Once Upon A Dream

Sentenced to a lifetime of slavery and misery for what?

A ridiculous key that is worth no more than a grain of rice.

Those fools.

My sweat felt like blood as it ran from my neck to my bruised hands.

The grip I had on this tool was strong as if I was hanging on to my life. This was the only strength I had left from the countless beatings.

I'm only alive because I am needed. I am precious. Wars start only from my whispers.

These monsters will never make me talk, I would rather die behind bars than spill my mother's secrets.

No one in this land understands how difficult is it to do what I do.

For years I have trained and studied. For years I have killed. My determination will keep me alive, long enough to end my adventure and this cell is where it starts.

Looking over my shoulder to see the harsh markings I've carved from my nails into the stone wall, I count 365 days.

364 beatings.

But the day is not over yet.

I have not yet been given the daily questions, they were always the same but the punishments worsened as if that would change something. You can imagine what they would ask the world's most wanted criminal who broke into their fortress. Although I wouldn't say it was a mighty place to visit.

Heartstrand is a city, ruled by orcs and goblins. Those foul creatures build underground, hiding from the sun. The only time you could spot one of these things is at midnight when everyone is safely tucked into their bed. Goblins create weapons while the orcs do the fighting, raiding poor villages and traumatising innocent people.

Only evil should be punished and that's what I do.

Dragging my thoughts back onto the tool in hand, I swung the pickaxe over my shoulder for the last time before collapsing to my knees. I missed. Of course, I missed it.

The one day I could finally escape was the same day my energy had been drained. As I sat there, panting heavily, my eyes sadly laid on the pickaxe. Thoughts of the mines made my body shiver.

I don't remember how long I laid there but I do remember the burning sensation behind my eyes. I tried to cry, however, my body was seriously dehydrated. All that escaped were my silent whimpers.

The torch that mounted the wall opposite my cell door had been lit on its own, signalling that the sun had set.

With the soft glow of danger flowing onto my body, I pushed myself over, now laying on the cold, stone mattress. For once I was truly useless. A disappointment to my family name.

This was not my first attempt to escape and it will not be my last. My mother is watching over me, I can not fail her again.

The sound of armour clanging echoed through the hallways, growing louder with every step. With the pickaxe still unhidden and I having no strength to move, I merely closed my eyes and prayed.

"Please. Don't let this be my last day with my eyes open." I whispered, desperately hoping someone would hear my call.

Hoping someone would answer.

I repeated this line many times until it soon sounded like a broken rhyme.

Bang! Unexpectedly my call for help was cut off by the royal guards blasting open the cell door. Tremendous, heavy goblins in silver and gold lining armour towered over my puny body. I stared in horror as their slimy, green hands forced chains around my wrists and ankles. They did not speak nor look me in the eyes. They did, however, notice the pickaxe yet no hand was raised. Strange.

Once they locked the chains in place, both guards grabbed a hold of my arms and dragged me behind them as they strode out towards the end of the hallway.

Passing by the many other barred chambers, I saw all the inmates I had gotten to know. Some from forming alliances while others from violence. They were either sleeping or glaring daggers at me. A look I was familiar with.

A forceful pause made me realise we had come to the spiralling staircase. With the guards taking their normal pace, my legs hit off every stair, adding more bruises to my already broken self.

As we emerged from the depths, I squinted at the change of lighting, waiting for my eyes to adjust. The hall was brightly lit by golden torches mounted on maroon stained walls. The roof is higher than the elder trees but black as night with silver swirls of marble. Before I had the chance to plan another escape, I was dragged further into the building.

The air smelled of freshly baked treats, a taste that I had sadly forgotten. This was refreshing compared to the dungeons, smelling of rotten fish.

The guards trailed me along for what seemed like hours. I nearly passed out several times from the lack of energy.

At last, we reached our destination.

The kings' hall.

'This is it,' I thought. 'This is how I die.'

This must of been a mistake, a joke. Every day I get taken outside to the courtyard like every prisoner, so why am I here standing outside the doors to their leader.

I am a nobody to these creatures.

What were they planning?

Here stood two more guards holding spears, standing watch. Protecting something.

The glorious doors were slowly pulled open by the gatekeepers, to reveal a silhouette of a colossal bodied man sitting on top of a ruby throne, most likely an orc.

The hall was large yet empty with only four quartz pillars, spread equally around the room.

I wasn't scared nor was I nervous. Azuke is not my overlord. No one owns me.

I counted at least seventeen knights standing around the hall, all bathed in black armour with Heartsrand's emblem printed on their chests. Each one got on their knee including the useless guards as the King spoke.

"Welcome, please do come in!" He said welcoming, gesturing for me to enter. This was the first time I heard his smooth, delicate voice. It didn't sound like it belonged to a monster.

Before I had the chance to stand the same guards that lead me here, picked me up by my neck and threw me forwards to the ground as I did not bow as the others had done. "Is that how we treat our guests?" His height intimidates all. "You will not lay a finger on her unless it is through my word! " Azuke announced in an angry and bitter tone, staring down his royal guards while he slides off his throne and walks closer to meet me. The guards all sigh in sync as they step backwards, the knights readied their swords. They knew it was a mistake to leave me with him.

I would never lift my head to this beast, he is no different from the others. They have no real emotions in their heart.

My eyes stayed glued to the floor where I saw my reflection. Where I saw myself.

The girl looking back at me, I didn't recognise as if a mask was covering my beauty.

This girl was skinny, useless, powerless. Dark circles lured under her emerald eyes that used to shine brighter than any gem, now that light has faded. Her dark, rose lips were ruined with deep cuts from the aching anxiety. Pale skin turned into a dirty canvas from the mines' filth. And finally, her most noticeable feature, her silver hair which was dyed with old, dried blood from guards and inmates that have pushed her too far.

This is not how I remember the tales of the creature who lurks in nightmares.

My face falls in embarrassment.

The King creeps nearer with guards glancing at each other as if wondering whether he should be warned. The footsteps stop. A loud silence fills the room as Azuke crouches to my height and whispers so only I can hear. "I apologise for the behaviour of my men," Again he glares at them with hate. "I can see that you may be frightened but I can assure you, I want only your trust."

My head swings back immediately to bite back at this jester and his puns but my body stiffens, hesitates. Our eyes meet. I was wrong. Azuke is no orc or goblin, he is a man. He is a human just like me.

As my eyes lingered I noticed every detail in his ocean eyes which reminded me of what it felt like to be free. His brown hair was short and well tamed, a jaw that was strong, lips that made my face rush in heat.

For someone who is said to be at least forty actually looked to be my age. Twentyfour.

The king forces a caring smile across his lips to ease the awkwardness I have created.

Say something, you imbecile.

"Trust?" Was all I could conjure up, surprising myself with how shakey my voice had gotten.

What am I doing? This is Azuke the king of vengeance, son of Ryoden. Leaders like him should not be cared for.

He chuckles with a nod. "I will only continue this conversation if you want to," He says turning his back to me and returning to his throne, now raising the volume. "I don't want to embarrass my idol, after all, I admire your work!"

What is he talking about? He doesn't know me?

Perhaps the work in the mines? Maybe for how I have been able to live for so long in the worse conditions?

All eyes laid on me, waiting for my response. I guess he must have realized my confusion as he added extra information.

"If it helps to make up your mind, It will include in your freedom." His hands point down to mine, referring to the chains.

Sadly Azuke was right. I'm interested. "Go on," I say quietly.

Azuke's response was something unexpected. He roared with laughter as the knights and guards marched out of the room, one following the other. 'Bad mistake.' I thought to myself, although it should be I who should be frightened.

I glare at him, hating that ridiculous happiness. What the hell is happening?

"Princess," He begins. "I believe you know who I am."

Obviously. I tried to kill you. Once.

The sound of the doors closing behind me echoes through the hall and triggers something in Azuke to change his tone. "I want to make a trade with you."

This is it. This is why I'm still alive.

I sigh while I wriggle my legs in the shackles, trying to feel comfortable.

"No," I quickly say. "I don't care about my freedom." Liar. "I'm sure you have seen my history with your guards and other inmates, I can look after myself. One day I will escape. Security here isn't very high maintenance." I grin to be friendly with him, now moving my wrists to itch them under the metal.

"You are so determined to escape but tell me, why haven't you succeeded in the year you've been here?" Azuke is now leaning forwards with his shoulders resting on his knees. His lips tug into a grin while I frown. "It truly is a disappointing sight to see my star fail. I believed in you shadow."

Thunder grows strong in my heart. Calming wind turns into a storm. My bones which were once strong as trees are now chopped down to feeling like nothing but splinters. This was fear. Something I forgot I had. "What did you say?" I try to squeeze out from my quiet, shaky voice however he cuts in quickly seeing my skin turn ghost-like and my wide eyes.

He shouldn't know that nickname belongs to me, it's not possible, he's lying!

"But of course, I still believe you could escape Heartstrand. I only wonder how long that will take. You may die in that cell before you ever get to see the sky again, feel the breeze on your skin, smell the fresh pine trees." His body shifts to laying back on his throne. Relaxing.

He knows what he is doing.

Smiling, I try to play the whole thing off and I push a fake laugh out. "I believe you have me mistaken for someone else. I am not The Shadow although I do take the compliment for you believing I could be as good as them." Why is he still smiling. He's scaring me. "I am sure whatever it is you need, you and your knights can deal with it without the help of a sick crime freak."

For a long enough moment, we were both quiet. Staring each other in the eyes so intensely it was as if we were having a staring contest. Who would break first?

It was him.

"I know who you are," Azuke said still grinning. "And I want to use you." It was a bluff. It had to be. The only possible explanation I could think of was if someone I worked for in past had sold me out, but even then, I never share my name, my appearance, my voice. Nothing. It's impossible for him to know.

"Tell me then," I crook my head, genuinely curious. "Who do you think I am?"

The king's face turns into an evil look of satisfaction. He stands, looking down at me and crosses his arms.

"You're a girl. That part took me by surprise I will admit, I never believed a female could be so bloodthirsty. As well as being human, being mortal yet you seem to risk your life in ways I could never imagine." He pauses to see if the emotions on my face have changed but nothing. This isn't proof of The Shadow. He is only describing who he sees in front of him who in his eyes, is a nobody. "Something broke you and if I had to guess, it was when you were young. You would have to train for a lifetime to be as extraordinary as you." This is still not proof. Give me evidence, give me proof!

At this point, I start to grow impatient. Azukes smile fades as I disappoint him with no reaction. However, he doesn't give up easily. "You are the arrow that never misses the target." After every sentence, Azuke takes a step towards me, slowly closing the gap between us. "You are the axe that never blunts." My heart starts pounding in my chest, begging to escape. "You are the sword that pierces hearts." My eyes shift into a cold stare. "Your heart beats like the rhythm of marching soldiers." Azuke takes his final step, the sweat on my face now clearly noticeable. "Your skin is as tough as the scales on a dragon."

Finally, the king kneels next to me, resting his lips next to my ear and whispers something deadly.

"Angelica Stone."

Shock filled my body as if lightning had struck me. Goosebumps covered my skin. My head felt dizzy. It has been years since I have heard that name. I never use it for any reason, I really have become 'no one'.

There were no more lies I could give, no more tries to cover it. My whole body gave a reaction that proved his thoughts. How? How is this possible?

My wide eyes return. My lips lay ajar.

How does he know my name?

For once in my lifetime, my enemy was winning.

How could I let this happen? How could I be so reckless, so careless!

My mind raced back to previous events, taking other guesses at what could have led me to be caught.

A villager catching a glimpse of me? Could I have a stalker watching me? Maybe I left something behind?

The possibilities would be endless and I would never know.

At last, I had been beaten.

Azukes lips twisted into a devilish grin. My fear was his entertainment.

I tried to say something. Anything. But nothing came to mind. What was I meant to say?

What did he want to hear?

His muscle filled legs carried him back to his throne, a front-row seat to watch my life crumble.

Everything I had worked for, was now buried from a single name. My name.

The room was quiet again except for the kings' tapping foot of excitement and my sweat dripping onto the clean, marble floor. Finally, Azuke spoke.

"I hope now you believe me, yes?" His smile returns as he sees me petrified. "Please, trust my oath. Your identity is safe with me. I have not shared it with anyone. Yet." I curse under my breath. Blackmail. "If you do this simple job for me, I can promise to never share the information. If you decline, I may choose to first spread the news to the prisoners. I'm sure they would love to get their hands on you."

How is this fair! This is not a trade!

"This is the part where you decide your fate, princess." He adds.

Azuke allows me time to think but there is nothing to think about. Somehow, I made a mistake. Somehow, I ruined my life.

The king was right. I wouldn't make it out of here alive. I'm weak, I'm disgusting, I'm a disgrace.

'No!' I think to myself with confidence. "The battle is still on.'

Azuke has played his game so now it was time for me to play mine.

"I'll make this equal first. You told me the secrets you know, now what about if I tell you mine?"

Azuke nearly jumps out of his throne in excitement. He won't be happy in the end.

I wait for him to settle before starting. This also allows me to think of how to play my words correctly.

"How is your daughter?" I ask with a smile. "Visited her grave recently?"

Now it was my turn to be entertained. Watching the emotion drain from his face gave me a sense of accomplishment. "You call yourself the city's saviour but tell me, how do you sleep at night knowing you never saved the one person you truly cared about."

Azuke slouched back on his throne as if he didn't care for what I was saying, as if he had no memory of the act. His eyes told a different story, they were filled with fear and curiosity. Reminding him of a tragedy was torturing his mind so I continued.

If I had to live in sorrow for 365 days, he can deal with the bitter truth.

"It was her own fault. Marlene wondered too far from the city walls and caught me trading with a dwarf. Of course, she didn't know who I was but you can never be too careful. Poor girl froze in fear when we saw her." I slowed my voice down to make the pain last longer. "She pleaded for mercy, swore on her family she wouldn't tell. It made me feel sympathy for tying her up."

My story was cut off quickly by Azukes intimidating voice, "Your lies will not fool me!" he was shaking. Like father like daughter, both cowards.

"I started with her fingers," I continued, not listening to his command. "Breaking them one by one. I will admit, it was surprising how strong she was until she cracked. Marlene told me all your dirty little secrets." His fingers laid on his sword, fidgeting with the handle. His jaw was clenched firmly. His eyes were not breaking away from my glare. "Once she told me everything, there was no need for me to keep her but I couldn't let her run loose. The dwarf helped me put her inside his carriage and we sent it to the city's gate as a warning."

"YOU BURNED MY DAUGHTER ALIVE!" Azuke shouted as he marched over to me in rage and placed the tip of his sword next to my neck. His face was no more than an inch away. Tears ran down his cheeks and onto my lap.

I laughed.

Azukes anger only grew as I did this. He lowered his sword and pushed it away from both of us. Most likely so his rage didn't take control and kill me right then and there.

"I have one question for you and you will answer with honesty."

Tilting my head back, I give the signal for him to continue. "You were captured trying to steal my wife's necklace. The one with the key! Tell me, Angelica, why did you want it?"

"It looked shiny, expensive. I wanted to sell it." I lied. Someone like me doesn't need or want money. It's the key I want.

Grinning, he turned to return to his throne. "What if we added something to our trade?" He suggested.

"If you accept the work and complete it, I will pay you as much as you want, including your freedom and the protection of your identity."

"I came here for that necklace and I will leave with it!" He hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Very well, you may have the necklace instead of riches." That key is my only reason to live.

"If I am correct, you are familiar with Camp Dawn?" He asked with a sinister look.

I could sneak around that city with a blindfold. Ever since they took my family from me I've been lurking around the walls, trying to see a sign of my father or sister. I thought they were still alive. I know now that they are long gone.

Azuke saw the change of expression on my face when he mentioned the name, so he continued. "They have...stolen something of mine. We want to send an innocent message in return but as you can tell we have sadly had no luck, but now, with you, that will all change I am sure."

I listened carefully. Everything was nearly perfect except for how this seemed too easy. It is not difficult to create peace between districts yet he acts as if he has tried every plan in the book. Right now is not the best time to ask and I'm positive that whatever the problem may be, I can handle it. I've faced jobs much rougher than two lousy kings settling their past mistakes.

My mind swept me away from reality as the word 'freedom' had been circling in my head ever since it was mentioned. Imaging how the world went on with no sightings of the shadow made me giggle. They would be celebrating that I left, some may even think I'm dead when in reality, I was so close to being let loose. To be able to start my celebration with a 'welcome home party'.

I was hypnotized by all my happy thoughts that I hadn't realized that Azuke had called for his guards who had their hands around my arms and were dragging me out of the room the same way I had got here.

My mother would be proud.