Mirrors

      My footsteps were the only ones that filled the castle. Its stone walls returned the hallow clops of my boots. I had to be quick, if I wanted to get to breakfast before anyone else. Hopefully, before anyone else sees me. Down, down, down the stone staircases that never seem to end. 

   The great hall was no different, stiff portraits hung along the walls with tapestries. Each with a face that scowled back at me as I continued to run. Some held scepters, some swords, but each figure wore glittering capes and jewelry. I payed no attention to them as I passed. Through the stained glass windows, rain drips down one of the figures. Thunder echoed, and it rattled my bones. 

    Suddenly, I caught a glimpse of myself as a reflection, but only a blur as I hurried by. I could hear father’s voice in my head, scolding me for vanity. It was different that my brother’s indulged in it, they were legacies after all. Their lives committed to swordplay, politics, and courting ladies. It would be a miracle if I had any part of it. I was too young to understand the games they played, but I liked getting the castle to myself in the mornings. While they all busied themselves with morning tasks, or sleeping in, I was exploring. 

    There was another rumble, this one hammered in a rhythm. I stopped beside the grand doors, and heard it again. Only then I realized it was the thump of a fist on the door. I didn’t call the guards, instead I opened the door curious to see who got caught in this storm. 

  Instead of a messenger on a horse, or one of the stable boys that tripped in the mud, I stared at an old woman. She was hunched over, and badly drenched from the rain. 

   “Would you like to come inside?” I offered. “It must be cold.”

    “Thank you, boy.”  Her voice was a gruff growl, but she smiled at me. One that displayed rotting yellow and black teeth. She stepped inside, her cloak dragged muck on the carpet and the stench that came in with it made my nose twitch. I had to bite my lip to keep myself from pinching it. 

  I lead her to one of the common rooms with a grand fire place. I point to the glittering hearth, and she ran over to it. I looked back to see a slug trail from the door into the room, and grind my teeth together. It is not dawn yet, but I know the rest of the castle will be awake soon. I hurried over to the kitchen, to grab some food for my growling belly and some for the old woman. 

   When I came back with a tray in my hand, she was sitting where I left her. I can see the color returning in her cheeks, her hair isn’t gray but seems to get more golden as I step forward. 

   “Here.” I offered. She stared at me with wide eyes, and reached for the tray. She surprised me and gobbled up everything in one chomp. I dropped my scone that I had shoved in my mouth on the floor. She whipped her mouth on her sleeve, and laughed. 

    “Ah! Now that’s a good breakfast.” Her voice was clearer now. I craned my head. 

   “I have never seen anyone eat it in one gulp.” I chuckled. “And I can shove three scones in my mouth.”

   She laughed again, it fluttered around the room. “I am grateful that you brought me food, tell me, what is your name?”

   “Bellamy.” I said, and she nodded as if she agreed with me. 

   “Well, Bellamy…I—”

    The doors burst open with guards. I stood up, but the woman only glanced at the crowd of soldiers that sprinted into the room. Father, still in his robes, raised his bow and drew. 

   “Wait!” I shouted. 

   “Move aside Bellamy!” He pushed me aside when I tried to stand between them. 

    I was pushed into my brother, who held my arm. My oldest brother, was beside father with mother also in her nightdress. Her hair in a ribbon, she gestured for me to come to her side and the second oldest let me go. Instead, I ran to father to stop his arm as it came down to slash the air. 

   “No! Father, please!” I begged as I was thrown down to the floor again. 

   “Get out of my house you witch!” He screamed as he brought his sword down again. 

    I shrieked, but I didn’t hear iron slice flesh. In fact, I heard something like a shatter. A blinding golden light erupt sending everyone tumbling backward. The light swirled around us, and through the morning dawn.

   The old woman no longer sat in front of us. Under a golden waterfall, stood a young woman with rich black hair that twisted in the air. Little stars danced around her head, crowning her in rich jewels. Her cheeks were round and tinted peach, and her blue dress curled around her. Her black eyes smiled at me, and I sat up. 

  “It isn’t polite to address a sorceress with such a tone.” She turned cold as she addressed father.

  “Lady, I—” Father stammered, he glanced at his sword that was shattered at his feet. 

  She payed no attention to him, but knelt before me. She reached out and tapped my nose, and a star sparkled at the end of her finger as she pulled it away. She held out her palm and I put my hand in hers. 

  “You will make a lovey king someday, my friend.” Her voice is high, and sweeter than a harp. 

   She overturns my hand and draws something with her finger. Then she wrapped my fingers around it. She gingerly kissed it and I closed my jaw. 

    She disappeared into the air, like mist from the sea. I uncurled my fingers.

In my palm sat a small golden mirror.