Chapter II- Ember
Ember could be quiet when she wanted to be, although most of the townsfolk would probably disagree. If only they could see her now, as she slid out of bed, carefully shifting off the mattress so the springs wouldn’t squeak. Her bare feet touched the wooden floorboards lightly, with all the pressure of a summer breeze.
The candle on her nightstand burned low, constant, nearly a puddle of molten wax by now. She stood, stretching, sending the last of sleep’s fog back into oblivion. Her movements sent the faint shadows tumbling, doing acrobatics across the paintings strewn all over her room.
She let out a slow, quiet breath. Papa had lost his sight years ago. There was no need to worry about the light or the shadows.
However, Papa had the ears of a rabbit, and any little sound could be the crumbling of all of Ember’s meticulous plans.
She wouldn’t- couldn’t fail before she had begun.
So, with no other choice, Ember was quiet.
She fastened a belt around her waist, careful not to stir the contents in its pouches. Powders that could turn to paint with a splash of water, paint brushes with intricately carved handles, Papa’s Fate talisman- all things she couldn’t live without.
Ember slid her feet into her favorite boots. They were as dark as night and smooth, soundless in their approach. They’d never failed her before, in all the escapades she’d done over the years. Unfortunately, enough late-night parties and so-called “pointless” art displays in the town square had left them looking a little worn.
She draped a cloak over her shoulders, drawing its hood over her brow.
Ever so slowly, she walked into the hall.
Papa’s room was wide-open, just a few feet away. She paused, taking in his peaceful form. Stress plagued him daily and it was only in still moments like these that Ember could see him so care-free. Her heart shrank down into itself, as she realized that now, in this rare moment of peace, he should have every reason to be anxious and afraid. More so than possibly ever before.
It would come crashing down on him in the morning, she just knew it.
And it would be all her fault.
The thought of Papa all alone, blind, and terrified the next day was nearly enough to send her back into her room. He didn’t deserve this.
No, no. That was where she was wrong. He wouldn’t be alone. She’d set up a network of acquaintances to check in on him daily. Enough money and the people in this town would do anything.
Papa will be okay.
Steeling herself, Ember slipped down the hall and into the kitchen. She opened a cupboard and grabbed the concealed dagger Papa kept there for emergencies. A moment later and it was tucked into her belt.
Hidden in the next cupboard was a leather satchel, which she slung over her shoulder. It contained a measly day’s worth of provisions and three paintings’ worth of gold. Hopefully enough to aid her journey to Galia, the heart and crown of the country.
She had visited Galia before, and it truly was the land of the royals. Even living two days away from its walls, rumors about the city’s dazzling elegance were exceptionally common. As a child, she’d been delighted to learn that it lived up to every single one. Her childhood fantasies filtered through her thoughts now- of exuberant feasts, towering marble spires, and golden crystal chandeliers…
Ember’s heart pounded in her chest, and she fastened her cloak in place.
A little girl’s optimistic dreams had never been farther from the truth.
While the golden outsides of the royal palace- the Magnum Imperium, as it was named- glowed with prosperity, the inside and its occupants were far darker.
Ember should know better than anyone.
After all, she had seen the darkness that the royals were capable of herself.
Ember closed her eyes as phantoms of the past welled up in her mind. She could still hear the pleading, the suffering… A small tear fell down her cheek. She opened her eyes, wiping her face, and let out a breath.
She would not fail.
When she left the house and entered the shroud of night, she refused to look back.
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