Something....

Chapter I - Childhood

On a very distant day, in a land called Phonter, a certain solitary man found an infant in the thicket of plants surrounding his hut. This man was just over thirty years old. However, he possessed a vast knowledge not shared by every descendant of the Old Men. He also possessed excellent sword-fighting techniques and other weapons. His name was Xarxes. The infant he found was female. Xarxes was not pleased with the child's discovery and its gender. He was a man who knew nothing about raising children, yet he promised himself he would. The first thing he did was take the child home and name her. He named her Yvett. He also suspected that the girl might be a child with much to say about the fate of the world, but that would only become clear in the distant future.

The girl grew up healthily. She called Xarxes "daddy," even though she knew he wasn't. The man tried to impart as much of his vast knowledge as possible. Yvett was very intelligent and sought to hone her knowledge in a variety of fields. She eagerly learned swordsmanship from her father. It was as if it was in her blood, as she mastered all the dodges, parries, blocks, flinches, and other various combat techniques with incredible ease.

One summer night, the then seventeen-year-old girl decided to talk to Xarxes about her dreams.

"Sometimes I have strange dreams. I dream of a woman very much like me and a man. They were talking, and then an old woman entered the room and, without a word of explanation, took the infant from the cradle and left.

" "Do you dream of anything else...?

" "Yes... I see myself standing in the middle of a vast field, a sword in my hand, stained with blood, and many bodies lay around me. Xarxes, you are a wise man; perhaps you know what this could mean? Perhaps it has something to do with my past and my destiny?"

"I can only guess. Those two people are probably your parents, and the other dream. You might have to check it out for yourself.

" "But how am I supposed to do that...?"

"You have to leave me and set off on a journey. You may meet many enemies along the way, but I also know you'll meet true friends.

" "Okay, so when should I set off?

" "It's up to you, Yvett, and I'll give you everything you need for your journey."

It was getting very late, and they both decided to go to bed. The girl decided before falling asleep that she would begin her journey the next day.

They awoke at dawn. Xarxes gave Yvett the following: a horse, a finely crafted sword with its scabbard, a bag of gold, and something he had found next to the infant seventeen years ago: a medallion on a gold chain. The pendant resembled a star. Giving it to the young traveler, he said it would show her the path to her destiny.

Chapter II – The Journey

Yvett was very despondent over leaving Xarxes, and she suspected she would never see him again. She didn't even notice how quickly she arrived at a town called Haz Fay. It was a small town inhabited mainly by hobbits. Most of the houses were holes, with only a few buildings above ground, including the "Merry Hobbit" inn. She decided to stay there for the night.

When she entered, she noticed not only hobbits but also a cheerful group of dwarves, a group of elves, and a few humans. Yvett's attention was drawn to a young man sitting on the floor next to the fireplace. He had large green eyes and long, raven-black hair tied with a string.

She sat down on a bench a short distance from the fireplace. She was sitting in a perfect spot to observe the stranger. She didn't know why. Perhaps it was because she simply liked him. Yvett didn't notice that the boy was watching her too. The innkeeper approached her, bringing her ale and a roast to start her off. When she turned her gaze to the fireplace, the young man was gone. At that moment, she heard a voice behind her:

"Why are you looking at me so intently? Perhaps you've never seen an elf before?

" "No, that's not it, you've simply piqued my interest. My name is Yvett, and what is your name?

" "My name is Earl. Why is a pretty girl like you traveling alone?

" "How do you know I'm alone on the trail?

" "It's obvious. If you want, I can accompany you; you'll be safer."

"You don't have to worry about my safety, but you can join me; it'll be more comfortable.

" "And where are you going, if I may ask?

" "I don't know yet, I want to find my destiny. Are you going anywhere in particular?

" "No, I don't know where my steps are heading; maybe I'll find out someday, I just had a feeling I had to be here today. I was simply drawn to this place; maybe I was destined to meet you.

" "Perhaps," Yvett sighed, "it's good that we met here, my friend. Tomorrow we set off on our journey."

The next day, they rose at dawn and met in the dining room for breakfast. It was obvious that Yvett hadn't slept well that night. She seemed agitated. The Earl wondered what might have caused this, but was afraid to ask. So they ate their meal in silence. After breakfast, they gathered their saddlebags and went to the stables to saddle their horses and continue their journey. Leaving the town gates, the man dared to start a conversation:

"Could you tell me the reasons for your anxiety?"

"I've had dreams again, terrible dreams, me...sword...blood...lots...lots of blood.

" "Don't think about that, Yvett, think about something pleasant. Don't be afraid, I'm with you now, and you can tell me anything; I'm your ally and a strong support.

" "I'll remember that."

After a few miles, they entered the forest. It was incredibly beautiful, birds were singing, everything was green, and beautifully colored flowers bloomed on the mosses.

However, despite their initial impression, a certain heaviness could be felt in the air. As if the entire area was waiting for something. The road ahead was smooth. Suddenly, they heard the sound of horses' hooves. They knew it was approaching them at a surprisingly fast pace. They could already make out a small speck on the horizon, approaching incredibly quickly. It wasn't one rider, as they had previously assumed, but three. They dismounted and led their horses to the side. They stood in the middle of the road and waited for the three riders. Something inside them told them they would soon have to fight for their lives.

Finally, their opponents arrived. They saw that these were men seasoned in fights where life was at stake. The three men quickly dismounted and began the attack. Earl took on two of the opponents to lighten the load and increase Yvett's chances. He didn't know how she handled a sword. His friend dodged and struck a powerful blow at his opponent, who, after a deft parry, launched a counterattack. He attacked her again, but to no avail, as the girl quickly dodged, throwing him off balance. The girl took advantage of this and chopped off his head. Without a moment's hesitation, Yvett rushed to the Earl's aid. She attacked one of his two opponents. The man charged at her with fury and a thirst for revenge for the death of his comrade-in-arms. Unfortunately, this killed him, as the girl dodged the blow and then slashed him in the stomach. The man fell onto his back, and she put an end to his suffering by plunging her sword into his heart. The Earl also dispatched the opponent.

"Disgusting scum," Yvett said angrily. "Why did they attack us?

" "I don't know, but we can find out by searching their bags."

They quickly checked the few pieces of luggage their opponents had, but unfortunately, they found nothing except a few pieces of gold, which they took. Then they continued on their way.

"If they were the men of someone important, we might be hunted for their killing from now on," Earl said.

"Frankly, I don't care; they attacked us first, and besides, I just want to find out what my dreams mean and find my parents."

Chapter III - The City of Garma

After a few days, they reached one of the larger cities in this land. This city was called Garma. It was inhabited by humans, living primarily from trade and herding, as it was surrounded by beautiful meadows. They stopped at an inn called "The Falcon." No one had the slightest idea why the inn was called that, as there had never been any falcons here.

The friends decided to take a room. They decided this because they still feared for their lives, even though almost three weeks had passed since the incident. First, however, they went down to the common room to eat and drink beer. The downstairs was incredibly noisy. After a while, they learned the reason: a bard was staying at the inn, singing his ballads to the delight of the audience. They told stories of famous knights.

They, too, planned to join the feast after their meal. After dinner, they found a place by the fireplace. Both, perhaps under the influence of the bard's songs, or perhaps the root beer, longed for closeness. The boy embraced Yvett tightly, and she snuggled into his arms. They spent almost the entire night listening to the musician's songs. They managed to doze off for about three, maybe four hours.

In the morning, they decided to stay longer. They rented a room in advance for the next three days and set off for the city to take care of a few matters. Before leaving, Yvett had learned from Xarxes that she could obtain some information about her origins in the city from a local mage. So they separated from the Earl. He took their weapon to the swordsmith to have it sharpened again, as it had chipped during the fight. Yvett, on the other hand, went to the magician. She found his house quickly; all she had to do was ask one of the children running around, and he'd lead the way. She didn't know what she'd ask him, but she decided not to worry. When she reached the door, she hadn't even had time to knock before it opened. She heard a man's voice from behind it.

"Come in, child, I've been waiting for you for a long time, and I don't intend to stay any longer. "

As she entered, the door slammed shut behind her. She saw an orchard before her, branches laden with apples. She knew it was an illusion created by the magician. He decided to ask him what he knew about her.

"Good morning," her voice was soft and apprehensive. "My foster father told me you could tell me something about me."

"Yes, child, I can, and I will tell you everything."

Only then did she notice the old man with the long beard, wearing a voluminous navy blue robe with gold stars. She noticed that he was robust and strong.

"Sit comfortably and listen, I'll tell you everything briefly and concisely, so as not to drag on. So you were born into a royal family, but unfortunately, your parents' joy was short-lived. Your father, the king, was killed in battle. His brother, who loved your mother, succeeded him. He loved her but couldn't bear the fact that she had become involved with your father and given him a child. He truly hated you. He ordered you taken from your mother and abandoned you in some forest, far from the place of your birth. Your mother, however, was a prudent woman. She wrapped the pendant you now wear around your neck in blankets. She knows that if you survived and ever return home, she will recognize you by it. I've been following the court's activities all along. Your mother married your father's brother, but in all these years, she has not borne him any children." Your kingdom has no heir to the throne, and you are the last of your line. It is a five-day journey south. The sooner you depart, the sooner you will fulfill your destiny. That is all I have to tell you, unless you have any questions.

"Yes, I have one. Why hasn't anyone searched for me all these years?

" "Because everyone thinks you're dead.

" "So thank you for everything you told me. Farewell, master."

Yvett immediately went to the inn to meet the Earl, but unfortunately, he hadn't arrived yet. She was tired, so she went to her room to nap for at least a few minutes. Suddenly, a light kiss on the cheek woke her. She sat up abruptly and saw the Earl standing before her, a cheerful smile on his lips.

"And what are you so happy about?" she asked

. "That I suddenly discovered you are the most beautiful woman in this land, and that… that… that"—he began to stammer

. "Will you finally say it?

" "That I love you, Yvett."

This was too much for one day. She ran from the room, then from the inn. It was the first time she'd heard anything like that, and from the boy she treated like a brother. Although, in reality, she thought, he was quite good. She stayed a moment longer in the fresh air and returned to the inn. She saw him sitting, as usual, by the fireplace. She walked slowly up to him and asked,

"Is it true what you said up there?"

"Yes, Yvett, it's absolutely true. I love you like I've never loved anyone before, do you understand?

" "Yes... because I love you too."

The Earl rose from the ground, embraced her, and began kissing her as if they hadn't seen each other in ages and were eager to make up for lost time. Everyone in the inn was looking at them. Here and there, whispers could be heard about how they must be in love. After a long kiss, Yvett had to tell him they couldn't stay. She recounted her entire conversation with the magician, and he agreed that they had to leave at dawn the next morning.

Chapter IV – Final Explanations

They set off early in the morning. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, birds were singing, and everything around them was bustling with life, and they were in love. The Earl sensed the girl's nervousness, but he knew the reason. She knew she could rely on him in every situation.

Nothing had happened to them for those few days. They rode every day from dawn until dark, aiming to reach their destination as quickly as possible. The Earl had a strange feeling that once they got there, they would have to part ways. He also knew that if they did, he wouldn't survive it. A moment later, they saw the walls of the city of Hegam. They reached a gate guarded by two armed men. One of them, probably a senior, approached and began to question them:

"Where are you coming from and how long will you be staying with us?

" "We're coming from Garma, and the length of our stay is up to us."

The gate opened, and before them lay a city as picturesquely beautiful as any they had ever seen. The houses were built of white brick, the roofs were red tile, and every window was lined with flowers of various colors. Every street, even the smallest, was paved. In the center of all these buildings stood a beautiful, enormous castle with soaring spires. A turquoise-yellow flag fluttered from the top of each tower. The castle's windows were large, tall, and, oddly enough, all glazed.

"I know why you're so pretty, it's because you were born here.

" "Oh, shut up, Earl, and don't annoy me even more. "

They reached the castle. There were guards there too, but Yvett knew what to say.

"I want to speak to the queen, I'm her daughter, run to her and give her this as proof." She pulled out her star-shaped medallion and handed it to the guard.

The guard, obedient as a lamb, ran to the queen as quickly as possible. He returned quickly. He opened the gate for them without a word and led them to the queen. They walked quickly through long, well-lit corridors. After a short while, they found themselves in a huge chamber containing only a table and a few chairs. The guard gestured for them to sit down and left. They didn't wait long, through the door the servant had exited, a woman entered, remarkably like Yvett. It was her mother, Simira. She looked exactly like her daughter, only about twenty, maybe twenty-five years older.

"It's really you, daughter. I knew you would survive and return to me. Now you will take the throne. No one has the right to it but you.

" "I know, Mother, and thank you for those kind words. Meet my friend, the Earl. It's thanks to him that I'm here, for he protected me from the cutthroats.

" "So thank you, young friend, and I hope you'll stay here longer.

" "I hope so too, madam, or rather, I'd like to spend my whole life here with Yvett. Will you give me her hand? I truly love her sincerely.

" "Yes, young lady, I agree to your proposal, if my daughter agrees.

" "But of course I do, Mother. Why don't you say anything about your husband, but about my uncle and stepfather?

" "He's dead, daughter, and it's very good that he's dead. He died a few weeks ago while hunting, but he was a terrible tyrant, and it's good that he's dead. And let us rejoice, for the wedding is soon, yours, of course."

Yvett and Earl fell into each other's arms and alternately cried and laughed with joy. The wedding was beautiful, as befits a queen's wedding.

They lived in harmony, and after two years of marriage, their son was born, but that's a whole other story...