The Exiled Princess

The Seal

Astrid leaned low over Baldur's neck, the wind whipping at her hair and clothing as she desperately tried not to fall off the galloping horse. She could hear the shouts of the Fiends gathering together behind her, but didn't dare look back to see if they were giving chase.

After what seemed like an eternity, Baldur slowed to a walk and Astrid sat up to survey their surroundings. They had made it past Silverdale and into the forest covering most of her father's realm. That hopefully meant they could continue onward undetected.

Astrid directed Baldur to the side of the road and slid from his back, then turned and vomited into the bushes. Her entire body was shaking so badly with exhaustion and fading adrenaline that she hardly noticed Baldur nibbling on her hair. She patted his neck absentmindedly, grateful for his company.

"Thank you for getting me out of there," she murmured to the horse, resting her face against his coat. He nickered happily and she smiled. "What do you think happened to everyone?" she asked him. "Father's probably...well, he's probably gone." Her lip trembled. "And Caleb tried to kill me, so I don't really know how to deal with that. Meridia..." Astrid trailed off there. Had Meridia really gone after Caleb? Would either of them even survive the encounter?

Remembering Meridia's torn and bloodied armor, Astrid gave Baldur a look-over, concerned that he'd been overexerted. To her surprise and relief, he was unharmed and didn't seem the least bit winded after their escape. She glanced up at the sky; it was bright and clear, a sharp contrast to the shadows in her heart. "Are you up for going a little longer?" she asked the horse.

He shook his mane eagerly and shoved his face against Astrid's chest. She laughed despite herself and rubbed the space between his ears. "Alright, let's go." She swung back into the saddle with a groan. Every muscle in her body ached, but they couldn't afford to rest.

Astrid gingerly touched her heels to Baldur's sides, and he began to walk down the road. Relieved that he hadn't started running again, she moved the satchel into her lap and inspected the contents. Her eyes fell upon a clean set of clothing, a pouch made of green velvet, and a folded-up piece of parchment. A money bag was tucked into an outside pocket of the satchel.

Astrid glanced around. When she was satisfied that there was nothing to send Baldur into a gallop, she unfolded the parchment and let out a sad sigh. Meridia's familiar scrawl was written across the page.

Astrid—

I've been preparing for this day for a long time. The barrier keeping the Night Realm at bay is cracking, and the gates will be forced open soon if we don't take precautions. Enclosed in the satchel is a pouch containing the Seal of Starfell Keep. Take it to the Shadow Guard and tell them that our predictions have come to pass.

There are a few things you need to be aware of. The Seal contains incredible magic, and you should always carry it on your person. But don't ever, under any circumstances, channel its magic. The power inside is not meant for you, and I fear the consequences of you using it.

Because you carry the Seal, any wayward Fiends will likely be drawn to you. Stay in towns and villages as much as possible; you will be safest there. Baldur needs less rest than most horses, so you should be able to make it to each civilization without camping out in between.

I wish I could come with you, but someone needs to stay and protect the Keep. Be careful, Astrid.

Meridia

P.S. Baldur likes carrots and being rubbed between the ears. Take care of him for me.

Astrid stared at the letter for a long moment, then folded it and put it back into the satchel. With trembling fingers, she withdrew the small green pouch. When she opened it, a soft glow spread across her face and an odd sensation filled the air around her, a hum that drummed into her core.

She pulled out the Seal and clasped the thin chain around her neck. It wasn't as heavy as she'd expected it to be, but as soon as she touched it, the Seal's crystalline surface began to swirl with color. Terrified, Astrid quickly tucked it under her shirt and the humming stopped.

*****

It was twilight by the time they reached the gated town of Greyfair. The guard stationed by the entrance didn't give her more than a cursory glance before waving her inside, and Astrid breathed thanks to Shiara that she didn't have to try explaining everything. She'd never taken much stock in religion, but now seemed a great time to start.

Astrid and Baldur made their way through the town until they found the inn. Astrid handed the dependable stallion to the two stable hands waiting outside, an older man with dark eyes and a teenage boy with a smile that made her double-check her money pouch.

"I'll give you an extra coin if you can tell me where to find the Shadow Guard that just arrived," she told the old man.

He smiled toothlessly and pointed toward the large stone walls surrounding Greyfair. "The one in charge is up there, girly," he said. "You're looking for Raiden."

Astrid tossed the coin to him. "Thank you," she said. "I'll be back."

She grimaced as her back sent another bolt of pain through her body, but moved forward. At some point she would need to see a healer, but she had more important matters to attend to first.

The soldiers stationed at the walls stared at Astrid as she made her way to the top, but she ignored them. She regretted not taking the time to change, as she still wore her battered nightgown and it did nothing to protect her from the chilly night air.

When she finally reached the top, she was shaking from pain, exhaustion, and cold. But she stood tall as the troops made way for a tall man in crimson armor. He was built like a warrior, but looked only a few years her senior. His dark eyes regarded her solemnly, taking in her trembling frame. It wasn't difficult for her to realize this must be Raiden.

"I can feel its presence," he said quietly, sweeping off his cloak and wrapping it around her. "Starfell has been overtaken then?"

Astrid nodded, too exhausted to cry again. She unclasped the Seal from her neck and held it out to him. "I don't know what you plan to do with it," she whispered. "But it's yours."

He took it from her and regarded it, brow furrowed. Then he placed it into a satchel hanging from his belt and offered his arm. "I'll take you to the inn and send a healer to your room," he said. "Can you walk a bit further?"

Astrid shook her head. It had taken all of her energy to make it this far, and it was only through pure willpower that she hadn't collapsed already. "I'll just sit here for a minute and then I'll be fine," she said, not realizing her words had begun to slur.

Raiden noticed though, and was prepared for Astrid's body to go limp. He caught her before she could hit the ground and gathered her into his arms. If he had been a normal man, the heavy armor he wore would've made it impossible to carry her. But as a Shadow Guard, it was nothing.

The people gathered around the edges of the street, as they always did when Raiden walked through the city. Despite being a Shadow Guard for several years, the attention still made him uncomfortable.

Astrid shifted in his arms, and he glanced down at her ashen face. There was something about her that spoke to him, an odd connection he didn't know how to explain. But it didn't matter. She'd been struck by a Fiend, and despite his efforts to find a healer, he knew she wouldn't last the night.