The Ring

•CHAPTER 3•

As they emerged from the forest into a clearing, Jennifer's eyes widened in astonishment at the sight that greeted her. A row of burning lanterns illuminated the makeshift camp that sprawled before her, casting flickering shadows across the forest floor. Multiple sets of tents were scattered throughout the clearing, their fabric billowing gently in the night breeze, each adorned with the Kingdom flag fluttering proudly in the wind.

But it was the sight of men practicing sword fighting in the center of the camp that sent a shiver down her spine, her heart pounding in her chest as she realized the gravity of her situation. This was no ordinary encampment—it was a military outpost, a staging ground for war. Confusion and fear swirled in her mind as she struggled to make sense of her surroundings. Where was she ?

As the group reached the edge of the bustling camp, the leader signaled for his men to halt. With a dismissive wave of his hand, he ordered them to leave Jennifer's side, their stern expressions leaving no room for argument. Her heart pounded with fear as she watched them retreat, leaving her alone with the imposing figure of the leader.

The leader spoke in his voice cold and authoritative, "You come with me. The king will want to speak with you."

Jennifer's protests fell on deaf ears as the leader seized her roughly by the arm, his grip like iron as he dragged her through the camp towards the largest tent at its center. The air buzzed with activity as soldiers hurried to and fro, their voices raised in urgent conversation as they prepared for battle.

As they approached the massive tent, Jennifer's heart skipped a beat at the sight of the royal banner fluttering proudly in the night breeze. This was no ordinary tent—it was the king's command center, the heart of his military operations.

With a final shove, the leader thrust her through the entrance of the tent, her eyes widening in astonishment at the sight that greeted her. The king sat upon his throne-like chair at the head of the tent, his regal bearing commanding respect as he studied a series of maps spread out before him, his commanders gathered around him in heated discussion.

The King spoke, his voice booming with authority, "What is the meaning of this interruption?"

The leader bowed respectfully, "My liege, I present to you this girl. She was found wandering near the outskirts of our camp."

The king's gaze bore into Jennifer with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine, his eyes piercing through her with a scrutiny that made her feel like a mere pawn in his game of war.

King Baron Grath spoke in his tone cold and unforgiving voice. "And what, pray tell, is a lone wanderer doing in the midst of my camp? Who are you, and what business do you have wandering in my kingdom's territory?"

Jennifer replied, her voice trembling with fear "Your Majesty, I... I don't know. I woke up in the forest, and I have no memory of how I got there."

King Baron asked skeptically "You expect me to believe that? A lone woman wandering in the woods, claiming to have no recollection of how she got there? It sounds like a feeble excuse to me."

Jennifer replied, "But it's the truth, Your Majesty! I swear it. I'm not an enemy of your kingdom. I just want to find my way back home."

King Baron spoke with his expression hardening "And where is this home of yours? Some distant land, perhaps? Or are you simply a pawn in someone else's game, sent here to sow chaos and confusion among my ranks?"

Jennifer spoke her voice rising with frustration, "No, Your Majesty, you don't understand. I'm just a normal person, caught up in circumstances beyond my control. Please, you have to believe me."