Kingdom of Morgardis

Prologue

Some nights I stay up and listen. I listen to crickets, hyenas, wolves or just silence. It is the only relaxation I can ever find. My father is not here for safe comfort. He has left for the war against the flamed beasts. I have not seen him in two years, and my mind keeps telling me something is wrong. Something has happened to him. Before my mother died right months ago, she would tell me a story to distract my mind. But nowhere can't. She is gone. My father is gone. And so should my life end

I am sixteen. I have a younger sister named Maybell. She is ten and the only reason I have not taken my life yet. I have tried to find a good home for her, but no one is as good as mom was. Every morning I tell myself I will find somewhere safe for her to go and then allow my mind an eternity of peace. I hope she grows up to have a good life. Our father was a lied, so she should have prosperity. She has earned it.

On this particular day I had a letter come in. I had hoped it was a family for Maybell, but I was dissapointed. The letter read:

To the household of Lies Belgardis,

The royal court is pleased to invite you and your household to the festival of victory. It will be held on the evening of June the second. The returning nobles and knights will be released home afterwards. The grief for those lost will be the next day in the courtyards. We hope to see you there.

Signed,

King Vincebter

I almost threw it out, but then a brilliant idea occurred to me. I could surely find a noble there for my sister. All of the nobles would be there. Surely one would take her. I folded the envelope and thanked the messenger before entering the house again. This was the final attempt. June second was in a week. I went to my sister's chambers to inform her of the trip to the palace. Then I went to pack my own things. I had to look nice. The nobles would accept me that way. It was the only way.