Prologue
1249 Words
“Are you sure the timing is right?” Alannah asked her fiance as the carriage rattled over the stone road.
“What do you mean, dear?” Abellio replied.
“You know very well what I’m asking. The anniversary of your wife’s death was only six months ago,” Alannah stated as she began to anxiously twist her shockingly red hair, “How will Eira take not only your engagement but your engagement to the court witch? What about your people? Carina was widely adored. You have already been scrutinized for employing a female witch to your court. I can’t imagine your people-”
“Our people will grow to love you. You’ve brought nothing but prosperity into Airgíalla and my life,” Abellio interrupted, grasping Alannah’s hand, “Eira will come around. Just give her time.”
The carriage pulled into the courtyard as citizens gathered to welcome their king. Abellio and Alannah had been gone for months in search of a rare gem, the Heart of the Dragon, said to be blessed by the gods to provide plentiful harvests and fertility where it was planted. Having been successful, the king’s advisor had planned a ceremony. It was at this ceremony that the Abellio planned to announce he and Alannah’s engagement, much to Alannah’s dismay.
Unlike many in Abellio’s court, Alannah did come from wealth. She grew up in a small mountain village, just south of Airgíalla. It was there that she learned the craft, as it was known by witches. Anyone could study the craft, but few truly mastered it. Alannah was one of these few. It wasn’t long until she was noticed by the king of Airgíalla, Abellio.
“Trust me, they will love you as I do,” Abellio said, sensing Alannah’s uneasiness.
Alannah smiled, though she knew life was never that simple.
“He’s here! He’s here!” Eira yelled as she ran to the courtyard, her long black hair blowing behind her.
“Eira, please,” Ms. Walsh, Eira’s caretaker gasped as she chased after her, “princesses don’t run!”
“Then what do you call this, Ms. Walsh?” Eira said as she pulled her blue dress above her ankles and pushed herself even faster, “Father is home and I won’t wait any longer to see him.”
As far as princesses go, Eira was the most stubborn. Ms. Walsh was often driven to exhaustion just trying to remind Eira to mind herself, never mind her strange habits. She simply did not have the time to bother with many things most young girls like her enjoyed. While other eleven-year-old princesses were learning the proper ways to host a tea party, Eira was most likely found at the archery range. Other girls were learning to dance, Eira bullied the captain of the guard into teaching her the art of sword fighting. Many in the court, especially Ms. Walsh, strongly disapproved of her interests. However, her mother had always encouraged her and the court witch had always answered her questions with patience.
To be quite frank, Eira wasn’t sure how she felt about Alannah. She found her accent oddly comforting. It was her shoulder she often cried on during the months after her mother’s death and she found herself missing the quiet witch while she was away searching for the Heart of the Dragon.
“Father!” Eira yelled as she lept into Abellio’s arms.
“Eira, my sweet girl. I have missed you!” he bellowed as he hugged her tightly to his barrel-sized chest.
“Can I see the Heart of the Dragon? Please, father, please?” Eira cried.
“Perhaps tonight my dear, if you behave for Ms. Walsh,” Abellio replied, seeing a red-faced Ms. Walsh as she rounded the corner clutching her chest.
“Abellio,” Alannah yelled from the wagon behind the trailer, “perhaps we should start on the ritual soon.”
“Alannah!” Eira cried with delight.
“Eira, just the girl I wanted to see. I have a very important gift for you,” Alannah replied, pulling a large bag from the wagon.
She placed the present in Eira’s hands, which the young girl quickly opened revealing a slim bow made of gleaming white wood. It was much too big for her now, but Eira didn’t care. She stared at the bow in awe.
“My own bow,” she said, “is it really mine?”
“Of course, silly girl. That is a very rare bow, carved from the tree of the gods. It is blessed to protect its wielder from those who wish them harm.”
“How does it work?”
“Whenever an enemy approaches, the bow will begin to hum. The humming will grow louder as they get closer. If they make the mistake of firing at you or raising a sword to you, a shield of light will emit from the bow. With this bow, you will always be safe.”
Eira began to cry. She fiercely hugged Alannah. Of course, the witch knew exactly what she needed. Ever since her mother had been killed by bandits while out riding, Eira had suffered intense nightmares that often left her screaming. It was often Alannah that rushed to her side, with calming words and tea brewed specifically to calm her mind.
“Thank you, Alannah. I love it.”
“Anything for you my sweet girl.”
The revelry of the night was unlike any other. Even Alannah was beginning to feel her nerves subsiding. The citizens were no longer weary of her. Many even approached her first, smiling the whole time. It was only when the king rose to make his speech that she felt her stomach drop.
“Citizens of Airgíalla, how wondrous a night this has been,” Abellio began and was interrupted by loud cheers, “No longer will winter leave us hungry. No longer must we suffer the long night. We have many to thank for this, but none more than Alannah. She came to you, a stranger, but she has proven herself a most amazing person. It is with an overflowing heart that I announce to you our engagement. Everyone please, welcome your soon-to-be queen!”
The room erupted into cheers as Alannah stood. The weight pulling down her heart was suddenly pulled free. Never before had she felt so loved. Of course, she could see some members of the court were whispering behind their hands, but no longer would she let this bother her. Soon she would be their queen.
It was only when Eira quietly exited the Great Hall did her smile falter.
“Eira! Eira, please,” Alannah yelled as she raced into the stables to search for her, “Eira I know you’re here. Please, talk to me.”
Eira slowly rose from her hiding place to face her, tears staining her cheeks.
“Eira, I’m sorry. I knew it was too soon. Please believe me, as much as I love your father, and I love with my very soul, I will not go through with this marriage without your blessing, this I promise you.”
Eira remained silent.
“I can be gone by morning. I’m sorry, sweet girl, I never meant to cause you grief.”
Alannah turned to leave, but was stopped by Eira grasping her sleeve.
“Please don’t leave. I want you to stay. I’m just confused.”
“As am I, Eira. I never meant for this to happen.”
“I trust you. More than I could trust anyone but my father. Please marry him. He needs you.”
Alannah's heart raced at this. She couldn’t help the smile that returned to her face.
“Are you certain you’re okay with this?”
“If he can no longer be with my mom, I’m happy for him to be with you,” Eira responded.
- Writer
