As Queen Chalyela is on her way out of the door, Sister Ermine stops her. “Your Majesty, might I ask one more favor.”
“Aye, of course your Grace.”
“I need your help. Lady Eilonwy says that my robes are outdated. Might I ask your help in picking out more stylish robes?”
“Aye. Anything to increase belief in our glorious Watcher!” Chalyela responds.
“Thank you M’Lady.”
Exhausted by the events of the day, Sister Ermine lies down for a nap, missing her naptime tea tremendously.
Queen Chalyela has completed her duties for the day and sees an opportunity to enjoy herself.
She is desperate to keep her mind off of Sir Ivan and Gavin. Today it will be about her.
She is excited to hear joyful music as soon as she enters the castle. She follows the sound to the tactical map room where Lady Eilonwy dances to the upbeat tone being played by the castle jester.
Queen Chalyela’s feet practically takes over as she dances to merry tune after merry tune.
Once the music has stopped, Chalyela finds that she has extra energy to spare. She walks down the hill to the kingdom’s Kingball court. An aggressive game of Kingball is just what she needs to put herself in high spirits.
Chalyela grabs a ball and paddle, but she has no opponent.
It is not long before a villager joins her. “I would be honored to have a game with you your majesty.”
“Great, but you are not to go easy on me! I need competition,” Chalyela orders just before serving the ball.
“Yes, your majesty!”
The ball returns to her and Chalyela returns it with an effortless swing of her paddle.
Her opponent is very good and gives Chalyela a good challenge.
Chalyela feels strong and energetic as she holds up her paddle. The ball heads her way. She is ready to swing with all of her might.
The villager awaits in a ready stance, thrilled to be enjoying this time with her queen.
It is quite late when Chalyela finishes her Kingball game with the villager, victorious. As she returns to the castle, she is approached by an unfamiliar woman.
“Your majesty, might I have a word?”
Chalyela is shocked as the lady begins to draw her sword. “I require your money and your jewels!”
Chalyela is shocked that this woman would dare attempt to rob the queen. She catches the thief off guard as she acts fast pulling out her own sword. “I think not!” She counters.
With all of her might she uses her sword to push the thief backward.
“I will teach you never to threaten the queen!”
Chalyela and the thief part briefly and get into their ready stance, preparing to duel. With all of the practice she has gotten with Sir Ivan, Chalyela already feels victorious.
Each raise their sword.
Chalyela stands her ground and allows the thief to move forward. With her feet planted firmly on the ground, Chalyela deflects the thief’s sword without breaking a sweat.
“I shall teach you a lesson you shall not soon forget!” Chalyela says.
The thief is thrown off balance when Chalyela moves closer to her with unexpected quickness, swinging her sword as she steps forward.
The thief is on the ground in a vulnerable position. Chalyela could easily finish her off, but she wants to make sure this thief is forced to contemplate the error of her ways.
The thief knows that she is dueling a stronger opponent, but she refuses to back down.
Chalyela overpowers her again and again.
A blow to the thief’s arm results in an injury.
Despite her injured arm, the thief foolishly tries to surprise Chalyela with a swing of her sword. Chalyela anticipates her swing and slides out of the way. The thief swings so hard that she ends up with her back turned.
Chalyela uses the thief’s vulnerable position to her advantage. She hits the thief hard on her upper back with the hilt of her sword.
Chalyela is victorious…
She returns to the castle, leaving the thief unconscious in the dust.
