The Fall of a Kingdom

St Marks and Story Time

Arriving at the edge of the river Polaris peered over St Marks. It was not the newest or nicest church in the kingdom, but she did not some here to pray. Inside those stone walls were children who did not have families, children who remind her of herself when she was younger before Niles found her.

The church itself was very bland with plain stone walls. There was a short steeple in the front with a small bell in it and the back was rectangular with an addition built on to house the children. All together the most remarkable thing bout the place was the children who despite their circumstances were always smiling.

Walking across the small bridge Polaris made her way to the back of the church where she knew the kids would be. At present there were 8 children who lived within the church and their ages ranged from 4 to 10. They were all so bright and visiting them was a sure way to help her feel better.

The oldest, a boy named Xavier always asked her hundreds of questions when she was around. He reminded her a lot of Kieran when he was younger, which only made her miss the boy even more when she was not able to see either of them. She hoped Kieran was safe.

Dragging her mind back to the present she saw the children in the back helping Mother Agnes with the laundry. She was an older lady who had worked at St Marks for the past 37 years, she of course had never had her own children but was like a mother to everyone. The wrinkles around her eyes and mouth deeper and more pronounced than other places from her constant smiles.

“Good morning everyone!” Polaris yelled gaining squeals from all of the children.

Starting with the youngest and working up to the oldest Polaris named them off while handing them all a piece of candy. “Mary, Ingrid, Jefferson, Molly, Bobby, Michael, Joel, Martha, Mailey, and last but not least Xavier. I hope you were all good since my last visit or I might not bring you any treats next time I visit!” She fake glared at them which made all the younger children start quickly telling her how good they had been. The oldest 4 just smiled and nodded. She had been visiting for at least 5 years now so they knew to be good and pass it down to the younger kids.

“Okay I believe you, what would you all like to do today. We could go swimming or play tag..”

She was interrupted by Michael, “Will you tell a dragon story? Those are my favorite!” Michael was almost 8 years old and had been living at the church his whole life. When she first found out who he was she was shocked that he was there. His older brother was Gabriel. His mother had been pregnant with him when the Coup happened, and since Gabriel was labeled as a traitor his family had to go into hiding. After Michael was born his family brought him to the church and left the Kingdom. Mother Agnes told her they did it to keep him safe, but she could not imagine leaving a child willingly.

“It is rude to interrupt Michael, Apologize to Polaris.” Xavier said while pinching the other boys arm.

Polaris did not mind that he interrupted her, but it was probably best that he learned now instead of later that most others do not like being interrupted. Just a couple weeks ago she heard that another woman was beaten by a guard for supposedly talking out of turn.

“Of course, I will tell a story, but what should I make this one about. I know you want a dragon but what else?”

She smiled at each child until one little girl timidly spoke up, “Can there be a brave boy who saves a Princess?” As the girl spoke Polaris saw all the other little girls nod with excitement, who was she to let them down. Princess and Shinning Knight with a Dragon would be a perfect story.

“Once upon a time there was an evil man who coveted his brothers place so he hatched a plan to take over. The brother had always been a kind a gentle man who was loved by all. When his daughter was born the castle where they lived was attacked!” The little kids were so enthralled by the story that they hardly even blinked.

“When the attack took place a brave knight took the young girl high into the mountains where there was rumored to be a dragon. Paying with gold and jewels he bought the dragons protection for the young girl who lived with him for many years. One day a young man was lost in the forest and came upon her home. He was weak and starved from being lost but the girl took care of him and gave him food until he was nursed back to health. The young man fell in love with the girl and wanted to marry her, but the dragon was not ready to let her go. The boy spirited her away back to her home town where they and a loyal group helped to overthrow her vicious uncle and saved the kingdom.”

The kids had heard variations of the story before but it always made hem feel better. If only there really was a kind Princess who would come and overthrow their current king.

“Ummm Polaris, what happened to the Knight that saved the Princess during the fight?” Ingrid asked. Her and Mary were the youngest and were also twins. Though they were practically identical Polaris could always tell them apart by their eyes. Both had long white blonde hair and blue eyes, but Ingrid had flecks of green in hers where as Mary’s was a solid clear blue.

Hearing that question sent a pang through her heart, she wished she knew what happened to Gabriel. “No one knows what happened to him but he was very brave.”

The kids were all deep in thought until Xavier who always asked questions asked, “They way you spoke made him seem real, was the Knight a real person? Was there a Princess who saved her Kingdom?”

Polaris had not realized she had slipped up during her story, she had always made it seem like it was made up until today. She should have been more careful, these kids are so bright it is sometimes scary. Thinking quickly she decided to tell a half truth. “There was a Knight who saved a young Princess and whisked her away never to be seen again. However they were never seen again, so who knows where they are or if there was a dragon.” She hoped that explanation would be good enough.

“Sorry to cut my visit short today! I will make sure to come back and visit soon so make sure you are all good for Mother Agnes!”

The kids all grumbled their goodbyes wishing she could stay longer, all but one, Xavier. He was still deep in thought thinking about the story as Polaris made her way her way back across the bridge and back to the slums. Why did Polaris act so weird when he asked if the Knight was real?