Saphira the Brave

by Rachel Fullmer (Masters of Worlds)

Have you ever had that feeling that you're being watched? Well, it's hard to say, but I know this
feeling all too well. My name is Saphira. I am eighteen years old and live with my guard in the village of Derion
in the kingdom of Niwen. Well, I really can't say kingdom, I really mean empire. For many years, Niwen has
been ruled by Emperor Wentiro and his wife, Empress Kanina, who is a good friend of mine. I rarely had any
trouble with Her Highness as one of my greatest friends...until...something happened.
It was a lovely autumn morning. My eyes fluttered awake from the instant sunlight. I sat up in my
wooden bed and stretched long and hard. It always felt good to stretch. I changed into my black dress,
slipped on my father's black cloak, and put the cold, silver chain of my mother's necklace around my
neck.
I never really knew my parents. It was always in feelings that I knew them. A smile from my father, a hug
from my mother... It was all so hard to picture, that I just felt it.
I walked into the small kitchen. Since my social gathering with the Empress was about to happen, I was
not permitted to eat anything until she came to my home. Because Kanina is very kind to her subjects, she
very often comes early.
I touched the fireplace softly and got a fire started. I reached into the cupboard to find the rabbit that was
dead in the woods. When I set it above the fire to roast, the aroma of the meat overwhelmed me. It was so
peaceful and homey. Part of me wished that my parents would be here with me. They would've liked
Kanina very much.
I set the table and unlocked my door. I stepped out into the open air and saw Eno, right by the door. He
was a middle-aged man of thirty-five. He was very nice. His chainmail glinted in the morning light. His
face was always covered, so as to tell the commoners that the guards don't need eyes to watch you.
I nodded to him. Good morning, Eno.
He nodded. Hello, Saphira.
Those were the only times in the day I ever spoke. It was against the law to associate with someone else
other than the guard that was assigned to you. And you could only speak to your guard every morning and
night. This was the reason so that they know that you are awake and that you are going to turn in for the
night.
However, when the Emperor or Empress was to visit you, you could speak freely (within law boundaries
of course). Part of the law was that we cannot say anything against the rulers or the people who help the
rulers. Because of my loyalty to the Empire, I always listen to the law. The law is one of the most
important parts of my standards.
I heard the knock on my door. I began brushing my blond hair with my fingers and opened the door
slowly. I bowed before the Empress.
Rise, she said, softly.
I stood up and looked into her cold, brown eyes. Her Highness was very beautiful. Her dirty blond hair
hung in curls behind her tall figure. She wore the most beautiful of dresses. This one in particular being a
blue color. On her fingers were many rings with many jewels on each of them. On the top of her head was
a silver diadem in the shape of a hawk with a purple amethyst in the middle of the hawk. This symbolized
that she is the Empress.
I gestured towards my kitchen. Please, sit down Your Highness.
She nodded to me and strutted towards my ebony table. Eno closed the door.
Kanina sat down quietly. The jeweled scabbard around her waist clanked against my ebony chair.
I prepared the meal and set the table. I stood next to her. Permission to sit?
She waved her hand and rolled her eyes. Permission granted.
I sat across from her. I picked up my fork and began to dig into the meat that I had found dead in the
forest. Kanina did the same with her contact still on me.
She set down her fork after a while and smiled at me in a loving way. Tell me, Saphira, why do you
bother going into those dreaded woods?
I stopped with my mouth full. Crap. I thought. She knew I had been taking leisurely strolls in the woods
nearby. I swallowed and stared into her eyes. I...I only go in those woods on walks, never for anything
else.
Kanina sighed. I understand that you need the calm woods, but that is not an excuse to leave
the borders of Niwen.
I shuddered. I-I'm sorry. It won't happen again.
Kanina smiled. It's all right. I know that the pressures of being alone in your dwelling is...unsettling. So
Wentiro gives you his permission to leave the borders and go into the woods. However, you must return
by nightfall. Traces of lapis-lazuli are all over the forest. And you know what happens when you are not
seen and then appear later.
I swallowed. I get executed for avoiding the glare of the wizards.
She nodded and put her hand on my shoulder. Exactly.
I shuddered. It was a great honor to have the Empress appreciate you, much less be your friend. Since the
Empress is one of my closest friends, I can imagine how many people must be jealous of me.
Kanina stood. I am rather tired of this dwelling. I think I shall return home to Vientl. Good-bye, Saphira.
And thank you for the pleasant stay at your dwelling.
I bowed before her. My long blond hair almost touched the floor. Thank you for this wonderful honor,
Your Highness.
Kanina smiled at me and walked out the door. As soon as she was out of earshot, I stood up. I knew the
wizards were watching me, but as long as the Empress was outside of my dwelling I was allowed to stand
up in my own house. The law saying that you cannot rise unless the Empress says so, was changed due to
some people being unable to work or do anything at all.
I slumped against one of my chairs. Kanina was the only friend I ever had in this world. Since I
was never allowed to talk to anyone except my guard, this was a privilege. Well, I guess the only other time I got
to talk was to the storeowner, Halinda. She provided the food rations that we would get for the week. Sometimes
I would go in the woods and get a dead animal, but Halinda was always a better option to go to. Since currency
has also been against the law, we are given weekly rations.
It was hard living a life like this, but it was quite nice that there is no conflict between anyone at
all. Although, sometimes I wished that I could talk to other people besides Eno, Kanina, and (only one time)
Wentiro himself.
I stood up from my chair with these thoughts in mind and opened my door. I turned to Eno.
Eno, I said, I am going to go to the woods. Please accompany me as far as you can.
Eno nodded. By the command of Emperor Wentiro, I shall accompany you.
I smiled and walked out of the front door. The wind brushed lightly against my face. It was a beautiful
summer morning. All of the dwellings I passed were closed. The guards stood by the doors like statues.
Although, some people were out getting their weekly rations.
I pushed my father's cloak outward a bit. It was really warm today. Even though it was warm, I still wore
my father's cloak. It was as if I felt him hugging me every time I wore it.
My boots clopped against the stone road and I looked to the trees. They looked as if they were beckoning
me to draw near. I walked closer to the trees and stepped onto the pine needles. I looked back at Eno, who
was standing by the edge of the woods.
I will return at nightfall, I said.
Eno nodded. I shall await your return.
The pine needles continued to crack beneath my feet. It was a very lovely day, indeed! The sweet smell of
the growing trees and the flowers along the forest floor. The best part was the sound of the animals,
greeting each other in many different ways. The chatter of the squirrel to the sparrow, and the melody of
the blue jay to the deer. The trees cloaked most of the sun from this beautiful scene. Most of the trees
showed the signs of fall drawing near, others were bright green and ready for a new day.
I smiled at the lovely sight. It was just me, and my thoughts. Nothing to worry about at all in this peaceful
wonderland.
I wonder what it must be like, being an animal. I thought to myself. You are not always watched
by someone higher than yourself. I wonder what it feels like...to be...free of all of this.
Help, wheezed a voice.
I shrugged the sound off, thinking I was imagining the sound here in these woods.
Help, came the voice again.
Ok, now this was a little disturbing. I stopped. My eyes traveled all over my surroundings, searching for
the source of this voice.
Then I heard shuffling. My eyes traveled to a small area, covered with aspen trees. A pale shape was
gripping the white trunk of an aspen tree. I began to back away, shakily. Then I saw a head. This was
obviously a man. He had messy, short brown hair covered in twigs. His eyes were swollen to the point
that they were the color of ripe grapes. His face was scarred as if it had been raining knives. I noticed that
his hand was the shape I saw gripping the tree. The man now held on with both scarred and bleeding
hands, and was trying to stand up. His clothes looked almost as if he worked at the palace, only they were
torn and most of the holes revealed cuts and bruises that were sickly colors. His breathing was very
shallow, like he was being hanged and struggling for breath (and I speak from watching the experience).
The man was looking towards my direction. Please, help me...
I backed away. I was about to turn around and run for Eno, but...something sparked in me. An old fear
that I have always had. This fear, was watching someone else die in front of me. I could never bear the
public executions. Every time they were public, I had to look away so as to not see the life ebbing out of
the person being executed before my eyes.
I looked towards the man again. His face was paling and beginning to turn blue.
P-Please... he wheezed again.
I totally knew I would be sent to the diamond mines for this, but I couldn't bear to see him like this. I ran
over to the man and touched his face. He winced at the pain. His hands left the tree and gripped my arms.
He felt up my body and towards my face.
Are...Are you...real? he wheezed as he tried to pull himself to a standing position with my body.
I couldn't refrain myself from talking to him. Y-Yes I am real.
The man leaned against me, almost tipping me over. I extended my foot behind me and I held my balance.
The man was up to his full height. I noticed that he looked about my own age and was a little bit taller
than myself.
Please, he said, trying to gain his breath, speak to me more if you are real.
I shuddered. I...I am...real... I put my arms on his shoulders. He winced at the pain. Listen, sir, we need
to get you back to Niwen. We'll help you get bett--
No! yelled the man. We must venture deeper into this forest. There are people I know, who can help
me there.
I shuddered. Is...is it beyond the borders of Niwen?
Of course not. These people I mention, are actually apart of Niwen. I've been trying...to find them...but
as...you can see...my eyes... He nearly doubled over on top of me. I held him up.
Well, can you at least tell me your name? I asked.
He shook his head slowly. Not yet. It is not...safe...here... Come...we must...get to the place...that I
am...speaking of...
I was shaking more under his weight. But, you can't see. How are we supposed to get there?
The man cracked a small smile. You have...to...trust...me... He began to limp towards the aspen trees
with me in tow.
I knew he was unable to see, but his free hand was touching all of the trees. We weaved through those
trees as if we were a needle going through a tree scarf. My feet ached for walking this long. I panicked
and looked up at the sky. The sun was still high in the sky, but I had to return by nightfall, or...I'll be
executed for avoiding the glare of the wizards.
We suddenly stopped at a very tall aspen tree. The man touched the trunk of the tree. The trunk flickered a
little before my eyes. It was as if it were under a spell. The man began to walk through. I resisted and
pulled back.
No! I said. I...I can't go with you. I have to be back by nightfall.
The man coughed. I...I understand...but...please....I need... He couldn't finish. He passed out in my arms
from loss of blood.
I held him up. It felt like I was carrying the weight of a tree. I inched towards the trunk and stepped in
slowly. My boots were no longer against soft dirt and pine needles. They were now against hard stone and
small blue shards of lapis-lazuli. I shuddered at the thought of seeing Kanina's reaction to what the heck I
was doing. I just hoped that she can convince Wentiro to forgive me and not have me executed.
I took a deep breath in and continued to move through the cavern. Something very odd reached my ears at
that moment. It was the sound of...voices. The sound of people laughing and talking echoed throughout
the cavern walls. My heart pounded heavily in my throat. I was in for it now! I began to step back, then
realized that I was carrying someone that needed help. I looked back towards the forest, then at the rest of
the gaping cavern.
I sighed. This man really needs my help. I can't just leave him here to die on his own. I walked forward
and the sound of voices grew louder. The man's limp form grew heavier with every step. I still held him
up with my shoulders and arms, but it wouldn't be long before I would crack.
I finally reached the source of the noise. Dozens of people were walking around a small village. I looked
up at the ceiling to see that it wasn't there. The bright colors of the trees reflected off of the cavern walls.
The trees flickered. The flicker revealed the ceiling wall of the cavern.
There were many houses around this village and everyone was calling their names and laughing. I knew
all of this was against the law, and I grew extremely uncomfortable.
A woman with bright, curly, red hair made eye contact with me. The bright smile on her face faded and
she walked towards me. Her bright green eyes were full of concern. Freckles sprinkled her thin nose. She
wore a blue sapphire around her neck.
The woman was right in front of me. Who are you?
I stuttered, not knowing what to say. I-I...uh...
The woman inspected me up and down. I know you, you're the Empress's best friend!
I stepped back. I...I...uh...
She stomped up to me. Where are your guards? Did you lead them here?!
I sighed, giving into the fact that there was no getting out of this. Yes, I am a friend of Her Majesty. I
groaned under the man's form. Please, you have to help him!
The woman noticed who I was holding and gasped. She immediately drew a knife from her sleeve and
held it towards me. Did you kill him?!
I shook my head, frantically. No! No! I...found him like this.
The woman slipped the knife back into the sleeve of her ruby red dress. She walked around me as if she
were a vulture, circling her prey. I know you're telling the truth. The reason is because when you lie...
She gripped my shoulder and leaned closer to my ear. You stutter a lot quicker and seem to panic a lot
faster than you normally would.
She released me and walked around to my left side. She put her hand around the man's limp form. Come
with me. I will help him.
We walked to a nearby, stone house in silence. The woman never spoke of anything. I was shaking in my
boots. I knew that by the time I would get back, the royal guards would be all over me.
The woman opened the wooden door with her free hand. She helped me set the man down on a bed with a
straw mattress. The weight left my shoulders, and the unconscious form of that man was like a stone on a
house.
The woman held out her hand to me. I know we came off to a bad start. My name is Lazula.
I shakily, put my hand in hers (Kanina taught me many social customs a long time ago). M-My name
is...Saphira.
Lazula shook my hand. It is nice to meet you, Saphira. Her warm hand left mine. She turned towards
the man and began walking towards the cupboards on the wall.
I looked around the house. It was a small dwelling about the size of my kitchen. There was only a small
fireplace and two straw beds. There was no table, but there were dozens of wooden cupboards lined up on
the wall. I noticed the second bed that the man was not sleeping on. So...do you have a family? I
wanted to kick myself for speaking.
Lazula walked towards the man with a bottle of white liquid in her hand. You know, you are free to
speak here as long as you like. She smiled. And yes, I do have a family. She began dabbing the white
liquid onto the man's wounds with a white rag. I take care of my two younger brothers. Both of them are
thirteen, and they are excellent blacksmiths.
I still shuddered at the sudden freedom to speak, but I continued to converse with her as if it seemed
natural to me. What about your parents?
Lazula stopped dabbing the wounds. They were killed by someone I resent more than ever.
I looked down. I'm sorry. The feeling of this freedom made my heart leap. I began to feel for Lazula, for
my own parents had died as well. I never knew my parents either.
Lazula began dabbing the wounds again. It's all right. I've been able to fend for myself ever since then.
I noticed something...different in her voice. Like...some kind of accent? Are you from...Niwen?
Lazula shook her head. No, me and most of the other people in these caves are from other lands that
surround Niwen. I am from the neighboring land of Alendi.
The man coughed, and slowly opened his eyes. He smiled. Lazula, it's good to see you.
Lazula put her hand on his chest. Shh, you need to rest, Soren.
The man called Soren, looked at me. Thank you. Might I ask your name?
For some reason I felt more nervous around him than Lazula. Uhh...Saphira.
My name is Soren, he said. It is nice to make your acquaintance.
I felt some kind of warmth from him. For some unknown reason, I wanted to make Soren happy. I also
wanted him to make me happy. I ignored this feeling, thinking it was something that I must have been
imagining. However...this seemed so real.
Lazula smiled at me. Are you all right, Saphira? Your face is turning red.
My heart rate increased and sweat began to bead on my forehead.
Lazula laughed a light and hearty laugh. It is all right, Saphira.
Soren chuckled. Saphira, there is someone I want you to meet.
I shrugged. Well...who is this person?
A friend of mine, his name is--
Lazula put a hand on his mouth, and whispered something in his ear. I could make out a few words
emanating from her lips. How do we know we can trust her?
Soren frowned. She saved my life, isn't that enough?
Look at how terrified she is! She knows that as soon as she gets back, the guards will be on her!
I am well aware of this.
Lazula hissed something that I could not make out. It must've hit Soren hard, because his swollen eyes
widened. I could've sworn that a tear glinted from his scarred cheek.
Soren nodded, slowly. I...I understand.
Lazula turned to me. I will take you back to the forest, and you can go home now. She smiled. Don't
worry, the guards won't come after you; I'm sure of it!
I sighed with partial relief. So...will I see you again?
Lazula shrugged. Maybe.
Soren raised his arm. Well, you should come back in a week!
Lazula gave Soren the death glare.
Soren smiled. I think that she should get to know us a little better. He looked into my eyes. I will send
you messages on the trees when you go out on your walks. It will contain some information that might
help you know us a little better than others. He winked at me.
It suddenly felt warm in the cavern. I smiled and looked away.
Lazula gripped my arm. Come on, let's get you home.
I looked toward Soren, who was still lying on the bed. It was a pleasure to meet you, Soren.
Soren chuckled. It was a pleasure to meet you as well.
Lazula closed the door to her house and walked me towards the cavern entrance in silence. I stood at the
mouth of the cavern and looked back at Lazula. Are all of you going to be all--?
She put a finger to my lips. Do not speak, it is not safe at this point. We will explain everything after you
receive all of our messages. Do not speak of us, or tell anyone what you saw in the forest.
She disappeared behind the flicker of a wall.
My mind was scrambling around in confusion. Who were these people breaking all the laws, and who do
they think they are? And why was the empire trying to kill someone who looked like he worked at the
palace?
There were too many questions to calculate. I looked up at the reddening sky. The sun was setting and
night was about to fall. I sighed and twirled my mother's necklace around in my hand. I knew that Kanina
was seeing me here right now.
I ran away from the wall and towards the end of the forest. Tears rose up in my eyes. I was in for it now;
it was a given my execution will be tomorrow at dawn.
I saw Eno's silver armor glinting against the sunlight. I almost threw my arms around him, I was so
grateful to see him.
Eno, I panted, let's go home.
Eno nodded and escorted me back to my home. I opened the door to my small home and threw myself
onto my bed. Tears escaped my eyes faster than rain. I didn't even bother to make myself dinner, because
of what I had done.
Just when I thought this day couldn't get any worse, I heard three light knocks against my wooden door. I
stood up and wiped the tears from my eyes. I combed my messy blond hair with my fingers and opened
the door, slowly.
Hello, Saphira, said the empress standing before me.
I froze with wide eyes. Uh, hello, Your Highness. I...did not expect you to come here this late in the
evening...
Kanina smiled and entered my house. You seem a little shaken, is everything all right?
I shuddered. Uh, no. Nothing is wrong!
She put her hand on my face. There are tear streaks along your face, what on earth is the matter? And
what happened to your shoulder?
I put my hand on my shoulder, and it came back red with blood. Soren's blood. My eyes raced across the
room in fear. I looked down, thinking of a lie. I...uh... I sighed. I was in the woods and had gotten
stabbed by a very large branch in the shoulder. It's healing right now as we speak. I hated myself for
saying those words and cursed under my breath.
Kanina squinted my shoulder closely. Is that what really happened?
I nodded, and held my breath.
Kanina smiled. Well, if that is all that has happened, I wish you a swift recovery.
I sighed with relief. Thank you, Your Highness. By the way, how is everyone at the palace?
She laughed, lightly. Oh, everyone is doing marvelously! I sparred with Wentiro and Soren a few times. I
must say that my skills have improved immensely!
My heart skipped a beat when I heard the name, Soren. My apologies, Your Highness, but who is Soren,
might I ask?
Kanina giggled as if nothing had happened. Soren is Wentiro's attendant! Of course, Wentiro was
thinking of choosing him as successor, but instead he chose his trusted captain of the guard, Teron. Why
do you ask?
I shrugged. Oh...no reason. I-It's just that I've...never heard of...Soren before.
Kanina smiled. Well, that seems fine. She looked out of my window. I'm afraid I must be leaving right
now. Again, Saphira, I wish you a swift recovery. Kanina left my house, quietly.
As soon as I knew she was out of earshot, I sighed with relief. She had not noticed that I had been away
for a certain period of time. Now I knew that Wentiro has an attendant named Soren. Could he be the
same person? Well, the Soren I know did look like he worked in the palace. However, Kanina had never
mentioned Wentiro's attendant before. Could it be possible that she is...? No, that can't be true, she would
never lie to a friend of hers.
So many thoughts and questions swirled around in my mind. It was almost impossible to comprehend
what I had heard that day. I sat back down on my bed. My eyes closed as visions of Soren ran through my
mind. I knew then that I was feeling something that I should never have felt for anyone except the
Empress, and the Emperor.

I awoke the next morning after a dreamless sleep. I looked over at my shoulder. There was still blood
caked on the dress, and slightly on the cloak. I sat up and decided that today I would wash my dress. I
changed into a sapphire blue dress, and my stomach grumbled from missed meals of the night before. I
walked to the cupboard and pulled out some of our weekly rations.
As I heated up my rations, I feared going back to the forest. It was clear that I was lucky that time;
however, I wasn't going to take any chances this time. As I ate, a scratching sound came from the door. I
set down my bowl of carrot and beef stew and walked to the door. When I opened the door, Eno was fast
asleep. I raised my brow. Eno never slept while on duty.
My heart began to pump faster. I looked on my doorstep and saw a piece of parchment about the size of
my thumb on the doorstep. It was rolled up and was tied together with a small piece of string. I tapped it
lightly to see if it was dangerous, but nothing happened. I knew that Soren would be sending me
messages, but I didn't know that he would go to great lengths to get it here.
My mind was a whirlpool of thoughts as I contemplated what I should do. Eno would be waking soon,
and I shouldn't be standing out here awkwardly with a parchment in front of me. Eventually my curiosity
overtook me and I grabbed the paper. I threw the parchment into my house, and Eno's loud breathing
came to a halt as he was awaking.
He stood up and eyed me carefully through his helmet. Are you all right, Saphira?
I nodded, shakily. Y-Yes, nothing has happened. Good morning.
Eno clambered up. Good morning, Saphira.
I immediately went back into the house and closed the door slowly, so as to not raise suspicion. I
approached the parchment on my floor. When I picked it up, the paper was as smooth as a leaf in the
summer time. I pulled off the string and opened the parchment. Words were written on the paper in the
form of a message.
Since it was required that everyone in the kingdom learn to write, it was necessary for us to learn how to
read as well. My eyes darted across the letters across the page.
Saphira, I hope this has reached you without falling into the hands of the empire. If you are
curious, Kyan had sent this to you. He is a wizard that is loyal to Wentiro. Listen, I will be sending you messages
daily so that you can know who we are. We need you for this because you are the only person who is able to talk
to Kanina. I am pretty sure that she has been lying to you for all this time. If we need you the most, we will call
you back to the cavern in the forest. Besides, it would be nice to see you again. I enjoy your presence. Burn this
message. Soren.
Sweat poured down my back. Soren enjoys my presence? He loves me, definitely. Although, that
sounds a bit wrong, considering we had met just yesterday. I read the letter through many times, and was hesitant
to burn the parchment. The flames licked the paper and it disappeared without a trace.

That was the first of many messages that came within the weeks. Everyday, it was a letter from Soren or
Lazula (if Soren was ill). I was terrified to step into the forest after the first time I had come across them.
They had told me that their group of people is a society of people who are very loyal to Wentiro and are
trying to help maintain peace. However, Kanina thinks that they are trying to overthrow Wentiro so she
continuously tries to have them killed. That is a reason why they are in hiding. They are also in hiding
because Wentiro had stopped sending them messages of what is going on right now in the palace. The
strange thing is that he went silent after Wentiro had announced his successor.
Within those weeks, Kanina would come over often. She nearly caught me with a message at some point.
However, she did not see it. On her visits, she would teach me how to handle a sword and a bow. She
would never let me keep the sword. Kanina would only spar with me because she fears that rebels are
within the empire and she needs more people on the side of the Emperor to keep control. So she is
planning to make me a soldier. I have wanted a job alongside my friend for a long time, but the time with
Soren and his messages... I always felt so guilty not talking to her about the group. Although, I knew that
if I mentioned any association with rebels, I would be executed on the spot.
As the messages came, my relationship and feelings for Soren grew over time. I had so desperately
wanted to see him again. His words on the page made my heart race across my chest and my eyes fill with
tears of joy when his words came into my mind. I have memorized each of the letters to him, so as to
never forget him.
However, there was one day in particular where another message had appeared on my doorstep. It was
late in the evening when I heard the sound of Eno collapsing on my doorstep. I eagerly walked up to the
doorstep and opened the parchment in my bedroom as Eno was coming to. My heart fluttered with
excitement and sank with guilt when I read the words on the page.
Saphira, you need to come to the cavern. There is something that we haven't told you yet.
Besides, the Empire is tracking us down as we speak. I think that they are becoming able to see us through the
lapis-lazuli. Listen, what I am about to tell you needs to be told in person and in a safe place. Otherwise, you
will not believe what I am saying to you. That and...I really want to see you again. Soren.
I threw the letter into the dying embers of my fire. Tears rose in my eyes. I had never left the
house at night before, and I doubted that Eno would let me go now. But, I just had a feeling that I needed to go to
the cavern right now. The scratching happened again on my doorstep and my door swung open, revealing a tall
man with sapphire blue hair and jade green eyes. He wore the robes of a wizard. He held his hand out to me.
Come with me, Saphira.
I backed away. This man was definitely a wizard. What have I done to displease His Majesty?
That is unimportant, come with me now.
I knew then, that I was going to die. Wizards never come to the criminals, unless a serious crime has been
committed. I looked down with tears in my eyes and clutched my mother's necklace. I could feel my
father's warm embrace from his cloak as I slowly approached the wizard. He grabbed my arm in a rough
manner and waved his hands over my eyes. It was as if all of the wind had left my lungs. Everything had
become dark as night after that.

Saphira, needs to know this, said a familiar voice.

I opened my eyes, slowly. I felt straw under my back. It smelled like the dripping walls of a cavern. I
sighed with relief. Kyan was the one who had brought me here.
I know, but it would endanger him! said another voice.
I perked up my ears. I turned my head towards the door. A light was emanating from the door. A torch
light. The voices were of Lazula and Soren.
I know that you love him, but we are so close to finally accomplishing our goal, said Soren's voice.
Don't you talk about our goals like that! Teron means everything to me! Why else do you think I told him
to hide when Kyan said that he had heard someone come into the cavern?
I understand, but listen--
NO, YOU LISTEN!
My heart rate increased. I had never heard Lazula yell before (considering I had only met her once).
I heard a loud sigh. Soren, you have to understand. She might not believe you and go tell the Empress. I
understand that you love her as well, but Teron is my whole world. Kanina will kill him as well as you if
we tell her this.
There was silence, then the door creaked open. I sat up and saw Soren's healed face. He looked a lot more
handsome than the first time we had met. Instead of his torn palace clothes, he wore a simple black tunic
and white pants. He smiled when he saw me. Hello, beautiful.
I blushed, and smiled. Don't call me that.
Lazula's red hair covered her face when she walked in. It is good to see you again, Saphira.
Soren knelt at my level. Listen, Saphira. There is something that we need to tell you, but it might be hard
to take in.
I nodded. All right.
Soren stood up and held his hand out to me. I took his hand and stood up. We walked throughout the
cavern and towards another small section of the cavern. The walls were completely covered with lapis-
lazuli. I shuddered, but relaxed. I felt a lot safer with Soren standing next to me.
Soren looked out at the distance and breathed deeply. Teron, come here. I have found the solution to our
problem.
A dark figure came out of the glow of the lapis-lazuli. I gripped Soren's arm as the figure approached us.
When he reached the light, I saw that he was a man. He was not as tall as Soren, but he was still taller
than me. He had short, dirty-blond hair and hazel green eyes. He was very handsome, but not as
handsome as Soren. He wore a long, blue tunic and brown pants. There was a purple cloak around him
with the palace insignia on it. Something about him seemed...familiar.
The man smiled at me and held out his hand. My name is Teron.
I shuddered when I took his hand and shook it. S-Saphira.
Teron smiled. That is a beautiful name, but not as beautiful as Lazula herself.
A smile crept across my face. Lazula is your girl?
Teron chuckled. Well, she was the one who came up with this idea of keeping me in a room covered in
lapis-lazuli.
Soren chuckled. All right, we've had enough of this. Teron, Saphira is the close friend of Kanina. Tell her
what you know and maybe she can help us.
Teron's smile faded. Oh...you want me to talk about...that experience.
Confusion swirled in my head. What are you talking about?
Teron eyed me closely. The real reason Wentiro went silent and all of these laws changed.
Anger boiled in my veins. What are you saying? Her Highness is the most wonderful of rulers!
Soren gripped my arm. Please, hear him out.
I relaxed a little at his touch. All right, tell me.
Teron looked away. Wentiro, was like a brother to me. He was one of the youngest Emperors ever to rule
Niwen. And his wife, Kanina, was close to me as well. Although, there was something about her that I
didn't trust. I was there when Kanina and Wentiro had wed, and when Wentiro was handed the throne after
the death of his father. He ruled well for many years, and made me the captain of the guard. And Soren, as
his attendant.
My stomach jolted when he said those words. I looked up at Soren. You...were?
Soren nodded. That is not relevant at this point, continue on Teron.
Well, years passed and the both of us had turned twenty. That was the year when Wentiro had decided to
choose a successor. He had found out a while back that Kanina could give him no heirs to the throne.
Because of his loyalty to his wife, he decided to choose me as next in line for the throne. However, this
had enraged Kanina. She had wanted to be the successor. However, according to law, if the emperor and
the successor had been killed with no heir, but the empress still lived...she could wed the emperor's
attendant and have him be her emperor. Teron choked on tears. Just after Wentiro had announced that I
was to be his successor, I was patrolling the hallways...and...I heard a scream from Wentiro's room... I ran
to see what was wrong...but I was too late. Kanina was kneeling over him. A small dagger was in her
hand, covered with blood. I looked behind her to see Wentiro...lying in his own blood with his throat slit.
Tears ran down his cheeks. Kanina had seen me and threw the dagger at me. Luckily I had dodged it, but
not as well as I had hoped. He rolled open his sleeve, revealing a long scar across his arm. I had run up
the stairs to find help. Although, I knew Kanina would frame me for the killing, so I knew I had to flee
with someone I trusted. I found Soren and Kyan, and told them everything I had seen.
Soren nodded. It was hard for the both of us to believe, until we saw Kanina coming after us. Kyan held
her off for a while, but we had forgotten that Kanina had been trained in the magical arts as well. The
three of us ran for cover in the forest. Fortunately, we had been able to contact the other kingdoms for
help, and they have been supplying us with the food and military support that we need. I had recently
tried to go back to the palace to expose Kanina, but she had nearly killed me in the process... And that's
when I found you, Saphira.
Everyone was silent. Anger boiled within my veins. Kanina would never do such a thing! She was the
most true friend I have ever had. A truth rang in my mind at the thought of this. These were the rebels that
Kanina was telling me about.
I backed away. I can't believe what I'm hearing.
Soren put his hand on my shoulder. Listen, I know it's hard to believe, but--
No! I yelled as I pushed his hand away. Her Highness would never do such a thing! She never lied to
me about anything!
Saphira, please--!
I slapped Soren's cheek with tears in my eyes. I thought I trusted you! I thought I...loved you. But none
of that matters anymore!
Soren eyes were wide with fear. Saphira, please don't tell her--
I gripped his shirt and pulled him down to my level. You don't want me to tell her? Then explain this to
me. Why didn't she know about your little group in the first place if this is the reason? You are trying to
overthrow her. And I pledged that I would keep my friends safe from any kind of harm! I pushed him
away and turned around. I looked down. It's over, Soren. I ran through the cavern without looking back.
Saphira! Wait! they called.
I ignored their call. I knew I should never have come down here in the first place. I should have left Soren
to die! I exited the cavern to brilliant star light. I ran through the forest back to my house.
Eno saw me, and held his sword towards me. Saphira, why have you left your dwelling?
My heart wrenched with anger. Eno...take me to Vientl. I need to speak with Her Highness...in person. I
looked up at his covered face. And I think I am being pursued. Protect me, please.
Eno looked behind me, then back at me. Very well, we shall go meet with Her Highness. He gripped
my arm and we approached the village stables. He mounted a black bay, and set me up behind him. I
gripped his armored body and we rode towards the open plains to the castle.
When we arrived, Eno escorted me in. I had been to the palace only one time. It was the time when
Wentiro had told me to keep a sharp eye on Kanina. That was the only time he had ever talked to me. I
had remembered that face very well. His light brown hair and bright green eyes. He was very tall and
frequently wore red. He was also one of the most talented of singers. There was always a feeling I would
have around him that would tell me that everything was all right. Wentiro was very handsome. I didn't see
why Kanina had any excuse to kill him. Which is a reason why, I refused to believe Soren and his band of
rebels.
The palace walls were made of white marble and the floor tiles clacked beneath my boots. The throne
room was in our sights and the doors were opened for us. There sat Her Highness, on a golden throne
speckled with rubies and sapphires. Another throne was right next to her. A ruby throne speckled with
diamonds. The throne of Wentiro. However, the throne was empty. I figured Wentiro had turned in for the
night.
Kanina eyed me closely. Her brown eyes pierced me. Saphira? What brings you here to my presence?
I took a deep breath, but the tears in my eyes flowed out quicker than I had thought. I bowed before her.
Oh, Your Highness, please don't kill me! I honestly had no intent of breaking the laws!
Kanina stepped off of her throne and walked towards me. She put a finger to my chin and held my face up
to face hers. Her face had a look of concern...and something else. Whatever had you done that would
displease Wentiro?
I looked down. Did you not notice that I had been in an area covered with lapis-lazuli? I had discovered
the rebels you were looking for. They are deep in the forest behind a cavern that is covered by a very
powerful wizard! Forgive me, for betraying you.
It was silent for a while. Then Kanina finally spoke. What did the rebels tell you?
I shuddered. Most of me was eager to tell her what I had heard, but the rest was telling me otherwise,
because of my love for Soren. I swallowed down the rest of my guilt. They...They told me that you killed
your own husband... And that you...wanted to...have the power to rule Niwen.
There was silence again. I heard a sound coming from Kanina's lips. It didn't sound like sorrow...it
sounded like...laughter. Grab her.
Eno gripped my arms and held me up to face Kanina. I struggled against his grip, but he held me tighter.
Fear rushed through me faster than my blood. Wh-What are you doing?
Kanina was still laughing. It is just that this was all part of my plan to find those rebels. And Wentiro's
insolent attendant!
No. I thought. I realized then that what Soren and Teron had told me was true. Tears formed in
my eyes. W-Why did you kill him?
Kanina laughed harder. I merely had to get him out of the way and go for Teron! He would fall
under my spell with ease. As did Wentiro. She sighed. However, Wentiro was slowly becoming immune to my
spell and chose that captain of the guard as his successor. She began to pace the room. I did not intend for him
to see what I had done, but he did. So, I had to get rid of him as well, because he had seen too much.
More questions and betrayal poured out of my mouth. Why did you want to rule?
Kanina eyed me closely. Simply because I wanted everything under my control! I wanted more
workers to work the kingdom and make it prosperous again! Wentiro was weak, and the Empire was beginning
to fall quickly. Declarations for war were coming from everywhere! Of course, I had to make those happen, so
that it would seem as if Wentiro died in battle. However, he evaded me quickly. I had no idea how clever he was.
Although, I had a passion to rule this Empire and call it my own. I wanted a place where everyone would treat
each other the same, and words were never spoken! She sighed. Oh, those hopeless words! Words have caused
the death of others! I wanted to stop that, I wanted to rule this Empire! She gripped my chin and made me look
her in the eye. I still crave the beauties of ruling an Empire that will never fall!
Something sparkled in her eyes...something I had never seen in anyone else before. Tears ran
down my cheeks. I had never believed her to do such a thing, yet...here was the evidence right in front of me.
Kanina stood up and glared at me with a wicked smile. Don't worry, your little rebel friends will be dead
before long.
Something snapped inside my heart. NO! I have no idea how that word escaped from my mouth.
Kanina laughed. You thought the lapis-lazuli would hide them? Of course not! You see, wizards can
pierce through many jewels and use them as seeing stones. One jewel in particular... She eyed my
mother's necklace. ...is a sapphire.
All of the words and strength left my being. Fear overcame the rest of it. My mother's necklace contained
a sapphire pendant. Kanina had been using that sapphire to see the rest of them. Soren...she saw what I
did to...him.
I looked away. Kanina stood over me. Don't worry about Soren, you will soon be joining him for treason
and association with rebels. Take her away.
What was left of my struggling had left me. This was what I deserved. To die alongside someone I loved
from the bottom of my heart. All of my fear had left me, except for a small spark. As I was dragged across
the stone, palace floors I was contemplating what death would seem like. Of course, I was afraid to die,
but I knew that this had to happen at one point.
All of my tears had dried up. I knew that Soren was not coming for me. After what I had done to him, I
couldn't even picture him coming to me right now.
My pondering was cut short, when the armored hands had left my arms. I collapsed onto the palace floor,
a little startled. I heard the clank of metal and the sound of a sword being removed from a corpse. I turned
around and saw, with disbelief, Soren's mud brown eyes staring down at me.
My heart rate increased. Wh-What?
Soren held out his hand to me. We need to run.
I shakily, reached up my hand. He gripped my hand tightly and pulled me upwards. The force on my arm
felt as if he were pulling it off. I didn't realize that my lips were against his until I felt his arms hold me
closer. Tears streamed down my cheeks. He had come all of this way for me.
Soren parted with me and smiled. I forgive you, for not believing me.
There were no words to describe how I was feeling at that time. It was a mix between shock and
excitement.
Our moment was interrupted by a scream behind Soren, and a bright blue light flashed from the door of
the throne room.
Soren gripped my shoulders. We have to get you--! His sentence was interrupted by a flash of blue
light. I yelped and jumped back. I turned to face Soren. Blue pulses went throughout his body. He was
screaming in pain, and was on his knees looking up at me with tears in his eyes.
Did you really think you could escape me, Soren?
I looked behind Soren's painful figure and saw Kanina, with her hand raised and blue energy emanating
from her hand. She had a smile on her face. Saphira, I would kill you now, but you must witness how on
earth I had managed to get ahold of Wentiro.
NO! I yelled. With every ounce of courage and adrenaline I had, I lunged towards Kanina and brought
my fist down on her face. She simply grunted in pain and my hand throbbed from the impact. Kanina
touched her mouth, and saw the blood.
Soren collapsed to the ground and started panting. I looked toward him. Get out of here!
He stood up to run, but magic had encased him again. He collapsed back onto the ground. I looked at Kanina
with rage boiling in my veins. As I lunged at her again, she held out her hand and a strong pulse went all
throughout my veins. The pain was almost the same as being struck by lightning, only a lot more painful. I
screamed and collapsed to the ground.
SAPHIRA! yelled Soren.
Kanina walked closer to me, with rage and surprise in her eyes. It is a pity. I rather liked you very much.
But since you defy me and your country, you will die first! A sword showed up in her hand, but her hand
was still raised to keep control of me. She raised the silver blade towards my face. I closed my eyes for
impact. I'm sorry, Soren.
Something clattered to the ground. The power that was over me had left. I collapsed onto the cold stone. I
opened my eyes and saw Kanina, sprawled on the ground with her sword against the wall. She looked up
with even more rage in her eyes. But, she was looking behind me.
I turned around and saw Teron's hazel eyes, filled with rage. Your Highness, I believe your reign has
come to an end!
My eyes traveled to where Soren had collapsed. All I could see was bright red hair over him. Lazula was
helping him out.
I heard a small cackle from behind me. I shakily, turned around and saw Kanina rising to her feet. Teron,
Teron, Teron. Did you really think that using this girl would be that easy? A purple glow came from her
hands and she pointed them at Teron. Teron jumped out of the way and pulled Lazula with him. The
magic hit a wall, which crumbled.
I wanted to get up, but I was still weak from her powers. Kanina eyed Soren, and she motioned her hands
towards her, as if she were pulling him to her. A blue light emanated from her hands and Soren was
dragged right into her hands. Soren was taller than Kanina, but she was a lot stronger than he was. Hope
began to deteriorate from me, until I remembered how much I had loved Soren.
Kanina laughed and disappeared with Soren in her grasp. I lunged right before she disappeared. NO!
Tears ran down my cheeks like a river. All hope was lost. I was going to die here with my friends and
Soren will be under the influence of Kanina. There were only two ways the Empire would never know
what had happened. They were either silenced by the finger of death, or they were brought under Kanina's
magic powers and they do not remember who they were or what they had done before.
A hand had touched my shoulder. I looked up and looked into Lazula's eyes. Her fists gripped the knives
in her sleeves. Teron stood next to her. Lazula smiled. Don't worry, I have a theory as to where they
might be.
A few seconds after she said that, the blue-haired man had appeared behind Lazula. Kyan smiled. I know
where they are. Take my hand.
Lazula smiled at Kyan and put her hand in his. I felt Kyan's cold grasp on my shoulder. Teron held out his
hand to touch him, but Lazula swept his hand away. No, Teron. You will fall under her influence as well.
She had aimed for you, originally. Stay here and keep watch.
Teron kissed Lazula's lips. Promise me, you will come back.
Lazula laughed. When have I not come back?
Everything around us had swirled and twisted until the world was black. I heard the sound of screaming
in the room we were approaching. The room formed. I noticed that we were in a large room with shelves
and all kinds of books along the walls. The marble floors did not reflect the moonlight that was trying to
shine through the curtained window.
A sigh of relief was about to escape my mouth, until Lazula put her hand over my mouth and put her
finger to her lips. I breathed out slowly as soon as Lazula pulled her hand away. I shuddered with fear as I
heard Soren's screams echo throughout the palace library.
Remove your magic from me! yelled Soren. I...will never...bow to you!
We walked very softly towards the source. Oh, this is quite a predicament. It appears you are one of the
few who can resist my spell. I could see Kanina's finger on Soren's forehead. Diamond chains bound his
hands and legs to the ground, and it brought him into a kneeling position. Black shadows were emanating
from her finger and was trying to envelop Soren in the shadows.
It hurt to see him in pain. I nearly rushed to help him, until Lazula and Kyan held me back.
Soren smiled and laughed. Even if you do kill her...I will...resist!
Kanina removed her finger. Well then, if that's the case... She drew her hand back as if to slap him, then
I saw the purple glow emanating from her hand. I threw Lazula and Kyan to the side, not willing to take
much more of this torture, and ran at full speed with my arms outstretched. My hands made impact on
Kanina's waist as I pushed her away from Soren. The both of us had fallen to the ground and the magic
had missed its main target. However, it did shatter Soren's chains. The diamonds had dispersed and
vanished into the ground.
I ran to Soren. Are you hurt?
Soren smiled. I will be fine.
Kanina screamed as blue magic had encased her. I saw Kyan's hands raised with the blue magic
emanating from him. The magic had gone throughout her body. It wasn't killing her, which was good,
because I was told that they needed her to confess to the public.
Kanina began laughing and flexed her fingers. The magic shattered and hit Kyan in the shoulder. Black
shadows began to emanate from his shoulder. He screamed and turned a sickly pale as he collapsed to the
ground.
NO! yelled Lazula.
Kanina rushed at Lazula, bent on killing everyone in this room with that purple glow in her hands. Her
fingers were flexed at Lazula, who was bent over Kyan. I tried rushing to her aid, but Soren held me back.
I couldn't lose Lazula, but I knew he didn't want to lose me. Someone had jumped in front of Kanina and
her fingers had touched his forehead.
Lazula turned around and screamed with sorrow and rage.
Kanina kept her finger on Teron's forehead as the shadows began to engulf him. Soren rose up quickly
and looked towards Lazula, who was rushing at Kanina.
Knives flew out of Soren's sleeves as he slashed at Kanina arm. She screamed and smacked Soren across
the room.
My heart rate increased at the sight of Soren, unconscious on the fallen bookshelf. I noticed that Lazula
was hungry for blood as well. I looked around frantically for any sort of weapon, until I found a small
dagger that was hanging from Kanina's bloody sleeve. I rushed forward and grabbed it. Kanina screamed
in pain, as the dagger had sliced into her arm.
Kanina stumbled back towards the wall. Lazula had her daggers pointed at Kanina, and I shakily pointed
my dagger at Kanina. I was stuck between two instances. I could either die not fighting, or die fighting
and possibly succeed. I saw a black shadow slice the curtain from behind Kanina and it shattered the
window. The wind blew heavily, signifying that this palace was on one of the upper floors of the palace. I
looked toward the source, to see Kyan with his arm outstretched and crawling desperately toward a fallen
Teron.
Kanina laughed. Even Teron could not resist.
Lazula threw one of her daggers at Kanina as a scream emanated her mouth.
Kanina leaped to the side and a purple beam came out of her fingertips. Lazula was about to
jump out of the way, but was scathed in the arm. She screamed painfully.
Kanina looked towards me. Well, look at this Saphira. She began to pace around me. You have to
options here, kill me and no one will ever believe your tale of my death. Or, you can simply come here
nicely and die in peace. Your choice.
Her words were like honey to my ears. I felt slightly relaxed, until out of the corner of my eye I could see
Soren getting up. My love for him burned bright. The dagger left my fingertips as I threw it at Kanina's
heart. She turned to the side and lunged at me with that purple glow.
I held my arms over my head and looked away. I heard a yell and a scream. I peeked out from my arms
and saw Soren throw Kanina against the wall. I heard something snap.
Kanina looked up at both of us with shock and rage in her eyes. She looked towards the window and
smiled as blood poured from her lips. You...will never...see this empire...free...again... She leaped up
from the floor and ran toward the window.
Soren and I rushed toward her, knowing what she was intending on doing. NO! we both yelled.
But it was too late, Kanina leaped out of the window and fell laughing to her death. The both of us had
looked over the edge and found her dead body on the grass below.
Soren and I looked at each other with concern. Someone was going to notice, and it was hard to convince
those people otherwise.
Tears were streaming down my cheeks. Soren held me close to him. I could never believe that Kanina was
gone. Even if she was a traitor, I had considered her a friend and a sister. Now...I have nothing left but
Soren.

Many years had passed since that time, I told the order of the Cursed Knights. Now, we have a
wonderful Emperor Teron, and Empress Lazula to watch over Niwen. Everyone is free from the evil grasp
of Kanina.
A young knight named Alexander smiled. What about the people at the palace? What happened to
them?
Soren smiled brightly at the young knight. Well, when Kyan had revealed the truth to them they took it
in and helped us rebuild the empire and explain what had really happened. All of the wizards were
banished and cursed with a unique curse that would tie to their personal side. We are called 'cursed'
because we cannot harm one another, whether it be veteran or current knight, we cannot harm each other.
The knights cheered at that story. I had risen from the stone chair and walked towards the stream in the
forest. Soren stood by me and held my arm.
The knights really enjoy the story we shared, he said softly.
I looked down. The entire thing has not quite healed me, yet. I can never shake the image from my head
of Kanina's dead body sprawled on the grass.
Soren held me close. Saphira, you did what you could. Look at this now, we have a brand new army of
knights that will go on for generations to come!
I smiled. Yeah, I hope you're right. I looked up at him. I have faith in Alexander though. He would
seem like a better captain than I am.
The both of us had laughed at the thought. We held each other close and kissed with the sound of the
running stream, covering up any noises of the cheers of our new recruits.