The Bridge of Fire

Chapter Two

Martha stared down at the little child, "she's beautiful" "yes, and she needs a caretaker, I couldn't think of anyone else, not even the king" Maldor said grimly, he felt guilty that he had hidden the truth about the child from Martha.

Once a mother of two, lost both husband and children to the blood plague. Ever since that nightmare, this was first time he saw her truly smiling from her heart. "Of course-- she said happily --I'll love her with all my heart, I'll name her Ivy"

He smiled, a name that would soon match her destiny. Martha gave the wizard a warm smile before turning her eyes to Ivy. Poor Martha, she saw him as a father, she believed him completely, it ate him up.

Almost immediately, the footsteps and heavy knocks of the guards were heard outside Martha's door. "Open in the name of the King!" Maldor got up from the little carved stool by the corner on which he had been sitting.

Opening the door wide but just enough to keep the new mother and child out of sight.

He asked "Yes, how may I be of help?" Suddenly he recognised the first guard "Ah! Gavin, what seems to be the problem?"

"The King summons you-- Gavin answered-- we went to look for you at your little home but told by streets-men that you took the path leading here" "I'm so sorry you had to go to all that trouble looking for me, I'll be right behind you, just a moment" He closed the door waited till their footsteps grew faint.

"Martha, you have to leave. The king knows that everytime I leave Glyden, I don't come back empty handed. He wants to enquire of me, he must not have this child"

Bringing out a bottle from his side bag, "At midnight go to the wall, drink this but just a little, it'll enable you pass through. Make sure no one sees you, not your neighbours, streets-men (the eyes of town) and especially the king's scouts"

Martha's confusion multipled, why was this happening, wouldn't it be better if the child was given to the king, she'd be a princess, far better than what she had to offer, even all her love.

"Once you've safely crossed, walk straight ahead with the moon behind you then take the bend that leads to the thicker part of the forest, take a left by the river and you will find an old farmer's cottage, stay there and don't worry, I'll visit shortly.

Martha turned pale, she had never been outside the wall, not even for trading and now she has to leave completely? What about her sister, her home and all it's memories. "why do I have to go that far, can't I raise the child here but in a different house?" she asked

"This child is a special gift from me to you and no one else. If she stays here, it's dangerous" "w-what, do you mean dangerous?? What will you tell the king?" she stammered "My dear, don't worry about me, I'm old not stupid, just promise me that you'll love this child no matter what" Martha could only nod.

He was putting a huge task she knew nothing of on her shoulders. "Forget about everything and leave, the spirits guard you my child" He walked out and headed for the castle.

Maldor breathed in deeply, sunk in his thoughts as he walked. He saw beggars at every corner, children mostly. As wizard, he had been judge of the Glyden for a long time before he decided it deserved a king.

Choosing a young man he felt would do perfect, giving all authority to him with no interference on his part whatsoever.

He started well, till a monster corrupted him; a monster not easily destroyed.

He gave a sigh of pain, he regretted his decision.