Resplendent Fire 22, Realm Year 760

The Imperial Court,
The Imperial City

We didn't want to receive the summons, but we must obey the law.

Mother and I are in the Imperial Court, awaiting the verdict. She keeps saying that everything will be alright, but I know we've already lost the trial. It would be foolish to hope to win it in the first place.

Across the room is the grandfather I've never met, come to take me away to what he believes is a better life. I'd much rather stay, but I don't really have a choice in the matter.

The judge is banging his gavel now, and everyone listens to what he has to say...

Mother takes my hands in hers, tears flowing freely on her face. She bids me to be a good girl, to do my best, and most importantly, to be true to myself. No matter what they force me to do, I must remember who I am, and I must pursue my own dreams and happiness.

I shall never forget those words.

A Black Helm approaches my mother and asks her to please step away. She gives me one last look, then allows herself to be escorted to the door. She didn't even look back.

I'm stunned. I couldn't say anything, couldn't even cry. I ought to be shouting for her, running after her. I could only stare in disbelief.

And then, she's gone.

I hear someone call my name. I couldn't turn around to face him though.

When he touched my shoulder, that's when everything broke lose. I screamed and tried to pull away, but grandfather's grip was very tight. He calmly drags me out of the court house and into his carriage.

I squeeze myself into the corner and weep.