- 6th day of Hanotë

Part 1 - I Must be Going Insane

“How many times do I have to tell you? I don’t know!!”

“Selina! Wait …”

As if!, the girl thought as she ran down the stairs ignoring Dana’s shouts.

As soon as daylight greeted her she paused to recover her breath and looked at the things she’d secretly brought with her – a small golden ring and a tiara inlaid with diamonds, the only things Allana had left behind.

“By the Gods, always making a fuss about everything …” she complained and made her way towards the White Order’s main building.

When she arrived at Kahor’s room Serena was already there, examining her knee with a thoughtful expression that would have left anyone feeling apprehensive.

“Hum, it’s much better,” she finally concluded and a smile curved Kahor’s lips. “If you continue to follow my instructions and do the exercises I taught you you’ll probably be able to walk on your own in another week or so,” she told her and Kahor’s enthusiasm left a smile on Selina’s face. “Wait here. I’ll change your bandages and then you can take a walk outside,” she added and, greeting Selina as she passed her, left the room.

“Did you hear that?! A week!” Kahor repeated excited and Selina nodded.

“I’m happy for you.”

Kahor smiled. That girl with honey-colored hair was nothing but a child with a really bad temper.

“I never managed to thank you for yesterday. I had a lot of fun, having lunch in the palace … well, at least until all that commotion started …”

“Commotion?! You should see it now,” Selina added with a grimace.

“Well, it’s only natural that they should worry … With your mistress disappearing just like that.”

“Hum, yeah … I suppose,” Selina agreed deciding to leave it at. “I heard that they’ve detected the presence of enemy soldiers, hiding in the Silver Forest, north from here. It seems the Knights believe that an attack is eminent and so the evacuation started this morning, while the roads are still safe.”

“Yes, I know. I was told to ready myself …”

Selina took a deep breath and looked out the window, towards the bright blue sky that covered the world outside.

“I must be going insane to simply consider it …” she grumbled and Kahor looked at her, trying to understand. “You see, I’m not like Allana at all . I love living in the Court, and I love rich rooms, wide bedrooms, satin bed sheets and feather mattresses and pillows. I love beautiful and intricate dresses, and all the shiny accessories and jewelries that go with them, and so on.”

Kahor laugh.

“Well then, it would seem you have all you’ve ever dreamed of. And once in Leips I’m sure you’ll get all the same privileges you have here …”

“Right … except for a small detail. I’m not going to Leips,” she declared and Kahor looked at her unable to understand.

“You’re not? Why?”

“I told you, I’m probably going insane. But I found out this morning that I just can’t. Please tell me I’m going crazy. Maybe if I hear it from someone else I’ll be able to convince myself that I’m in need of some kind of treatment!”

“I’m sorry … but I don’t think I can help you with that,” Kahor answered, smiling.

“Right then … If that’s how it is, I only have one option - leave this place like Allana did. No matter what I can’t seem to get rid of the idea that I should have gone with her, that she’ll need me … Will you help me?”

Kahor smiled once again and nodded.

“Of course,” she replied but, right then, Serena reentered the room and their talk had to be postponed.

* If you want to know more about this book or simply access earlier updates, please visit the official site at http://carpersanti.net/arnae/