Staring at my reflection in the mirror. A face framed with black strands of hate. Tears leaked from my eyes as i continued to stare. A thunderous knock on the door. I did not jump. Noises outside the tower were constant, loud noises that, when i was young, terrified me.
"Mira!" A loud voice erupted from the other side of my door. Slowly turning my head. "Unlock the door!" The voice was angry. I assumed it was The King of the Death Riders. I made my way over. Hitting the lock with two fingers allowing him to enter.
"My lord..." I bowed my head to him lowly. Two Goblins followed him into my chamber. "Are they truly necessary?" I ask, turning back to sit at my vanity. The wooden frame rough to touch, but such intricate designs forbade me from tossing it aside for a new one.
"Yes...They are" His hallow face spoke, his torso invading my mirror. "Your father calls for you" I glance towards the door. The Goblins make cackling noises to one another. "They are to escort you through the yard" His long robes follow behind him in a trail.
"I have been through the yard on my own before" He hesitates at the doorway, but continues.
"Do as you are told!" He shouts back to me. I stand. Long black dress hanging from my shoulders. I march through the haunted yard. Goblins and Orc screeching and clawing at one another.
"Lady Mira!" One Orc calls and all others turn to look at me walk through the crowds. My dress dragging on the ground behind my steps. The Goblins sent to escort me sequel as as Orc approaches. Jagged blades drawn they step to my sides, guarding me from the much stronger opponent.
"Enough..." I simply say as the Goblins retreat back to their spot behind me. The Orc remains in place, eyeing me. I glance at him as i walk past.
It is a hard thing to imagine, Orc, being the result of tortured and betrayed Elves. The Elves so graceful and romantic, Orcs... blood thirsty and it never stops. I suppose i understand why they act as they do; It was my father who captured them, and tortured them, tis only I that kept their hearts beating whilst they prayed for their deaths.
I, Mirathin of the horrid lands, allowed their bodies to disfigure, allowed their souls to taint. Most look at me with a longing that would go unanswered, until their orders were to lead them to their deaths. Others; Looked at me like i had ruined their lives, single-handed. It was the look i had expected from most of them.
Strangely Some approach me when i walk alone. One time in particular I remember clearly, He looked me dead in the eyes and said three simple words i though i would never hear from a Orc. 'I forgive you' His words caught me so off guard that i was delayed and punished my the Death Rider king and my father. My hand instinctively went to the scar on my arm. Covered by the sleeve of the dress, but known of by everyone.
The Tower housing my father and his high comrades, was across the yard from mine. The towers identical in every aspect, except one. Mine, deep in the lower halls where none enter, is the chamber where the Elves are taken to begin their tainting.
I have on numerous occasions spoken up about my displeasure on the act being directly below me as i sleep, but it resulted in yet another scar.
"Step back!" One of the Goblins following me bellowed in a rough rasping voice. An Orc had taken it upon himself to follow us. "She is under a dead line to meet with our Lords" The Goblin coughed out the words.
"It is alright, a moment will not harm" I made my way to the Orc. "Yes?" His upper lip twitched showing a sharpened fang.
"My lady..." His voice rougher than the Goblins. Scars covered this poor creatures body. His chest bare showing more scars than i remember treating. A sick feeling began to swell in my stomach. The Orc bowed to one knee before me. I reached out, having the hands of the Goblins reach out to stop me.
"Away..." I say gently to the two Goblins. They take a step back. I grab the Orc's arm and usher him to his feet. "You need not bow to me...Tis I who should bow to you..." I tuck my ankle behind the other and curtsy, bowing my head to the Orc.
"Mira!" For the first time, since i was a child, i jumped. The voice was threatening and dangerous. "What did i tell you?!" He grabbed my arm and pulled me towards himself. Loosing my balance, being held up by his tight grip on my arm. "Do as you are told or you shall endure the same punishment as them...except no one will be there to heal you" He spat at the ground in front of my feet after he pushed me away.
"My lord..." I bowed my head to the Rider King. The low snarling of the Orc came from several from around us. A smile crept across my lips. "But, perhaps it is you, who should do as you are told...especially outside your realm" giving me a flash of rotten teeth the Rider King turns, robes flying in a half circle as he storms back to the second tower. I lift my head high and follow.
Inside the tower, the screeches and roars of the Goblins and Orc's are muffled significantly. At a round table sits My father, the Rider King, Mongu Tamer, and a few others i fail to recognize.
"Father, My lords" I bow my head to the men sitting around the table. I remain standing by the doorway.
"Mirathin...your work with the Elves has been great. But, I fear you tend to them to kindly" I tilt my head, not fully understanding. "I believe they could be more blood thirsty. I want them to crave the flesh of man more than anything" I open my eyes wide with shock.
"I fear that is not possible. If i do not treat them with the compassion i do, I fear they will not listen to any commands and...My lords, you are all man, you all will bare the flesh they crave" I try reasoning with the timid men.
"My Mongu are more vicious than the Orc you heal" My mouth hangs ajar.
"Your Mongu are beasts...My Orc, must fight against them in the midst of fighting their enemy in order to control them...Forgive me, but i will not treat them with anything less than the compassion you deprive them of" I stand tall, head sitting high on my shoulders.
"You may be compassionate, but you are correct" My father speaks just as the Rider king is about to retort. "The Orc's healing will remain the same...If that is all, you are dismissed" MY father gestures to the door.
"I wish to replace my Goblin guards with members of the Orc...They are much stronger and if you care for my well-being as much as i think, this request will not fall onto deaf ears" I speak my case quietly.
"Replace the Goblin for Orc?" The Rider King asks, as if the request is too much. "My lord...she requests more authority within the ranks, First it is the replacement of her guard, and then it will be the lead of your Mongu, then Riders, and then you"
"Silence yourself!" MY father appeared to have yelled at the Rider King, but i was mistaken. "Mira, you will not get anything" I swallowed hard, awaiting the newest scar to join my collection.
"But my lord...It is soon my visit to Granhail...Mother wishes that I be more protected on the.." I was quickly interrupted.
"No...You will not leave your tower unless it is to come here" My father stated flatly. Narrowing my eyes at him.
"You promised me and mother I would be granted a one month visit to see her if i did as i was told...And i have, against everything i believe I created you those tortured souls..." My father stood. The smile creeping onto the faces of every man that sat at the table.
"You dare speak out against me?" I stand my ground against him.
"I dare speak out for my freedom!" I state coldly. The sharp pain slams across my face. Tears forming in my eyes as i glare up at him. My hunched body a reaction to the punishment.
"Do not speak out against your Lord!" He bellows into my face. A cackle erupts from the Mongu tamer. He enjoys my pain.
"I will not sit idly by while I am forced to hurt innocent creatures for your gain!" I reassert myself. "I still remember the promise...When i get married, You will no longer have a say in my life" I storm from the tower. Eyes piercing my back. My two Goblins scurrying behind me as I run through the yard. The dry cracked ground creating small puffs of dust at my pressure. Orcs and Goblins watch as i run to my castle.
"She needs to be tamed...My lord..." The Mongu tamer states in a menacing tone. His throat scratching his words. Fully knowing with what his request would grant, The high Lord thinks. "I...could...tame her..." He snickers at the thought.
"My Lord...A simple beating has been repeated against her...her constant rebellious behaviour against not only myself, but you as well is anything but needed" Pondering the request he gives a simple nod.
"She should not have made it to her tower yet...go and meet her" Slowly making his way to the large opening, he watches as she runs away.
My body shakes...I curl myself into a corner staring at my torn clothing in the corner of the room. The sheets messy and thrown about in the struggle. Blood stains not only the sheets, but my arms as the knife held against my throat cut deep into my flesh. Arms covered in sweat and shame. Examining the gash on my throat, i could not stop my thoughts from wishing it had just killed me. Tears streaming down my face as he abandoned my chambers.
"Oh...now what happened here?" I jump, cowering in the corner of my room. Hands hugging my legs to my chest, in an attempt to protect what little of myself was left pure; not that i ever thought of myself as a pure being. The smug expression plastered across his face went from the broken belongings of mine, to the bed and then to my cowering position.
Glaring up at the Rider King. He approached making me hug myself tighter. "If you are here to break me...you are too late..." I muffle a sob into my arm, biting against the flesh. Pain is the only thing i deserve.
"Now, now...I am here to tell you the grand news! You will be allowed to visit your mother" Horror stricken faced, i shake my head. "No? But i thought you wanted to go?" His words slithered around the room, forcing my body to shake more.
"No...I do not want to see her...I do not deserve it" I hang my head staring at my now tainted body covered in undressing.
"Good! A new shipment of Elves are coming tonight, i expect you to be ready for them" The same smile crawling across his face as if it were him who had taken away my pride. "Your father wants to see you once you are ready" He slimes his way from my chamber leaving me to cry.
Slowly i rose. Pain erupted from within. Holding my stomach in pain i reached for a new dress. Black and without a light. I made my way to the yard. Slowly, i walked across the yard, the two goblins following.
Feeling the lingering gaze of the Orcs i turned and gave a fake smile. One approached. Feeling the presence i cowered to the ground, tears filling my eyes yet again.
"Lady..." He offered me a hand. I stared up at it without taking it. He stood there, waiting for my to accept it in my own time.
Several minutes and then, finally, feeling the safety within his grasp i took it. His hand, cold and scared. The discolouration from lack of proper nutrition.
"I'm sorry..." I stare at him, glancing around us as every Orc and Goblin stare at me.
"Who?" His simple word took my by surprise. I tried covering it with a smile and a question.
"I don't know what you mean..." I choke back tears. He glanced around to the others. I force a smile that i know they do not believe.
"Mira, you shouldn't be out here..." I jump, grasping the Orc's arm cowering behind him. The Mongu tamer approached. "And those things should be training" Every set of eyes goes from me, to the tamer.
"You did this?!" One yells. I recognized him as one who glared at me as i walked. He steps forward. Teeth barred and breathing heavy. Chest moving up and down quickly as he stared at the tamer.
"did what? I don't know what she is telling you, but she lies!" He hissed. Within a second the Orc had him lifted into the air; with a deafening roar the tamer was thrown to the ground.
"You don't deserve the mercy she will grant you..." Sharp teeth snarl at the tamer. I stare at him. After the Tamer flees from the group supporting me, i throw my arms around the Orc. My head coming to his chest. I press my ear against his chest hearing the faint beating of his heart. I regret i forced it to keep beating, but i cherish this moment.
The Orc i embrace, looks around at the others confused. Unsure of what to do he cautiously pats my head. "I regret that i cannot remain here a moment longer..." I step away from the Orc. "Please.." I bow my head. "Accept my apology" They look at one another. I bow my head. "Goodbye" I hug them tightly. The two Goblins set to Guard me follow on my heel.
I do not force them to stay. Their lives will be taken if they know i left under their watch. I mount a Black stallion as the Goblins mount two Mongu's; the tall Wolf-like creatures the perfect size for Orc, but manageable with a Goblin. We ride through the front gate and down the road. We stop a ways down.
"You two...split up, each of you take a different path...We will meet in the forest of Shale" I kick the sides of the horse as HE whinnies as gallops down the path. Each Goblin took his own path. The thumping of the hooves against the dirt path seems to be second nature after the hours of riding.
Slowing at the sight of a fire. I can hear the laughter of men. I dismount and hesitantly approach. "Who goes there?" The men are immediately silent.
"A traveller...i request to warm myself by your fire..." I say gently. Hoping to sound as sincere as possible.
"A woman?" One asks. His voice reminds me of the Orcs. I slowly emerge from the forest. A dwarf, two men, and an Elf. I stare at the group, unsure of their intentions. "Aye, It is just a wee lass" The same gruff voice speaks. The Dwarf winks at me and turns back to his meat punctured by a stick. I stare at the strange method. "Have ya never seen a fire roasted meal before?" The Dwarf asks as i tilt my head in curiosity.
"I beg you forgiveness..." I immediately bow my head. "I did not mean to stare" The two humans laugh along with the Dwarf while the Elf studies me.
"No need to apologies Lass...I don't plan on sharin'" He chuckles taking another bite, tearing pink meat from the stick. The two Humans look fairly similar.
"The name is Abel, This is my brother Frey, That Dwarf is Valkath Hammersheild, And the Elf is Lipin Ironbark" I glance to each of them, bowing my head each in turn as they are introduced.
"My name is Mira..." I cut myself off. "Just Mira" I smile weakly at the group. Even the Dwarf eyes me curiously.
"So...Just Mira...What brings you into the forest?" Abel asks. His black hair, far kinder looking than mine, matches his stubble chin.
"My business is my own" I say simply. "I will not be long" I eye each of the men carefully. Watching their every move. I breath slowly keeping myself calm.
"Are you alright?" I jump when Abel's voice comes from behind me. A quiet scream escapes my lips. "Sorry..Thought you heard me coming.." I nod slowly.
"I am just new to being on the road...without..." I lose my train of thought and glance back at the fire. Its flames a familiar sight, too many times have i had to cauterize a bleeding wound, waiting for the metal to heat up enough. An aching feeling in my stomach remembering the Orc allies i have made. I turn back to the fire and crouch beside it.
"We can tell..." I stiffen. Swallowing trying to moisten my suddenly dry mouth and throat. "It is very obvious you have been sheltered most of your life" I breath, relaxing again.
"Oh, yes..." I nod. Frey sits beside me.
"Marriage? Its usually the case when we find women on the road" Frey looks almost sympathetic.
"Um, yes...A marriage to a cruel man...I refused and i was cast out" I give a weak smile.
"So Lass, will ya be headin' to Damas?" The Dwarf asked. I furrow my brow trying to remember his name.
"Um...no, I think Shale.." He widens his eyes surprised.
"The gods smile on ya Lass, We be headin' there ourselves" Instant regret fills my head.
"Perhaps i will go to Trinad...Maybe just travel the roads" I look over across the fire to see the Elf staring at me, studying me.
"Lip, don't scare the girl" Frey calls over when he notices my discomfort. The Elf gives a faint smile, but glances up to stare at me, eyes narrowed.
"Hey, Abel, give the Lass some wine!" The dwarf calls, raising his tankard.
"Wine? No thank you, i am not allowed to indulge in such luxuries" I speak dryly. Frey takes a long swig of his drink eyeing me as he does so. "But, perhaps seeing as my Father no longer is in charge of my well being, Yes, I will partake" Abel eyes the Dwarf at my vocabulary.
"did ya hear that? We drink with the noble" I scoff.
"I am the furthest thing from nobility" I take a small sip of the wine Abel offers me. Throughout the night Lipin stares at me with curious eyes; Valkath, urges me to continue drinking; Abel assures that i don't have to drink anymore; Frey passes out before the rest of us.
"My head...It feels odd" I state half sitting, half falling to the ground. I cannot with hold a giggle to escape my lips. Abel plops down beside me smiling like a young boy. Valkath tears more meat from another stick of meat.
"You're drunk" Abel laughs along with me.
"I don't know what is so funny!" I call out to the forest.
"Children.." Lipin mutters from across the fire. My laugh instantly stops. I blink quickly trying to act proper.
"I beg your pardon...but..." I point, not sure at what. "You have no right to judge me..." I close my eyes, wanting to fall asleep, but pushing myself to continue talking. "You don't know what I've gone through!" I call. I swallow. Abel still laughing like a child.
"You are a poor rich noblewoman...what is the hardest life you could have had?" Lipin spits the words at me.
"I have done things to people...Things no one could dream..." I stare at the fire, lost in the memory i suddenly refused to share. The camp goes quiet, except the gentle snores coming from Frey. "I...I..." Lipin raises an eyebrow ushering me on. As if i deserved rescued, Darkness clouds my vision and i feel the cold ground as i drift into sleep.
"I don't trust her..." Lipin states a few minutes after i am asleep.
"You don't trust anyone" Abel protests.
"Her more than anything...There is something about her that just makes me nervous" Lipin explains. I cannot blame him. My family is responsible for the mutation of his kind into weapons.
"Lip, Abel, Do either of ya get the feelin' the Lass ain't tellin' us everythin'?" I moan and turn away from the trio. All three of them remaining silent.
"Like what? She just met us...we aren't exactly welcoming company" I assumed Abel eyed Lipin.
"Because i am cautious about company joining us, I am unwelcoming?" Lipin protested.
"You glared at her all night" Abel and Lipin argued until Frey spoke.
"Will you two shut up? I am trying to sleep" He turned and his snoring continued. The argument ceased.
"Look, its just a girl, she can join us until we make it to Shale...Then, we go our separate ways" Abel offered an undeniable request.
"Alright..But Shale and no further" I finally allowed the night to take me into dreams.
"You need to learn a lesson you will never forget" I could feel his breath as his arms pinned me against the bed. The dangerous dagger held to my throat as he easily overpowered me with one hand. Using the knife, he cut the dress. Tears streamed my face.
"Mira?" I was shaken. I jumped awake, flailing. "Wow.." Frey caught my hands when i was about to hit him. I looked around. I was in the forest. Abel, Lipin, and Valkath were all asleep around me. "Are you alright? You were moaning and begging for someone to stop..." Frey stared into my eyes if they somehow held the answer. I quickly pulled my hands from his.
"I am fine...Just a bad dream" I stood, forcing him to back away.
"If you need to talk about anything..." I shook my head, turning my back to him. "You were crying in your sleep too..." I felt his gaze staring through me; like he could see my world.
"I am fine..." I repeated. "Thank you for waking me" I turned, putting on a convincing smile. His face full of concern.
"Mira..."
"Look, i just met you...we had fun chatting last night, i appreciate the food and wine, but it does not give you a right into my life story" I snapped. Immediately regretting my harsh tone. He only smiled at me.
"Your right...I apologize" He bowed his head to me. "If you would like, we will take you to Shale...I can speak for all of us when i say we don't feel right leaving you to get there yourself" Frey smiles.
"I am grateful, but things may get dangerous...I should leave" I make my way over to my horse and mount him. "Thank you again, good bye" I begin down the trail towards Shale alone.
"Hey!" I hear someone calling from behind a while down the trail. I turn in my saddle. "Hey, Mira wait up!" Frey comes trotting down the trail on horseback. I narrow my eyes at him.
"What are you doing?" I ask as he slow and stops his horse beside mine.
"The others are coming...i just had to slow ya down" I jerk my head hearing the sound of horses coming down the trail to us.
"I said it was dangerous to travel with me" I say calmly as Abel, Lipin and Valkath come up. Everyone but Lipin with a smile spread across their faces.
"Look, Frey told us...We don't mind a little danger in our lives" Abel stated.
"Aye, Lass...Ya be safer with us than on yer own" I run my fingers through my hair.
"Guys, i appreciate this, but, i cannot allow you to sacrifice yourselves" I look down the trail. "They will be looking for me soon" I whisper to myself. None of them hear, except Lipin, who gives me a quick glare before turning back to Abel.
"Then its settled...We wont travel with you..." Abel smiles as Frey and Valkath both protest. He silences them with the raising of his hand. "Go on.." He gestures to the path. I slowly begin making my way back down the road. Shortly after, the four men are walking, keeping pace with my horse just a few feet behind.
"Really?" I ask. Abel, Frey and Valkath all laugh.
"We are not traveling with you...you just happen to be a few feet ahead of us" I roll my eyes and speed up. They all match my speed. This rotation continues until night fall.
"Alright, well, lets stop for the night" Frey calls.