The Dragons Egg : XXIV : Knife in the Dark : Lady Sebeen : Draft

XXIV

Knife in the Dark

Lady Sebeen

“Would you stand still!” Lady Aisle screeched as Sebeen stood within her room, now fully gowned and made up. About Sebeen stood her dress bearers, all gowned in fine silken dressed of pale blue, their hairs beautifully weaved down their backs and filled with wild flowers. They all looked like strangers and she felt a stranger, standing within her own beautifully hand weaved gown of cream, which was intricately crafted with particular patterns of flowers that showered her long sleeves and train. Her hair had been curled and let loose, flowing over her arms and back, with small white buds of pressed flowers weaved into them. Upon her hands she wore fine rings, a present from her brother and upon her neck she wore a fine golden necklace made of golden leaves which had been a gift from her betrothed. She stood before her mirror and without a strain of emotion upon her face, with small jewels encrusted upon her brows, she felt nothing but fear. The letter sent by the prince himself lay beneath her pillow, and despite her merry dreams of what could be, she now felt a strange foreboding. A knock at the door caused her to jump. “Lady Eithne would you pray go and see who annoys us at this hour!” Lady Aisle said as she wiped her forehead. Looking back at Sebeen she groaned. “I have tried to make you look somewhat prettier, let us hope the limited light will fool the prince’s eyes…”

“Thank you aunt, as ever you are ablaze with compliments,” Sebeen whispered. Aisle took a hold of Sebeen’s wrist and hauled her forward.

“What did you say?”

Sebeen turned her cool brown eyes down into her aunt’s face.

“You forget to whom you are speaking aunt, I will soon be the crown princess of Fiar, so I would watch what you say,” Sebeen said under her breathe. She watched as her aunts faint blue eyes widened with horror, her grasp upon her wrist easing.

“My lady,” she said with a hiss. The room had quietened with alarm and Sebeen turned to find her brother standing behind her, a smile upon his face.

“You look beautiful my sister,” he said, a wooden box within his hands. “I have something for you, from our parents.”

“Our parents?” Sebeen whispered as she stepped towards her brother and ran her beautifully painted fingers across the waxed lid, engraved with the family crest. “What is it?”

“Mothers crown,” Lord Ada said with a slight smile. “She wished you to wear it on special occasions.” With a small click, Ada opened the box to reveal a beautiful golden crown of flowers, all of which were encrusted with beautiful jewels.

“It is too beautiful for the likes of myself,” Sebeen whispered as he lightly touched the crown.

“No, you are too beautiful for the crown,” Ada said with kindness in his brown eyes. “Come let me place it upon your head.” Sebeen took the box from her brother and watched as he took the crown from its red pillow and lifted it in his hands, placing it gently upon her thick curls. With it in place, he dropped his hands to her face and kissed her forehead. “Remember my promise?”

“Yes,” Sebeen said with warmth, the eyes of the women upon the duo.

“What a beautiful night we shall have, with much feasting and merriment!” Lord Ada declared to everyone. He was dressed in a beautiful gown of silver and blue, his own crown upon his head of dark hair. “Come it is time sister, time to join with the river.”

“May I have a moment to myself please?” Sebeen asked her brother.

“Of course but just a moment,” Lord Ada returned. “Come aunt, come ladies let us leave Sebeen for a moment.” With a slight murmuring, the women followed Lord Ada out of the room and closed the door behind, leaving Sebeen alone. With swiftness, she glided across the room to her bed and searched for the letter, taking it from her pillow she quickly placed it within her sleeve and drew out a sigh of relief. Turning from her bed she came once more to stand before the mirror, the golden threads shimmering against the light of the beacons. She did indeed look ethereal and regal, and yet she could not feel comfort in her garment, she only felt a disconnection to this moment and the night ahead. Turning, she swept her heavy gown away and made for the door, opening it to find her brother waiting for her.

“Is everything alright?” he asked as he held out his hand. Sebeen smiled warmly and placed her right hand upon her brothers.

“Just a little overwhelmed that is all,” Sebeen said as she moved alongside her brother through the narrow corridor towards the hall.

“It is as I have already said, Loaki will be a kind and generous husband, you really can’t ask for more than that,” Lord Ada said as they moved into the beautifully decorated hall in which Lady Aisle, Lord Brenuus, Lady Eithne, Lady Buan, Lady Nula and Lady Isbael. The great fire was roaring, and Lord Brennus was downing a goblet of laman.

“I know brother,” Sebeen said as she turned to Ada. “I’m just not comfortable being the centre of attention.”

“Your friends will bring you support and comfort if you need it,” Lord Ada smiled. “But you are stronger than you believe yourself to be.”

“Come, come!” Lady Aisle snapped her fingers. “We are already late!”

Sebeen rolled her eyes and turned to the company.

“Men off you go to the palace, ladies come with me!” Lady Aisle ordered.

“I think that is our que cousin,” Lord Brennus said with distorted smile as he came to Sebeen and lifted her hands, kissing her knuckles lightly. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you uncle, but secretly I hate wearing fine gowns,” Sebeen said with grace.

“Secretly I know,” Lord Brennus said with a deep laugh. “Now go and make our family proud!”

Lord Ada released his sister’s hand and with his arm about Lord Brennus left the house. Lady Eithne came to Sebeen.

“What a night this shall be!” she said with flashing eyes. “Come our boat awaits us!”

With a nervous smile Sebeen took the arm of Eithne and followed her aunt and the rest of her dress bearers outside into the courtyard. It was cool and the stars were shining brightly, especially three large stars which seemed to be awkwardly close to one another. The light radiating from them was spectacular, and for a moment Sebeen simply stood and allowed her eyes to take in the spectacle.

“My brother says it is a sign of the great war to come,” Lady Buan said into her ear. “You see there are three stars, representing the three brothers.”

“How interesting,” Sebeen murmured as she brought her eyes back to the young lady.

“I know!” she smiled pleasantly, a rare sight indeed. With a shake from Eithne, the ladies set off towards the river. As she made her way up the wooden harbour she found to her amazement that both sides of the river were filled with curious men, women and children. Great beacons of lights were pitched near the river, giving off a considerable gleam of warm light that reflected against the black waters. It was beautiful and the tranquil sound of the running water only heightened Sebeen’s amazement. As she came to the great boat, which was beautifully adorned and also alight with smaller beacons, she heard the sound of clapping and felt herself faint. It was setting in, this may not have been her wedding day but it was in essence as close to a wedding as could be. She would make her vows to the prince and they would bind themselves before the priests and Gods. Cautiously she was helped down into the boat and her dress bearers proceeded to help her along the edge of the boat and into position. The heat of the beacons cured her cool skin and cold fingers and when everyone had been put into place, she looked up at her aunt who stood quietly with folded arms.

“Do not let the family down,” she said before turning and walking away.

“Ever the one for lovely words of advice, Lady Aisle,” Lady Buan said with jest.

“Oh do be quiet,” Lady Eithne said with disgust. A great herald from the royal horns filled the sky and the two males rowers, set off from the harbour, guiding the lavishly decorated boat out into the open. As Sebeen sailed out into the open, the crowds began to cheer and great bursts of flower petals rained through the night sky and fell dubiously upon the boat as it sailed towards the palace which lay but half a mile up the river. Sebeen felt her body sway and began to panic as the sight of the palace neared. As she swayed, she felt a hand clasp about her own and turned.

“Thank you,” she smiled down at Lady Buan.

“I’m afraid I am holding you not out of personal devotion but out of fear of being chastised by your aunt if you fall into the river,” Buan laughed as Eithne gave her a hideous look.

“How very honest of you,” Sebeen said with a raised brow. Turning about she lowered her head as they passed under a bridge filled to the brim with merry onlookers, who sprinkled flower petals and sand upon the boat.

“Bloody peasants throwing sand at us!” Lady Eithne growled under her breathe.

“Afraid that you may be blinded friend?” Lady Buan asked aloud as she tended to Sebeen’s hair. Sebeen caught the murderous look upon Eithne’s face and placed a gentle hand over her own.

“Calm, enjoy the music and the fun,” she said with a joyous smile as he heart now began to flutter with anxiety.

“Why your aunt chose to have her as one of your dress bearers, I shall never know,” Eithne said with a wave of her hand. Behind her she could feel Buan’s eyes on her. Soon, the boat drew near to the steps of the palace in which a great crowd of courtiers awaited Sebeen and the poetic music that filled her ears grew louder, softly deafening out the noise of her beating heart within her ears. Soon the boat stopped at the royal harbour and Sebeen’s legs began to feel faint. This should feel right, she should feel blessed to be marrying the man she loved, but as she looked up the steps, she could see her betrothed standing looking down at her. He wore a beautiful robe of green and gold and his ice blonde hair was neatly combed behind him, with his crown of silver leaves upon his head. As she caught his gaze, she felt only sadness and pity. As soon as he caught her gaze he withdrew it from her and following it as she stepped onto the harbour, found it settling upon the beautiful and graceful Lady Murtha, who stood near to him in a pale yellow gown. She too looked sad and deep in thought, and for the briefest of moments, Sebeen felt their pure love and was struck. Feeling faint, she felt her legs buckle.

“Sebeen!” Eithne cried out as she and Lady Nula came to her aid, helping her up.

“I’m sorry, the gown is a little tight,” she lied as she brought to her feet once more, the courtiers whispering to one another.

“You can do this Sebeen,” Lady Buan suddenly said as she stepped in front of her. “Just take it a step at a time.”

“Everyone is watching,” Sebeen whispered as the nausea within her stomach deepened.

“Most of them are pretentious bitches and ass licking bastards,” Lady Buan whispered into her ear. “Forget about them and just aim to get through the blessing, then when it is done you and I can get very drunk.”

“Buan please could you get into your position,” Eithne said with a stony face.

“Your majesty,” Buan said with a roll of her eyes, causing Sebeen’s spirits to lift. When they came to the foot of the steps, the music faded away into silence and then with a great roar the horns heralded her arrival and once again the music began this time gentle and soft and she made her way up the steps, passing the intense gazes of the courtiers. She found Loaki’s gaze and gulped, remembering the letter tucked away in her sleeve. The royal priest Asvald and the seerer Sigur stood dressed in their robes of gold, silver and copper awaiting Sebeen. Beside the prince stood the High King, himself dressed in his customary royal garment of red wine velvet, with gold, silver and copper leaves embroidered into his sleeves and a crown of gold, silver and copper leaves. He smiled down at Sebeen gladly which in turn caused Sebeen to smile faintly, he eyes crossing to her brother whose own eyes seemed somewhat saddened. When finally she came to stand opposite Loaki, she felt her hands trembling and her lips quivering. Behind her, her dress bearers let go off her train and stepped away, all of them with beaming smiles upon their faces. Sebeen caught Eithne’s gaze and received a nod. Turning to Loaki, she looked into his solemn face and felt ashamed of herself and quickly dropped her gaze to the ground, focusing on her golden shoes. As the priest and the seerer walked about the couple, she saw a pair of hands reach out and clasp her own, forcing her to look up.

“Don’t be afraid,” the prince said with kind eyes. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you my lord,” Sebeen said under her breathe as she felt his fingers gently wound themselves about her own trembling fingers.

“Just follow my lead,” he said with a gentle smile. “It will be over soon.” With his last words, Eveline felt her heart drop, was this the prince who had written her a letter but a day ago? Seeking friendship and understanding?

“Ma la lei tu la Gods beneth weth yu (May the light of the Gods be within you!),” the priest declared to the prince and Sebeen as he sprinkled holy water over their bodies, his left hand raised in the air. “Ma ere bin yu un ude yu o span shal wuld unta la ni (May it bind you and guide you from this world unto the next).” Turning to the seerer, the priest gave to him the golden bowl of holy water and turned to the couple taking from the seerer a cloth of gold and wrapping it about their hands. “Far ere far (Flesh upon flesh), Namh tu e namh (Bone to thy bone), Buile tu e buile (Blood of thy blood), Glada hath ere lu tirisancht (Take this thy cup of offering), Na dru span ere villenle (And drink from it willingly),” turning away from the couple, the priest took a silver goblet encrusted with blue jewels and turned to the couple, first bringing it to Loaki’s lips and second bringing it to Sebeen’s. Feeling the blood of the dier run down her throat, Sebeen felt herself retch, but as she closed her eyes, she felt the princes grasp tighten and forced open her eyes, keeping her gaze locked upon his, his own lips stained red. “Ee onir lu ere God Heiden (In honour of thy God Heiden).” The priest handed the goblet back to the seerer and turned to the couple and with his index finger, pressed the blood of the dier to the centre of their foreheads before nodding to Loaki.

“Er ga tu tha mein and; tu ude nor thra ere hath wuld un la sathanor (I give to thee my hands; to guide you through this world and the next),” he said quietly, his fair eyelashes fluttering wildly as he tried to keep his gaze upon Sebeen. “Er ga tu tha mein pias; mar a cartha tu lo sorisha luuv (I give to thee my lips; as a sign of my eternal love).” His gaze quickly turned away from Sebeen, beholden upon another before turning back to Sebeen. Sadness within his eyes, he leaned forward and kissed her lips lightly. “Er ga tu tha mein gul; hodad nor kall eva woun (I give to thee my gold; that you shall never want).” Taking from the priest a ring of gold, Loaki unclasped his hand from Sebeen’s and did away with the cloth, placing the golden band upon her left index finger. “Er ga tu tha ere mein blada; hodad nor kall lom mana suns (I give to thee my blade; that you shall bare many sons).” The High King Ballour came to stand before the couple, and held out a blade of the finest silver, its helm encrusted with an amber jewel. Taking the blade from his father, Loaki gave it to Sebeen, who took the blade and kissed the metal before handing it to High King, who stepped away. Sebeen gulped as Loaki once more clasped her hands.

“Er ga tu tha mein and; tu ude nor thra ere hath wuld un la sathanor (I give to thee my hands; to guide you through this world and the next),” she said softly as strands of her brown hair whirled about in the silent air, the great flames of the beacons dancing upon her betrotheds handsome face. As she looked into his eyes she pledged herself to him despite his non-existent love for her. “Er ga tu tha mein pias; mar a cartha tu lo sorisha luuv (I give to thee my lips; as a sign of my eternal love).” Stepping forward, she leaned into Loaki, her eyes unblinking and kissed his lips. “Er ga tu tha mein gul; hodad nor kall eva woun (I give to thee my gold; that you shall never want).” Turning to the priest, Sebeen took from him a golden band and turned to Loaki, who held out his left hand. With a little force, Sebeen placed the band upon his index finger and felt herself blush under his gaze. “Er nere span tha ere mein clara na ga ere isha tu tha ee onir tu ar ushla (I take from thee thy sword and give it back to thee in honour of our union).” Sebeen turned to the High King and took from him Loaki’s blade and handed it to him, watching him intensely as he kissed the helm. Lifting his face to her, he smiled as he handed his blade back to his father. The priest took the couple and turned them in the direction of the North.

“Tu la Nath, Er laither untu la Gods hath beinnaith ushla (To the North, I present unto the Gods this blessed union),” he proclaimed loudly before turning the couple about so that they faced the South. “Tu la Suth, Er laither untu la Gods hath beinnaith ushla (To the South, I present unto the Gods this blessed union).” Again he turned the coupled so that they faced the East. “Tu la Eeth, Er laither untu la Gods hath beinnaith ushal (To the East, I present unto the Gods this blessed union).” Again he turned the coupled so that they faced the West. “Tu la Weth, Er laither untu la Gods hath beinnaith ushal (To the West, I present unto the Gods this blessed union).”

Sebeen smiled broadly to the cheering crowd in front of her, and sought her brother’s face for comfort. With open arms he came to her and embraced her warmly.

“Now you may steady your beating heart and be merry,” he whispered into her ears, his eyes upon Loaki.

“I may drink laman?” Sebeen quizzed as she felt Loaki’s hand unclasp from her own.

“You are a woman now sister, you may drink till the sun rises as long as your betrothed allows it,” Ada returned as he took Loaki into an embrace.

“She may do as she pleases, I trust her not to embarrass herself like most of the young ladies of court,” Loaki said with a smile in Sebeen’s direction. The merry crowd seemed to tear them apart, but with one last look, she called out to the prince.

“I shall see you soon?”

“Pardon?” he cried out as a group of men took him into a merry embrace. Sebeen tried to call out after the prince but found herself lost between a heavy crowd of female courtiers who all wished to take her in, their eyes upon her gown and ring. After what seemed an age, Sebeen made her way out of the now laman inspired courtiers and up the palace steps and into the great hall, where a great hog roast was on fire. Her head a little sore, she stole away to the edge of the hall and found a log stool in which to sit.

“Lady Sebeen, may I offer you my hearty congratulations,” came a soft and ethereal voice. Sebeen looked away from the dancing men and women and found her eyes resting upon Lady Murtha who sat down beside her. “You looked as scared as a new born when you ascended the palace steps.”

“I was my lady,” Sebeen returned with a furious flush. “The night…it seems so very…”

“Grand?” Murtha smiled as she placed a hand over Sebeen in a sisterly fashion.

“Overwhelming and a little dramatic, considering the couple at hand barely know each other,” Sebeen said truthfully, feeling she could openly speak with the Lady.

“You have the rest of your lives in which to get to know each other,” Murtha said kindly as she brought forth a small parcel from her pocket. “I have something for you,” she said as she handed Sebeen the small parcel which was wrapped in a sheet of brown paper.

“A present? For me?” Sebeen smiled with delight. “Rarely do I receive gifts.”

“It is from my hometown of Tavan, you know of it yes?”

“Oh yes, it is a great town buried within the great caves of Dunaley,” Sebeen said with wonder as she opened the gift. “It is said that the light within the caves is as pure as the sun.”

“It is true,” Lady Murtha said kindly as Sebeen opened the velvet box. Sebeen felt her eyes widen as she gazed down at the small necklace. Upon the fine silver chain was a circular pendant, which had inside of it what looked to be a feather. “It is the feather of a Tivler, our native bird. You spoke of it the first time we met, do you remember?”

“Of course I remember,” Sebeen said with overwhelming joy as she lifted the pendant before her eyes. “How beautiful and sacred!”

“It was my mother’s before she died, she gave to me two such necklaces and seeing as though we both are to be sisters, I thought it only right to give you the other,” Lady Murtha said as she brought forth her own pendant.

“It is too much my Lady,” Sebeen gushed. “This belonged to your loving mother.”

“She would be glad to know that you have been the receiver of the second necklace,” Murtha said with a nod. “Now come, put it on.” Sebeen quickly put the necklace about her neck and let it fall over her heart. With round brown eyes, she looked into Murtha’s green eyes.

“I am so very glad to have a sister, how long I wished for one,” she whispered with tears in her eyes. Murtha once more clasped her hands.

“Why do you sit by your lonesome on such a night?”

“I hate dancing and laman doesn’t seem to agree with my stomach and head,” Sebeen said with a serious gaze. “And my dress bearers have lost interest in me.”

“One can be among a dozen people and still find themselves alone,” Murtha said with an agonising gaze as her eyes filtered through the dancing throng.

“Never have words been so true,” Sebeen said with a sigh.

“Well then we shall keep one another company, if you would like?”

“I couldn’t think of a nicer way to spend my evening,” Sebeen said with grace. “But what shall we do?”

“We shall feast on the pig and speak of our interests, I am sure that will take up a few hours space,” Lady Murtha said as she got to her feet, stretching out her hand to Sebeen.

“Oh I almost forgot, I must meet a certain someone in an hour,” Sebeen said as she lowered her gaze.

“I am glad you reminded me, for I have must be somewhere in an hour too,” Lady Murtha said with a laugh.

“Truly? How strange,” Sebeen returned as they made their way through the crowd.

“Well let us feast and talk for an hour, then we can part with smiles on our faces,” Lady Murtha said as she linked her arm through Sebeen’s.

*

The palace gardens were quiet but for a few stray couples, who hid among the trees in amorous positions. The air was cold and the starry night sky was now clouded with the smell of rain upon the air. Lifting up her dress, Sebeen made her way through the gardens and towards the sacred bridge, her heart a flutter and her hands shaking slightly. She had day dreamed about the conversation in which she would have with her betrothed alone for the first time, would he remember her at his mother’s funeral? Would he find her to of interest? Taking a deep breathe she turned off the path and saw in the near distance the small bridge which stood over a small forked river. A few beacons were lit and she found it isolated. With bated breath she came to the small bridge and stopped in the middle, scanning the area with her eyes. Quickly she took the letter from her sleeve and opened it before her, reading the instructions once more.

“Sebeen?” a familiar voice called out. Sebeen turned her eyes and frowned deeply.

“Lady Murtha?” she said under her breathe as Murtha walked across the bridge to join her.

“I’m confused, I came here to meet…” Lady Murtha said before closing her mouth as she looked down at the letter within Sebeen’s hand. Quietly she took from her pocket a piece of parchment about the same size and looked up at Sebeen. “May I be as bold as to enquire as to whether you are here on invitation by the Prince?”

“Ye…yes,” Sebeen said with guilty eyes.

“It is alright child, I think we have been played for fools,” Murtha said with a serious gaze. As they looked at one another, Sebeen noticed a figure come forth from the shadows.

“Lady Eithne?” she said with a confused gaze. Lady Eithne came quietly, her flashing eyes upon the women, her face hidden beneath a cloak.

“How sad,” she said aloud as she walked upon the bridge and came to stand before Sebeen and Murtha, Murtha taking Sebeen’s hand in her own. “Two women duped by the same man…”

“Eithne, what are you talking about? Did you send us these letters?” Sebeen enquired, her blood turning cold as she saw the hatred within her friends eyes.

“At first I cried to my father, I said no! How could I!” Lady Eithne said with a wave of her hand as she encircled the women. “I become the Princess of Fiar? How was it possible?” she said with her eyes on Sebeen. “And then he whispered into my ear like so…” she leaned into Sebeen. “You must take it from them,” she whispered. Sebeen felt a chill run through her as the tip of a long knife edged into her back. “And I thought to myself, why not? Why not take it from her? What does she have that I don’t? Beauty? Intelligence?” Murtha turned to Eithne.

“Lady Eithne, you do not know what it is your about to do,” she said calmly. “Sebeen means you no harm.”

“And then my father told me,” Eithne looked at Murtha. “You must kill them both.”

“I don’t understand,” Sebeen said, her back arched against Eithne. “We are friends are we not?”

“Friends?” Eithne laughed loudly. “Why would I want to lower myself to being your friend? You are nothing to me and if you die, the world wouldn’t blink an eyelid.”

“I cannot help being betrothed to Loaki, it was not my decision,” Sebeen pleaded. “It was never my decision.”

“I don’t care for your pleas,” Eithne said darkly. “It is too late now, you have lost, friend.” Sebeen looked into Murtha’s eyes, and felt a tear fall upon her cheek.

“Please,” she cried out, her breathe dancing before her in the air as droplets of rain began to fall. “Please, take my life but do not take hers…”

“How very touching…take your life?” Eithne laughed as the tip of the knife stole away from her back and Eithne’s hands came to Sebeen’s side. “Oh I won’t be taking your life…no that is too easy don’t you think?”

“What do you mean?” Sebeen said with a gulp. Behind Lady Murtha a hooded figure appeared. As quickly as the wind turned she was held captive by the faceless captor. “Let her go!” Sebeen cried out as the captor forced Lady Murtha to stand before Sebeen.

“Sebeen listen to me,” Murtha stuttered, her eyes shimmering with tears. “I do not blame you for what is to happen. Promise me that you will find my father and brother and tell them the truth…they will believe you.”

“I don’t think so,” Eithne smiled, her smile burning a hole inside Sebeen’s mind, as she forced her dagger into Sebeen’s right hand.

“No!” Sebeen said loudly as she tried to fight off Eithne, the rain beginning to fall heavily.

“Why do you I need to kill you, when the King himself will have you executed,” Eithne said as she forced Sebeen’s hand into the air before her. “No one will believe you then.”

“Murtha!” Sebeen whispered, her heart thudding so deeply that she thought she would starve of oxygen.

“It’s okay Sebeen, its okay,” Murtha whispered softly as she struggled against her captor. “Their hatred cannot rupture our love and friendship, even if I die.”

Sebeen lifted her face to the sky.

“Help! Someone help!” she cried out. Quickly a gloved hand covered her mouth and she tried to bite down upon it. It was of no avail, for as surely as the hand clapped over her mouth, she felt the blade pierce Murtha’s side and felt her legs give way. Eithne quickly released the blade and again thrust it into Murtha’s body. Sebeen, her eyes wide with shock held Murtha’s gaze as she fell back into the arms of her captor, struggling for breathe. And then it ended, with a swift kick to her knees, Eithne threw Sebeen down upon the ground with the dagger in her hand and alongside the elusive captor fled from the scene. Lifting herself up onto her knees and hands, Sebeen crawled over to Murtha, who lay upon the ground, her hand to her side, a deep red puddle of blood forming about her left hand side. Dropping the blade onto the mud, Sebeen lifted Murtha’s head up into her lap and looked down into her closing eyes, her breathing scarce and deep. Murtha’s right hand found Sebeen’s face as the rain poured down upon them with misery.

“Take…take my necklace and give it to my father,” she stuttered as blood curdled from her mouth. “I…I’m sorry I took him from you…”

“No,” Sebeen cried. “You have nothing to be sorry for…it is I that has taken your life and it is I that has taken his.”

“No,” Murtha said in between breathes. “He will forgive you as I have. You must flee before the soldiers get here…”

“I cannot and will not leave you,” Sebeen said as the sounds of rushing feet could be heard.

“As much as I admire your courage you need to go or your life will be ended and there will be no justice,” Murtha said with a smile.

“My life is already ended this night,” Sebeen said quietly as the soldiers came into view, the prince close behind alongside Lord Ada.

“Loaki…” Murtha cried out as blood flowed from her mouth and ran down her neck. She turned her eyes from Sebeen and gazed up into the night sky. Sebeen quickly unclasped Murtha’s necklace and thrust it into her gown before looking up at the soldiers, who stood still upon the grass. Her eyes filled with tears, Sebeen saw the figure of Loaki and lowered her head in grief.

“Murtha…” Loaki cried out as he ran towards her and fell upon the ground. “No! No!” he whispered as he threw Sebeen away from her lifeless body and brought her to his own, his lips fervently kissing her face. “What have you done to her?” he cried out as he raised his blue eyes to Sebeen.

“You must believe me, I didn’t do this,” Sebeen said quickly, her blood stained hands before Loaki. Loaki looked to the ground to where the bloodied knife lay and looked up at his soldiers.

“Arrest this woman and have her put in the cells!” he yelled loudly as Lord Ada ran across the bridge, his face traumatised and shocked.

“You must believe me, I did not do this!” Sebeen cried out as the soldiers took her by the arms.

“Sebeen! What have you done?” Lord Ada said with rage in his brown eyes as he ran his fingers through his hair.

“It wasn’t me!” Sebeen said loudly as she was dragged away from the bridge. “I swear it brother, it was not me!” Sebeen yelled as her body was pulled away. Her chest tight, she looked upon her betrothed as he cried over his love, Ada close to his side.




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