THE CHILD OF BLIGHT

The crystal blue sky stretched over the kingdom of Elarion like a flawless veil. Aurora stood at the corner of the tower, staring through the narrow window as the cold night breeze swept across her face. Her gaze was fixed on the distant glow spilling from the palace, where lanterns flickered like trapped fireflies. The music drifted up the stone corridors. A lilting wavelike melody that seemed to tug at something deep inside her chest. Earlier today she had heard about the ball from Marael while she was talking with one of the guards outside the tower. Each year she always had to watch the distant glow from the tower. she had always longed to listen to the melody oozing from the palace walls but she was never allowed to leave the tower. "it's past bedtime princess" the familiar voice jotted her out of her thoughts, bringing her back to the present. "Marael, I thought you left already" Aurora whispered, hope flickering in her voice. "I must make sure you're comfortable before going to attend to matters in the palace, my princess" Marael replied with a smile. "I'm fine, I'll sleep when I want to, besides I'm no longer a baby" Aurora replied folding her hands across her chest. "Just make sure the curtains are drawn and the lamp is out before you turn in" she whispered, her voice a soft command in the dim room. With a sigh, she slipped away. hearing the sound of the door open and shut, Aurora was certain this time that Marael had left the tower. she watched through the window as Marael walked through the old rusty gate of the tower. phew! now that Marael was gone she could finally swing into action. she rushed towards the door and took a peek outside. There were two palace guards at the front of the gate. How would she be able to get past the guards? suddenly a fantastic idea crosses her mind. She grabbed a lamp from the guard’s post, the flame trembling like a nervous heartbeat, and bolted toward the hidden passage she’d stumbled on the other day. The stories Marael used to tell about the ancient palace,Aurora only picked one thing from it, there was always an underground tunnel. she had searched allover the tower the other day and had found a stone door hidden in the walls of the tower. The stone door, half swallowed by moss, gave way with a soft sigh as she pushed it open. Cool, damp air rushed out, and the lamp’s glow revealed a narrow tunnel slick with centuries of dust. She slipped inside, the darkness swallowing her footsteps, and followed the faint, earthy scent deeper beneath the palace. After a few tense minutes of winding stone, the tunnel opened into a small chamber. A heavy stone door stood at the far end, its ancient hinges rusted but still sturdy. With a firm shove, Aurora forced it open, and a rush of night air flooded the space. The moonlight spilled in, painting the courtyard beyond in silver. She stepped out, the cool night beckoning.