Chapter Forty-Two - Fate

A wave of clouds swam across the sky, blanketing the moons. The only thing keeping the Kingdom from being shrouded in complete darkness was the warm glow of the lamps stretched across the cityscape.

Demeka stared out of one of the windows as she washed the cutlery and tableware in a small sink. She could hardly believe how barren the streets were after the madness that transpired a few hours ago. It would seem, for now, the Princess's identity was safe. No one dared to come near the inn at this late hour, especially with Emlyn prowling near around the ground floor, making sure that the establishment was secure.

With the swordswoman only a few feet away from her, Demeka's grip on one of the plates in her hand tightened. The pained look in her daughter's eye as her dream was shattered played in her mind repeatedly until she could no longer hold back.

Slamming the plate down on a nearby dashboard with enough strength to signal her anger, but not enough to break the expensive flatware, she gritted her teeth. ''I don't care who you are! You have no right to talk to my daughter like that!''

Emlyn's stoic gaze remained locked on the window, scanning the viewable alleys and passageways. One hand remained close to the handle of the sword strapped on her waist. ''If I feel that she's a danger to the Princess, I'll speak with her as I see fit.''

''It looked like one of your own was more of a danger to the Princess.'' Demeka turned sharply. ''And I'll have you know, this is not the first time that drunken farce has done something like this!''

For a split-second, Emlyn shifted her stare in Demeka's direction. The moment didn't last, with the Knight beginning to march away with her chin up high.

Demeka followed, quickening her pace until she intercepted Emlyn's path. Their eyes locked and the innkeeper felt like her body was going to cave in. The overwhelming sensation made her knees buckle and caused her heart to pound. Alarms rang inside her head. Her instincts almost took over and forced her to retreat, however, she stood her ground and refused to let Emlyn leave.

''What do you people have against Ailith?'' she questioned Emlyn. ''Do you shun her because she wasn't birthed from a noble womb? Is that it? Do the Knights really feel so threatened by the idea of someone emerging from nothing and becoming better than they are?''

Emlyn stared blankly. ''I have nothing against your daughter.''

Demeka scowled, showing her dissatisfaction with the nonchalant response. They would have stood in complete silence if not for the slight creak coming from the uneven wooden walls surrounding them.

Turning slightly, Emlyn gave the mother a clear view of the Knight's emblem glazed on her armour's shoulder plate. ''This is a symbol. Few wear it. But, all that do have a duty. Greatness is earned, not gifted.''

''I understand that,'' Demeka replied defiantly. ''I still think it shouldn't matter if someone wears that symbol. It's just a mark. The courage shown by one person can mean more than empty words from a thousand men and women.''

Her steely gaze wandered to the window once again. The longer her eyes lingered on the peaceful outside world, the softer her expression became, until the faintest of smiles appeared.

''I've seen good people from all walks of life who truly deserve the title of hero. They share food with others in need, even when their own stomachs beg and plead. They provide clothing for those caught in the harsh weather. Ailith has seen that too.''

Memories from long ago called to her. She pictured Ailith, half the age she was now, returning home with her hair ruffled, torn clothes, and cuts and bruises that would frighten any concerned parent. Instead of tears, the young warrior would greet her mother with a smile and a new adventure to talk about over supper. It would be one of many, for the girl who dreamed of becoming a Knight.

Demeka's smile faltered as she glared back at Emlyn. ''Yet, it always comes back to the Knights. They're the ones she tries to emulate. She sees that symbol and only sees greatness. She was so convinced that the Knights were good that I almost believed they were too. But, thank you for showing us the truth.''

Despite the venom in Demeka's tone, Emlyn's poise never wavered.

''If the Gods had reversed our roles, I hope that your mother would act the same-,''

Emlyn strode past Demeka. The hasty retreat caught the innkeeper off guard. She watched the Knight leave the room as if afraid she would catch a plague.

~X~

Ailith sat by the windowsill in her bedroom, staring distantly at the rooftops of nearby homes. Her tears had stopped at some point, she couldn't remember when exactly.

Standing by the frame of her door, Nassandra couldn't bring herself to enter and comfort the warrior, not with the guilt that was clawing at her soul. She'd never seen the woman so distraught. Even during the trial, Ailith always had a hopeful sparkle in her eyes that seemed to warm everything around her like a fire.

The Princess was dragged out of her thoughts by the sound of Sinley approaching, carrying a small tray of food. There still seemed to be some apprehension about the difference of statues as he bowed respectful towards Nassandra, albeit with a noticeable tremble. When he looked back up at her, he gave her a gentle smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts.

''It's my fault.'' She whispered.

''Don't think like that,'' he assured her. ''Let me talk with her.''

He entered the bedroom and walked over to where his daughter sat before placing the tray on a part of the sill that was not occupied. Her nose scrunched and sniffed twice. Bread and a small bowl of rice with a single slice of slightly dated kipper on the side, it certainly caught her attention as her stomach rumbled. The two shared a smile with each other before Ailith took the bowl of rice and tucked in.

Nassandra watched curiously. Sinley waited without saying a word while Ailith filled her mouth. Small grains of rice became stuck to her cheek, amusing the Princess.

''Maybe...'' Ailith finally spoke, so quietly her father almost missed it. ''Maybe this is fate's way of telling me I can't be a Knight. Maybe this is how the world works.''

''Ailith...''

''You and Mama would be happy,'' she swallowed hard. ''I know you don't like to see me hurt.''

He sighed and took the now empty bowl from Ailith, cupping her rough hands in the process. ''Yes, we don't want to see you hurt. Those times when you'd be out there, and we haven't heard from you in days, it terrified us. It still terrifies us to think that you could be gone and we wouldn't know.''

A lump formed in the back of Ailith's throat. Had she ever genuinely considered her parent's feelings for her state before? She'd always thought her strength would carry her through and help her out of dangerous situations.

''But...'' he continued. ''We would never keep you from doing what makes you happy. This is all you've ever talked about. We know that you've helped so many people. You've made it this far, despite what other people have said...despite what your mother and I have said. If you feel that you can make the smallest difference in the world, even a fraction of a difference, don't ever let the people who belittle your efforts make you feel like you can't do it.''

Ailith felt her heart flutter. It was enough encouragement to help her smile return in a slight form.

''He's right.''

The daughter and father duo turned to see Nassandra in the room with them, shaking and blushing brightly.

''Nassandra?'' Ailith probed.

The Princess opened and closed her mouth a few times before she found her voice. ''Wh-wh-when...I return t-to the castle with Emlyn. I'm going to speak to my father and the council. It's not...it's not right how you've been treated. I didn't speak up for you before. This time it will be different. It's time that I become the Princess this Kingdom demands me to be, and the Princess I want to be. And the friend that you need.''

Nassandra readied herself for another outburst of elation from the warrior. However, instead of welcoming an overeager embrace, she was met with a smile that drowned out any guilt or doubt or concerns heckling at the back of her mind. ''Thank you,'' Ailith said.

''You're welcome,'' Nassandra replied.

A/N: Hello guys, girls and everyone else. I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. What did you think of Demeka and Emlyn's clash? Do you think Nassandra will be able to convince everyone to give Ailith a second chance? Will Ailith even get that second chance? The next chapter will be arriving soon, so you won't have to wait too long. I apologise for the delay with chapters. I spent a few days with my girlfriend, so that kept me busy. I'll be back with more soon. Until next time, take care.