A Princess Reborn

Rune and I arrive at Arkhandra, the sight leaving him speechless in awe. "I never thought I'd see it... ever." He moves closer, dropping to his knees a couple of feet away, raising his fist to his chest. His intense reaction to Arkhandra is undeniable. "Spectacular, isn't it?"

"It's beyond belief. And I was right."

"About what?"

"Arkhandra... it matches your beauty, but not completely."

"You're incredibly sweet."

"I speak only the truth."

"What were you doing just now... with the raised fist?"

"I was reciting my Oath of Fealty."

"Oh..."

"Arkhandra stands as a symbol of the royal family I've pledged my allegiance to. As a child, I heard tales of its existence. To experience it firsthand is truly incredible."

"The royal family you-" My words are interrupted by a distant cry. "Maiden!"

"Oh no."

"Sarah! It's Hannah!"

"Are you acquainted with this person?"

"He's somewhat obsessed with my friend. It's been that way since childhood. He just won't let it go."

Rune nods and observes Eric as he approaches, breathless. "Maiden, I'm overjoyed to have found you."

Rune steps between Eric and me, creating a barrier. "My name is Rune. What might yours be?"

"I'm Eric. The maiden knows me."

"I don't care. What's your purpose here?"

"Please, I'm not here to cause trouble. I know the maiden and her friend, Hannah. That's why I'm here. Hannah..."

"Rune, let him speak, please? Hannah is my best friend."

"It's Hannah-something strange, so strange. It was like seeing double!"

"Calm down, Eric."

"Alright. I was searching for Hannah, and I saw her across the road. But when I turned the other way, I saw another Hannah. Identical!"

"That doesn't make any sense," I interject.

"If I speak falsely, let my mother pay the price with her life!"

"I'd rather you take responsibility," Rune mumbles.

"I swear on my honor!"

If anything happened to Hannah while I was away... "Eric, if you're lying, I swear by all the gods in this kingdom-"

"Please, come see for yourself!"

"Let's go."

***

Out of breath, we reach Market Square. "Eric, where did you see the two Hannahs?" I inquire.

"I saw one enter the old herb shop, maiden! The Wise One's place."

No... of all places. A shiver runs down my spine, but I press forward. "No time to waste. Let's go."

We hurry down the alley and stop before the shop. Rune opens the door, followed by Eric and then me. I never anticipated returning here so soon. "Did you really see... one of the Hannahs come in here, Eric?"

"Yes, I swear!"

"There's the old woman." Mara stands in the doorway, appearing as anguished as when I left her earlier. "Ma'am, we're in search of our... friend. Have you encountered a young girl entering here?" Rune inquires.

"She's the most beautiful girl this village has known, with long red flowing hair and an unwavering spirit."

Mara pays no heed to them, her attention locked on me. "There's naught for you here. I'm devoid of ginger roots, and the last of the red sorrel has been used."

"It's not herbs we seek, Mara, but my friend."

The old woman moves closer, her voice trembling. "Run, child. Save yourself!" I see the fear in Mara's eyes, and for an instant, the impulse to turn and flee overtakes me. But then Hannah emerges behind her, and the old woman's posture tenses. "Hannah!?"

"Is this your friend?"

"Yes, it's me. Why's everyone staring like fools?"

"Oh, Hannah! I'm so relieved to see you!"

Hannah pushes past Mara. "I combed the whole village searching for you. Where were you?" I ask.

"I... why did you come into this shop?"

"I saw you racing in this direction and assumed you'd come to this rancid old place."

My gaze shifts to Mara, who remains as terrified as before.

"Ask the old hag. She'll have your answers."

Yet Mara stays silent, hugging herself and mumbling incoherently. "Seems like the day has taken its toll on the Wise One."

"Oh, what's the point? I'm simply thrilled we found you."

"Mutual sentiment. You've no idea!"

We embrace, and Hannah leans in to whisper to me. "Why's that little Romeo trailing after you?"

"He-" Eric cuts in, "Hannah, I was so worried. I spotted you... and another you. Exactly the same, I swear!"

"What are you blabbering about, fishmonger?" she challenges him.

"I mean, I saw two of you! One here, and the other entering the herb shop."

"Why don't you follow the other 'me,' and everyone will be happy."

"I'd rather be insulted than injured."

"It's rather rare for someone to care so deeply," Rune observes.

"Eric was concerned, Hannah. We all were."

We exit the shop, Mara following closely. Outside, I notice Mara retreating into her store, the door shutting in my face once again.

"Hannah, this is..." Before I can introduce Rune, she grips my arm. "Come on, then! I haven't had any quality time with my friend at the festival. What a pity!" Arm in arm, Hannah and I sprint to Market Square to rejoin the festivities. I keep glancing back over my shoulder, reassured to see Rune and Eric following us.

I wish Hannah would slow down so I could introduce her to Rune. But Hannah is on a roll. She dances through the jubilant crowds, leading us to the point of breathlessness. "Wait, Hannah. Let's pause for a moment. Why the rush?"

"We've wasted enough time! And I didn't plan to spend the day with those two."

"But that's Rune." She makes a face. "So?"

"The knight I encountered in the field?"

"Oh... well, he doesn't quite seem your type." She's likely miffed that I didn't meet her by the fountain. It's understandable. Yet I can't help but feel disappointed that my friend is acting so insensitively. There's something odd about her behavior. Eric's presence must be getting under her skin.

Rune and Eric join us, and Hannah looks displeased. "You're like a persistent shadow, fishmonger. Why are you here?" Eric's self-assured demeanor falters at her words. "My father's a fishmonger. I'm not."

"Even worse, then. You reek of fish and you're nobody."

"I'm not nobody. I told you I'm apprenticing at the blacksmith."

"Poor blacksmith. He's probably regretting every minute of it."

Rune and I exchange a glance. He can't be particularly impressed by my best friend right now. But Hannah's behaving exceedingly rudely. She could dial it down a notch. "Hannah, I think-"

"There you are!" I spin

around in shock. "Hannah?!"

"That's my name."

"What on earth..." Eric mutters.

Before us stands another Hannah, an exact duplicate of the one we left at the herb shop. I look between the two Hannahs, feeling a wave of dizziness. Rune steps closer to me, his hand hovering near his sword hilt. Eric's mouth hangs open, his astonishment palpable. "Stay near me," Rune whispers in my ear.

I struggle to think clearly, but I must pull myself together. Both Hannahs gaze at each other with astonishment. "Wha... but that's... me..."

"This can't be! What's happening?!" the other Hannah exclaims.

"Are you sure Hannah doesn't have a twin sister?" Rune asks from my side.

"I'm positive!"

"I definitely don't! And I know best!" Hannah asserts.

"My gods," Eric murmurs.

A chill courses down my spine as I observe the two copies of my best friend, recalling Mara's warning: Be vigilant.

I must do something to discern the genuine Hannah. I'll pose a question, something only the real Hannah would know... I'll have them recite our friendship oath. "Alright, both of you, answer this question. What is our friendship oath? The real Hannah knows."

I turn to the Hannah we found at the shop. She appears anxious but manages to respond. "Ummm... 'Bestest of friends we'll always be, I am of you, and you are of me.'"

"Uh... no."

"Is this the imposter?" Rune inquires.

"I don't get it," Hannah says.

I scrutinize the other Hannah. "Yes, I'm nearly certain."

The other Hannah speaks up. "No sword raised against us shall find victory."

"As we've spoken-"

"So shall it be."

A wave of relief washes over me. "Hannah, it's you."

"My beloved!"

"Eric!"

"But then, who's the other Hannah?"

Suddenly, the false Hannah wavers, shifting before our eyes into the form of a man.

No...

"I've had enough of these foolish games." The hunter seizes the real Hannah. "No! Leave me alone, you..." He covers her mouth firmly, struggling to keep his grip.

"No! Hannah!"

Everything unfolds too quickly. Rune swiftly moves me behind him, drawing his sword. "Who are you?"

The hunter's gaze turns to me, and I recognize him. He's the man from my haunting dream. The man in the dark castle...

"If you want to see your friend again, meet me at the Stone Gods tomorrow at noon."

"I told you to fight! Or are you afraid?"

"I could slit your throat in an instant, knight."

"What are you waiting for?"

The hunter hesitates. Hannah writhes in his arms, his hold slipping. "Argh! The Stone Gods... tomorrow!"

Before any of us can react, the hunter and Hannah vanish in a puff of smoke.

"Hannah!"

Rune utters a curse, resheathing his sword before enveloping me in his arms in a protective gesture. "What am I to do? He has Hannah!"

I bury my face in Rune's chest, tears flowing. "I don't understand what he wants with your friend. Is she... special to you?"

"She's a shepherdess. And she's special to me!"

"Why would a hunter take an interest in her?"

I think back to my dream but can't find the words to explain it to Rune. Eric groans and rubs his head. "Hannah! Where is she?"

"I see you've rejoined us," Rune states.

"Eric, brace yourself, but she's been taken by that wicked man."

Eric springs to his feet, adopting a boxing stance, fists raised. "Where's that shapeshifter?! I'll give him a good punch in the nose!"

"As I was saying, I will conclude my affairs in the town and then take you to the Stone Gods to find your friend."

"I'm indebted to you, Rune."

"Not at all, my lady."

"I'll accompany you to the Stone Gods to rescue my beloved."

"You're not accompanying us. I can't manage two people. The road is treacherous, and you'd be a hindrance."

"I can take care of myself, sir!"

"The answer is no."

***

As Rune and I proceed past Market Square, ready to embark on our significant journey, a familiar voice calls out from behind us. "Maiden! Knight! Please wait!"

"What is it, Eric? We're on our way and in a hurry."

"Yes, knight, I'm aware. That's why I hurried to find you. I've packed for the long journey-enough for you, me, and the maiden. I've brought along my father's finest dried fish. A hearty sustenance for the journey ahead. There's nothing better for maintaining strength. And I'm skilled in cooking."

"I've already told you, you're not coming with us."

"I implore you to reconsider, knight. You could use a strong and capable companion. I can aid you if

we encounter dangers on the road."

"Do you even know how to wield a weapon?"

Eric reaches for his side, revealing a worn sheath. "A short sword, sir. I can handle it."

"The sword he uses to fillet fish."

"Rune..."

"Whoever or whatever took Hannah employed dark magic."

"Dark magic?" Eric questions.

"And your sword won't stand a chance against it. Please understand."

"Hannah always stood up for me. She never cared that I was the fishmonger's son... and when others would look down upon me, she was there for me. I want to help her, knight. Please permit me." His sincerity touches me. He'd do anything for Hannah's rescue.

"It would break my heart to leave you behind," Eric says.

"My mind is set, Eric. I'm sorry. We should go."

"Rune... could we reconsider?"

"It's for the best."

"Very well, farewell, knight."

Rune turns and walks away.

"Godspeed, maiden. I hope your mission succeeds." Eric's shoulders slump, an air of desolation surrounding him. "When you find her... please convey that I tried. And that I'd have done anything to save her."

I can't bear to see him so crestfallen. I rush over, placing my hand on his shoulder.

"Maiden..."

"I may not know you well, but I see your deep concern for her."

"Yes... I love her."

"Are you certain it's not infatuation?"

"It's not. I know what I feel, and it's as genuine as I am. One day, I'll marry Hannah, and we'll lead a joyful life... if she'll have me." The firmness in his tone surprises me. "I might be a fishmonger's son, but I can offer her as much as any nobleman."

"I admire your determination, Eric."

"You do?"

"Yes, there's much to be said for someone who never gives up."

"Thank you for your kind words, maiden. But it's easier when something so precious is at stake."

"Hannah will know you wanted to help. I'll ensure that."

"It's kind of you."

Eric glances at Rune, who waits for me. "I don't want to detain you further. The knight is waiting for you."

"Until we meet again, Eric."

"I appreciate your kindness, maiden. And I won't forget it."

Rune and I walk away, leaving Eric behind in Market Square.

In the blink of an eye, my life has taken a drastic turn.

The sounds of the festival recede as we head toward the village outskirts. Our quest to rescue Hannah has just begun.