4UNITY

- Are you serious, Your Highness? - I say, visibly irritated, entering the room.

- Observe the way you speak to me, young lady. I have already informed you that your brother will receive both jewels - the older man says with his arms crossed behind his back, turning to the guards to leave the room.

- You have not an ounce of courtesy, have you? MY MOTHER left me one of the jewels!

- Refrain from mentioning your mother in this room - the man retorts in the same tone.

- Do you wish to attract the servants’ attention? Is it not enough what they are murmuring about your brother, who is with those whores? - the man says, turning toward me and slowly beginning to approach, as if recalling something he had heard.

- It was your choice to raise him to the throne - I say with a sharp voice.

- And what do you expect, then? That I crown you? You know very well that none of them would accept a woman on the throne - he says, practically spitting the words in my face.

- My mother was crowned while still young, even before marrying you, and she ruled with more excellence than you would ever rule as king - as I finish speaking, I feel my face burn while my father’s hand turns red.

- You will never repeat such a delusion. Your presence here endures only because of your brother. You know very well that if Lord Hastings had rejected marrying you, you would have been forced to marry your brother to preserve our pure bloodline, free of bastards like the former “prince” - he says, stepping away.

- Now, leave this place, for I must resume discussions about your marriage to the eldest son of Lord Hastings - he gives me a glare, seeming to soften his expression. - It will be of no use to try to escape, for I have ordered them to change the lock on your door - he looks at me with disdain, and I leave the room with a loud huff.

☀️

- Does Your Highness wish for me to tighten the pressure? - the maid says, pulling at the corset of my dress.

- I’m having difficulty breathing, Lucy - I say, trying to take in some air.

- It’s perfect then, Your Highness - she says, giving me a friendly smile and showing her yellowed teeth. I step down from the platform, thanking her with a nod.

- My lady, are you ready for tea with Lord Hastings’ daughter? - Anastasia, my personal advisor, enters speaking.

- You may leave now, Lucy. Call the ladies-in-waiting; they will accompany you and instruct you in your etiquette - she says, pressing a piece of wood against my back to keep me upright.

- The servants informed me that you and the lord had a quarrel yesterday. You know very well you should not behave like this - I turn to her, looking serious.

- I am your princess; do not tell me what I must do - she looks at me surprised, but does not back down.

- But you are not the queen, and you will not be if you continue to act this way - I fall silent upon seeing my ladies enter the room.

- Your Majesty - they all bow.

- You know you don’t need to treat me like this - Anastasia turns her face toward me, incredulous.

- Don’t speak such nonsense - I roll my eyes when I hear her say this.

- May I leave now, or do you intend to give me another sermon? - I say, already leaving the room, and I see the ladies merely exchanging glances, an deafening silence settling in.

☀️

- Your Highness, are you well? You seem a bit dazed - I take the cup from my mouth and look at her, somewhat confused.

- Your Highness? Even you are calling me that? - I say, looking at her surprised, but not at all pleased.

- You know today is the day of the coronation, Your Majesty - the blonde daughter of the Hastings stares at me.

- Today is just another day like any other - I say, making her laugh.

- It’s been a while since I’ve seen you so upset like this - my posture falters, making me lean completely against the chair.

- I simply can’t believe HE is being crowned - she throws her body toward me.

- It’s better if Your Highness doesn’t say that out loud, or they’ll hear - she says in a low tone.

- I still don’t know how you managed to convince your ladies to do this - I say, bringing the cup back to my mouth.

- Nothing that good charisma and a bit of gold can’t do - I cover my laugh with my hand, making me lower my gaze to her neck.

- And this necklace? Was it a gift from some duke? - I notice it’s a grayish, somewhat silvery necklace.

- This? It’s just a family heirloom - she says, smiling gently, before giving a squeeze to one of her breasts.

- Don’t do that here; they’ll see - I say sharply, looking at her with a slight blush on my face.

- Miss Claire, Your Highness - one of the older ladies arrives, curtsying and looking at Claire, who already had a sour expression.

- You were lucky, princess - she says, standing up and adjusting her dress.

- Who knows if tonight you’ll have the same luck - she lightly runs her hand over my shoulders, and I feel my face heating up more.

- Miss, you need to return to the castle to begin preparing - I lift my head and see one of my ladies looking at me.

- You and the daughter of the Hastings are quite close, aren’t you? - I give a somewhat shy smile, trying to hide my red face, standing up from the table and leaving a small mess for one of the servants to clean later.

- Yes, it’s good for us to have a good relationship, since we’ll be sisters-in-law - I walk toward the carriage, which was already waiting for me.

☀️

- Where is the future king? - My father enters my chamber, furious.

- Why do you ask me? It is you who should know - I say, looking at him through the mirror.

- The guards have not found him. I thought that, at least for this, you would be of some use - he looks at me indignantly, though not surprised.

- Leave at once, you are delaying me - he snorts, wanting to argue, but my ladies arrive, causing him to slam the door with force.

- Your Majesty, is everything well? - One of my ladies approaches, adjusting my gown.

- Just the future king ruining the most important day of his life - she looks at me a bit desperately.

- Do not worry, I know where to find him - I give her a gentle smile to try to calm her.

- And why did you not inform the sovereign? - she looks at me, confused.

- To see him a little desperate - I turn to her, laughing.

- Miss, you know not... - I gesture for her to stop speaking.

- Are you ready? - Anastácia enters, and my attendant falls silent, looking at me before stepping away.

- I must do something - the older woman looks at me, puzzled.

- You are not going anywhere, Your Highness - she approaches, trying to stop me.

- It is better for you to let me go, or you will have nowhere to step in this realm - I speak in an intimidating tone, with a defiant gaze. She lowers her head, unwilling to retreat, but slowly steps away from me.

☀️

- Where is that fool? - I say to myself, craning my neck to look around some bushes that surrounded the greener areas of the castle.

- I beg thee, my God, do not let me witness any part of my brother - I murmur, looking upwards before heading toward a spot where there was a loud and shrill noise. Before I approach fully, I pick up a stone the size of my hand, which was among the low grass, and prepare to strike whatever was there.

- My Lord, is today not the day of your coronation? - I hear a feminine voice and realize that this must be the source of the screams. I try to move as quietly as possible, but the worst has already happened, and a wave of regret tells me I should have left it for the guards to find that ridiculous man with the hairiest bottom I have ever seen, and mind you, I’ve only ever seen my own in 18 years of life.

- WHAT ART THOU DOING? - I drop the stone just as I try to cover my eyes, hearing him scream.

- YOU FOOL, WHAT ART THOU DOING HERE? - I hear them stir.

- Thy insolence! Dost thou even know what hour it is? Couldst thou not have done this in the night? - I say, my emotions shifting between embarrassment and anger.

- Observe the manner in which thou speaketh to me, my little sister. I am thy king - when he says this, something compels me to lower my hands and open my eyes slowly to insult him again, and thank the heavens, he had at least put on that dirty pair of trousers.

- My king? From what I understand, a monarch would not absent himself on the day of his coronation to engage in such activities with a lady of this sort, and certainly not in the garden our mother used to visit frequently - I say fervently, and he looks at me, ashamed.

- Either thou shalt leave at once, or I shall inform EVERYONE that thy king was naked with a woman who, by the way, is not his wife, on this very day - I see his jaw harden, and his gaze falls on me one last time before he starts walking toward the castle.

- Thou must now procure attire. I expect thee to cease all encounters with him. I shall send thee a generous sum for thy silence. Is that clear? - I cast a glance at the woman, who seemed to be the same one my brother had told me, at the age of 12, was taken by our father to become a man. She nods, clearly embarrassed, but hastens to gather her clothes scattered across the ground. I turn my back to the older woman and walk back toward the castle.

☀️

- Where have you been? Everyone is waiting for you - my twin brother’s advisor seemed radiant to finally see him after hours.

- And what happened to your clothes? - He stared at me, confused, making me take a deep breath before looking down and seeing that my dress was dirtied at the edges with soil.

- I just went out for a moment, and I didn’t realize how time had passed, and His Highness - he looked at me for a few seconds - found me.

- Better late than never. Now, let’s prepare; the ceremony is already delayed - the advisor covered the body of the future king with a cloth he carried, beginning to lead the furry king toward his room, leaving me standing still like the plants in my garden, simply watching them walk away.

- There you are, Miss - Anastácia arrived silently, causing me to jump in surprise, and I felt her gaze scan my entire body, or rather, my dress.

- My God, what happened to your dress?

- I don’t have time to explain everything. I’d better go change - I grabbed the dress and quickened my pace toward my room.

☀️

- There, now it’s possible to disguise it - she says, finishing trying to clean the edges of the dress and dismissing a few maids.

- Why can’t I replace this with another?

- This dress was worn by the former queens. It is necessary that you wear it - she says, looking at me tiredly.

- But I’m not the one being graced with the coronation - I see her take a deep breath, knowing that this wasn’t fair.

- Not everything will be fair, Princess, and don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re the first in your family to have this perception - I lower my gaze, fiddling with my hands.

- Your Majesty, I hope you behave appropriately today, for your own protection. The sovereign entrusted me to speak with you about this matter. And I don’t know if you know, but when she was young, your mother showed a behavior similar to yours. However, when the right time came, she proved to be much smarter and more powerful than she initially appeared - she says all this seriously, but I feel that she is being truthful.

- Do you believe that one day I could become a good queen? - She takes my face with one hand, making me look deep into her eyes.

- I have full confidence that you will be a great Lady Hastings - I lower my gaze in disappointment and pull her hand from my face. - I’d better go, it’s almost time - I step off the platform and watch her move out of my way. I walk to the door, and before leaving, I take one last look at the woman who was once also my mother’s advisor. Then, a strange feeling invades my body for a few seconds, and the sound of the woman leaving through another door in the room snaps me out of the small trance. I open the large doors and step out, seeing a few men who seemed to be waiting for me approach.

- Your Highness, the carriage is waiting for you. - The commander of the guards, a tall and strong man, says, bowing with the other guards, a visibly kind smile on his lips.

- How are you, Sir Clark? - I ask, looking at his face, trying to sound friendly.

- I’m very well, Your Grace. Thank you for asking. Come, I will accompany you. - He says, extending his arm toward the hallway, making me walk, and soon he’s by my side, with two more guards following us a bit behind.

- Will you be the one accompanying me to the coronation, Sir Clark? I believe that for someone of your position, you should be accompanying the king, right? - I say sarcastically, making him let out a small laugh.

- Your Excellency knows very well that I am sworn to protect and accompany you. - I look at his face again.

- I’m just teasing you. - I give him a small push, or rather, I try to nudge him lightly as we walk toward the carriage.

- Speaking of the king, where is he? - I ask Sir Clark, who extended one of his hands as support so I could enter the carriage.

- Your Majesty, I inform you that the king is already on his way to the church. - He says as he enters the cabin, sitting across from me.

- We can depart. - I see him tap the glass gently, and I feel the carriage begin to move, making me look outside, seeing the many crowds of subjects shouting my name.

- I wish they knew what really happens inside that castle; perhaps they wouldn’t be shouting for me. - It slips out automatically, and a few seconds later, I look at Sir Clark, who was looking at me with some concern.

- Are you alright, Princess? - He hesitates for a moment but places his hand on my shoulder.

- Sir Clark, if I were to do something dangerous, would you support me? - I say, placing my hand over his, as a look of hope appears on my face. He looks at me apprehensively before straightening up and responding firmly:

- Yes, my princess. - I give him a genuine smile, removing my hand from his and turning my gaze back outside the cabin.

- Forgive me, Anastácia, but peace will not prevail today. - I take a deep breath, feeling Sir Clark’s gaze. He seemed to be trying to understand the riddle I had made, but he chose to remain silent.

I walk to a spot behind the large curtain of the altar and see some assistant bishops positioning themselves, while others observed carefully what they were doing. They seemed to be evaluating or something like that.

- It’s a pleasure to have Your Majesty’s presence here today - says an archbishop, who must have been 60 years older than I am, speaking cheerfully, while carrying a small wooden box with some silver details.

- The pleasure is all mine, Archbishop - I reply, giving him a friendly smile.

- Always so generous, Your Highness. Your mother instructed me to deliver this box to you when this day came - he says, bringing the box toward me, but I feel confused by it.

- She left something? But... she never told me about any box she entrusted to you - I comment, seeing him give me a calm smile.

- Open it. I believe you will be pleased to see the contents of this box - he says. I take the box and watch him step back, leaving me with an inevitable curiosity.

I carefully open the small box, look inside, and see two sparkling jewels. It almost seemed like a dream. My mother always thought of everything. I examine the jewels, being careful not to let anyone see them but me. They were the opposite of each other: one resembled a small ray of sunlight, while the other was dark as the night. I feel a bit hesitant before picking up the lighter one, and I feel a slight tingling throughout my palm. But it must just be something in my head; it’s better to concentrate. Quickly, I tuck it into my corset, adjusting it so it doesn’t fall. The loud noise reminds me that nobles from all over the kingdom are present, and just the thought of one of those old men looking at me sends an uncomfortable chill down my spine.

- I hope everything goes well - I say to myself again.

- What does Your Highness hope will go well? - asks the same intrusive man from before.

- I dearly hope that your son does not ruin any important aspect of today’s event - I respond. He rolls his eyes.

- It is wise to reconsider your approach, young lady, and refer to the future king in a more friendly manner - he says, giving me a forced smile.

- Certainly, milord - I say, sounding a little sarcastic.

- Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honor and respect that I present to Your Majesties, His Majesty, the King - shouts a guard, making everyone fall silent at the announcement. Even we both turn toward the altar.

- Do not dare make any mistakes, daughter - I ignore the comment and walk to my place, feeling the eyes of the nobles from all parts of the kingdom on me. I even see them whispering about my clothes, but I simply offer a sweet smile to everyone.

- Someone, please kill me - I think to myself and turn to see where Sir Clark is. I spot him just a few meters away, watching to make sure everything is in order, then glancing at the sovereign with suspicion.

The congregation, now in complete silence, awaited the long-anticipated entrance, their breaths halting in anticipation. The heavy carved oak doors slowly creaked open, emitting a solemn and imposing sound.

Through the doors emerged the future king. To everyone, a tall and majestic young man; to me, just a tall idiot. He wore a purple velvet cloak, adorned with gold embroidery that reflected the light around him. His steps were firm. The crowd rose in unison, bowing respectfully. His eyes were fixed on the altar, where the archbishop awaited with the royal crown in hand. Upon reaching the altar, he knelt on the scarlet cushion, bowing his head. I imagined cutting off his head. The archbishop raised the crown, a radiant jewel of gold and precious stones, and pronounced the sacred words of consecration. But all I could think about was how much of a fraud he was, and how I should be the one standing there, since this fool had never truly shown himself capable of caring for himself, let alone leading a kingdom. But now wasn’t the time to think about that.

- And now we shall proceed with the delivery of the jewels - said the archbishop, making everyone turn to him. My brother, now king, looked at him, waiting for the jewels.

- The late queen personally asked me to ensure that her only daughter, the royal princess, would deliver the jewels - he said loudly to all present, and I couldn’t help but feel a little satisfied seeing the confused look on the sovereign’s face. It seems my mother never told him about this.

I take a few steps, standing beside the archbishop, who carefully opens the box, revealing only one of the jewels. The king looks at me with a questioning expression for doing this in front of the nobles.

- Your Majesty, where is the other one? - The Archbishop looks at me nervously.

- I know you have it. Hand it over now, or you will be considered a traitor - he said, low enough that only I and the Archbishop could hear.

- You no longer intimidate me, you insignificant little king. - I see his face darken.

- Enough! This was the last time you showed such insolence! - he shouted, grabbing my arm.

- Mom and Harry would never accept this - I spat the words in his face.

- Our mother is dead, and Harry is just a bastard who is no longer part of this family - he said, showing no remorse for speaking those words aloud.

- Remove this traitor from here! I want my jewel found! - Being called a traitor in front of everyone was like a thousand daggers piercing my entire body, and now I wasn’t just trying to be strong; I was angry, just like that idiot in front of me. I dropped the box on the floor, watching the bishops approach to calm the situation.

- Princess, things don’t have to be this way. Surrender, and everything will be fine - said the old man, gently touching my shoulder, even though the entire situation almost gave him a heart attack. I squeezed my eyes shut, but something different happened, or maybe it had already been happening. Something began pulsing from inside out of my body. The feeling was like a creature, chained for years, was about to break free, and all those present in the church were shocked by what was happening before their eyes.

A sharp scream echoed throughout the church. I gathered the courage to open my eyes, seeing and feeling a golden aura, almost blinding, emanating from my hands. The shock from the guests turned into screams of surprise. I tried to hit my dress to put it out, but it only shone brighter, and the feeling of betrayal turned into fear when the source of the sharp scream let out a frightened yell:

- WITCH! THE PRINCESS IS A WITCH! - I stared in shock at everyone around me, who repeated those words in a dreadful chorus.

- Guards, arrest the witch! - The look of that man, who had always shown affection for me, turned to disgust. A pang of despair hit my heart. The adrenaline surged as I saw the guards advancing with their swords drawn, trying to capture me. Those blinding lights appeared on my hands, forcing me to direct them toward the guards’ faces, as if something was controlling me.

- You idiot, what do you think you are DOING? - said the king, terrified. Now that this had happened, there was no turning back. Surely, they would burn me at some stake or torture me.

I looked at Sir Clark, who was frightened, heading towards the king to protect him. I thought he might be some hope for me at that moment, but I realized I needed to do things on my own. I grabbed my dress, lifting it, and rushed towards the door, pushing away everyone who tried to stop me with that shiny thing in my hands. I opened the doors with some difficulty and ran again, seeing the subjects look at me confused and shout for me. Then I saw my carriage; it seemed that everything was conveniently in the right place.

- Go immediately to Anker - I ordered the coachman, who looked at me confused.

- To the forest, Your Majesty? Are you sure? - I looked at him with an anguished gaze.

- I am Your Princess, and I am ordering you to go to Anker! - I saw him startle at my tone. In all the years he had served as my personal coachman, he had never seen me this aggressive. I heard the sound of the reins being struck quickly and the loud movement of the guards gathering and shouting for the man to stop.

- Go faster, please. - He nodded, striking the reins again, and I felt the vehicle move faster. I closed the cabin door and sat down, finally feeling the adrenaline ease and my muscles relax a bit.

I looked at my hands, which no longer glowed like before. The sunlight, which filtered through the small window, was comforting, even though everything that had happened was devastating. For a moment, it almost felt like I could feel my mother’s comforting embrace, as if there were still hope for all of this.

- Everything would be fine if he at least tried to put aside his selfishness and all that pride and understand me. Instead, now I’m accused of treason and witchcraft for something I don’t even know how I did. - I took a deep breath, putting my hands on my head, not even noticing that the carriage had already stopped for some time.

- We’ve arrived, miss - I heard him knock on the window, making me turn my head to the outside again, realizing that time had passed much faster on the outside.

- Thank you very much, William - I said, stepping out of the cabin and walking toward the man. - I can’t explain what happened, but you are not safe. - He looked at me surprised, but trying to comprehend that information.

- Take this, it must have some value. If you can, leave the kingdom or change your identity, understood? - I took off the golden tiara from my head, placing it next to the man, and slipped off my slippers made of pure valuable fabric, leaving them beside the tiara.

- My lady, I don’t know what you’ve done, but Your Majesty, the late queen, and Prince Harry would agree with this - he said, smiling without showing his teeth.

- I thank you for recognizing Harry as prince. I wish others would do the same - I widened my eyes slightly, remembering my brother’s words. - Well, it’s best if you leave. I am incredibly grateful for this; I will be eternally thankful. - I looked at his face seriously.

- It was a pleasure to serve Your Highness, my queen. - I was extremely surprised when he said those words and saw him stand up and bow.

- Farewell - he said, sitting down and waving a goodbye, which was reciprocated with a small wave.

- Queen, huh? Let’s see what else this thing has to show me - I picked up the necklace that was still in my corset, watching it shine slightly in my hands. - I better hope this wasn’t a mistake - I lifted my gaze from the jewel to the forest ahead of me. - Please, mother, help me - I raised my head a little more, this time looking at the vast blue sky, and I felt a gentle breeze pass over me.

I removed the heavy part of my dress, grabbing it, and began walking into the forest, feeling the soft, green grass. My bare feet sank slightly into the ground, and I felt the damp earth making them dirty. I spent some time walking straight, watching the forest grow denser until I reached a place that had an opening to the sky, unlike the rest of the forest - a perfect place to begin or try to understand all of this.

I sit down on the pieces of my dress, and even so, I feel the grass pricking a little, but nothing uncomfortable enough to make me stand up again.

I place the jewel in front of me, waiting for something to happen, or at least trying to think of something to do.

🌙

- Your Majesty, are you certain of this? You know we can send the guards to handle the situation - says the royal commander, as I walk with three guards behind us.

- None of them would know how to handle her, and especially not what she possesses now. It is better that I take matters into my own hands - I stop in front of a door that seemed a little older than the others.

- Besides, it will be wonderful to see the people praising me for capturing a witch - I glance at the commander, who looks a bit incredulous. I open the door, hearing it creak, seeing the entire royal council gathered in one place. They bow before me, and I smile, feeling proud of myself.

- Let us be swift. I need at least half a dozen of my men to go after the witch - one of the ministers stands up.

- My King, are you certain you wish to hunt the princess? She has already been promised to the son of the Hastings, and breaking this peace agreement between the two kingdoms could bring ruin to you, my King - I approach.

- Do you doubt the judgment of your King, minister? - He looks at me, stunned and a bit frightened.

- By no means, my lord. I am merely warning you about the possible conse... - I land a punch square in the man’s face, not allowing him to finish his words.

- Is there anyone else in this council who intends to go against my decisions? - I look at everyone in the room, who lower their heads.

- That is what I thought - I smile at the man lying on the floor. - Guards, take him away - my eyes follow the guards as they grab the man, who wriggles and pleads for forgiveness, and exit the room.

- And now, returning to what I was saying... - I grab a map of the region, tracing some locations.

- My King, if I may say, some people claim to have seen the princess, I mean, the witch, heading towards Anker - I look at one of the members with a smile.

- Then we already have a starting point - everyone agrees with my words.

- Send me your best men - I turn to the commander, who nods. Before rushing out, I hold him for a moment.

- I am serious. I know you are quite close to my little sister - I see the commander gulp.

- I would never betray Your Majesty - he looks at me seriously. I release the commander, observing him with a satisfied smile, feeling the weight of my authority over him and everyone present. The room is in tense silence, as if no one dares to breathe until I am out of that place.

- Let it be done - I say, in a low but firm voice. - And may no one else question my orders.

I leave the room, the sound of my boots echoing through the stone corridors of the castle. My heart beats a little faster. My sister... that traitor, that witch... How dare she challenge me like this? I always gave her everything she needed, she should have married me so I could correct her behavior. She has always been a thorn by my side, always challenging my decisions, always questioning my authority. But now, with this happening, she has finally crossed the line. It wouldn’t be just a personal pleasure to capture her, but a demonstration of power to the entire kingdom. And no one would ever dare challenge me again.

As I reach the courtyard, where my most loyal soldiers are already ready, I gesture for the commander to approach again.

- Remember: alive or dead, I want her here - My voice carries contempt. - And if she resists... well, don’t hesitate. A witch like her doesn’t deserve mercy.

The commander nods, and I see hesitation in his eyes, but he does not dare question my orders again.

- Is everything ready, my lord? - I see one of the noble knights who was chosen ask me, looking apprehensive. I look at the dark sky and the moonlight shining brighter than ever.

- Yes, Sir Walker - I glance at the dark jewel in my hand before looking ahead again, where the large gate is almost fully open.

- Follow me, gentlemen - I tap my horse lightly to get it moving, then tap harder for it to run. I see everyone doing the same with their horses.

- It’s good you help me, mother - I look at the starry sky and feel a strong wind pass by me.

- That’s enough - I pull the reins to make it speed up.

- My sister... if she had only accepted her place beside me, if she had supported me as she should have, none of this would be necessary. But now, there is no turning back. She chose her fate, and I, as king, must ensure it is fulfilled - I bite my lips with anger, only stopping when I hear one of the knights’ voices.

- My King, it’s better we go slowly. I’ve heard that many kidnappings and thefts occur in this region. Not to mention the dangerous creatures that always lurk in the forest - I hear Sir Clark speak beside me.

- I don’t believe there will be any animal or foolish person daring enough to meddle with us - I shout to him.

- Besides, I have my jewel. It will protect us if something terrible happens - I slow my horse down. - Do you have any other concerns, Sir Clark? - I feel his gaze drop to his hands.

- No, Your Majesty - I give him a slight smile and look at the rest of the knights.

- We’ll continue on foot. The forest is too dense for us to advance on horseback. Tie them to a tree and pray they are still here when we return - I dismount from my horse, gently stroking its face and leaving it loose.

- Stay here - I speak to it, and it neighs, seeming to understand what I said.

- Sir Clark, I would like you to take half of your men and head in that direction - I point to the left where he should go. - While I go to the opposite side with the rest - I look at Sir Clark, who is already advancing with some of his men. I take a few steps, starting to walk in the opposite direction, hearing the heavy footsteps of the knights following me and the sounds of the forest, which seemed louder than usual.