A Princess Reborn

Rune and I are finally on the open road. As we move further away from everything I've ever known, my thoughts wander to my dear friend. I can't bear the thought of Hannah being in the clutches of that evil, deranged man.

My earlier lie about my last name still bugs me too. It's a little white lie. Okay, a huge one. After hearing that the queen has a message for me, coupled with Hannah's strange kidnapping, I'm feeling completely out of my depth... I just don't want to be the next one to disappear in a puff of smoke. My heart tells me I can trust Rune, but fear has taken control of my mind. And to make matters worse: it would be so mortifying if Rune found out I lied to him. Would he ever trust me again, even if I told him the truth right now?

The village has almost completely faded into the background when Rune starts speaking again. "I don't understand what that shapeshifting madman wants with your friend."

"I don't know either."

"Are you sure? I mean, it's highly unlikely that he'd just target her out of the blue. She must have done something... or someone close to her has."

"Of course I'm sure. I have no idea what he wants with her."

"Did she step on someone's toes? Anger a wizard or swindle a merchant?"

"No."

"She's your best friend after all. I'm sure you share everything with each other."

"Do you think I'm keeping something from you?"

"I don't know what to think. I barely know any of you."

I can't believe he's questioning my integrity. Oh wait... I did lie to him... but he doesn't know my true identity, so what gives him the right?! "Well, thank you for the vote of confidence."

"I'm just asking a simple question."

The stress of the day must be getting to me... or my guilty conscience. I stop in my tracks, suddenly offended beyond measure. "You don't trust me because I'm from a small village and beneath you. That's it, right?"

"No, that's not it."

Although I know I'm being totally unreasonable, I nevertheless forge ahead. "Or is it that Hannah's not noble or rich enough to be worthy of your time... and to be saved by a mighty and brave knight?"

"Now you're just being insulting."

"I think you pity us, and now that your pity has run out..."

Before I can continue arguing, a familiar voice interrupts us. "Wait up!"

It's Eric.

"Great..."

He's either run away from home, or he's joining us on our journey-neither of which is good. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm not going to sit back while my love is in the hands of that... man who turns into a girl. If it means fighting off dragons or evil witches, then so be it! I will rescue her and bring her safely back home!"

"And how, pray tell, shall you save her?" Rune says with a laugh.

"I don't see what's so funny, knight. I'm brave and strong. Those are two noteworthy qualities in a man, my father always says."

Rune is about to answer him when I interrupt them. "I think you should hear him out, Rune. It's not only knights who have their pride. Village folk do too."

"Thank you, maiden."

Rune draws his sword from its sheath and steps back. "Then prove yourself, Eric. On guard!"

"Uh... prepare to fight!" Eric's knapsack falls to the ground, and he draws his father's rusty sword. Poor Eric, he's trying really hard to prove himself.

It happens in a flash. Rune sends Eric's weapon tumbling to the ground and holds the sharp tip of his sword to Eric's neck.

"Under any other circumstances, you'd be dead."

"I just need some training. Let's go again, knight!"

Eric is much too brave for his own good. They once again engage. The scene repeats itself almost exactly, but this time Rune's sword rests on Eric's heart. "Give up, Eric. And admit defeat."

"I just need more practice!"

Rune shakes his head but entertains him. He stands back, waiting impatiently for his opponent to pick up his sword from the ground.

He might not be as skilled as Rune, but he's got one thing on his side: a never-give-up attitude. I can't bear to see him struggling like this. His feelings are obviously real and honorable. I wish there was a way I could help him. I do know a thing or two about sword fighting. Hannah and I used to practice it in secret whenever we got a chance.

I start shouting tips to Eric, and he grasps them quickly. "Eric, your grip is all wrong. That's why you've got such messy movements. Grip with your thumb and first two fingers, and curl your remaining fingers loosely around the hilt!"

Rune looks surprised at my knowledge and becomes distracted. He's forced to do a quick defense when Eric gains footing. "You see, knight? I just need some practice!"

"Or someone babysitting your every move."

Rune shifts into high gear, and with a series of skilled and cunning moves, he overpowers Eric once again. This time he manages to bring both Eric and his sword tumbling to the ground. While a cloud of dust surrounds Eric where he lies on the footpath, he still shouts out. "I've improved, knight. Admit it!"

"I've had enough. There's a long and tough road ahead of us. Let's go." Rune turns around and starts walking off, leaving Eric and me staring at each other. "Does that mean I can come with?"

Eric wipes some dust off his face, and I stare at Rune as he walks on without looking back.

"I think so."

"For real?! I can't believe I'm going to save my Hannah. I've waited my entire life for this moment!"

"You've waited your entire life for Hannah to be kidnapped so you can save her?"

"No. Just a moment where I can prove my love. Did you see how I almost conquered the knight? If it wasn't for his years of training-"

"Uh... I think you almost lost your life, Eric."

Eric is about to retort when Rune beckons both of us.

"We better hurry. As Rune said: we've got a long and tough journey ahead of us."