. When looking back over this chapter I have to say that I'm disappointed in the lack of writing capability I express in it. It will most definitely need to be revised several times before it reaches an acceptable standard.
Other than that I hope you guys enjoy. Your reviews are much appreciated.
Prologue
Death was the only decoration in the room of Chirnis Sternfire, once of the house Belthorn, queen of Tygeria. Drapes of sheer darkness hung over the windows, the precious light they allowed in illuminating the silver threads that ran through the fabric, turning and twisting in a morbid design. No tapestries provided warmth for the walls or their memories to wandering guest; only a single portrait of a stern looking woman wearing a crown of silver told any story. Three doors led from the room, all kept close to keep the warmth from the fire from seeping out.
Chirnis lay quiet in her large four-poster bed; sheets of the heaviest linen bundled about her, while countless pillows found their place around her head. What hair she had left was thin and silky from grease, and scabbed bald patches were visible where hair once grew. The face that held power so long ago was now diminished into nothing more then a skeleton with pale, white skin stretched thinly across the bones.
A knock came from one of the doors, just loud enough that she could hear it over her deep breathing.
"Come." She said no more for her breaths had become too valuable to spare.
A pretty little girl of about ten opened the door cautiously and then rushed through it, leaving it open for anyone to enter, coming to a halt at the foot of her mother’s bed. Slightly, she edged around the bed; her eyes alight with tears at the sight of her dying mother.
"Mommy," she whispered into Chirnis’s ear, "I’m here."
With great effort Chirnis began to talk, every breath having the possibility of being her last. "Oh my dearest child, climb up here beside me. I wish to feel the warmth of you one last time." The child did as she was bid and snuggled against her mother’s thin frame. "That’s my girl. Now Cassandra, listen to me carefully for I have not spoken such words before. You must be strong as I move on to see our ancestors and you have to remember something of great importance." She stopped to fill her lungs with air and swipe a golden lock of hair from Cassandra’s face. "You must remember all that I have taught you over the years and promise me that you will use them when the time is right."
"I promise, Mommy, but why do you have to leave me? Why can’t you stay here forever?" Cassandra’s eyes could hold no more tears and with her words they began to roll in great droplets down her cheeks.
"Stop that! You are Cassandra Sternfire, heir of the Tygerian throne."
Chirnis could waste no more time. Life was quickly ebbing from her and she could not pass easily knowing that Cassandra would not know the truth. "Child, when you take the throne you must rule with an iron fist, yet use what I have taught you to gain support from the nobles and those farther down."
"Yes, mother," Cassandra said, wondering why she needed to know this now.
Chirnis looked down at her only child. "One last thing my dearest, no longer will you call Daedalus father for he is no such thing. You are the daughter of a great nobleman that I was and still am in love with. He will one day come to you and you must take him in."
Confusion colored Cassandra’s face red. What did she mean? How could Daedalus not be her true father?
"Daedalus knows nothing of this and you must not speak a word to him or anyone else, otherwise you will be taken as a bastard and the throne will no longer be yours. Do you understand?"
Cassandra shook her head, spraying tears everywhere. She was only a little girl. Why was such a burden being laid on her shoulders? "Mommy, you can’t leave me now! How will I know who my true father is?"
But the words were never heard, for Chirnis Sternfire, once of the house Belthorn, Queen of Tygeria, was dead. Her head swayed to one side; her eyes softly closed giving her a look of peace.
Cassandra wept for some time into the pillows. Nothing would be the same again. The family she once thought happy was shredded to pieces and she felt abandon by all that she loved. However, something important happened to her. In the final moments of her despair she realized that she had a great amount of growing up to do.
Crossing the bare wooden floors, she came to the large arched windows that her mother had loved. The sea whipped at the rocky barriers, creating thunder of its own accord. A tear fell quietly from her eye, holding within its depth the last moment of Cassandra’s childhood.
