a short fantasy tale set in a kingdom of rugged mountains. In a kingdom of rugged mountains, flowing streams and sweeping fields, a maiden of the queen's court met a knight at the last Royal Ball of winter. The festivities went on for a fortnight and they spent every opportunity together. They continued their friendship as winter faded into spring.
When spring began the royal family and their loyal servants went on holiday. While the royal family was away, a coup occurred and citizens that were loyal to the kingdom went into hiding. The royal family and their convoy roamed the neighbouring lands in exile where they found shelter and hospitality while longing for their home. Royal troops sent regular reports of their resistance to the rebellious groups. As the maiden travelled with the monarchs, she wondered what had happened to her knight friend. As the royals travelled into the outer provinces of their realm, villages befriended them and some of their convoy remained as liaisons. The maiden decided to stay in a quiet village nestled in a mountain valley while the monarchs travelled farther south. The maiden stayed with the village innkeeper and his family and worked at the inn and the bakery. |