The Lonely Queen

I Am Legend

And that was how the legend of the ghost bride came to be. Myrena was no longer tied to any man; she was free. But freedom always comes at cost. She had no money, no roof over her head. Just her, the sky, and the horse she'd named Shadow. Money soon wasn't as big of a problem, she found. There were many opportunities to come across it on the main road. Myrena would catch scoundrels and vagabonds, successfully battling them and leaving them tied up for authorities as she took off with her gratuity.

She mostly came upon men who'd dragged away girls from the nearby villages with ill intentions. Myrena hated them more than anything. She'd pry the beast off the maiden and brutally fight him off, stripping him of any riches he might've carried. Often times, it were the sons of lords and masters who found themselves above the law, only to come in the clutches of the ghost bride. She'd often make sure to check up on the girl when she was allowed the minute, and maybe even slip her a coin or two for her troubles.

Three years into her tirade and the ghost bride had become a sort of saint for young women about town. Sometimes, Myrena would walk the girl home, and the family would reward her with dinner at least, or a night's stay at most. It wasn't often when she accepted the offer, but not once did she stay till morning. She'd sneak only a little food (if there remained sufficient for her hosts) for her journey, and slip out into the night, finishing her rest in any forest she could find.

One night, sleeping high up in a tree, Myrena woke from a nightmare with a start, catching herself as she fell down to the ground. Her landing would have been softer had her horse been there, but Shadow was not where she had left him. Perfect, Myrena thought as she got out her dagger and began searching for her midnight horse in the middle of the dark. It took her a long minute to find him, lapping up water from a lake.

"THERE you are, Shadow! I thought someone took you from me, or worse. You'd left!" Myrena cooed as she stroked the horse's mane. The beast allowed her to pet only for so long before he whipped around and reared, warding off a possible threat. Myrena grabbed his reigns to steady him, and held out her blade.

"Who's there?" Myrena asked the apparent nothingness.

"Your beast, he's protective of you." A deep voice came and she snapped around to find a man step out from behind a tree.

"I've heard of you, the ghost bride. I only came to see if the legends were true." The curly haired man coolly spoke as he leaned against the tree, cool as a cat.

He was an odd man, Myrena thought, as he only wore an open red coat above his leather pants, held up by two belts.

"You've heard of me, but you don't cross my memory. Have we fought before?"

The question merely amused the man and he laughed a deep laugh, which she felt in her spine.

"Oh no, I don't believe we've met. I cannot reveal my name, but I will admit: I'm sort of a legend around these parts."

"Are you now, master legend? Pray tell, why have our paths crossed this unfortunate night?"

The man in red dared step closer, and Myrena jutted her dagger out in warning. He laughed and put up his hands,

"Oh I don't dare risk the ire of the ghost bride. I come as a friend; a forewarning."

"Speak your will and leave. I am not fond of company."

"A kindred fire, you and I, but as you wish. Do not travel further tonight, my bride. You'll only find trouble you can't hope to fend."

"It is not for you to discern my capabilities, but thank you for your suggestion. Good night, master legend."