Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 | Page 236

Together, we reached many kingdoms. It’s such great honor for him to train me and my people along the
journey. Finally, we arrived at our last destination, Phintena. People were oddly kind and welcoming there.
Gerald Kurso, leader of Phintena, claimed that they were in need of a ruler that will care for them. So they
approached us with warm welcome hoping that we could become the ruler. We stayed in Phintena for a
few days. I was alone in my room when Antonio suddenly appeared with Jared and Gerald beside him,
announcing that my father was dead. “I don’t know what had happened to your father. I was out dealing
with things when your father got stabbed.” Antonio stated. I was in complete shock.
Arthur busted in, shouted “The Phintenans! They're attacking us, telling them to bring you out to execute
you!” I was so confused. First they welcomed us and now this? I was thinking everything that could happen
until I heard someone drew their sword, as I turned around, Antonio slashed his sword through my stomach
and Arthur was grabbed by Gerald and Jared.
Antonio walked around, slowly saying “I've always wanted this day to come seeing you and Arthur united.
My plans were successful after all.”
“What are you trying to say?” I shouted confusion.
He smirked at me and continued “I've always been so curious on how you're so dedicated to dominate
kingdoms ‘just like mother did’. Argh, you're as naive as your mother!”
I didn't spoke a word. He sighed “You see, Phintena doesn't have any ruler because this place is of a blank
land. More than 19 years ago until now I’d collected all the refugees of every kingdom your mother took
over with hearts filled with anger for all of your selfish acts and brought them here. I was the one who sent
death threats to your mother.
Right after you left Ravendelle, I looked for the best opportunity to kill your father so I could rule over
Ravendelle in the meantime and kill you next. And as for you Arthur, both of your parents were extremely
powerful, I was afraid that with the three of you together, I’ll be in great danger someday. So, I left you
alive knowing nothing about your parents.” Arthur was extremely furious that he got out of Gerald and
Jared’s hands, took their heads and bumped them to each other dead. As Antonio looked at what Arthur
did, I pulled out his sword from him, he looked back at me and I slashed his head off without hesitation.
I cried in guilt, anger and sorrow swirled together. Arthur came near and wrapped his arms around me. I
now realised how much it caused pain for these people to see their kingdoms being dominated due to war
that’s started by my inconsiderate thoughts.
I went out and looked at everyone fighting against. They all paused when they saw me in tears. I took a
deep breath, then spoke “I now realize all the cause that I've given you all, and I must pay the price for what
I and my kingdom had done. I, Stella McPhelore, pledge to pay back everything you have been stolen. I,
princess of Ravendelle, surrender to you all, I shall restore back all the things you all nurtured, signing peace
treaties and share one of the finest things Ravendelle possesses.”
It was heartwarming how the ‘Phintenans’ looked at me rejoiced after what I've declared. Arthur and his
people returned back to Albhamia while I returned to Ravendelle and visited my father’s grave. I told him
how much I've learned in my journey though I never thought that I’d never get to hear from him in my I
return.
As promised in Phintena, I'm currently working on to the process of signing peace treaties and so on, to
their own countries. Things have gotten better. I became close to their rulers and brought ‘name’ to
Ravendelle. A better and more powerful one than I had desired, for it has touched the hearts of different
nations, without any wars. And I believe how very soon, we’ll all weave a united country.