Nobody wants to become a miner.

I am reminded of this fact as I watch a woman weep over her dead husband. He died down in the mines of Athia Mountains. They say his rope snapped.

The woman's children cling to her skirts, sobbing. Many people look sympathetic, but offer no condolences. It's just a part of the job. Not all men come back up.

The priestesses of the gods come over to pray for the woman's family, and I look away. I turn back to the sword I'm forging. The blade is perfectly balanced, or it will be, and made of steel that the widow's husband died to bring back from the earth.

The blacksmith, Roland, speaks to me, "Lost in thought again, Alec?"

"Another man died today," I tell him, solemnly, speaking over the pounding of the hammer. "It's getting more dangerous."

Roland nods in understanding. Every child in Posseditius knows that the deeper you go into the mines, the more dangerous it is.

I plunge the sword into the icy water. The metal hisses. Distorted by the ripples, I see my reflection. I see the curled black locks, the dark-nearly black- eyes. Mother says that I look just like my dead father.

"Where is the Night boy?" A voice calls out.

I look up to see a knight. I recognize his helm. I made that helm. I gave it up to help Roland. He lost his second son, his last living son, to the mines last year. He couldn't face working for weeks.

"What for, ser?" Roland asks. "I'll need the boy! He's my apprentice!"

The knight is one of Lady Sara's. He's one of her personal guard. Roland's a big man, but even he couldn't stand up to one of the knights of Posseditius.

"It's not my problem," the knight yells angrily. "My Lady commands; I serve. She's requested the boy."

"It's alright, Roland," I say quickly. "I'll go meet Lady Sara. She likely won't keep me long."

Roland shakes his head. "You're twenty years, Alec. They'll send you to the mines."

Why ask for me specifically? I'm just a brat born or wedlock. Another babe with the name Night. Why ask for me?

"So be it, Roland."

Roland watches mournfully as I lay down the steel, grab my own sword, and follow the knight. "I thought I wouldn't lose any more sons."

"Why does my Lady ask for me?" I ask, forcing myself not to look back. I can't show weakness.

"You'll see soon enough."

Real insightful answer. What could I have done? I follow the rules. Is it my mother? Did she take ill while cooking Lady Sara's food? She was in good health this morning....It has to be something I did. It has to be the sword fighting. Somebody saw me.

Strictly speaking, commoners shouldn't wield weapons without formal training. She's calling me to my trial. I'll be sentenced to the mines for certain. I could die down there and leave my mother alone.

Finally, we reach the highest peak of the highest mountain. The path is narrow, and falling is easy, but not for those born here. You learn to be sure-footed. At the top of the mountain rests the great castle of Posseditius, home to Lady Sara and her infant son.

"Lady Sara waits for you inside," the knight says gruffly. "Only speak when spoken to. Have respect for her guest."

Oh, Herio, give me strength.

I enter the Lady's main hall. Lady Sara rests at her High Table, her infant son waving his chubby fist at me. Sitting near her is the Grand Advisor. He advises the King of Cayelle. He's King Liam's chosen advisor. I bow respectfully.

"Rise, Alec Night." Lady Sara says easily.

As I rise I take in my Lady's appearance. She wears her blonde hair in long ringlets, and her brown eyes appear kind. They're not. They say Lady Sara's greed could cause her to do heartless things. Her baby has a tuft of black hair and brown eyes.

"My Lady," I say, respectfully. "My Lord."

"Alec," Lady Sara's brown eyes watch me carefully. "Do you know why you are here?"

Lie or tell the truth? My life or my honor?

"I suspect, my Lady," I tell her. "Nothing more."

"Good move, Alec," Lady Sara says. "Neither a confirmation nor a denial. That will serve you well in Court."

"I beg your pardon, my Lady?"

"The Grand Advisor will be taking you with him back to Malchan," Lady Sara says with a smile. "Rather than sending you to work in the mines and revoke your apprenticeship, I will send you to Court. You'll join the King's Guard with a few high-born boys."

I'll keep my kids, but I'll still leave my mother. My poor mother. "Thank you, my Lady. For your Mercy. May I ask of my mother?"

"What of her? She'll remain here in Athia."

"Will I see her again? I wish to tell her myself of my new appointment. I am her only child."

I saw Lady Sara's gaze shift to the baby in her arms.

"You may. Go. You leave at dawn."

"Thank you, my Lady." I say, grateful. She's greedy, but not malicious. I nod respectfully to the Grand Advisor. "My Lord."

I rush hurriedly to the kitchens. I have to tell mother. As always, things are busy in the kitchens. I finally spot my mother's black hair with grey streaks. She is kneading bread. I race to her side.

"Mother!" I say, breathlessly. "I need to speak with you."

"Alec," she says fearfully, turning her blue eyes to meet mine. "What's happening?"

"We should talk privately," I implore her. Clearly, Lady Sara has spies everywhere.

Mother sighs. She reaches out to tap a little girl on the shoulder, "Sophie, please knead this bread for me. I need to speak with my son."

"Yes, Ma'am. Hi, Alec." She says shyly.

"Hi, Sophie. You being a good girl for your mother?"

"Yes," she smiles.

Mother takes me out into the servants' hallway, where we'd be a little Jew assured no spies are listening in.

"Alec?"

I sigh deeply before speaking, "Lady Sara is sending me away, Mother."

My mother pales, "To the mines?"

"To the capital. I'm to serve as one of the King's Guard."

"That's hardly better!" Mother snaps. "Sending you to Malchan! I still lose my only son! My only child!"

With these words, her voice cracks and she starts sobbing. I didn't want to tell her. She's lost too much already.

"I won't be like father-"

"Don't you dare say that, Alec! It's exactly like your father! He was my one true love. I wanted to marry him. He promised me he'd return. But he was wrong! Alec, he went to Malchan to serve the king and he died there. He never met you and cursed you to carry the name Night. All because of Lady Sara's orders!"

"Mother, please, don't shout," I beg, pulling her into a hug. I never noticed how much taller than her I've gotten. "Her spies are everywhere."

"I've served her faithfully. I've always believed in House Heartsgrove, but I only ever receive sorrow in return. Kodite never answers my prayers."

"I'll serve faithfully, too. Lady Sara isn't cruel."

"But she is conniving and greedy. Shell keep her son. I lose mine. I never wanted to lose you, Alec."

Mother's tears fall into my shirt, soaking it. I wipe them away. I whisper, "you won't lose me, Mother."

"I will! If you can come home, you won't be my Alec. You'll be like the people in the capital."

I didn't have an argument for her. To make it out of the capital with your head attached to your neck, you have to be able to play King Liam's games. It can change a person.

"I warned you, Alec! I told you to take that sword back to Roland. I knew nothing but trouble would come out of it!"

"I just wanted to be able to protect you, Mother."

She hiccups before looking up at me. "Your father wanted to protect me, too. He forgot to protect himself. Please don't make the same mistake, Alec."

"I won't forget. I love you, Mother."

"I love you, too, Alec."