Revelations

By Stefanie Dost

This is a medieval fantasy romance set in the Kingdoms of Good and Evil, said Kingdoms which are not all that they would seem.  The tale follows Princess Rachel on an amazing and exciting journey of history and self-discovery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stefanie Dost
• Release date: Aug 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393365211

Book preview

REVELATIONS

CHAPTER ONE

IN THE LAND OF FAIRY Tales, which does exist; and several centuries ago, War raged between the Kingdom of Good and the Kingdom of Evil.  The War had been fought as long as Rachel could remember.

She knew, as the entire populace of the Fortress did, that the King had finally agreed to negotiation.  It was preferable to invasion.  Casualties were rampant.  And the Wood was spreading; the grim trees surrounding their Valley growing outward and thickening at an unbelievable rate.  She could see it during her excursions to the towers.

No one knew for certain what occurred in the gloomy Wood, though there were whispered tales of grisly creatures, too various and foreign to name, too horrid to contemplate.  Darkness that bred silent and rampant as vermin.  And the trees clearly possessed a sinister and malignant life of their own.

Her Father never forbade her anything specifically, except his presence.  He didn't care where she went as long as it was within the Fortress Walls and away from him.

So, the King would entertain the Evil Ones' demands after all, whatever they might be.  But what could the Evil Ones possibly want besides destruction?

Her Father would be leaving the safety of the Fortress to traverse the Valley to the latest battlefield, where he was to meet with them.  Rachel couldn't imagine it.  Would they attack after all?  Would they kill him?  She couldn't understand how he could possibly think he could trust them.

She tried to request an audience with the King when she heard, but to no avail as usual.  Her had denied her all her life; why should this be different?  The only time she ever saw him was during meals, in which case, he was at the other end of a vast dining table.

Perhaps he was a loner as she was.  Her few friends thought she might remind him of her Mother, and Rachel thought they might be right.  She felt inclined to believe her Mother's death was still too painful for him to bear Rachel's presence.

But that was all really a lie.

Whispers claimed her Mother had been mad.  But no one spoke aloud of her now.  No one could or would willingly tell Rachel anything.  It was forbidden to speak of her.  Should the King hear, he would find it essential to punish those who dared soil her name with their tongues.  So when the King took a new wife, many, including Rachel, were surprised.

The King rarely spoke to her.  And they were never alone together.  But by this time, Rachel had grown resigned to it.  She used to despise herself for not being the boy he'd wanted, but as she'd grown older, she could no longer conceive of life as anyone other than a girl.  It was obviously not God's plan that she be a male.  And why couldn't a female be called heir?  What was so wrong with a ruling Queen?  Of course she would never voice such opinions.  But, well, she was 15 now and no longer a needy child.  She had become adept at, even fond of, being alone.  Exploration was her passion.  Now that her lessons were fewer, she had more time to wander the immense Fortress.  She was supposed to be considering marriage, but it was always furthest from her mind.

Other than exploration, Rachel's riding and gardening were the only things keeping her satisfactorily content.  And she did look forward to the end of each day's lessons, which hadn't changed much at all since late childhood.  Now everything was repetition.  The King's tiresome Laws, of which there were always and often new ones, much to Rachel's dismay, along with the Bible stories and verses with which she was already overly familiar.  She already knew her Father's Laws, and that his Laws were patterned after God's Laws, or so they said.  A couple of times recently, Rachel had panicked that she would cry out in frustration during class.  But the punishment affixed to such an outburst would be significant.  And if she were ever forbidden to ride again, she would go mad.

What if her Father did not return?  Would Rachel miss him?  Wasn't that a sinful question?  But if that did happen, what would become of their Kingdom?  Who would rule?  She knew it wouldn't be she.  Women had a distinct place in her Father's Kingdom.  That is, as far removed from any decision-making as possible.  But after he was gone, would his cronies uphold his Laws?

How could they know this supposed negotiation was not a ruse to draw out the King and capture him?  Kill him?  Rachel was surprised he had agreed to go in person, but of course that must have been a condition of the meeting.  But why not some ruse?  Send a decoy?  How could the Evil Ones know?  As far as Rachel knew, the King never entered the battlefield anymore.

If he did not return, the Fortress would suffer invasion by the Evil Army.  And the King ruled the Fortress actively; not even the slightest decision was made without his approval and order.

Rachel had befriended one of the Guards, Joseph, quite some time ago and he had agreed to assist her today.

Rachel longed to go and see what she could see.  Almost the entire Good Army was leaving.  She wanted to get a decent look at the Evil Ones.  No one spoke openly of how they looked.  It was forbidden.  Rachel only knew they were of a similar species.  Joseph had never seen them devoid of their armor, which he said looked like metal hewn in the shapes of various animals.  But she figured they would at least remove the helmets today, some of them at any rate.

Her heart racing, Rachel hastily selected a gown.  Only dark, drab, dull clothing was permitted in the Kingdom, so practically any frock would do.  Modest clothing, as her Father called it.  All residents within the safety of the Fortress' Walls wore modest clothing in honor of God, as the Law dictated.  Only God could and should have the honor of bestowing the land with color, her Father had decreed.  Red was particularly shunned, and purple as well.  Blue, green, and of course orange.  And yellow as well, however, white was permitted.  Not truly a color, Rachel surmised, but it was her favorite.  White became Rachel.  Against her pale yet luminous skin, it lent her a rosy glow.  And the contrast to her long dark hair was quite striking.

But she made certain to don a dark, demure gown today.  Black; the shade her Father often wore.

Rachel tried to remain patient while Sarah assisted her to dress and confine her hair.

What do you think they want? Rachel whispered.

Sarah stopped, tresses of Rachel's hair in both of her hands.  Princess, what do you mean?

But she knew.

Rachel sighed.  What could the Evil Ones possibly want other than to kill us, murder us all?

Princess!  Sarah dropped her hair as if angry.

I'm sorry, Rachel said and the girl resumed.  But what if the King does not return?

Quickly and silently, Sarah finished her preparation, and said nothing further as she hurriedly curtseyed and took her leave.

Rachel sighed again and went over to see what she could from her chamber window.  Since the Fortress Walls encompassed every structure, many of the Palace windows only afforded views of a giant Wall.  Rachel didn't know how high the Walls stood, but only if she sat down and looked up could she see the sky from her bedroom window.  The Valley could only be seen from the highest rooms of the Palace, the towers.

She spotted her Father and his men emerging into the Courtyard below.  If he didn't permit her to accompany them, well, then, she would go anyway.  But due to the potential severity of the punishment she would receive should she be caught, it was worth a try to convince him.

Rachel rushed out of her room and down the long corridor toward the distant stone steps of the curving main stairway.  Down, down and around she ran, her breath coming forth in gusts by the time she reached the Grand Foyer at the bottom, due more to excitement than exertion.

She paused to straighten her gown and hair.  But when she strode to the front doors, the Guards on duty stepped forward to bar her way.

What are you doing? she questioned, hands on her hips.

They held their ground, one reaching out to her.  She immediately stepped back to glare heatedly at him.

Let me pass, she demanded.

We have orders, the other said.

Ridiculous!  Get out of my way!

The King is concerned the distress will be too great for you, the other said quickly.

Really? Rachel smirked.  Another lie to make him appear the good and concerned parent.  Well, you are causing me great distress now.  Let me through or my Father will be furious when I report your treatment and handling of me, which, rest assured, I will.

They glanced quickly at each other before reluctantly stepping aside.

Rachel hurriedly smoothed her skirt, sleeves and hair again, suddenly the expectant little girl once more who could never seem to please him.  They hadn't spoken, other than pleasantries, for years.  What was she going to say to him?  She had no idea as she went through the doors now held open by the two Guards who'd just barred her way.

Trembling, but resolute, Rachel went directly to her Father and sank to bended knee.  He stepped back, a look of dismayed surprise on his bearded face.

The horses had not yet been delivered, so he had no choice but to wait.  Rise, he sighed with a stilted wave of his hand.  What do you want, girl?  What are you doing here?

Rachel remained genuflected.  She thought it would appeal to him.  She also kept her head bowed respectfully, for he never seemed comfortable meeting her gaze.

Please...  She knew she must speak quickly, for he was painfully adept at extricating himself from her presence.  Please, she began again, her tongue stumbling. Please, I must go with you.  I must.  Please.  I will not get in your way.  I can ride very well and vow not to be any trouble.  You will not know I am along.

Idiot girl! he scoffed.  You are not going anywhere!  Now step back!

And that was predictably that.  The horses arrived and he mounted his clumsily in his haste.  He and the Army set off.  As the great gates opened, the men moved to surround and enclose him.  Soon the heavy dust from the main road trailed toward her.

Rachel angrily stormed back indoors, the gloom of the dark stone walls aggravating her even more than usual.  The only windows in the Grand Foyer faced the north, and so even on a sunny afternoon, it was never bright.  She ran upstairs, fighting the tears common following any encounter with the King.  He regarded her not as kin.  His kin were his new wife and Joshua, the son, the heir finally borne to him four years ago.  He spent plenty of time with them.  Rachel spied on him.  She had secret access to his chambers via passageways behind the walls that no one seemed to know or care about.

Rachel's build was slight and her gait lithe; she could creep around the Fortress and watch in silence as they interacted.  It was clear to her that Joshua could do absolutely no wrong in the King's eyes.

She hadn't been a perfect child; quite stubborn and mischievous.  Was that why he ignored her?  Was it due to her gender?  She soon sensed, though no one told her, his disappointment where she was concerned.  But as a small girl, she tried to reach him again and again but never could.

The Palace was a kingdom within a Kingdom, an immense stone structure, grim and mighty.  Brick after brick after brick had been added to make it a muddled monstrosity.  A menagerie of too many towers of varying sizes, some misshapen.  It was simply too overdone, built by arrogant men.  In fact, she grew dizzy staring up at its lofty heights.  The chimneys left too much soot and there were just too many people living in and around the Palace.  Trapped.  But alone.

Her Father would never admit her; he was always too busy.  As a child, she would try to make up excuses to see him, she had even tried to lie about injuries.  But she was told to see her Nurse, whoever that was at the time.  Nurses came and went, these women she never really had a chance to get to know.  Her Father dismissed them like the wind, blowing them away, though Rachel never perceived why.

A few of them had left an impression.  Sarah was always smiling and forgiving, just like Esther, but not Judith.  The latter Nurse she'd been glad to be rid of; she definitely remembered her ranting about Rachel's unscheduled absences.  But Rachel had always gotten her schoolwork finished before leaving for the Garden or to roam as far as she could, as close as she could to her Father's chambers.  It had become a game.  She liked to see how far she could get each time.  But she was always discovered and punished.  The punishment was usually light; a missed meal or drudgery work, like mopping a floor.  Come to think of it, the Guards were all she really knew of her Father.  His wishes and commands through them.

The Nurses stopped coming and going when she turned 15 late last year.  Before this, if she were ever caught roaming, the Guards were instructed to see to her punishment.  Rachel had been struck a few times.  She knew what it felt like.  Regardless of the physical discomfort or pain, the emotional impact made her stick almost exclusively to her appointed schedule lately.  School, mostly, but she was allowed one hour per day in the Garden, and she did see her Father at meals.  But though she saw him often, she never was permitted to approach him, talk to him; her way was always barred.  And he was so far away across the massive table.  He never spoke to her unless it was via others, and it was never pleasant.

But though now was able to roam a bit and the Nurses had disappeared.

When she'd found the first lever to the first hidden passage, Rachel had almost cried with joy.  She wasn't afraid of the dark.  How far did it go?  Was it a secret room?  A tunnel?  A tunnel!  Tunnels!  Empty.  Deserted.

Inside, there were winding staircases, expanding corridors; secret passages Rachel had only recently discovered quite by accident.  She'd never dreamt of finding something this incredible, these passages.

She'd stumbled really.  A loose stone in the floor which housed an embedded lever that released a panel in an adjacent wall.  The inside tunnels were draped in cobwebs, but there were torches lining the walls.  When she made this discovery, she left to return later with fire and her dagger, just in case.  Soon Rachel was roaming the Palace at night when shadows were long and she could safely traverse undetected into or out of a passage.  She couldn't afford to let anyone see her, yet at the same time, she wondered why others didn't use these at all.  Surely someone had to know about them.

As time and her wanderings progressed, Rachel found more access points, cleverly hidden, sometimes found by chance.

She reveled in having the passageways all to herself.  The corridors themselves were often cramped and dreary, but Rachel could gain secret access to practically anywhere.  Of course, her first target was her Father's quarters.  But Rachel couldn't find any entry.  She still went to that area, however, to research and listen for what she could hear, which unfortunately was nothing through the thick walls.

After not long, she'd begun a map, placing recognizable items here and there; a book or a ring she didn't like; things that wouldn't be missed by anyone else.

Soon she began to spy, peer at other people, learning things by overhearing conversations.  The access doors to the passages weren't sprung on the inside, so she could open them just a bit.  Most of what she heard was boring, but sometimes they'd whisper and the words she caught were highly intriguing.  Hints of witches, demons, Evil and sin.  But though her heart beat faster at these hushed words, she knew fear over exhilaration.  But curiosity, that was something else altogether.

But almost as much as the passages, her passages, Rachel loved the towers, not for their aesthetics of course, but for the views of the Valley they afforded.  Many of the towers were locked, but she'd discovered an accessible tower that faced the sun as it set and went there often.  No one ever looked for her there; she could get away with a couple of hours to herself.

Being alone now comprised her happiest moments, though at times the reality of her confining situation made them bittersweet.  She was absolutely forbidden to leave the Fortress, to the Valley where her horse could run free of the stifling buildings and tents.  Not to mention the people, the teaming people who were too craven to even want to venture out into the Valley.

How could they resist the Valley's splendor?  Beauty with a voice?  The lush green of the fields, like velvet draped over rolling hills, and sewn with darker gems of the same verdant color; the great trees lending long easterly shadows.  Lately, she tried her best not to focus on the proximity of the Wood every time she went up there, but she couldn't help note its disturbing progress.

But though the Valley was smaller than it used to be, it was still intact and it had its inhabitants, those whom she admired without knowing.  Those who'd grown tired of captivity as she had.  Those who'd moved out, despite threats and announcements of permanent banishment from the Fortress.

Rachel sped through the Fortress, back to her original plan and chiding herself for being stupid enough to even ask her Father.  And he was gone, taking most of his Army.  She spotted hardly any Guards atop the crenellated walls.  What more perfect time to embark?  She'd likely never have another opportunity to do so.  And if she could get out, she would have a chance to observe the negotiation in secret, being able to return home ahead of her Father and the Army.

Joseph's customary post was the one and only other entry to the Fortress, opposite the huge Main Gates, hidden deep within one of the many archways.

Rachel left through the front door without a word to the Guard, one of the two who had tried to bar her way earlier, the other likely gone with the chosen Party.  The Fortress stood very lightly protected.  She stopped a moment on her way to the Stables.  Could that be the Evil Ones' plan?  They could anticipate this and circle round to strike.  Even more reason to leave.

Nutmeg whinnied exuberantly as always and approached her gate as Rachel appeared.  Rachel hurriedly harnessed and saddled her; never a bridle for Nutmeg.  They had an understanding.  Gentle pressure on either side of Nutmeg told her where to go.

Rachel climbed into the saddle and headed for the exercise ring, but rode slowly around it, keeping close to the high Wall and smiling leisurely at the few Guards she did come upon, as if she were casually riding around the Courtyard.  It wasn't unusual; no one questioned her.  She rounded the wide base of the proper tower and rode out of view of the Palace windows.

She greeted Joseph warmly when she saw him, her relief so great, but her embrace seemed to unsettle him a bit.  She released him quickly.  He bowed low, taking her outstretched hand and kissing it.

How long will you be on guard? Rachel asked in a hushed tone though she saw no other Guard close enough to hear.

My duty started a little over an hour ago, Lady, he replied.

Splendid, Rachel said.  Now, Joseph, I don't have much time.  I want out, out of here.  I want to watch the negotiation.  I'm going, I'll hide, and I'll be back before they are.

Well, it is a good day for it, he remarked.  Most of them are gone.

Rachel hadn't expected such ready acquiescence.  Why didn't you go? she asked him.

Not important enough, I guess.

I doubt that, Rachel argued kindly, but they both knew it was true.  Joseph was quite young and not from a wealthy family; he didn't reside in the Palace like some of the Soldiers and had likely missed the King's notice entirely.

His eagerness made Rachel hesitate.  I wouldn't want you to get into trouble, she said.

Joseph scanned the area.  They saw no one.  Nobody will know, he reassured her.  You can go.  You should have plenty of time.

He looked around again carefully and then without a word, unbolted, unlocked and slowly opened the large thick iron door.  It creaked on its hinges but fortunately no one came to investigate.

Thank you, Rachel said.  I'll knock three times when I return.

He nodded enthusiastically.  Something in his eyes made her feel suddenly guilty.  If I'm caught, you know I would never mention you, she said.  As far as they're concerned, I found another way out.

Joseph nodded.  You should go, he urged.

She knew she must be careful not to be spotted by the few Guards left at the top of the Wall.  She rode slowly around the rear of the mighty structure to the north, widening her circle to eventually turn south.  She'd seen the battlefield from one of the towers and knew approximately where it was.

It was risky, but most of the Guards were gone.  After all, what was of more import than the King's safety?  Hopefully, the remaining Guards were drowsy and bored.

No one called out to her, no booming voice or voices commanding her to return.

At the appropriate distance, Rachel allowed Nutmeg to run and soon they were soaring over the streaming ground.  The green of grass, the trees, the blue of sky, the birdsong, the blazing sunshine!  The exhilaration made her giggle.  In fact, she couldn't stop until they did.

Foam ebbed from Nutmeg's glistening neck around the straps of the harness reigns.  Nutmeg's sides were pumping heavily against Rachel's thighs.  The day was bright, sunny and hot.  She stroked her horse's drenched neck and leaned down to whisper an apology in her right ear, which swiveled gently back to meet her words.

As both she and Nutmeg caught their breath, Rachel came to fully realize that the Fortress Walls were stifling her.  She was so grateful to be beyond them, if even for one stolen day.

With the warm light of the comforting sun on her face, Rachel could never be frightened.  Not of her Father, not of anyone.  Except perhaps of the Evil Ones, but they undoubtedly preferred darkness.

She rode on through meadow upon meadow, and here and there, small to large farms marked the boundaries of their properties with fences.  Fences Rachel longed to jump.  But curiosity urged her onward.

Adorning the grass were magnificent oak trees, their mighty branches long and low with everlasting green foliage erupting in every direction.  Immense trunks.  Trunks anchored to the earth by roots perhaps more massive and complex than the trees themselves.  And many of the trees so old, no one but they could know their ages.  And under each grand tree, the great potential for daydreaming.  Not to mention the fields of flowers; yellow daisies, various purple and white lupins, bluebells, shooting stars and so many others that bloomed out here.

And with birdsong from all directions filling up her head, Rachel spied figures ahead.  They came into view early as there were so many of them.  She rode close to a cluster of oak trees, careful to keep behind it.

She dismounted and Nutmeg joyously plunged her long face into even longer green grass.  Rachel pushed slowly and carefully into, among and through the small copse of trees, trying to discern the view ahead.  Tree-to-tree-to-tree.  She could not afford to let anyone see her.

She could see figures moving, horses and people.  Animated.  Rachel edged closer, straining not to snap any branch twigs either around her or beneath her toes.

What she saw as she forged close enough shook her deeply, but did not make sense.  But she knew them immediately without knowing them.

Those closest to her, those on the edge of the gathering, wore the odd, ferocious helmets, hewn in the shapes of vicious-looking animals, animals with wide eyes and teeth bared; wolves, cats, boars and the like.  They were astride and watching as if awaiting orders from several men who conferred in the center of the crowd, a good distance away.  These men were carrying on, slapping one another on the back, acting insanely happy about something.  She saw, almost with disappointment, that they were human, or appeared to be.  It was impossible for her to clearly distinguish their features.

But as her surprise subsided, Rachel realized with dread that the Good Army was nowhere to be seen.  She squinted, scanning all around.  None were visible on the opposing side of the battlefield.  Had they not yet arrived?  But how could that be?  Rachel's heart suddenly took a dive to her abdomen.  Had they negotiated so quickly?  The Evil Ones were certainly pleased about something.

What if they'd all been killed?!  But how could that be?  There were no bodies, no signs of the carnage of betrayal.

The men in the center replaced their helmets.  They were preparing to leave!  The negotiations must have already taken place!  Dear God!  Rachel stood frozen.  They were clearly victorious though there appeared to be no murder.  The Leader robustly beckoned his Army to follow, and they all rode back toward the Wood and into it!  Rachel didn't really like to watch as it swallowed them.

She shook her head to clear it.  She had to beat her Father's Party back.  They couldn't have left all that long ago.

Rachel hurried as best she could to extricate herself from the trees and their undergrowth without ruining her gown.  Thankfully it was not her customary white.

Nutmeg approached her in anticipation of departure, but just as she placed a shaky foot in the stirrup, Rachel froze again when she spotted a Good Soldier racing on horseback towards her across the meadow.

Rachel’s foot slipped from the stirrup.  His helmet was off and she could see sweat marring his grey tunic.  The white cross on the front bobbed up and down wildly as his horse slowed to a trot.

And then she recognized Joseph and exhaled in relief.

He dismounted and rushed up to her, the tip of his sheathed sword coming free of its bottom leather tie and swinging forward to brush her skirt.  He quickly contained the swaying sword and fell to his knee before her.

Rise, Joseph, Rachel said a bit impatiently.  You know that's unnecessary.

Your Highness, he said, rising, still out of breath.  Your Father has already returned!

Oh, no!  Rachel cried.  I was just preparing to leave!  But then, keeping her voice lower, Does he know I'm gone?  Is anyone looking for me?

I don't know, Joseph answered.  When he returned, I left immediately to find you.  I made sure not to be followed.  I thought I could guess the area where you'd be.

Were they looking for her?  She knew her Father couldn't care less, but for appearances' sake, he was bound to make a fuss if she was discovered missing.  But she chose to be alone a great deal.  She should have some time.  Who would miss her?  And when?  A Tutor?  But what about at dinner?  Surely her Father would notice her absence then.  Judging by the sun, she had a couple of hours.

But something in the distance, in the direction of the Fortress, which was also just visible.  Two men on horseback!  They were looking for her!

Her heart galloped as she longed to do, but the first thought of her speeding mind was a drastic measure.  Those men, those Soldiers were moving their way.  If they had spotted them...

Do you have any rope, Joseph?

Yes, he replied.  He appeared puzzled, but he went to his saddle and brought back a fairly new rope as she had requested.

Hurry!  Look!  They're coming.  Tie me.  Say you caught me and are bringing me back.

As he tied her, a bit loosely but tight enough to be convincing, Rachel continued, You will tell them you saw me leaving and followed me.  You didn't alert anyone, you couldn't take anyone with you because the Fortress was undermanned.

Joseph gazed at her and nodded.

This is all my fault, Rachel said.  And you've been so kind to me.

I wanted to help you, Joseph said.  I am proud to.  I wanted to see your sad face happy.

Rachel reached out for his hands, touched beyond words.  But she had to snatch them away as the other two men approached.  Thank you, she finally said from the deepest of her heart.

He smiled, nodding.

Here they come, Rachel said.  Help me to mount.

Joseph settled her atop Nutmeg, lifting her without effort.  He took charge when the other Soldiers arrived and told the agreed upon story.  But the men were aloof and merely indicated that they must return.

When they set out, Rachel’s heart beat so savagely in her breast that it frightened her.  Her stomach was a knot in her center.  What punishment would be rendered for such a transgression?  Surely not prison?  Not for her.

She wondered if with this she had suddenly stepped too far.

When they had almost reached their destination, Rachel experienced a sudden yearning to run away; indeed, every portion of her being called for flight, except for her practical brain.  She vowed her fear would not make her lose her senses in this situation.  Running would only severely compound her penalty.  Besides, where would she run?  To one of the farmhouses?  Maybe, but then what?

Rachel sighed, resigning to her fate.  How could she have possibly known the negotiations would be over in no time at all?

They were met by four Guardsmen.  Rachel's heart sank dismally as the men surrounded them.  They dismounted, Rachel with Joseph's help, and were ushered without words into the Receiving Hall.  Strangely formal, Rachel thought.  But the Hall was practically empty when they stepped inside.

Her heart rate increased when she saw her Father was there with only one other man, someone she did not recognize.  Rachel blinked to focus her eyes, astounded she would interact with her Father with so few people present.

When they entered, the two men lowered their voices to whispering at the far end of the large room.  The other man appeared to be neither Guard