understand my pain!"

"Eric!"

"Your highness!"

"Rein in your tongue!" Rune's reprimand quiets Eric.

I've had enough. Here we are, bickering while Hannah's condition remains unchanged. "I need some fresh air."

I storm out of the cabin, walking aimlessly. Emotions threaten to overwhelm me. I just need a moment to regain my composure and gather my thoughts.

Mara's slow approach catches my attention. "Child..."

"Yes?"

"The only way to save your friend is to ask your parents about the medallion."

"You're right. I can't believe they knew my true identity all along."

An overwhelming grief tightens its grip on my heart.

"They did, child."

My entire life has been a lie. The sadness I feel is unparalleled.

"It's the only way, child."

"How do I face them?"

"Just as you face any challenge in life

: head-on."

Rune's voice startles me as he speaks from behind. "Forgive me for interrupting. I simply wanted to assure you... I will follow you wherever you lead, your highness."

"Rune... you would?"

"At your command."

"Why?"

A new look in Rune's eyes appears, one I've never seen before. Is it tenderness? Not exactly. It's something so indescribable that words fall short.

"Of course he would, child. Can't you see?"

"I'm bound by my honor as a knight, nothing more."

Perhaps it was duty that look conveyed.

"Nothing as foolish as deluding oneself."

"Excuse me?"

"Or feigning ignorance when one knows the truth."

I turn to Rune. "Then we must hurry to my family."

"As you wish, your highness."