I am including the prologue and first chapter of one of my stories, "Awaken the Dawn". This is for Emily, love yah! Let me know what you think.
Prologue
Join me as we glance down onto the scene where our story is born. The day is bright and beautiful; sun shines in through arced windows above our hero’s head, yet she sees none of it; in fact, she rarely does. Life’s beauty is so often hidden from her in a veil of pain.
Her garments are simple; a white, linen dress, with only a few stitches on the front and slight fitting to make it presentable. The dress does little to disguise a lean, slender figure.
She is of unsurpassable beauty, the type of young woman you expect to be princess, not peasant. This girl, only 19 years old, has long, flowing black hair that nearly reaches her waist. Her face is a dark tan, with strong, rich and beautiful features. Most breathtaking of all, though, are her eyes.
Beautiful, brilliant blue.
As clear as the sky and as breathtaking as the stars, her large blue eyes on that dark face are framed by a mane of black locks. She is, perhaps, the most beautiful girl in the world.
There is something in those eyes; that face, that speak of wisdom beyond her years. She has the look of one who understands far more than normal, one of those rarities that are beyond the average’s man comprehension. It seems, in our observation, that she has a powerful understanding and discernment far beyond that of a mortal’s normal understanding. But in those eyes we also see pain and fear, so empathetic. In those blue eyes, we read fear, discontentment, confusion, worthlessness—and most of all, a longing for something greater, something that she doesn’t even realize she needs so desperately.
As we glance in on this scene for merely a moment, we see her frozen at the base of a set of stairs, holding in her hand the parchment. If we look closer we can read it.
Princess Caryna,
It is my pleasure to inform you that I and my six sons, the Princes of Arimean, will be visiting Kalmetorick in less than a fortnight. Our desire is to visit your grace and discuss further political relationships with our two countries. It would be an honor if you would grace us with your hospitality.
King Vizreyli of Arimean
This young woman of nineteen has no idea what will come of this letter—or how much it will impact her life. She doesn’t see the toil and triumph, tragedy and victory, suffering and joy that will come of this letter.
Nor does she see the role she will soon play.
Chapter I
“Aiyezlani!” I heard Caryna call from the top of the stairs in her high, bird-like voice.
I quickly rolled the letter back up and bounded up the stairs. Caryna didn’t need to know that I had been reading her mail.
“Coming, milady,” I reached the door just as the princess rose to her feet.
I bowed my head and then spoke, “Princess, you have received a missive, from Arimean, I believe.”
Caryna cocked one feathery eyebrow and snatched the letter from my hand. I stood quietly several feet behind her with my hands clasped behind me, while Caryna’s four ladies (she calls them her advisors) fluttered around her like birds. Caryna opened the letter and cried in delight. Caryna’s little birds read the letter and they all began cackling happily. King Vizreyli’s arrival signified the arrival of his six sons, which excited five flighty young girls immensely.
I can’t pretend that I wasn’t interested in King Vizreyli’s visit—in fact, it was, perhaps, more important to me than to Princess Caryna and her friends. The truth is, I am Caryna’s personal attendant. Many times this means servant and slave and occasionally I take on the role of advisor when Caryna’s flightiness urges me into anger and boldness. I think it shocks Caryna that I am capable of having an opinion and giving advice—even good advice.
My concern about the arrival of the Arimean King is actually his sons. He has six princes, and we have one single princess. Anyone else see a possible result? Chances are that Caryna will marry Crown Prince Tyrian and they’ll live happily ever after ruling Arimean and Kalmetorick together. That leaves no room for Aiyezlani, in other words, Caryna will probably sell me or have me work in the gold mines. Not my idea of an ideal occupation. I had to look out for myself, and I couldn’t help but wonder if that would mean stopping their marriage somehow.
As I thought over my future, which wasn’t looking to bright at the moment, Caryna and her friends were giggling over their childish fancies.
Chia, the youngest, had her hands held out like a bird, her short, straight black hair flipping about in the wind. Her black eyes seemed to shine ominously against her white, doll-like skin. Standing next to her was my favorite of the bunch, Kaolise. Her long, curly brown hair framed a face that was somewhere between excitement and caution. Clutching Caryna’s arm with one hand and fanning her reddening face with the other was Elistia. Her short curly hair bobbed with every gay, flighty laugh that bubbled from her pink lips. Ramrod straight and gazing superiorly over the other girls like a hen over her chicks was Aialys, her auburn hair as straight as her posture. A slight smile was the only mark on her severe features, and it only glimmered with slight joy over her own prospects.
Caryna was, of course, the center of attention. Her snobby features seemed to point up superiorly every time she twisted her blonde hair around her dainty, white finger. The loose waves around her face undulated every time she giggled in her high-pitched, whiny voice. Her eyes, which were (too her horror) a dark brown, sparkled gaily as she arrogantly led in the little birds’ cawing.
Meanwhile, the poor servant girl stared with self-pity on a cluster of self-obsessed chicks. The poor servant girl had no idea that the object of their childish giggles and fantasies would soon become the key that opened the door into her future.
If I had only known.
ϞϞϞϞϞ
It was evening, and I sat in the small closet I called home. The tiny window in my room was casting the pale moonlight onto my tired form, and silhouetting my shadow against the wall. I leaned my head on my hand and sighed. The night looked so peaceful, like the world was perfect and nothing could ever go wrong. How I wished that was true; for me, nothing ever went right, I thought in morose self-pity. I looked up at the stars, and thought about how wonderfully distant they looked up there, glimmering in the sky.
Sometimes I felt like that was God; distant but powerful. I never felt like He was near me or could actually see my daily trials. In times like those, I found it difficult to believe in and trust in the Unseen.
I sighed again, rubbed my eyes, and thumbed to the page I had left off at in my book. It was historical fiction, stories about the past that weren’t really true. They were a wonderful source of escapism for me, a way to see a light at the end of the tunnel of my life. I lifted the book up to the moonlight and continued my reading.
The story was of a young woman who had recently become Lady of the castle. A wicked king from a neighboring land was threatening her and demanding surrender of her small castle. To trick the king, the Lady and the man she loved staged a funeral for the Lady. The king came to the funeral, assuming he could take over now that she was dead. The man the Lady loved instead captured him and killed him in a duel. The Lady and the man married, happy story, happy ending. I closed my book. If only these things happened in real life—my real life.
Hope was hard to come by in those days.
ϞϞϞϞϞ
The next several days were a blur of preparation. With the king of Arimean and his six sons coming soon, the palace was made hospitable and the best rooms were furnished. Rich gifts were prepared and fabulous events in their honor. If there was one thing that Caryna could do it was throw a party. If King Vizreyli was not impressed by her parties, I would have been shocked.
But what do I, a lowly servant, know of such things?
As it was, Tinvektyl (the princess’s advisor) and I were left with overseeing most of the preparations. Tinvektyl, an older man, used to be King Treintyn’s advisor until his death. One of the very few wise decisions that Caryna had made was keeping him as her advisor. With my help, Tinvektyl carried out the princess’s wishes and kept the nation together.
Tinvektyl and I managed to whip the palace into shape; everything was cleaned, organized and perfected to the princess’s specific wish. Vizreyli was certain to be impressed. The princess had all sorts of festivities planned; all of which she would be the main star, of course, as well as the ever gracious host. If only Vizreyli knew the truth.
The preparations were made and everyone anxiously awaited their arrival. Caryna and her ladies had gathered biographies of Vizreyli and his six sons. Caryna had fawned and giggled especially over the account of Tyrian, the Crown Prince. As I stood in the room organizing Caryna’s vast wardrobe of gowns, I heard her reading his biography for the umpteenth time aloud, interrupted by cackles and giggles every other sentence.
Caryna read, “Crown Prince Tyrian of Arimean, eldest of Vizreyli’s amiable sons, is tall, handsome and charming. In his home country, he is called the Lady’s Knight for his debonair personality,” a fit of giggles, “He has dark green eyes and wavy brown hair. Handsome and charming, the Crown Prince will make Arimean’s most debonair king.”
The final fit of giggling became hysterics, and I sighed as I put the last gown in the now organized row. If only the records spoke the truth. Prince Tyrian was probably a stuck-up, bratty snob like Caryna.
Caryna was right—they’d be perfect for each other.
“Aiyezlani!”
Caryna’s taunting voice called out. I rushed into the room none too eagerly.
“Milady,” I curtsied gracefully, despite my plain blue gown and white apron.
A lady is who you are; Caryna lacked any resemblance to a true lady. Why I called her such goes beyond understanding, although I suppose it was self defense.
“Oh, Aiyezlani,” Caryna giggled, fluttering towards me with a dreamy look in her eyes, “I can’t wait until I meet him!”
She sighed and I barely kept back a groan, “Milady.”
“You’ll fetch me and my girls some herbal tea, won’t you?”
Caryna was being kind today, and I answered, “Milady.”
“You mustn’t be so sour, Aiyezlani. This is a time of great joy; I will soon be engaged and begin a wonderful new life.”
I nodded and answered unenthusiastically, “Milady.”
Aialys stuck her rather long nose in the air and snapped her icicle-like finger in my face, “Aiyezlani, the tea.”
Caryna tilted her head and gave another dreamy sigh. I ducked out of the room before the princess’s sighs aggravated me further. I sprinted down the stairs quickly, hiking my dress up to my knees. Halfway to the kitchen (on the bottom floor) a commotion caught my attention. I opened the door into the hallway, where Ophelia and Prethius, two servants I knew, were talking in excited whispers.
“What’s going on?” I asked, approaching them quickly.
“King Vizreyli and his sons are here,” Prethius exclaimed, puffing out his chest with pride.
“Oh. Great,” the sarcasm in my voice seemed to have no affect on the other two.
Ophelia, a large swarthy woman with a thick accent, exclaimed, “Lordy, girl. Doan you know why we’se so ‘cited? We git one a dem princes hitched up to Missy Caryna, we git us a new massa. Can’t be much worse dan our Missy now, can it?”
I smiled half-heartedly, “I suppose not. But I hardly think Caryna’s going to keep me around for long.”
Prethius smiled, “I don’t know about that, Aiyezlani. You do a fine job, and you’ve been around this place for longer than she’s been alive.”
“Thanks, Preth. They’re here, huh? I’ll see you guys later, Caryna’s wants her tea,” I grinned.
Then, as I walked back to the door, I imitated Caryna’s “flight”, giggling, sighing, and fluttering. I heard Prethius and Ophelia fall into hysterics behind me. If only I could experience the joy that I gave to others.
I sprinted the rest of the way down the stairs. My curiosity was piqued so I raced into the kitchen without a glance right or left, my skirt still hiked to my knees. I poured together the ingredients for the tea quickly, sprinkling the herbs into it carelessly. I stirred it quickly, fetched cups and set the pitcher on the tray. As I turned to grab Caryna’s cloth napkins, a deep voice came from my right.
“You’re blue eyes are beautiful.”
I jerked around to the speaker, my jaw agape. He was a young man, probably three or so years older than I and about half a foot taller. His simple tunic and trousers did little to hide a strong, masculine frame, and his dimpled smile beamed at me on a handsome face. Dark brown hair waved around the dark green eyes that smiled benevolently.
Who was this?
I smiled shyly, and asked, “Can I help you?”
“I’m Tinus, Crown Prince Tyrian’s servant,” the young man bowed pompously.
I responded with a curtsy, more than a little confused, “I’m Aiyezlani, Princess Caryna’s servant. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Servant to the Princess herself, eh,” he smiled and lounged against the wall as I finished preparing the tray.
“What’s the Crown Prince like?” I asked, knowing he was the brat I expected.
“What, have intentions for him?” the young man Tinus teased. I joined his laughter as he continued, “He’s actually quite a charming fellow, for royalty. Not at all bratty, shockingly.”
I sighed, “Unlikely.”
“Quite,” he smiled, “But it’s true. How’s the Princess?”
“As a mistress or as a princess?” I asked cleverly.
If this was what I had to expect of Vizreyli’s visit, it might be more pleasant than I had supposed.
“Both. A lady should excel in everything she does, right?”
I sighed, “I wouldn’t know. I’ve apparently never met one.”
Tinus caught my joke and laughed as I continued, “She’s a fluttering little brat. She’s been spoiled and received whatever she wished for. I doubt she knows what laundry is. She can’t make good decisions; Tinvektyl, her advisor, and I handle most of her political affairs. She’s hardly a leader, the people don’t even know her. As a mistress she’s no better; drastic mood swings, she’s cruel, greedy and malicious. On her good days, she’s flighty and annoying.”
“Well, you’re not shy about the truth.”
“Why should I be?”
“Good point.”
“Do you know how long King Vizreyli and his sons are staying?”
“Two or three weeks, I believe.”
I nodded and sighed, “A lot can happen in a few weeks.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“If Caryna’s engaged to Prince Tyrian, which she fully intends, then I will most likely be sold or transferred to the mines.”
Tinus’s green eyes flew open, “The mines!?! Why?”
“Where have you been? When house servants outlive their usefulness, they get sent to the mines. That’ll be me in a few years. I doubt your Prince Tyrian will have much to say about that,” I couldn’t keep the sarcasm from my voice.
Tinus suddenly looked uncomfortable and I cursed myself inwardly. What had I said now?
Probably berated the princess too severely.
The young man shifted nervously and looked away, and then back, “Uh, Aiyezlani, I didn’t tell you something.”
I stared at him, my blue eyes wider than ever. What had my big mouth done now?
“I’m actually Crown Prince Tyrian himself.”
