Silence of the Shadows



I stayed in an inn on the edge of town. The place was rather low class, and many thought me either of poor class or of terrible reputation to stay in such a foul place. I ignored the sneers and the glances that were too personal. I just went to sleep. Or tried at least. My mind wandered back to Anya and her apparent ability to read minds.

I almost got out of bed and looked for her, but I deemed it not a necessity. I would not let her worry me. After all she was just an old lady. Probably not worth bothering about.


I crawled out of bed exceptionally early the next morning, only stopping to pay the innkeeper before I traversed outside i the dawn. The wind whipped icy breaths at me, and I was almost numb by midday. I was going to stop to eat, but I realized I was not very far from Remalna-city after all. So I continued.

Riding into the capital took my breath away. Sles Adran was not as beautiful as the quaint little cottages or as majestic as the towering government buildings. The city was just as busy, but something was different. Where there more smiles on people's faces? Taxes weren't high. I decided. That is why they looked happier, and healthier here.

I went to look for a jeweler. I dismounted from my horse, and peered into a shop that looked promising. Inside a burly man in his middle ages was handing a necklace to a prim lady in black. I walked to the door, my feet crunching on the road, and walked inside. I took out some of my merchandise, and he looked it over.

That ruby is good quality... hmmm that'll get you 24 golds. I don't know about that opal. It is good quality, but I think that I can't give you more than seven silvers for it. These jewels are very good, but I think you can get a better deal for the semiprecious stones at the dressmaker's place down the way. They like to sew jewels into the clothing...

Thank you, I said, and repocketed the opal. He paid me for the ruby and several pieces of silver.

Next I had to search for an inn. I turned out that most were booked, and I found out why at the the Ready Road, which wasn't fully booked.

"The King and Queen are going to the market. Market Day for court, and you didn't even know it! Where are you from, you clueless child?!?" the laughter following was a cover for me to get away. So, the King and Queen will be out? That gives me a chance to see the loathed couple that had caused my mother's downfall.

I grinned and spent the rest of the day busy. First things first, I went into a seamstress's shop and bought a dress. I had the seamstress sew in a few of trhe opals I had, and they gleamed on a pale blue dress. The dress was meant to draw a little modestattention to myself, and I thought it did the job, showing enough to make the seamstress compliment me on me looks. I assured her it was the dress and left pleasantly satisfied with a day's work. A few men deemed to approach me, but I ignored them, for I was beautiful to observe, but dangerous to approach.

I walked quickly into the crowded streets as trumpets sounded. A lane formed through the street, just wide enough for three riders to ride abreast. Something clicked in my mind, and I realized this must be the son, the prince, for there were two guards, and a young looking man around my age.

I connived my way to the front of the crowd. Someone's rough hands pushed me into the street, and my relexes made me roll and spring up. I looked for the one who pushed me and I could see someone running away from the crowd. I ran in that direction. Before long I heard a yell of "Stop! Are you all right? Who pushed you?"

I didn't pause, but just kept running. I slowed down when I got into the street where my inn was. That went well, I thought sarcastically to myself. He saw enough of me to recognize me if he sees my again, And I swore heavily once I returned to my room.

From the window of my room, I saw the Queen and King as they rode past. Anesthetically pleasing, the couple impressed me, for I had heard they cared for each other greatly. After bearing the Prince, the royal couple had born no other children. The Queen's very long locks of her were a very pleasing red brown and next to her mother, she knew that this woman was indeed beautiful and almost strangely worthy of the throne. I giggled viciously and muttered, "Not for long though."

My giggle sounded fake to myself, and I took no real pleasure from the thought of killing her. A very surprising and unpleasant thought it turned out. The King leaned over and whispered something into the Queen's ear. The Queen listened intently, then blushed rosily while pushing him away gently.

I looked on amused, and I sighed somewhat jelously. Later. I told myself. Later I would have that.