Bound

Chapter One

When I woke, the sun was still low in the sky and red streaks were painted across the silky lilac-blue haze. I drew back the blankets and padded across the bare stone floor, I slipped on a cream woollen shirt, fastening the collar buttons, I draped the leather strap of my dagger sheath around my waist and fastened the buckle. I pulled on plain breeches and donned a thick winter cloak, easing my bow and a full quiver of arrows over my shoulder.

   I left the room. Standing on the balcony looking down at the multiple flights of stairs, I closed my eyes and concentrating on my goal, I cast a weak muffling glamour, to protect my movements and to ensure that no one heard me.

   My bare feet barely made a sound as I crept down the steps – I even enhanced the motion slightly by bending over into the commonly used ‘creeping around’ position – I slipped into the twisting maze of the Court abode and sprinted down an ivy clad passage, fragile flowers bloomed from between the abundant green leaves. At the end of the natural expanse, I came to a door. Heaving it open with all my weight, I prayed that it would not hinder me. The hinges remained silent and I resumed my plight.

   Blaring through the kitchens, I raced out of the opposite door, past huge brick ovens and silver-grey cauldrons and racks of fruit and wine.

   Once outside of the Court walls, I jogged into a brier and when I came out of the thorny brambles, I perceived the stables. There, beside the stone wall, washing his fur, was my best friend  and my companion – Leimen – my Amur Leopard.

   All fait, Summer and Winter had an animal companion, they both found each other at birth or soon after. Mine, usually native to the North had been found on the day of my birth when he was a kitten, in the stables. And even though the normality was for the companion and the Fait to share chambers, he often returned here to sleep.

   Suddenly, Leimen glanced up and saw me. That’s all it took, for him to stop cleansing himself, to jump down from his occupied barrel and to bound over to me, leaping in one fluid motion into my arms.

   “Lei, I knew you’d be out here.” I chimed as he adjusted his weight comfortably across my shoulders.

   “Hello princess.” He purred. “Though I do have one question, why are you – the princess of the Summer Court, carrying around weapons.”

   “I’m merely being cautious.” I stood in my own defence.

   I suddenly remembered my enchantment and released the inhabitants of the court from my charm as we danced into sunrise.

   Today was the Awakening Ball, an event that came to pass on either the summer or winter solstice. Today both courts – North and South – would meet on a truce agreement and renew contracts and enjoy festivities.

   At the age of seventeen summers, it would be my first Awakening. I had dreamt about it, since I was a small child. I wanted to comprehend the Winter Court from the North, to acknowledge their existence and to ensure they were not merely a myth.

   Growing up in within the compound of the South, the Summer Court was my home and all I had ever known. I was familiar with the flamboyancy of my Court, the versicolour clothing and the array of bright food.

   But today I knew what would come to pass. When a princess comes of age, a selection would befall, to choose her Guardian Warrior. My Guardian a Warrior envisioned solely to protect me, even dying for me if necessary and serving me faithfully until my passing.

   The point was to ‘awaken’ the guardian warrior within.

   Now it was time to grow up.