Born of Silver
**~~~IN THE EMPIRE OF KHORUSTA ~~~~**
A tempest had descended upon the land, with winds howling and trees swaying violently. The entire kingdom found itself in turmoil, facing a tempest unlike any before. For the House of Lodenworth, this night could not have been worse.
"Bring more water and drapes!! My lady is losing blood; be quick about it. My lady, please hang on. Nothing must happen to you or the child."
"I can see the head, push a little harder!! Yes, that's it!" exclaimed Gretchen, my loyal friend and midwife, who served as my second-in-command.
I summoned every ounce of strength I had left and pushed until I heard the first cry of my newborn. I had a girl, but she was unlike any ordinary child. Her silver hair and eyes bore the mark of destiny—the girl of the prophecy. Tears streamed down my face for my daughter, knowing her life would be fraught with danger.
With unwavering determination, I vowed to protect her from the perils her fate foretold, even if it meant making unimaginable sacrifices.
"My lady! She is the girl of the prophecy, what do we do?" Gretchen whispered urgently, her concern evident. She was my backbone, acutely aware of the danger my daughter would face if the lords of the empire discovered her identity.
I felt the protective spell she cast as soon as she laid eyes on my child, shielding her silver hair and eye color from prying eyes. Even in times of distress, Gretchen remained swift and decisive.
"We cannot let them know, Gretchen. If they do, they will take her away, and her life will be marred by cruelty. There must be a way to conceal her true nature. My loyalty lies first with my family, not this kingdom. It can never comprehend the depths of my love," I confided.
"Is there no alternative?" Gretchen protested, her eyes filled with defiance.
"There is but one way," I replied solemnly. "The spell can only be performed by one with the strongest bond to the subject. I must do it for my daughter."
"What about us? The Noodrhen clan is also your family. What will become of us when you're gone?" Gretchen asked, desperation in her voice.
"There is no other way," I reiterated. "You know this, even if you refuse to accept it. Care for the clan when I'm gone. My daughter—Isabelle—is now your charge. Raise her to be a lady of unsurpassed grace. This is the sacrifice I must make."
~~~~~SOMEWHERE HIDDEN~~~~~
A cloaked figure spoke quietly, "You felt it too, didn't you?"
"Of course, I did. Fetch the child immediately; she is the key to our success."
Zarks_5 · Fantasie
