A Sister of Knight and Dawn ~ Chapter 1

Instructions

Standing on top of a grassy, green hill, Willow sighed in disappointment. The countryside she called her home was beautiful, yet corrupt. Her brother was out towards the bottom of the hill, riding his horse in his knight armor. Her brother, once so pure, was now just as corrupt as every other night. The kingdom of Syland used to be such a peaceful, kind kingdom. The royal family was pure in heart and fought valiantly for their loyal subjects. The citizens loved their mighty king, gracious queen, beautiful princesses, and brave princes. However, it all took a turn for the worse when Lord Ray, the brother of the king at the time, took over Syland, slaying all the royal family, and set up a complete tyranny, imprisoning or executing any who dared oppose him. Now every knight was just a loyal spy, turning in innocent countryfolk for “crimes” such as bad-mouthing the king, and traitorous activity. Lord Ray, who now dubbed himself as Emperor Ray, set up a tight controlling system. All men had to go into the military or become a knight when they were 18. Women were forbidden to work and expected to raise 2 or more kids, or be shunned from society. Any unfortunate kid who lost their parents before the age of 18 was forced into orphanages that were more like military camps then children's homes. Willow watched as her brother rode up towards her. “Come on sis, we've got to head to town. I've got drill in 10 minutes.” Willow nodded, mounting the horse behind her brother, and they rode into the city. Once they came into the city, Willow looked around. Instead of the once friendly, cheerful city, it was now all but silent, with people staring at the knights with fear. Willow sighed silently, trying to mask the sadness in her eyes. The poverty in the streets despite the strict work system broke her heart. Soon, they arrived to the clearing where knight drills were held. Willow dismounted the horse with the help of her brother, and they walked together to the General. “What is she doing here?” the General sneered, glaring at Willow. Willow bit her lip to prevent herself from instantly shooting back a sharp retort. “My mums dead. Dad's busy at work. No one to watch my sister. Don't worry, she won't be a bother,” he said, waving Willow off to go sit down somewhere out of the way. “Whatever, Sir Will. In formation. Now!” he ordered, and Will scurried off to go get in line. Willow sat down next to a tree, watching the knights going through their drills, feeling sorry for all of the young boys, such as her brother, poisoned by the evil ideologies of Emperor Ray. As she was watching, a boy, around 17 with dark, midnight hair and deep, chocolate eyes walked up to her. “Girls aren't usually allowed around these parts,” he said, sitting down next to her. “My brother's training. He's a knight. That one, right there,” she said, pointing towards Will. “My mother is gone. My dad is a worker in the blacksmiths. My brother is training to be a knight. I'm only 16. Not old enough to get a husband, but can't be left alone. If it wasn't for Emp-” she said, before realizing she was about to voice her negative opinions of Emperor Ray out loud, something that could get her killed. “What?” the boy said, making direct eye contact with her. Willow's eyes dropped. “Nothing. I shouldn't have even talked,” she said, quietly. The boy lifted her chin with his gentle hand. “But I like your voice. It's soft, yet powerful,” he said, smiling at her. Willow gave a small smile back, her own hazel eyes meeting with his chocolate eyes. Suddenly, she heard a chilling voice, ripping her out of the moment. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH MY SON?” Willow looked up and found herself face to face with the angry face of Emperor Ray himself.