Chapter 1: Bran & I

Love is an illusion we create to escape our bad feelings. However, it eventually shatters and leaves us with a broken heart. I can't trust anyone except my raven, Bran. Two years ago, I was taunted by three villagers as I returned home with a deer I had hunted. This was a daily occurrence. The group leader was Kai, and the other two were Victor and Damien, who had bullied me the most since childhood. People in the village heard of my powers and created stories claiming that I had hurt or even killed others with my telekinesis. One day, as Victor tried to push me, Bran flew by and pecked him in the eye, causing him to scream in pain. The others quickly reacted and attempted to attack Bran. Instinctively, I punched Victor, but Damien grabbed me from behind. Bran then pecked the back of Damien's neck, and I hit my head back against his, making him stumble and drop me. By that time, Kai had run away, leaving his friends alone and defenseless. It was then that Bran and I became inseparable. I gave him his name, and he never left my side. I felt grateful to him, as I owed him my life. As I looked at the other two, I pitied them for having a weak leader.

After my parents disappeared, I vowed never to trust another human being. I mostly kept to myself and lived in a cave with Bran. I had no clue where my parents were or if they were even alive. The last time I saw them was when I was six; they took me to the cave where I now live and then disappeared. I haven't left Silvermere in hopes of seeing them again, believing that if they looked for me, they would come here. Unfortunately, children my age would taunt me; once, I became so upset that I wished I could throw rocks. To my shock, the rocks flew up and hit them, causing them to scream and cry. That incident marked the beginning of the rumors about me. But as I continued to live on my own, I realized my telekinesis and moved rocks and trees as a small practice. I knew I wasn't ready to handle more. But I was in awe of my power. I felt a little bit safer, knowing that if I were in grave danger, I could use my power. As an orphan living alone, I was already an outsider to the villagers, and once my powers became known, their judgment intensified.

The king sent guards to summon me, and before I knew it, I was being trained to fight like a soldier. He ordered me to master my powers so that I could serve him in exchange for money. Although I never wanted to leave the kingdom, hoping to see my parents again, the king insisted I go and promised to pay me if I obeyed. Otherwise, I would be hanged for disobedience. I obeyed, and although the payments were small, I would buy what I needed. My first purchase was a blanket, then tools for hunting, and occasionally a new piece of clothing. I only bought what I could afford, and it was never enough for a cottage, which I didn't want anyway. The cave was my home, and nobody in the village liked me. In truth, the cave was my only place of safety.

Today, a knight was sent by the king to collect me and summon me to the castle. Knowing I would have to travel, I packed my pouch with necessities: a blanket, my hunting weapons, and an old light blue dress. Bran rested on my shoulder as I wondered where I would go next. I told Bran to stay quiet, considering the king barely tolerated having animals in the castle.

"Ah, yes, right on time!" Ultarion, the king, said as he clapped his hands. He looked down at me from his throne, with his wife Katherina sitting beside him, her dark blue eyes glaring at me.

"Your highness," I replied, bowing. I hated seeing his dark brown eyes, and bowing was one of the few moments of relief I had. He and his wife were both much older, with long gray hair and wrinkles that showed their age.

"I have another quest for you. It’s a long one."

Aren't they all? I thought to myself as I looked up at him, waiting for him to continue.

"I need you to go to the kingdom of Fortundra."

"The kingdom of many riches?" I asked.

"Yes, there is a war—a war I must prepare my men for," Ultarion replied with a sigh.

He wants me to gather intelligence on the enemy.

"Your task is simple—see what they have," Ultarion continued, standing up and walking slowly toward me.

"And report back to you," I said.

"Yes, I have prepared a map for you. My advisor will give it to you on your way out."

"Is he dangerous? The king?" I asked.

"I believe so; you must stay hidden," Ultarion ordered.