To Baell

The walk back to my room was much shorter than the walk there, I had so many things to think about. This evaluation was supposed to find admirable qualities… for what? Good leadership? Willingness to serve? How would they assess it?

I was greeted by Danial holding a small piece of paper. It contained the journeys of today with little tabs on each appointment showing tips on what to do and how to act. Father liked to use those sometimes to be sure I wouldn’t make a fool of myself in public. Like it hadn’t already happened at assemblies and meetings.

One quick glance at the schedule was all it took. When I was young, I had developed a photographic memory with some of the guards. They’re required to so they can remember names and faces for specific things. Now I can read almost anything once and recite it exactly as it had been written.

First off was breakfast appointed right after my meeting with father. Transitioning from fathers intense atmosphere to the loving aura of mother was a treat for the soul. Together they were the heart and mind of the country and everybody loved it. But what was I to be? I had never had to think about it before. My older brother advocated a few days before he was old enough to be crowned king. He would’ve done a splendid job but he didn’t feel right directing the military from afar so he left to work with them. Now, I was on my own.

Mother sang my name on entry. “Pierce! Your father told me that you’re started the assessment tomorrow, how exciting!” she beamed.

I smiled at her enthusiasm. “You make it sound fun when father made it sound intimidating.”

She laughed. “That’s the way it goes, huh? Well, I’m actually the one who went through it. It was about the time I met your father. Funny how things work.”

Of course. Maybe father didn’t say anything because he wouldn’t know anything. “Is there anything you can tell me about it?”

Her smile dampened. “Sorry, hun, it’s pretty secretive.”

“What is?” Kamilla burst from her previous silence.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s this assessment to see who I am. Something like that.” Kamilla stamped her foot under the table. She was fifteen but didn’t show it through temperament. She was usually pretty calm but since Connor (our older brother) left, she’s been reckless.

I have another sibling. He’s the youngest of us all. From Connor being three years older than me and Kamilla four years younger, it was a mystery that Roger was born only a year after Kamilla. Mother loves kids and wanted a fifth but it wasn’t to be. Still, she’s happy.

We talked about little things of life before father walked it, then we started discussing the day ahead. Which was pretty simple. There weren’t any parties this week so we had a bit of free time.

“Choose what you would like to do now so Fredrick can put it in your schedules.” Father said and nodded to me to speak.

“I would like to go to Baell and see if there’s anything I can do.” With my decision, Kamilla asked if she could go too. I had no problem with that, she always made the event a little extra. Roger said he would like to spend some time in the courtyard. He did that a lot. Probably because he has a little crush on one of the gardeners daughters. I think it’s funny and cute but one of the families that stays here often has a daughter who absolutely adores him. That would be a cute match too, but Roger’s still too young to think about girls and what they mean to him. I haven’t even thought about them. Girls.

The morning events slid by and we were off to Baell. Baell is the closest village to the castle. I loved it because it was always so happy. Everyone tried their best to put on a bright face. Danial sat beside me in the carriage. He went with me wherever I went. We had been best friends since birth and he always came with me. I didn’t think it fair that he would have to stay in the castle, plus he’s my right hand man.

Danial in my best friend and Kamilla my sister, yet every time they were around each other, they built up this awkward tension. Being in the middle of it didn’t help. I was up late last night worrying about today’s meeting with father. We talked in private about every week but making a specific appointment just to talk had throttled me. I could barely stay upright. Danial saw me nodding off and went to the other side by Kamilla.

“You can lay down now,” he offered. I accepted.

“Thanks. An extra fifteen minutes would be perfect.” I fall asleep on impact and didn’t stir until the door was opened. Kamilla and Danial were less tense. Maybe they had spoken and gotten over the bubble that had built up over the years. We were off.

“Okay, bye Peirce.” Kamilla called, walking in the opposite direction.

I grabbed her arm. “Excuse me, where do you think you’re going? We have to stick together.”

Her whole body sagged. “But why?”

“We only brought one guard. Where were you planning to go? We could possibly make a stop by if we have the time.”

Danial spoke up. “I could go with her, act as a second guard. If there’s an extra sword or if Hendrix is willing to sacrifice his, Kamilla is safe with me.”

“Okay, keep her safe. Never know when there’s going to be some crazy around the corner.” I reminded while Hendrix grabbed the sword.

Danial clutched it and looked me straight in the eyes. “I’ll protect her with my life, Peirce. I promise.”

“Maybe don’t protect her with your whole life, she’s a brat sometimes.”

Kamilla snorted. “I heard that!”

Ignoring her, I continued. “And no need to be so dramatic. It’s like two hours in the safest village I’ve ever heard of. It’ll be fine.”

Danial dropped his head. “I didn’t mean just--nevermind.” He followed Kamilla away. That was weird. Danial never looked that stressed. I knew he got stressed on various ocations, but he never showed it. It was part of his acting exercise. He had started acting nine years ago when he was eight. Yeah, we’re two years apart, but that’s okay. He acts mature for his age, even father has noticed it.

First thing on my list was to go see a couple of families. There were always things to know around this time of year. Harvest time. Boy I had a lot to do.

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