The Lost Story

Chapter 3

Over the trial, I have seen both young and old standing in this position before their heads rolled to the floor. Please! Please anyone. Please, I don’t want to die here. It was a mistake; it won't happen again. My eyes jumped around the audience as they waited expectantly for what was to come. My eyes found my family once again. Disappointment was reflected in my mother’s eyes. My brothers both looked confused. Mother’s eyes were cold. When my eyes landed on my father’s, a sense of peace washed over me. At least he wouldn’t hate me. At least my father would miss me. At least he saw me, only him. “This individual represents the female of the human species, having been appointed as a candidate at the age of four, and thus recognized as one of the youngest candidates in the history of our selection process,” the elder began. "Over the past five years, my esteemed colleagues and I on the elder council have consistently monitored and assessed her development. This evolution has been remarkable and has left a profound impression on us. It is noteworthy that Renata did not achieve success in any of the trials; rather, she intentionally opted to fail each one. I’m dead. They knew; they knew from the start. I couldn’t even raise my eyes to look at the commotion his one statement caused. I didn’t see the big deal. Yes, I deliberately failed each trial, but for good reason. “Raise your head,” the chilling voice of the ruling Rey echoed in my ears. I obeyed, my tears continuing to stream down my cheeks. “My Rey,” I whispered, trembling under his hard gaze. "Are their words truthful? Have you dishonored and violated our sacred selection?” his coldness sent chills and fear throughout my entire body. “My liege, if you would allow me,” I began to say before the hands of the current La Yarham wrapped around my throat. “Answer,” she growled, looking down at me, squeezing and cutting my ability to breathe. I knew trying to fight her or raising a finger against her would mean my death. Although Xyephire has been chosen for the new position of La Yarham, a transfer of power has not yet occurred. This means that any assault or insult directed at either Aela or La Yarham can be regarded as treason and is subject to immediate death sentencing. “Let her go at once!” one of the elders shouted as he rushed forward, seizing our current La Yarham by the throat and pulling her away from me. In that instant, chaos ensued. The guards for the elders and our reigning sovereignty were now at odds. “Enough!" the high elder shouted, unleashing a surge of power. As I glanced around, I saw that everyone around me was now on their knees. The audience, the guards, even our monarch Aale and La Yarham were on their knees. As I surveyed the scene, I realized all eyes were fixed on me. “I apologize, my Lord," I said, bowing as low as possible. "That won’t be necessary; please, Renata, stand up," he said, his tone softening. I nodded and got to my feet, feeling utterly uncertain about what would transpire next. Standing to my feet once again, “Now, Renata, if you will please tell us why you would go to such lengths to fail the trial deliberately,” he stated, looking into my eyes. “My Lord, I intended no disrespect, nor did I seek to dishonor the selection or my family. I humbly beseech your mercy upon me." I began to plead. A smile crept onto his face. “Speak truthfully, little one." “My Lord, I must confess that I was regrettably unable to fulfill any of the assigned tasks. I wish to clarify that I am knowledgeable in the required actions, having been thoroughly instructed by my mother. However, when the moment to execute the task arrived, I found myself incapable. I am uncertain about the cause of my inability, yet the thought of completing the task evoked an unfamiliar emotion within me." If I had to die, at least I could not dishonor my family. "Your refusal to complete the act raises the question of how you became a finalist," stated our reigning monarch, known as Aela. I hadn’t realized it, but everyone was back on their feet, all eyes on me. I lowered my head to her and replied truthfully. “I must admit, I am uncertain about that myself.” I ensured I failed just enough so it wouldn't bring shame to my family. I achieved success in every other task except for the performance part. "Could we expedite this process? What will her penalty be?" the voice of our monarch, La Yarham, calls out. I felt the hands of the high elder once again on each side of me. “You are indeed correct; there is much for us to deliberate and accomplish," he stated, the softness from earlier gone. “Come,” he stated, leading me to the center point of the stage. So, he intended to use my death as a warning. I’m going to die. I am really going to die. I will never see my family again. Straining my eyes, I scanned the crowd once more for them. Zarbist and my father wore identical expressions of fear and concern. I then turned my gaze to the rest of my family. The look they gave me made me gasp. I was unprepared for the chilling stares on their faces. Lyas seemed indifferent to my plight, as if he had already lost all care for me. Mother Via's icy glare radiated disappointment, but my mother's eyes made my blood run cold. The mother who gave birth to me stared down on me with hatred. She looked down on me as if given the chance, she would dispose of me herself. As I realized that only my elder brother Zarbist and my father genuinely cared for me, I felt a tightening in my chest. The others seemed indifferent to my well-being. I tried so hard to please them. I am here because of them! I... I'm going to die...