Chapter 4: Escaping Fate

Ishtar could feel Keld's announcement to her coming. However, she could barely hold her silverware. Her hands felt as if washed in sweat that refused to allow her to eat in peace. Her stomach was telling her it was impossible to swallow more than one or two bites in every five minutes.

"Princess Ishtar, we have to arrange for you to marry someone soon." Keld's voice broke the concentration she had held for eating. Her hands clumsily tossed the silverware to the plate, which then landed to the floor as she stood up.

"Keld, you made the deadline for a few more months." She sat down again, picking up the silverware from the carpetted floor.

"However, we need to think of the other kingdoms'-"

"I don't marry because the other kingdoms are pressuring you Keld!" Her voice held anger she had not been able to use for years. "We have time." She pulled her kawl to her chest and walked abruptly from the room. No one else spoke another word that night.

Ishtar's Room (around midnight)...

Her bags had been set, at least for a princess who was running away. However, she had only tons of dresses, and her jewelry in one of the bags. The other bag contained other things she would desire to need during the trip.

"Ishtar, it's almost time to go."

"Are you sure Darre's is asleep?"

"Would I be in my full form if I didn't know? You can check yourself." The girl nodded as she pulled the door open a jar, and then half open. Darres was sleeping against the wall near her door, his sword next to his body as if to sense and intruder. His hand was on the sword hilt. She pulled the door shut as she pulled her belongings to her.

"The moon looks beautiful tonight, but..."

"What is it? Do you not wish to go?"

"I mean..where are we going?"

"We are going to where my followers wait for me, and you will be safe there." This seemed to suffice the princess who was quickly pulled into her lover's arms. He jumped through the somehow bigger window, landing as if he had only been jumping a small distance. The two then went into the forest, and away from the prison Ishtar had called home.

The morning...

Darres stood from his spot, realizing he had fallen asleep on the job once again. He quickly opened up the door and saw a lump on the bed. She was sleeping in, as usual. However, around this time she would have been out playing hooky on her studies. He pulled up the covers, only to find there was a bunch of pillows. He was about to run out when he saw her ruined dress with a piece of parchment in it.

To all whom this may concern,

I know to have left so suddenly was a terrible way to end the quest I have been enduring for so long. I have decided to go with the Vampire King Duzell, who I have fallen in love with all the time I have known him. As for Keld, put a sock in it on the marrige deadline, I won't be there to meet it. As for you Darres, I have no words to express the pain you have put me through. Falan, I hope you and Illisade will be happy with eachother. Aunt Sonia, please stay well. Vord, you will have a strong woman one day, I know you will. Yuujel, good luck with wherever your life takes you.

Sincerely yours,

Princess Ishtar

The knight's eyes then realized something, his mind had been involved with how odd her kawl sounded, that he hadn't noticed that at time the kawl had a mind of it's own! Could that perhaps have been the vampire king?

He ran down the hall.

TBC...