Chapter 2 A Night Time Rescue Mission
Author's Note: Thank you to those who pointed out the problem with the second chapter! Here is what was supposed to be posted!
The night dragged on. and she found it difficult to sleep. Rising from her bed, she put on some clothes and decided to go for a stroll around the castle. Quietly, she opened her bedroom door and slipped out of the servants' exit.
The castle's garden was beautiful, and the moonlight shimmered off of the water fountain in the middle of it all. Crickets chirped and off in the distance, a lone owl called out to the stars. Crytas was enjoying the beauty of the night when suddenly she heard a small explosion and some shouting come from sorcerer's tower.
He might be rude, but rudeness doesn't warrant injury…. usually. I better see if he's okay. her mind whispered to herself. It would be faster to jump into the little window that she could see than maneuver around the castle trying to find that stairwell again. Running quickly, she jumped up and gripped onto one of the lower roof of the castle. Scaling her way up she made it to the base of the tower. Clutching onto the stone that made up the tower's base, she pushed herself up the side of the tower. She had missed the thrill of scaling buildings and various other things..
After a few minutes, she managed to make it to the top of the building. Popping her head into the window, she quietly surveyed the area and saw if there was any damage done. The sorcerer was nowhere to be seen. Hoisting herself up, Crytas hopped onto the wooden platform in front of the inside of the window. She quietly scurried down the ladder and tried to find the sorcerer. Once she made it to the bottom, she found goo lining the floor of the tower, but still no sorcerer.
"Cedric Sir?" she called out.
A slight footstep caught her ear's attention and she turned around.
"Do you have any idea what time it is?" Cedric snarled.
"Do you? I believe it is unwise to be fooling around with these kind of things at such a late time." she tried explaining as politely as she could.
"What I do is none of your business." he growled.
Be kind Crytas. He has not wronged you, you should not be cross with him. Crytas reminded herself. She took a deep breath and continued on with her point.
"I don't care what you are doing, only that you are safe." she explained.
Her comment caught him off guard. Altering from bitter to puzzled, Cedric's expression changed drastically. Losing himself in thought for a moment, he seemed to have found whatever thought he was looking for, and the bitterness returned.
"Like you would care about my safety. You're here to protect the King." Cedric said rolling his eyes, "Don't humor me with your false kindness."
"The castle." Crytas simply stated.
"What?" Cedric asked, looking puzzled once more, but this time the expression stayed.
"You said I'm here to protect the king, you're wrong." Crytas corrected, "I mean I haven't exactly gone through my training yet, so I don't know really what my duties are, but … from my own beliefs I am here to protect the castle and everyone in it. That even includes you. When I hear screaming in the late hours of the night, I am going to check in and make sure you are okay, whether or not you like it."
His puzzled expression disappeared. Arms crossed and gaze averted, Cedric snarled once more, "I don't need a protector."
"Everyone needs someone." Crytas said rolling her eyes a bit, "Only a fool would try and live completely on his own."
Her feet quickly brought her to his door, "Now please be careful and try to not get yourself killed."
With a huff, Crytas opened the door and let herself out. Gently closing the door behind her, Crytas then headed down the stairs.
"There is something odd about that girl, huh Wormy?" Cedric asked his crow, but the crow just rolled his eyes and turned away.
The next morning, Crytas reported to Constable Miles. Marching and basic drills would cover their morning. At about noon, they would break for a brief lunch, and the go back or more training until the evening. Crytas she met Constable Miles out by one of the fields behind the castle.
"Good morning sir." Crytas said as she straightened up and saluted him.
"Good morning Miss Crytas. I hope everything went well yesterday." Constable Miles smiled.
"Yes, it was nice meeting all of the staff. I am excited to start working with everyone." she explained.
"That's the attitude we're looking for. You are a great addition to the team.." Constable Miles said, "Are you ready to start your training?"
"Yes." Crytas nodded.
"Good, let us begin." Constable Miles said as he waved for her to follow him.
Training went by quickly. It was all rather simple, and most of it was similar to what she had learned in the army. It was nice to be back in the swing of things. Crytas was often restless. 'Relaxing' did just the opposite for her.
After training was over, she received her schedule for the upcoming week. One more day to get used to the castle, and she would start the day after tomorrow. Although she would feel useless for the next day, at least she had something to look forward to.
Her uniform was also being made as well. Although the uniforms weren't appealing to look at, it would be good to wear one. Uniforms made her feel a part of something bigger. Wearing it would constantly remind her of her new purpose.
After she had been released from her training, Crytas headed into the castle. Constable Miles had requested her to wander around and try and get to know the environment a bit better. The more familiar she was with the castle, the easier her job would be.
Rounding another corner, Crytas was trying to remember where all of the children's rooms were. As she headed down the hall, she heard a squeal come from Sofia's room. Darting over to the door, she opened and headed into the hallway leading to the room. Cracking open the second door, Crytas peeked into Sofia's room.
"Sofia? Are you alright?" Crytas called out.
"Yeah!" she called back, "I just fell out of my bed."
"Mind if I come in?" Crytas asked.
"Sure!" Sofia yelled back happily.
Crytas walked into the young girl's room. Gleaming brightly, the floor reflected the full moon from outside of her window. Sofia was on the floor in a bundle of blankets.
"Did I scare you?" Sofia asked.
"No, I just wanted to make sure you were okay." Crytas laughed, "Need a hand unraveling yourself."
"Sure." Sofia said.
Crytas lifted Sofia by her waist out of the cocoon of blankets. Placing the blankets back on the bed, Sofia smiled at Crytas.
"Thank you for your help." Sofia said
"Not a problem. It's my job." Crytas told her.
"I haven't gotten used to this big bed yet…" Sofia giggled as she slipped out of the bed, "I'm going to just go back to the windowsill."
Walking over to the windowsill with a pillow and blanket in hand, she laid down, and enjoyed the small fixture.
"Are you all set?" Crytas politely asked.
"Yes but… before you go..." Sofia began.
"Yes?" Crytas asked.
"May I ask you a question?" Sofia asked.
"Of course." Crytas smiled, "Ask away."
"Well…" she hesitated for a moment. "Have you ever done anything that someone thought you couldn't?"
"Well, joining the army is a great example." Crytas explained, "There aren't a lot of women in the army. A lot of people told me, 'Only guys join the army. It isn't a girl thing to do.' And it scared me a bit, but you know what?"
"What?" Sofia asked while tilting her head slightly.
"I learned to not let it bring me down. You can do whatever you want to. Don't ever let anyone bring you down. Is there a reason you're asking me about this?" Crytas asked.
"Well I had my first flying derby practice today, and it was tough. I'm just… a little worried about making the team. They say only princes are supposed to try out."
"Don't let that bother you. You're a tough girl. You can do anything you put your mind to." Crytas smiled.
"You're right!" Sofia squealed, "I can't wait for tomorrow! If I just keep practicing I'm sure I'll make the team"
"Good. Then you better get some sleep so you're not tired. Good night Sofia." Crytas smiled.
"Good night!" Sofia smiled back, "And thank you."
As settled herself into the windowsill, Crytas exited the room and quietly shut the door behind her.
What a sweet girl. Crytas smiled to herself.
Walking back up the hallway, she felt much more confident with the layout of the castle. Taking a few more turns, she was debating whether or not to go back to her room. Finally, she decided to walk outside one more time, to get a better feel for the outside layout. If she walked around it even once more, it would definitely help.
Caressing her cheeks gently, the cool night air floated around her. Stars shimmered all across the sky.
It's beautiful... Crytas smiled, but I can't wait until work begins. I hope I find something interesting.
Stepping further out into the grass, she began to traverse the gardens. Dew tickled her ankles. Nocturnal forest life sang out from the trees. Crickets chirped in time with her foot steps, and she felt completely immersed in everything.
She remained outside for a while, until she reached the same spot as last night. Staring upwards, she got a view of the sorcerer's tower. A light beamed out from the upper window.
Does that man never sleep? She asked, Well not that I can talk. I stay up just as late, or I wouldn't have seen him.
He was such a mystery to her. How could he be so irritable? And why did everyone hate him? These were mysteries that Crytas wanted to figure out. As odd as it seemed, something about the man intrigued her. She wanted to know more, and learn more. Maybe he can be the first of my adventures. she laughed to herself. When morning came, maybe she would look for more answers.