Annador, chapter five

Willow’s shadow glided across the floor, mimicking her every move in the woeful light. Above her, looming just out of reach, shadows cast by branches budding with foliage flicked over a grate.The girl watched the shadows flicker across the floor, admiring the shifting patterns, like the flames which writhed in the fireplace of her room. Willow, the princess of Annador, smiled sadly. Her kingdom had been conquered, and she and her family had been taken prisoner in Ondalina, a neighboring kingdom. A few hours ago, Willow had been taken from this concrete cell to speak with Raymond the fourth, king of Ondalina. The past meeting had left her equally bewildered and terrified.

A whirring noise alerted Willow to the opening door of her cell. The same guard, who had brought her to meet the King, was back again. This time, though, he was not alone. In the grip of his piggy fists, which Willow knew only too well, a tall, lanky woman leaned, matted brown hair dangling from her head limply. Dark, angry eyes glared forlornly from deep eye sockets, with slim eyebrows arched above. Her slim, flat body slouched reproachfully against the bulky guard. Willow glanced up at the guard in surprise, but he said nothing, just shoved the woman in, and the door slid shut, thudding ominously.

As the woman glared at her, Willow stiffened. Whoever she is, she already hates me. Self consciously running her fingers through her coppery hair, the princess adopted a regal pose, straightening her sore back, and crossed her arms. Willow observed the woman warily: her angry brown eyes, her defiant posture, and her indignant mein. A scowl narrowed her eyes and puckered her mouth. After a few minutes, Willow finally gave in, breaking the tense silence.

“Willow.” She blurted. The woman turned her hard gaze to her. “My name’s Willow. What’s yours?”

“Lana.”

This story will be continued in chapter six of Annador. Thanks for reading!