• The Sorceress •

We finally arrived at the town gates. A small but beautiful castle stood with banners of red with golden swirls.

Of course the castle was gorgeous. The royal family was elven blood, and elves prided themselves on their exotic and detailed designs.

"The Sorcerer is here!" A woman whispered to her presumably husband. "She has come to break the curse!"

"It's a woman, Pelura." The man scoffed back. "Why didn't the Messenger find us a man Sorcerer?"

"Mommy, who is that?" A child pointed at me.

"That's the sorceress come to save the royal family, Stewan." His mother whispered in his ear.

Gerum looked at me apologetically. "Everyone's been very anxious for this curse to be over." He explained as we walked.

"I see..." I trailed off as a little boy ran up to me.

"Miss Sorcerer, have you come to save the Queen and princess?" He asked, out of breath. The crowd in the street all faced me, awaiting my answer.

"Um..." I glanced nervously around. I felt their eyes boring into me. I didn't like this feeling. "Y-yes...?"

"Hooray!!!" The crowd cheered and chanted my name as we approached the castle door.

It didn't take much to please the townsfolk. I hope the Queen will be just as easy, I sighed to myself and entered the castle behind Gerum.

"Your majesty-" Gerum bowed at the golden throne. "I have brought you Sorceress Sithra."

The queen, eyes narrow and sharp, rose from her seat. Her red dress trailed behind her as she came up to me. She stopped in my face, sizing me up.

"Get out of my castle." She snarled. "You monster."