It was during the ogre war when we meet. when I meet him. This wasn't the first war nor would it truly be the last but everything was different then. I wasn't someone important nor was I royal. I knew my place, or I though I did. I worked at the castle of a duke. He was a lonely man who was losing his crops and people to the war, but he was kind. I was a maid to him but I think he saw me as his daughter at times. This wife and his real daughter was killed at the start of the war right before I was taken in. The war had lasted longer than anyone could remember or at least in this part of the kingdom. I was only five when I was taken in, by the duke. I learnt quickly what to do and what not to do around people.
Today was the day, the day we would get help. The duke had called on the one person no one wanted to call on. The Dark one. He was not one people trusted with his olive skin tone, dark magic and a thing for deals that usually had more to his favor then it let on. Everyone was gather in the main hall with the doors barred. The duke was pacing ever so slightly as I brought over his drink. He took it, but didn't drink. All he could think about what was would be his deal, and what could this man do.
There were a few loud bangs on the barred door as all eyes turned towards door.
" Its him." I told the king, " it has to be."
" How could he have gotten past everything." The duke said his hands starting to shake.
" Oh its me." Said the imp from behind. Everyone turned to see him walking towards the small group of people.
" Will you help us?" The duke asked moving slightly towards the man. I peered out from beside the duke to get a better view.
From the moment I saw him there was something. Corny, I know but there was something. It could have also just been the leather pant he wore.
" I can and I will, but what shall I get in return?" the man said her fingers gliding over the long table that was in the room.
" we can give you gold."
Th man only looked at him. " I spin gold I don't need that."
" Then what do you want." The duke said setting down the cup. The dark one looked about the room, as if he was still deciding on what he wanted. His eyes stopped one me, and I instantly saw it. I saw a glimpse of his castle of his home, his spinning wheel. As I saw my eye went a bit hazy as a started to lean on to the side until the duke caught me,
" I want her." He said. Those words brought me out of my vision.
"you cant have her." The duke said as his grip tightened on my arm. His feelings were clear to many, but that was the only way.
" I must." I spoke up. " your kingdom can not suffer because you keep a maid."
" Your like a daughter to me."
" tick tock." Said the dark one growing slightly impatient. " is it a deal?"