stumbled, unable to move her. “Oh no. I must stay. Kinian said that if I left bad things would happen to nice people.”
Desperation driving him, he spun with arms wide, leaning over her delicate frame. “He lied! The only bad thing to happen was your imprisonment!”
She cowered and stepped away from him. “You are scaring me.”
“I…” His eyelids shut to hide the fear directed at him. He needed patience; she didn’t understand and didn’t deserve harshness. “Sorry. Father was wrong to lock you up like this. You deserve better; you deserve a life.”
“But I have life. I breathe, and talk and I eat, too.” Her arm swept in an arch, finger pointing to the bed. “I even sleep.”
He turned her attention to the stone surrounding her with a wave, his voice remained gentle. “This is not life, but imprisonment. You need to be free.” Her face held to confusion, and he shook his head. “You are too innocent to be by yourself. This kingdom is done. Tonight we run from here, together.”
“What has the kingdom done?” She frowned. “Can it do things? Is the castle alive?”
“I—” Clashing steel interrupted his thoughts. He listened and could hear the faint echo of Altan’s bellowed orders. “Too late. At this rate they will hunt me, but you…” He could never escape with her with them so close. Altan made a promise, and Jarrod knew that no one could ever see Myraza as anything but innocent. Believing his death to be close, he offered the first and last kiss to the woman he loved. “Forgive me for not seeing the truth sooner. I am sorry for everything. Please seek freedom.”
Not being able to look at her, he ran from the room and bounded down the stairs. The knights had yet to make it to the tower entrance, giving him a clear path. His victims stared at him as he passed, mocking him for his cowardice. With stealth he moved through the halls, his back to the walls and eyes darting everywhere. When heavy footfalls moved his way, he ducked into a storeroom, and hid amidst some crates.
A flash of gold streaked by the room, metal crashing to the floor like beating drums. Every muscle in his body constricted, his stomach lurching. If he was wrong about Altan, Myraza would die in the moments to follow. The thought burned his eyes; though he believed the man to be great, his hatred of the forbidden arts could sway him against the promise he made.
Another knight followed the king soon after, and only a short duration passed before Altan’s voice carried to Jarrod. “See, Myraza? Nothing bad happened.”
“Jarrod said bad things would happen should I stay.” Myraza’s voice sent Jarrod’s heart aflutter with love and relief.
“Yes he did. A smart man, that. All shall be made right, Myraza. I promise.”
“Can we see him?”
“I am unsure. Please close your eyes.” Time passed before Altan stopped before the storage room. He held Myraza close to him with her clinging to his golden breastplate. His attention flickered in the room, and Jarrod ducked further, his fist tightening on his sword hilt. “Do not speak; my men look for you, and I cannot suffer you to live should they find you this soon. Flee this place and prove that you are the man I know you to be so that fear of your family shall fade. I shall send a man to meet you at Prillian Gyre; I ask that you explain to him the horror that occurred on this morbid day.”
Jarrod offered one clear, concise nod.
“I do not understand.” Myraza gazed at the face of her savior.
“Keep your eyes closed until we reach your freedom.” Altan threw another glance Jarrod’s way and then strode forward. “I hold to my promise; I expect you to hold to yours.”
Jarrod waited until the sound of his departure faded. He rose from his hiding place, fresh resolve propelling him through his emotional and physical pain. Jaded and worn, his body protested movement, but he had a kingdom to rebuild and he would fight for that end with every drop of his strength. With thoughts of Myraza’s freedom and happiness in mind, he snuck from the castle and into the night.
About the Author
Amanda was born in Nashua New Hampshire to Luane and Paul Mondoux on May 24, 1980. Since learning to read, she has had her nose buried in books, living the lives of thousands through the creativity of some of the greatest minds. Her love for books eventually grew to include a desire to write, yet this is not her only passion. She has worked for over twelve years as a veterinary technician, and loves her job, though sometimes she can’t resist taking animals in need home. She currently has five ferrets, three cats, a Flemish Giant, a hedgehog, a corn snake, and a bearded dragon living with her and her wonderful husband. Amanda’s hobbies include computer work, graphic design/drawing, editing, gaming, Tai Chi, hiking, and, of course, animal care.
A Glimpse into the Future
This short story serves as an introduction to two important characters: Jarrod and Myraza. Although Jarrod’s tale has yet to be written, you can read more about Myraza and her plight in Forbidden Era. After her rescue, her life begins to take unexpected and startling turns. Below is an excerpt of her story from Forbidden Era.