“Who are you to judge the life I live?

I know I'm not perfect

-and I don't live to be-

but before you start pointing fingers...

make sure your hands are clean!”

― Bob Marley

“If you look for perfection, you'll never be content.”

― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

Cassandra Longster sighed slowly in both exhaustion and frustration. There she was standing, her back to the wall in the great halls of the High Lords of the Hinterlands. She was hand-picked by the Council of Magic of Fellcrest to accompany the dignitaries, to a trade negotiation with the Felltross. At first, Cassandra was excited. She thought if she could do well, assist with the negotiations somehow. That finally, finally the Council and the Academy would recognize her worth. They would see, even though she is of common stock, she has the talent and the intelligence to become a true asset to Fellcrest. But no, that was not the case. She was not offered a position on the negotiating team, hell, she was not offered a position of bodyguard. Instead, the Council chose fit to offer her the position of servant to one of the council member’s son. She is to serve Lord Bernard’s son, Sigmund Bernard. The eldest of Lord Bernard’s children and the most spoiled and entitled of the bunch.

Ever since Cassandra refused his advances, Sigmund Bernard has made it his mission to make her life a living hell. And now she was here in the great halls of the Felltross, a glorified servant. Hell, not even glorified. She had to wait on the bastard hand and foot. Of course, Cassandra could have refused the assignment. But if she did, she would never have been offered another and she could not afford that. Having recently graduated from the Academy as a full-fledged witch, she needed the work and the experience. If anything, it would look good on her resume. But is it really worth it? Cassandra asked herself that question for the one thousandth time. Sigmund wasted no time in putting her to work. He thought of the most childish things for her to do, and she could not protest her treatment. The Bernard family was ancient, noble, and powerful. They would blacklist her if she got out of line.

Cassandra thought she would have a better time once they arrived at the Hinterlands. She had heard so many stories of the Felltross. How beautiful their alien features are, and how they strive for perfection in art, music, and war. When she got to the Hinterlands, she found out that the Felltross were indeed beautiful, that they were indeed striving for perfection in art, music, and war. What no one tells you is that the Felltross are obsessed with perfection in all things. Every part of the body must be perfect, you home must be perfect, the way you dance must be perfect, and even the way you bathe must be perfect. Another thing they do not tell you is that the Felltross are bigots, racists, prejudice, and judgmental bastards.

The moment the Felltross took one look at Cassandra, they deemed her to be imperfect which she agreed. No one can be truly perfect in this world. The way Cassandra saw it, perfection was something to strive for but could never realistically be achieved. You can come close, but not all the way. However, the Felltross did not agree with her point of view. They saw her face and saw that her upper lip was a bit smaller than her lower lip. Her nose was a bit too small, and her eyes were mismatch which they found very offensive for reasons Cassandra could not fathom. They saw her right eye which was brown and her left eye which was green and snarled at her. Actually, snarled at her, Cassandra was ready to cast a spell if things looked like they would become violent. Luckily, the Felltross restrained themselves. Then it was her hair and height. Cassandra’s hair was long and mismatched. There were blonde, brown, and black coloring that made up the complexion of her hair. And her height was nothing to sneeze at, but Cassandra consider five feet and four inches to be a comfortable height.

The Felltross threatened to cancel the trade negotiations because of Cassandra’s imperfections. Which she found to be ridiculous but reframed from saying so out loud. Lord Richard Lancaster, the ambassador and leader of the team, managed to calm things down, and convinced the Felltross that Cassandra was not part of the negotiating team. She was a servant to be largely ignored, and the Felltross accepted that. Since then, the Felltross have not spoken to Cassandra. None of them even looked at her, she was ignored as if she was nothing. Not a person with feelings, or anything. At first, Cassandra thought it was the leaders who thought and behaved this way. Boy was she wrong, every Felltross she met looked at her with disdain before completely ignoring her. To make matters worse, she was chewed out by the ambassador and his assistants. Blaming her for almost costing them this lucrative trade deal. As if she could be blamed for how she looked or the way she was born.

Cassandra did not see herself as imperfect, she was satisfied with herself. She may not be the most beautiful woman in all the world, but she though herself pretty enough. After all, she did not have any difficulties in finding male companionship. But her time here in the Hinterlands was a nightmare she prayed would end soon. Her prayers were not answered, the trade negotiations instead of taking days or maybe a week took months to accomplish. The Felltross wanted every minor detail of the trade agreement to be perfect. By this time, Cassandra was sick and tired of their idea of perfection. In the Hinterlands she was in their greatest city named with no surprise Perfecto. Cassandra was surrounded by perhaps a million Felltross, but she has never felt so alone even in Fellcrest. No one would speak with her, not even anyone from the negotiation team. Except to issue her orders and send her out to run errands which was equally hard, since no Felltross would look at her let alone speak with her.

But finally, the negotiations were completed. So, here she was in the great hall standing while the Felltross and the negotiating team sat at long tables and ate fine foods and drank expensive wine. Cassandra was not offered a seat or given anything to eat, because she was a mere servant. At that moment, Cassandra felt bitterness settle in her heart. For years, she has studied and strive to earn the respect of the nobles. Who are at this moment, sitting down and dining with their Felltross hosts. She thought that by graduating from the Academy, The Council would recognize her worth. Cassandra sighed, and saw that it was a pipe dream. The noble magical families would never accept her as one of their own. She would always be nothing more than a commoner in their eyes. It did not matter how intelligent she is or how capable she can be.

She stared at the back of Sigmund Bernard’s seated form, as he engaged a beautiful Felltross woman in conversation. Cassandra knew what he was trying to do, the young man was trying to charm his way into her bed. But the Felltross woman was having none of it, she saw right through Sigmund, but she was being polite. Laughing at his jokes and smoothly brushing his suggestions and advances aside. The only pleasure Cassandra could take from this, is knowing that Sigmund cannot cause trouble for the woman like he has done to her. That’s it, as soon as I get back home. I’m leaving Fellcrest. I have had enough of this nonsense. She made the decision then and there, she would leave the home of her birth and seek out her future in the wider world. Cassandra just knew that she would become a bitter lonely and anger person if she stayed in Fellcrest. She would leave the nobles and their games, she would find her own place where she can be happy and appreciated.

Suddenly, the harp music that was playing in the background went silent. As the Felltross and their guests looked around wondering why the music was cut off so suddenly. Cassandra who was standing and saw why, a Felltross Pegasus rider in uniform leather of white and gold approached the High Lords table at a rapid pace. As soon as the rider was ten feet exactly, he went to one knee.

“What is this!?”

Thundered Lord Landor Carlrisen, the head of House Carlrisen and the most senior of the High Lords.

“Why have you interrupted this celebration of the signing of the trade agreement with our guests from Fellcrest!?”

The Lord demanded, and his face said it had better be good or the rider would regret interrupting their celebration.

“Forgive my impertinence High Lords, but I bring an urgent message from our outpost in the Shattered Lands.”

“What message could be so important from that accursed place?”

Lady Monet Zulon, head of House Zulon demanded in disdain. Cassandra had heard and read all about the home of the Arcadians and the Shattered Lands. The region was conquered by the Romantians three centuries ago, and now the Arcadians work for the Holy Church of Romanto. A condition of their surrender, it was either servitude or annihilation. Cassandra did not blame the Arcadians for seeking survival over death. Cassandra focused on the words of the rider, she wanted to hear what he had to say.

“Three days ago, my Lords and Ladies, three scouts witnessed something unimaginable. Arcadians diving from the sky, hunting animals on the ground.”

“I assure you rider, Arcadians cannot fly.”

Lord Carlrisen stated with evident confidence in his knowledge.

“The Arcadians are imperfect dogs, with no teeth. They are servants of the Romantian church.”

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Many of the guests and High Lords agreed with Landor’s statement, but the rider said.

“They do fly my Lord if they have demon saber cats for mounts.”

Utter silence entered the great hall at these words, the Felltross look of shock was comical to Cassandra. But she could sense that the atmosphere had turned serious, so, she kept her behavior under control and listened.

“You mean saber cats, the preferred mounts of those barbarians?”

Another High Lord who Cassandra did not know the name of asked, hoping for a yes.

“No, my Lord, it is as I said. The Arcadian rode on demon saber cats, and they were accompanied by Harkuns.”

If the shock on their faces was funny to Cassandra, the fear that they showed next was frightening. The blood literally left their golden faces which turned into a light yellowish color.

“This cannot be.”

Lord Carlrisen wanted to deny the rider’s words, but the rider continued.

“The scouts watched as thirty Arcadians with thirty demon saber cats and thirty Harkuns gathered their kills and opened a portal into the Nether Realm. They loaded their kills and carried them through the portal which closed behind them. The scouts sent one of their numbers back to the outpost to report what they had seen. I was sent soon after, as we speak two of the scouts have gone further into the Shattered Lands to see what the Arcadians are doing.”

Lord Carlrisen sat back in his chair looking dazed, and in disbelief. For a long time, the Felltross did not move or say anything. Finally, Lord Richard Lancaster asked.

“Who are these Harkuns, and what are demon saber cats? I assume they are saber cats, but of the demonic kind.”

It was Lady Zulon who answered the question, but her voice still had a trace of disbelief in it.

“The Harkuns and demon saber cats are the accursed demonic minions of the Prime Evil. They serve or should I say served Olana, the Mistress of the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm.”

“But Olana was slain long ago, she cannot have returned.”

Another one of the High Lords protested.

“Yes, that is true.”

Lord Carlrisen confirmed and continued.

“Five thousand years ago, the Romantian God of Justice and Order with the help of the Highends. The gods of the Felltross, and the Cranous. The gods of the Drags joined forces and stormed the gates of hell. They laid sieged to the Crystal Pyramid itself, until Olana met them on the field of battle. You have to understand, Olana was unlike any devil or demon in the Nether Realm. She had the power to challenge the heavens themselves. Even with the combined might of three pantheons, Olana’s power was just too great. Finally, three of the most powerful of the gods from each pantheon faced Olana on the barren wastelands of the Nether Realm. Sawt the Felltross God of War lead Drogo the Drag God of Might, and Romanto God of Justice against Olana herself. According to the records, the battle between the Devil Queen and the gods was long and brutal. Olana proved more than a match for the three gods, nearly slaying them on several occasions. The gods worked together as a team to fight Olana, in the end, it was Sawt who gave Romanto the opportunity to strike Olana down. Romanto with his holy sword Everblade, put an end to the Prime Evil. He stabbed her through the heart, and she died. Slain by the God of Justice with the help of the God of War and the God of Might.”

“That was a joyous day for the forces of good.”

Lady Zulon cut in.

“With Olana gone, her empire shattered, and her minions were without leadership. The forces of good slayed and subdued her servants, the reign of the Devil Queen had ended. Without Olana, the Harkuns and demon saber cats could no longer enter our world.”

“But if they have returned to this realm, does that not mean Olana herself has returned to her Crystal Pyramid?”

Another High Lord asked.

“I will not believe it.”

Lord Carlrisen snapped.

“I will not believe that the Devil Queen has returned, not until I see her with my own two eyes. In any case, the more immediate threat are the Harkuns. Messages will be sent to every kingdom, empire, country, and nation on Avalon. All must be made aware of the threat, we must discover what is going on in the Shattered Lands.”

Later on, that night, in her room Cassandra thought about the aftermath of the rider’s message. The Felltross could no longer enjoy the wine, food, and music. They became agitated and fearful, emotions that are not normally associated with the Felltross. Olana must be something if she can cause even the Felltross to express such emotions. Cassandra thought as she laid there in her bunk bed which was small. It would have been a problem if she was taller, but at five feet and four inches. The bunk was perfect for her.

“Pardon me, I don’t believe I heard you correctly?”

It was early morning now, the sun was just peaking over the mountains. Cassandra was still in her bed when she was summoned to the ambassador’s state room. When Cassandra was finally allowed to enter the ambassador’s presence, after waiting for half an hour. She was not surprised to see Sigmund sitting by the ambassador’s side. There were a few attendants and assistants in the room, and then as soon as Lord Lancaster laid eyes on Cassandra. He said the words that she could not believe him saying. Now, Lord Lancaster looked annoyed at having to repeat himself. But it was Sigmund Bernard who spoke first.

“Are you brainless or deaf, I believe the ambassador was clear on his instructions. The High Lords have decided to send and expeditionary force to the Shattered Lands. In five days, the forces of the Felltross will march to the Great Pyramid of Avalon, if the Arcadians are indeed summoning these Harkuns and demon saber cats. Then the Felltross will take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of the world from these hellspawns. You will accompany the expeditionary force as an observer for Fellcrest, you will record the actions of all you see and report back to the Council of Magic.”

Cassandra looked at Sigmund as if he was speaking in a different language, she shook her head saying.

“I do not have the experience nor the inclination to attach myself to an army of Felltross who will hate my presence since I am imperfect. Besides, I am unqualified to be an observer. It would be best to have someone more experience to accompany the expeditionary force.”

“You are unqualified for many things, alas, we have no time to get an experience observer here in time to go with the Felltross army.”

Sigmund snapped back, and Cassandra was about to retort when Lord Lancaster held up a hand to forestall her words. She obeyed and remained silent and waited.

“I understand your concerns.”

Lord Lancaster began with a measured tone.

“But we have no time, it took us weeks to arrive in the Hinterlands and days to reach Perfecto. Even if teleportation magic is used, that spell has limits in time and distance. It would still take days longer than the Felltross muster for an observer to arrive. Therefore, you are the better choice. These Harkuns and this Olana concerns the Felltross, and I believe they should concern Fellcrest as well. We need to learn more.”

Cassandra thought quickly, something was wrong here. Why would they send someone inexperience as an observer, what is the real reason?

“The Felltross will not tolerate my presence among them, they hate me. I fear that my safety will not be guaranteed with Fellcrest’s new trading partner.”

There, she said it. The one fact they could not deny. But both Lord Lancaster and Sigmund smiled, and Cassandra felt her stomach drop.

“I am well aware of how the Felltross…view you.”

Lord Lancaster said as he took out a parchment from underneath the other parchments on his desk and held it out to Cassandra.

“Believe me when I say you do not have to worry. Everything has been taken care of.”

Cassandra slowly took the folded parchment from the ambassador, she did not want to, but she had no choice. Unfolding the parchment, she read the orders issued by the Council of Magic.

To: Cassandra Longster

Orders issued by: The Council of Magic

Cassandra Longster is hereby ordered by the Council of Magic to accompany the Felltross Expeditionary Force to the Shattered Lands as an observer. Cassandra Longster is to watch, listen, and record all within her scope. Then, when the mission of the Felltross is complete, Cassandra Longster will report back to the Council of Magic. There will be no deviation from these orders for any reason, no personal interpretation of these lawful commands. These orders will be carried out, if Cassandra Longster is unable or refuses to follow these instructions. Cassandra Longster will be prosecuted to the full extent of the laws of Fellcrest.

Sincerely

Gerard Boyle, Chancellor Wizard of the Council of Magic.

Cassandra read the orders several more times before looking up to see Lord Lancaster and Sigmund looking at her like hungry wolves. They wanted her to refuse, to say no. Only then can they truly destroy her. At last, Cassandra understood what was going on. The noble magical families of Fellcrest are so indignant at having a commoner, the only commoner to graduate from their prestigious Academy. They are willing to send Cassandra to her death, if the Felltross did not kill her for some imagined slight. Then, the Arcadians would do the job in some battle. Or these Harkun demons and their pets would rend her limb from limb. They want me dead, they want me gone. As she thought the words, she knew them to be true. Cassandra gave both men a slight smile and said.

“Well then, I think I will gather supplies. I doubt the Felltross will be so accommodating.”

………………………………..

Three minutes later, Cassandra left the state room. Sigmund glared at the closed door.

“We will finally be rid of that common slut.”

“Not yet young Bernard, not yet. I do have it on good authority that our Felltross friends will make sure Ms. Longster does not…return from the expedition.”

Sigmund sat down in a chair and crossed his legs saying with disgust.

“I will never understand why the former Headmaster of the Academy allowed a commoner to attend. How could he let that bitch study with her betters, I don’t care how talented or skilled she is. Longster is of common stock, her parents were farmers for the gods’ sake.”

Lord Lancaster smiled indulgently.

“The Headmaster was trying to find new blood for Fellcrest. We have been seeing fewer and fewer children born of noble families with little or no magical potential. On the flip side of that coin, more and more commoner children are being born with large amounts of magical talent. Cassandra is the first commoner to attend and graduate from the Academy. Unfortunately, she shall not be the last.”

“Then we should get rid of those commoner scums too.”

Sigmund said, but Lord Lancaster shook his head.

“I’m afraid that may not be feasible my young friend. As I have said before, the children of noble families are born with little to no magical talent. If this trend continues, the Council of Magic may have no choice but to allow more and more commoners with magic into the Academy. In time, commoners may be allowed to marry into noble families for new blood and to revitalize the families’ magical lineage.”

Sigmund made a face at that, he did not like the idea of polluting the noble bloodlines of the families with common stock. Hopefully, I won’t have to deal with such things in my lifetime. Little did Sigmund know, his life was about to go through a lot of changes.