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Chapter 2: Consequences

Lining up to fight with the other recruits, Arthur watches and waits for his next turn to spar. Ser Gaston watches with critical eyes. Many months of training has lead Arthur to this day. He was chosen, along with a handful of other recruits, as the top fighters among the new recruits. If he played his cards right he could become a squire for one of the city’s top lieutenants or better yet, Ser Gaston himself. What an honor for him and his family, to be second only to the Knight Commander of Rau. He had trained hard and spent every waking moment of his time preparing for the top spot. It would not be easy, the competition was not letting up so easily. He had heard Gaston award him some approving remarks and was sure he had a sharp eye on him.
 To become a fully employed guard of the city would open so many doors for him.

One day maybe he would be Knight Commander himself or branch out to take the lead of the other cities or even become a Commander in the Dragon Guard. It was all very exciting and he was glad to be able to have the opportunity to prove his abilities. Even though the path he has chosen was certainly moving towards a bright future, he could not help but feel the slight pull of guilt. He had protected Amalya his entire life as he had promised their father he would. All his life Amalya had lived in his shadow. Now that they were both of age, he felt that his own ambitions were creating a heavier cloud over hers. Her life had no path and as much as most would focus on just their ambitions, he was having quite a difficult time forgetting hers. How could wanting to break away from her be so difficult? He wanted his own life; to be his own man…surely there was no wrong in that? She would always be his little sister and would never want her to come to harm. Amalya did not wish to hold him back, but she was.

A noise distracts him away from combat. A few of the other recruits also turn their heads towards the square where a physical scuffle was taking place. Ser Gaston notices the distraction as well and tries to redirect their attention, “Stay focused men unless you want your heads kicked in.” On a normal day this threat would keep them all in line but whatever was happening has escalated quickly. Arthur cannot tell what was happening to draw such a crowd. Whoever was on patrol would take care of it, there was no cause for immediate action. One of the recruits elbows him in the arm, “Oy, isn’t that your sister?”

“My sister?”

He nods his head, “Your little troublemaker.”

Arthur closes his eyes. He didn’t have to see to know it was Amalya. How many times would she need to get in trouble before she was locked away in a cage? He would just have to ignore her. He could not break rank and leave now. He was too close to grabbing that spot. He had done nothing to discourage them from making the final decision. He could not break now. His hands grasp his great sword tightly. He had to concentrate; he could not break…not at so crucial a time. The sparring continues but he cannot stay focused. He glances back to the square every moment he can. Where were the guards? Why have they not come yet? He bites his tongue and heaves a sigh of regret, “Damn.”

His hands drop his sword to the ground. Taking a deep breath he breaks rank and heads towards the now gathering crowd.

“The guards will take care of it.” Ser Gaston watches him intently, “Get back in line.”

Arthur does not answer.

“Arthur! That is an order!”

“Forgive me, sir,” Arthur turns to face his commanding officer, “Family is my first order.”

Arthur turns and quickens his pace. What was he doing? ‘Amalya,’ he thought angrily to himself, ‘This better be worth the beating I will endure from this.’ 

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Amalya makes a lunge for John, who she immediately begins to pummel with her fists. The small crowd that has formed around them was beginning to grow. Some raise their voices in protest, while others encourage on the charade in hopes of seeing this fight to the end. John shields his face from Amalya’s blows. Theo jumps on her back, wrapping an arm around her neck. Amalya falls backward in an attempt to shake him off. The two struggle on the ground for a moment as John stands up to try and aid his brother. She takes a kick to the stomach, which doesn’t feel at all pleasant. Amalya twists her body around, exposing Theo to John’s blows. She finds the strength to stand up and launches Theo over her shoulders. Theo grabs hold of her cloak as he sails over her, pulling it over her head as it drops to the ground.

Amalya was too much in the moment to notice. A hand grabs her wrist, “That’s enough!” She struggles to break free. Reluctantly she wheels around.

“That’s enough…Amalya?”

Amalya is surprised to see her sisters’ fiancé, Lancel. He appears as shocked as she was. The crowd. Before another word is spoken, Arthur rushes in and pulls her away. He covers her face with her fallen cloak in an attempt to shield her from the onslaught of Sol’s light. Elra squeezes next to Lancel’s side,

“Amalya! What in Marin’s name…”

She bends down over them, helping Arthur fasten their sisters cloak back onto her person. Arthur looks up at Elra, “Was she with you?”

“You are blaming me for this. I’m not in charge of…”

“You can’t put yourself in her place for one moment.”

“She is capable of making her own decisions, despite them being wrong.”

“I’m fine,” Amalya speaks up, “It wasn’t her fault.”

Elra stares at her sister with unforgiving eyes as the three siblings move away from the crowd, “I knew something like this would happen!”

“Just leave it alone Elra.” They turn down a narrow street, “It’s over. Let’s just get her home.”

“Starting a fight in the street; what were you thinking!”

“That’s enough!” Arthur stops to confront Elra’s judgment, “Why don’t you just go…finish your errands or whatever it is you were doing.” They both turn to Amalya, “I’ll take it from here.”

Lancel takes Elra’s arm, “Arthur’s right. Let’s go.”

Elra focuses on Arthur before Lancel is able to pull her away back towards the market place. He takes a deep breath, shaking his head in disappointment. Amalya stands quietly behind her brother. He was at training, it was so important to him. She would never forgive herself if this caused him any repercussions with Gaston, “You’re training. I’m so sorry Arthur.”

He turns back around to continue on their way. As he passes her, he tugs on her sleeve to follow, “Come on then.”

The two siblings press on down the road in silence.

 Horace, their grandfather, was casually chopping wood as they approach the home. He looks up as they approach, quite bewildered to see them together at this time of day, “What’s goin’ on then?”

Amalya walks right by him and pushes open the door. Arthur stops to meet their grandfather, “Probably exactly what you are thinking.” They both go into the house to see that Amalya is nowhere in sight. She must have retreated to her room, “I’ll draw her out.” Arthur reluctantly moves down the small corridor.

Amalya sits on her bed, hands crossed in front of her. A candle flickers by her bedside. The flame dances swiftly as if feeding off her frustration. Arthur enters her room and stands in the doorway, “Are you alright?” She nods her head slowly, making sure she doesn’t look up at him. She hears him linger in the doorway as the candle continues to flicker. She wishes he would just go away. She knew she was wrong but it happened and there is nothing she can do about it.

“What were you thinking?”

She did not answer. Arthur makes his way towards her bed. Amalya turns away from him, “You could have been hurt Amalya.”

“Well I wasn’t was I.”

“Thank Marin you weren’t.”

He moves around to the front of the bed. Amalya watches his feet, “They were pestering me…”

“So what?”

“So nothing!” She pushes herself off the bed and walks to the other side of the room, “They wouldn’t leave me alone I had to do something.”

“ So walk away or something far less violent than knocking Gallin’s teeth in. Honestly Amalya, you want people to see you differently yet you fail to act like anything but normal.”

“I can’t rely on you all the time now, can I? I’m not a weakling I can defend myself!”

“They’re just words Amalya.”

“That is SO simple for you to say isn’t it!”

Arthur grabs her arm and forces her to face him, “I don’t want to fight with you. I just want you to be safe out there. Grandfather isn’t going to live forever! One day you’ll be on your own and you need to learn how to face these things without letting your stubbornness and anger get in the way.”

She would not look at him. She knew he was only looking out for her but he was smothering her; everything about this place was. He had no idea what it was like to be her, despite all his attempts to make her feel like everyone else.

“You want us to be able to trust you out there by yourself? Doing things like this only harbors your progress.” 

“Arthur.”

He looks up at the entranceway. Horace watches his grandchildren bicker away. His old wrinkly face is forever plastered with a natural scowl. Arthur watches him fidget with his robes, “Ser Gaston’s at the door.”

Arthur sighs as he walks away from his sister and leaves the room. Amalya stands alone, her grandfather’s eyes fixed on her. He does not to utter a word. No more than He was too disappointed with her to do anything but remain silent. Amalya readies herself to speak but Horace interrupts before she can utter a single sound,

“You best come too girl, I’m sure this concerns you as much as it does him.”

Amalya leaves the room without a fuss with Horace following close behind her.

As they enter the kitchen, the sounds of soft murmurs begin to take shape. Amalya spies her brother speaking with Ser Gaston. His son Gallin stands with him, his face swollen and his pride shoved down his throat. As they enter the room, the captain’s eyes move to her. Arthur turns to acknowledge his sister’s presence. Ser Gaston lifts a finger, summoning her closer towards them, “Amalya, my son says you raised your fist with no clear purpose.”

“That’s a lie!” Amalya spied Ser Gaston’s glare and lowered her voice, “That’s a lie, sir.”

“Is it now?” Ser Gaston turns toward his son, “Gallin?”

Gallin glares at her. Amalya tries to remain calm and subdued. Though she holds the utmost respect for Ser Gaston, he had very little influence in raising his sons. Gallin would no doubt be raised to a high standard because of his father’s position; an unfair advantage for one far less deserving than someone like Arthur.

“I thought his tale of a small girl beating him up for no apparent reason a bit ridiculous myself.”

“I’m not small.” Arthur gives Amalya a stern look and she falls silent.

“No need to explain yourself.” He stares coldly towards his son, “Gallin?”

Gallin reluctantly looks at his father before drawing his gaze towards Amalya, “I apologize.” Amalya looks to her brother before glancing at Gallin, “Thank you…” Gallin looks towards his father before he exits the doorway back towards the town. Ser Gaston turns a moment to watch him leave, “The scene you caused in the square can not be written off so easily.”

Horace steps into the conversation, “I sent her sister along with her captain but she must’ve lost track of her.”

“This cannot happen again.” Ser Gaston’s gaze falls on Arthur, “ As for you; you broke rank against my orders. Based on your performance you are one of our top recruits but do not think I will pull your position out from under you if this were to become a habit. Consider this a warning. It will be the only one you get. Is that understood?”

Amalya nods her head in agreement, her eyes purposely avoiding the captain’s malevolent stare. Arthur stands firm with his sister at his side, “Understood sir. ”

Ser Gaston nods his head and smiles. He places a comforting arm on Arthur’s shoulder, “Good. I shall see you tomorrow then.” He bows his head in respect towards Horace, who returns the bow with one of his own. He gives Amalya a stern smile before taking his leave. Her face remains unchanged. As if scolding was not bad enough, to be treated like a wild feral dog as if she herself did not have a mind of her own only added to her already horrible day. Arthur slowly closes the door behind him. 

Arthur relaxes and makes his way towards the table. Horace glares at his granddaughter, “Getting into trouble is your specialty isn’t it girl.”

“I didn’t do it on purpose grandfather.”

Arthur sinks down into his hands, relief plastered on his face, “ I could have been discharged.”

“He wouldn’t have…”

Arthur’s head shoots up from his hands, “You knocked Gallin’s teeth out Amalya! The Captain’s son!”

“He didn’t say anything…”

“Maybe you should use your head! Your actions affect more than just you!“

Amalya gives her brother a defeated look, “I’m sorry Arthur; truly I am.” She leaves the room and disappears back to her own. Arthur falls down on the chair pressing his hand against his brow, “I didn’t mean…”

Horace places his hand on Arthurs’ shoulder, “Aye, leave her be.” 

Amalya sits on her rough spun bed. Her eyes stare at the bare walls surrounding her. “It wouldn’t matter if I left. They’d probably be better off without me.” Her head fell onto the bed. She sucks air deeply into her lungs before slowly releasing it above her. She looks down towards her small table by her bedside. Reaching forward, she opens the drawer and pulls out a small weathered notebook with a broken lock. She opens it and a wrinkled white flower falls onto her chest. Sifting through the book, Amalya scans the pages. Her mother’s journal, the only connection she left behind. Her fingers gently taste each page she ciphers through. It was comforting to see the words and playful drawings left behind; a long lost memory that she would never have a chance to see or touch with her own skin. Her eyes fall upon the last few pages. The greatest legend ever told lies between the pages. She settles into the bed and begins to read, ‘The dragon in its human form, hypnotized and enticed her yet despite his mystery, he was the only one who could see what she truly desired…”

Arthur pokes his head through the doorway, “Amalya…” She looks up at her brother who takes a seat next to her on the bed. Amalya reaches the book over to him, “ Mom’s diary.” Arthur looks at the pages she was focusing on. A faint smile peaks as he scans the words, “ The Legend of the Lost Dragon Lord…this was mother’s favorite tale.” Amalya sits up on the bed. She leans up against Arthurs’ shoulder, “Do you remember her reading them to you?”

Arthur shakes his head, “I was too young to remember. I wish I could.” He flips through the remainder of the pages before coming to the end of the book. A hopeless sigh escapes him, “This legends ending is lost…” 

Amalya glances at the pages of her mother’s book, “ I wish I knew here like you did.” Arthur closes the book, “I’m only a year older than you.”

“But she held you and cared for you. At least know she was once with you.”

“It doesn’t matter. “

“ It does matter…”

Amalya reaches and plucks the book from Arthur’s hands. She clutches it to her chest, “This is all I have of her.” She opens the book again, falling on the last page, “If he were to come for her she would go. She would leave everything behind, her home, her husband…even her children. Her son and her daughter, she would leave them and she would do it willingly. The truth of this realization melted her heart. To know what she would do and what she would sacrifice willingly it was unforgivable. I’m sorry…I’m so sorry.”

She closes the book and places it against her chest, “This legend sounds so much better in her words! Why don’t they tell it like she did?”

Arthur stands up, “Because they were not her. You best keep that safe.”

Amalya returns the book to its home and closes the drawer. Arthur reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small sealed letter, “Look what we got today,” Amalya’s eyes light up at the sight of it. It was a letter from their father, something the two of them have been waiting to arrive for many months. Arthur smiles as he breaks the Dragon Guard seal. He unfolds the page and begins to read. Amalya watches his eyes scan the writing diligently. Without warning, Arthurs face changes.

“What’s wrong?”

Arthur looks at Amalya with worried eyes. He reaches the letter out to her. She grabs it and begins to read:

My Dearest Children,

I pray that this letter reaches you before I am discovered. I have abandoned my position as a Lieutenant of the Royal Dragon Guard. Word has reached my ear of a terrible monster plaguing the City of Jar; a gargantuan creature with deadly pale wings, golden eyes, and a missing forearm. If the rumors of this dragon are true then I have no choice but to pursue him.

It was said 16 years ago the Dragon Lord of Steina was slain by Commander Donnik and his men during the destruction of a mountain fortress. I know this tale to be false. I was there and for my own reasons, I was its only witness. It was this dragon who took from me, from us, your precious mother. I cannot miss the chance to finally end my years of torment.

I must leave on my own, without a trace. Do not pursue me. I will make this my last adventure, my last chance. Please know that I love you. I know it may be hard to believe. I wish I did not have to do this, I wish I did not live with so much regret. For all my regret, I am happy that you are safe. I want you all to live happy lives. Forget me after you read this.

 Goodbye,
Father

Amalya looks up from the letter. Her eyes search Arthur for an answer, any indication that this is some sort of misunderstanding. The truth has yet to sink in. Amalya has not seen her father for over 10 long years. If this letter was not some sort of horrible fabrication, she will never see him again. Arthur stands up from the bed and heads out of the room.

“Where are you going?”

“We have to tell grandfather.”

Next Chapter: Chapter 3: A Letter From Father