An eternity passed. The young girl, Ravina was able to regain what little composure she had. Still, she lay on the stone floor, shivering from both the cold, and the thoughts that circled her mind. She was stabbed. Ravina as well. They both were. However, for some reason, she was alive as Ravina. Some connection between the two might have allowed it. Thought she couldn't know. All she did know was that it was magic.

Magic, what a convenient excuse. She didn't remember much, but the surgery must have failed. Yet she found herself very much alive. It was magic. Magic that had healed this body and saved her soul. Without it she would be dead, she knew that but still felt so miserable. What happened to her? She knew about Ravina. Although the exact circumstances of how Ravina got stabbed were blurry. However, she knew the girl had misplaced her trust in someone and was…

That poor girl.

Eventually, she lifted herself off the floor. Crying one’s self to sleep wasn't dignified but it was effective. Her limbs were a little sore, sure but the body was resilient. It was her situation that required attention. Wrapping herself up in the blanket she sat on the bed. That nurse from earlier, the knight… he wasn't a part of the old man's group. In fact, if it wasn't for him she was sure they would be killed. Lying on the bed she hid under the blanket, the warmth of it was already better than the cold air.

This world was both new and known to her. Ravina lived in it all her life but had never left her village. Of course, the promise of magic and wonder would be the perfect bait for her. Thanks to the knights she was saved but how long would that last? Would they allow her to be on her merry way or find something to use her for? Without them what would she do?

Were they even knights? For one thing, she only ever saw the one, and he seemed interested in her for some reason. It could go either way… for now she chose to view it as grace. Unsure if she would be able to survive on her own she could only pray they would be kind to her. In fact, they had to be. They had already provided her this separate room. Why go that far if they had ill will? Besides, its not like she could do much else.

She was able to be warm now. It was amazing what a bit of heat could do for the mind. Calmed enough she would have drifted back to sleep if not for the twist in her belly. She recognized the all too familiar sensation. Between comfort and hunger, comfort would always win but this time she couldn't just stay in bed.

Mustering up some courage, she rose from her bed. Wapping the blanket around her she made her way to the entrance of the tent. A shadow pulling at her heart. Her steps turned softer as she slowly made her way over. It was as if she was trying to sneak up on it while her heart drummed out in her ear. She swallowed when she arrived, taking a steady breath, she held it as she pulled back the flap.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Her gasp brought the attention of the knight. He stood, a silent sentry guarding her tent. He turned to look at her, catching the flap as it fell. There was something different about this one. His eyes, visible through the helmet only by a small slit, allowed her to see the small reflection of fire inside them but somehow she knew they were the wrong color.

“Young lady,” His voice was slightly muffled but came out clear. His words shook her, causing her already beating heart to quicken. “You really shouldn't be up and about.” he cautioned.

It took a moment for their meaning to sink in and she realized with a soft, “oh.” that he had spoken from a place of worry. She relaxed the tension she didn't know she had.

Seeing her unmoving the knight shifted, his head tilting slightly. “Do you need anything?” he asked. It sounded worried. It had to be worry?

With a calming, deep breath Ravina was able to answer him. “Um, I…well…” or at least try to. She faltered when she attempted to speak. An ability as common as breathing but was difficult right now. She couldn't find the words.

“Please don't hesitate to ask.” he encouraged her.

“Ahh…” she didn't know why she was having such difficulty. For some reason it was easier to talk to the floor than the tall man before her. She swallowed back the lump in her throat and almost whispered “Food.” she pulled the blanket around her tighter.

"Ah, of course. I'll send for something immediately. please lay back down. The operation is still going on.” he said before allowing the tent flap to fall shut with a gentle rustle.

"Okay," she murmured to the empty room, her voice barely rising above a whisper. "That was strange. Have I always been this awkward with people?" She didn't think she was, but then again she couldn't really remember the details clearly. Shaking the thought from her head she turned her attention to the knight’s fading footsteps.

The sharp click of metal on stone faded. She didn't know if she was alone, but she knew she was curious about what lay beyond. With a small breath she slowly pulled the tent flap open once again and when she didn't see anyone around he poked her head outside.

It was a massive underground room. Black stone was delicately carved and set into the wall, ceiling and floors. This oppressive style of stone was made all the more imposing by the red sheen the firelight gave it. The large area was some sort of tent city. Or perhaps, judging by the knights milling about a starting area. He did say that the operation was still going on. This chamber was large enough to fit a small village and the knights seemed to be using it to the fullest.

However in one terrible moment, she recognized where she was. Not an underground room but a tower. Quickly she retreated back inside. Wrapping the blanking around her more securely she moved back to the bed. She forced herself to think about something else, something besides ‘that’ place. Thankful that the knight outside her door was patient and kind. Crawling back in bed she closed her eyes and wondered what the food would be. She hoped it was good, she was tired of cabbage soup.