The wind blew gently, rustling the leaves on nearby trees, clearing the thick mist that obscured everything from view. There was a buzz of activity on the streets of the surrounding villages. Children were running up and down the streets weaving their way through the people. A few adults cursed as they were almost knocked down by the wave of children in a game of tag. Many men were heading to the tavern to get a good hearty drink of mead to start the day.
The castle was located at the top of a hill with the outlying villages surrounding it at every angle. It was magnificent, different from most in Albion and that is what made it come alive. It wasn't the best looked after castle but at least it was still standing. Through the sunlit windows, servants and maids could be seen hurrying along whilst carrying clothing and food along the corridors, being careful not to drop anything that may displease their masters.
In the main council chamber the orange wall hangings fluttered in the cool morning breeze from an open window. A girl could be seen looking down on all the chaos happening below. Her blonde hair shone in the sunlight. It flowed in waves making her porcelain-like skin stand out. Her eyes were a sparkling shade of sky blue. Heavy footsteps echoed on the stone floor behind her making her raise her head, a gasp escaped between her lips.
"Father...I was just-"
She knew that she shouldn't have been in here without her father's permission. He could sometimes be very strict with where she went in the castle but he had his reasons that Ailidh knew too well.
"Ailidh, I need to speak with you."
Her father gripped her wrist gently leading her away from the open window towards the back of the Council Chamber, not wanting to be heard. She followed him curiously as she watched the back of his dark curly hair bobbing along with the way he walked. An old battle injury caused him to a have slight limp and sometimes caused him pain.
"I know how you are feeling Ailidh but I need you to be strong today." Her father looked at her with his dark brown eyes.
"I know father…" She said trying not to let her voice break.
Her father had just reminded her of the reason why on this very day she always need to be alone, to remember her painful past.
"On a brighter note Queen Odilla is visiting today along with her daughter, Ingrede. We are hoping that to celebrate the peace treaty we signed a year ago."
Ailidh stopped which made her father stop walking too. He looked at her in surprise while she glowered at the said man with such fury that his astonished expression melted from his face.
"How can you just pretend everything is alright? You don't miss her, every year is the same! You act as though she was never around and that you don't care she is gone!" Ailidh snapped as she slipped her hand out of her father's grip and walked away with tears falling down her face.
She hadn't meant to snap at her father like that but her emotions were running high. She eventually came back to her chambers where she found her maid, Tatiana, making up the bed. The seamless movements made it look like she had been doing it for years. She looked up worriedly at Ailidh as she entered, no wanting to utter a word. Tatiana was quite new to the kingdom of Eamont after Ailidh's last maid mysteriously disappeared one evening after sneaking out of the castle. After she closed the door silently, Ailidh sighed walking over to the window that overlooked the courtyard. Warm tears were still falling down her cheeks. She wiped them away angrily with the back of her hand. She did not want to look upset or weak in front of her maid.
She closed her eyes for a brief moment and an image of her mother came into view but quickly faded. She traced a finger over the engraved letters on the silver bracelet that sat neatly upon her wrist. It had been a present from her mother for her sixth birthday. The bracelet and diary were the only things, along with a few memories, that Ailidh had to remember her mother by. Ailidh was brought back from her recollections when Tatiana spoke.
"Is there anything else I can do for you milady?" She asked giving a weak smile. Standing by the door, she held her hands in front of her as if waiting for further instructions. Her brown wavy hair fell past her shoulders, flowing down her back and her grey-blue eyes were fixed on Ailidh.
"No that will be all." answered Ailidh, her tone sounding a bit shaky.
Tatiana curtsied, pulling her teal dress up a little so it didn't get caught under her shoes, before she exited the room. Ailidh walked over to her bed where she sat looking at the bracelet. Her mother had died fourteen years ago on this very day. Ailidh had only been four at the time but the memory of her mother on her death bed was agonizingly painful. A mystery illness had taken over Eugenia's body. Some of the villagers say that it was a curse put on her by a powerful warlock whereas others disagree. Unfortunately the court physician couldn't cure her in time. She was too frail and weak to leave her bed. Ailidh could clearly remember when…
She was sat on her mother's bed stroking her dark blonde hair quietly singing parts of the lullaby that her mother would always sing to her before she went to bed.
"Ailidh, you have to be strong for me not matter what happens," she whispered, when Ailidh had finished the lullaby, sounding very weak.
She placed a hand on the top of Ailidh's tiny one. Her mother looked at her with eyes filled with love and sickness before they slowly closed and she drew her last breath.
Opening her eyes, Ailidh took the diary which had once belonged to her mother from the table by her bed. She carefully turned the fragile, yellowing pages to an entry that was different from the rest. She had read odd entries from the diary but this one caught her eye. This one was about a battle that had happened at this very castle, many years before Ailidh was born, and it took place in the middle of the night. It happened on the evening that they were celebrating a year of peace between the two kingdoms.
King Lewin had been present when the battle had broken out. According to her mother's diary entry many knights and good people died that evening. A knock on the door made her jump, the diary dropped out of her hands landing on the stone floor with a thud.
"Come in," Ailidh said standing up, placing the book back on the table next to her bed.
"Milady, you are required in the main council chambers as a matter of urgency." Tatiana spoke as though in a hurry.
Ailidh furrowed her brow and sighed deeply as she followed Tatiana to the council chambers where she found a few knights, servants and the court physician waiting her arrival. Her father was standing by this chair waiting patiently for his daughter to take her place. To Ailidh this was just her normal daily routine. She sat in her chair, to the left of her father, waiting patiently for him to start speaking but only an eerie silence. The doors opened again with such force that they banged off the walls. In came two guards, holding a young woman between them, her head bowed staring at the floor.
Ailidh's mouth dropped when she recognised the woman to be Liana, the servant of her father. The guards dropped her to her knees where she wore a look of confusion. Her eyes danced from Tatiana to Ailidh. Ailidh knew what was about to happen, she looked to her father as he sat tapping his hand gently against the arm of the chair. Ailidh avoided Liana's gaze, not wanting to get caught up in trial that was about to happen.
"Liana, you were seen leaving the castle by two guards. Who were you going to see?" Iwain asked his tone was firm.
"No one my Lord," She said quietly, her voice trembling a little.
"You know I don't like being lied to," He raised his voice, asserting his authority, which made her wince. His eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke and he began to rise from his chair.
"I was going to see my brother," Liana said avoiding the King's gaze, finally admitting the truth.
"You should know by now that you aren't allowed to see him Liana." His tone lowered as though the anger was gone and compassion had taken its place. "He was banished from the kingdom for his actions. Why go against my orders?" The king asked curiously.
Before he was banished her brother had been a knight for Eamont and a noble one. Unfortunately he had gone against Iwain's orders and handed over plans to King Harling who wanted to destroy Eamont as revenge for Ailidh's father killing his son in a brutal battle. Liana had pleaded, on countless occasions, with Iwain not to sentence him to death and banishing him was the only way to keep her happy.
"He is the only family I have left ever since my mother and father were killed." Liana argued her case hoping that the King would feel her pain.
"The reasons the laws are put in place are to protect people and stop them getting hurt. I shall ask again why go against them?" He stepped down from where he had been sat inching closer to Liana. Anger rising again on his face.
"I needed to see him one last time before he died. He suffered a major wound from a battle and the only thing that kept him alive was the hope that he could see me again one last time." Liana said on the verge of tears. "Wouldn't you want to see a loved one before they died?" She lifted her head up to look at the King.
"By going to see your brother against the law that was put in place to protect you. I don't know how many other times you have gone to him but I suspect you told him all our plans. By doing this you have committed treason." The King explained, ignoring her question and showing no remorse.
Watching from the side line Ailidh felt anger rise through her at her father's unfairness. She gripped the arms of her chair to stop her hands from shaking. She pursed her lips together forming a thin line, glowering at her father. It was unfair the way he was treating Liana. Ailidh felt that she should be able to argue her case rather than the king taking things into his own hands.
"Father," Ailidh interrupted stepping forward, reaching a hand out to touch her father's arm. "She only wanted to see her brother once more for he was the only family she had left. Can't you see that she has been through enough already?"
There was a moment of silence after Ailidh had spoken up. She regarded her father with unease as she noticed that he was turning to a shade of red, consumed by anger. She swallowed down her nervousness, forcing herself not to lose ground now that she has started it.
"This doesn't concern you Ailidh." Iwain bellowed, turning to face his daughter.
"Liana was only doing what she thought was right. You can't punish her for something which is only a small act." Ailidh's eyes moved to Liana, trying to tell her that everything would be ok in the end. She watched as Liana returned quick glance her eyes filled with fear and concern.
"You can't stop people seeing their family. You don't care about family and you also have no feelings!" Ailidh continued angrily, looking back at her father.
Her father was taken aback by the words his daughter spoke.
"How dare you talk to me like that? I am your father and the King so you will show me some respect!"
"You may be king but respect has to be earned!" Anger was coursing through her veins and was controlling everything she said.
Everyone around the edge of the room was astonished at how the King's daughter was behaving towards him especially Tatiana. No one had ever gone against the King's ruling. Quiet muttering had broken out among them as they nervously looked between the King and his daughter.
"Take her to the cells," He turned his back on his daughter and walked back towards his chair, rubbing his chin in thought as well as anger.
Two guards came forward, took Ailidh by the arms. A scream and strangled words managed to escape her. They dragged her backwards towards the doors but she wasn't going without a struggle. She leaned forward trying to pull her arms free. With no such luck she kicked her feet about like trying to hit a target. She looked at her father who sat in his chair, avoiding her gaze and his fingers resting against his face. Liana turned to face Ailidh and mouthed the words 'It will be ok'. Ailidh's legs were starting to ache from all the kicking as they fell still. She surrendered herself to the guards as they took her through the castle before descending into darkness.
The cells were under the castle with very little light and the way to them was only lit by flaming torches. Ailidh was shoved into one of the empty cells. Pain filled every limb as she fell forwards slamming into the stone floor. Before she could get up one of the guards was already shutting the door and locking it. For Ailidh being punished by her father was very new and unusual.
She propped herself up against the back wall, her head in her hands. The whole moment was replaying over in her head. Her brain created the scenario where she hadn't spoken out and it ended with Liana being banished from the castle. It was a better ending than what Ailidh had done. She had made the whole situation worse and she regretted it. Tears were beginning to fall in a moment of realisation of what she had done. She had condemned Liana to death. Her own actions taking another person's life.
She didn't know how long she had been in the cells but guessed it had been for most of the day as light was now fading. Her body was telling her that she was hungry but she hadn't received any food. The jangle of keys in a lock made her look up. There was Tatiana with a tray with a plate of two bread rolls and a few slices of cheese. Normally Ailidh was used to platefuls of juicy fresh food. A smile crept on to her lips at the sight of some food and to finally see Tatiana.
"Food for you milady." Tatiana said placing the tray down on the wooden bench.
The guard outside of the cell pushed the door shut but didn't lock it. Tatiana must have asked him if she could talk to Ailidh. Once the guard had turned his back Tatiana finally spoke.
"You were very brave to stand up for Liana, but it was also a stupid thing to do." She sighed sitting on the bench, looking sternly at Ailidh. "You know how it angers your father when people interrupt him. I heard him talking to his council about this whole matter. They suggested that you are to stay down here until Liana's sentence is carried out tomorrow."
"What is her sentence?" Ailidh looked at Tatiana with concerned eyes. She already knew what the sentence was going to be but she needed some clarification. Looking up she saw Tatiana's face faltered at her question.
"She has been sentenced to death." Tatiana whispered placing a comforting hand on Ailidh's arm.
Words caught in Ailidh's throat but she could not say anything. It was as if she was frozen and the only thing she could do was to breathe. Liana was a nice calm girl but yet this whole thing had come upon her out of the blue. Ailidh had known her for as long as she could remember and she didn't have a bad bone in her body. She felt guilty for doing what she did. If she hadn't interrupted then maybe Liana would have a different fate.
"Thank you Tatiana." Ailidh smiled, looking up to her maid. She had to choke down the rest of tears as Tatiana left the cell, to resume her normal duties in the castle.
Ailidh had had a rough night, not sleeping in the comfort of her own bed. The bench wasn't very comfortable as splinters of wood kept poking her in the side. She had later decided to sleep on the cold floor with nothing to keep her warm apart from the clothes on her back. All through the night she tossed and turned, nightmares filling every part of her dreams. In the morning she was shaken awake by her servant who had brought breakfast although it wasn't much. Ailidh sat up rubbing her eyes, feeling very tired from her bad night's sleep.
"Are you alright Ailidh?" Tatiana asked curiously.
"Yes I'm fine." Ailidh lied.
Today was the day that Liana was going to be hanged. Right now Ailidh hated her father. Yes, he may be the king but this time he had gone too far. Liana had been his servant since he took the crown. Ailidh would never be like her father, she would be a fair and just queen. Once Tatiana had left, Ailidh could hear the craftsmen banging nails into the wood. She peered through the bars to see the gallows slowly being built taller and taller by the minute. People from the village had already started to gather eager to watch the hanging.
The thing about the villagers was that they weren't ordered to watch the hanging it was of their own accord. For them it was a source of entertainment as it rarely happened. Minutes turned into hours before the sound of drums could be heard signalling that Liana was being brought out. Ailidh heard the words of her father's voice echoing through the small courtyard. Warm salty tears fell down Ailidh's cheeks. She glanced between the bars to catch a glimpse of Liana's flaming red hair and the sickening noose around her neck.
Ailidh sank to the floor in floods of tears just as she heard the creaking of the trap door being opened. She clutched her knees close to her chest, leaning her head against them. A surge of different emotions were filling her and she had no control over them. She bit her lip hard to numb the guilt she was feeling. She felt the salty taste of blood fill her mouth and she let out a sigh. She ignored the footsteps coming down the stairs and a voice talking to the guard. Moments later a guard opened the door and in stepped her father, standing in his royal blue cape that covered his clothing.
"It has been done." Iwain said. "You may leave."
Ailidh ignored his comments. She could never look at her father in the same way again for what he had just done.
"Yesterday was the anniversary of mother's death and all you can do is sentence someone to death. Do you not have love in your heart?" Ailidh sobbed avoiding her father's gaze.
"You understand of course that it is all in the running of the castle. It may have been the anniversary but nothing can stop just for that." He replied shocked at Ailidh's attitude.
"How was your lovely feast with Queen Odilla and Ingrede?" Ailidh asked sarcastically.
"Queen Odilla wondered why you were absent so I had to tell her that you were feeling a bit under the weather and that you weren't allowed out of bed. I could not bear the humiliation that my own daughter was locked in the cells for actions earlier on."
"You have just killed a loyal and true friend. How many more people are you going to kill before you see fit to just let the minor things go?" Ailidh was beginning to get angry. She had always thought of her father as being someone she could look up to. Although recent event meant she was starting to wish he wasn't her father.
"Liana had committed treason Ailidh. You can't think I'd let that go unnoticed?"
"Just leave!" Ailidh said through gritted teeth. She folded her arms, hiding her clenched fists and turned away from him bowing her head.
"Very well." Iwain said walking out of the cell. "She will stay there until the end of the week."
The guard nodded locking the door after the king had left. Ailidh was left all alone again in the cells. This would mean many more restless and sleepless nights.
