From the Depths

It was a three-day trek to the Lord’s castle by horse, she had to awkwardly ride with one of the knights. Probably for fear of her commandeering one of their horses, though they were stupid for thinking she'd put her village at risk. She had tried to argue the fact that she would never, not with her mother’s life on the line. But it was to no avail, no chances were to be taken when it came to her, apparently.

It hardly made any sense. But all she could do was remain quiet and obey. The one she rode with appeared to be the ring leader, so to speak. He was short and stern when speaking and no one questioned his orders. The knights at least treated her with some form of respect, terrified of what may happen to them if she were harmed before she was given to the King.

Kirea was not looking forward to living in the castle or under Lord Haith, each step closer twisted her stomach into numerous knots. The anxiety and anticipation killing her slowly as dread ate her alive from the inside, why did he want her of all people?

After the sun had long set, the night air was cold, the ground hard beneath her as she tried to sleep for the few hours they stopped each evening. They rose earlier and pushed on, if she wasn’t used to sleeping in the stables with the sickly animals it would have caused her to be more tired and restless than usual. Instead, she only felt more anxious with every passing moment.

The sun was high on the third day when they finally arrived at the gates of a huge city. The capital of the Kingdom she called home. If she had cared for the country and the King she would have learnt the name of it by now. But she didn't. The leader of their small pack of knights announced his presence and the large grated gates slowly began to turn inward and open.

Kirea had never been to any big city, and as the horses lurched forward she took it in, noting the differences to her own small town. The streets were narrow and seemed rather crowded, the ground was paved to make horse and cart travel a lot smoother, and the buildings were not made out of straw and wood. She’d only ever seen brick used for fire pits, it being a far too expensive material for such common folk like herself.

Though it did surprise her when she saw that a lot of the faces looking back at her, were much like her own. Untidy unkept hair, dirtied clothes and rough hands. It seemed that the people in the outermost part of the city lived a lot like her and her mother. The workers of the town, many of whom bowed as the horses passed their small stalls that were stationed on the sides of the paved roads.

As they moved deeper into the city and closer to the castle, the atmosphere changed. She started seeing people of higher status, elegant clothing and more colourful housing. These buildings were adorned with decorative pieces like coat of arms, silk flags with house symbols and metal accents, something that was utterly unheard of in her town. These people gave her judging stares of confusion as if to say, what is that filth doing with the knights?

Pompous, arrogant pricks! Kirea thought with distaste. Looking down on people similar because they didn't have wealth, it disgusted her.

Finally passed the over-dressed onlookers, she was glad to be rid of the distasteful banter which she could clearly hear being muttered amongst the so-called nobles.

I can see myself having the best time here! She thought sarcastically.

She would have to act refined and ladylike, wouldn’t she? She held back a groan. She was anything but ladylike. Would she truly be able to hold her tongue around the buffoons that ruled the kingdom? She'd had to at least try, then little curse them in secret later.

The horses finally came to a halt, she was roughly pushed from her seating position on the saddle, and very nearly ended up greeting the ground with her face. Thankfully her arms had caught her before the ground was given the pleasure of her first kiss. She could have sworn she saw the knight behind her smirk beneath his helmet, bastards!

“My Lady! Are you alright?“A panicked man rushed forward.

She felt hands on her limbs and she was soon pulled to her feet. She almost let out a laugh at being called a 'Lady', but she pressed her lips tightly together and made no remark.

“What kind of treatment was that? Ruffians, leave! You uncivilized barbarians!” A young man in well-pressed clothes and tidy hair stood with his hands on his hips and a scowl on his face. “I’ll have you know, the madam here is of the utmost importance to the King!”

“Shut your trap, he will have his fill of her and be done with her, like all the rest.” The knight’s voice was low and nonchalant, he clearly didn’t care.

“Damien! Behave!” The Knight that appeared to be the leader scolded the smart-mouthed one. The man who had been scolded straightened up and apologized to his commander, not to her though.

But she had still cringed at his words, the damage done. It was hard to admit but she did feel the same way herself. The commander glanced at her, their eyes meeting for only a moment. She hastily turned her head away, the sadness in his gaze just confirmed her worst fears, and she couldn’t look at him. She didn’t want or need his pity.

“This time... I’m sure it will be different.” The man who had helped her to her feet tried, but honestly, his words were not reassuring in the slightest.

The smart-mouthed knight huffed in amusement before turning away and leaving with the group. By the looks of it, she had been dropped off at the outside of the maid’s quarters. They were standing on the west side of the main castle, the east side must hold the knights and squires. The castle itself was built atop a small cliff, centred amongst the town which surrendered it on all sides except one. That one side was the cliff face, which was a sheer drop to the beach and ocean below.

“Come, My Lady, it is best I get you to your room and into new clothes before you meet His Majesty.” He motioned for her to follow him inside.

“Shouldn’t the head maid be showing me around and training me?” She asked curious as to why this man was the one leading her through the castle.

He eyed her confused. “Of course not, you are not to be a maid.” He stopped and completely turned to face her. Now that she was actually looking at him she could take him in. He was wearing a white garb that looked fairly similar to the apron she wore while working. His hair was short, of an ash-blonde colour and well-kept. His limbs were slender, his hands were unworn and smooth.

“Are you a medicine man?” She asked, putting all the pieces together.

He nodded, a gleam in his brown eyes. “And you are a medicine woman, a great one at that.” He stated.

“I wouldn’t say that, I specialize in animals, not humans.” She pointed out, as she continued to follow him inside. Slowly things were starting to fall into place and she felt a little relieved. Though she couldn't shake the pit in her stomach.

They moved past the maid’s quarters and closer to the main castle. Catching her puzzled look he laughed gently. “You have nothing to fear, you are not here as the King’s plaything, you are here to care for our... livestock.” The way he had to think about that last word made her question his statement.

He showed her to her new quarters and allowed her to change while he waited outside. She hadn’t had time to pack for fear of her mother’s death, so she was grateful to have something ready and laid out for her. The dress wasn’t all that fancy, but it was a fair stretch from something she would ever be able to purchase. There was also an apron, a notepad of papyrus with a charcoal stick to write with as well as a hair ribbon. They were practical clothes, ones that she could easily see herself working in.

She tied her red hair back with the ribbon and slipped her dirty clothes off, before washing herself hastily with the cloth and basin provided. The water was lukewarm, but she didn’t mind. It felt good to wipe the layers of sweat and dirt from her skin. The quarters she had been given were rather bare, a trunk with spare sets of clothing sat at the foot of a simple bed. A small desk with a mirror was off to the side of the room, accompanied by a single chair. Atop the desk sat a hairbrush and a few other toiletries that she would need as a woman.

“Did you prepare all this for me?” She called from inside the room.

“Yes My Lady, though it was hastily put together, we can get you anything else you may need tomorrow, we will venture into town for supplies.” He called back.

“No, no. It is quite perfect, thank you... Oh, I just realised I don’t know your name?” She stepped into the dress and tied the waistband, there was no way for him to know her size so it was quite large on her, but she was able to hide most of the bagginess under the apron.

“Oh do forgive me, my name is Tyson.” He called back.

She tucked the pad and charcoal into the front pocket of the apron and opened the door. “Well then, it is a pleasure to meet you Tyson, please call me Kirea.”

“Very well Lady Kirea, are you ready to meet the King and receive your orders?” He asked with a half-smile.

“As ready as I’ll ever be, I suppose.” She shrugged, might as well get this over with.