The first light of dawn crept through the high, narrow windows of the castle infirmary, casting soft golden hues upon the stone walls. My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light as my mind struggled to piece together the fragments of my memory. The scent of medicinal herbs and healing potions permeated the air, mingling with the faint aroma of candle wax. Confusion gripped me, and my heart raced with a mix of fear and curiosity.

I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forced me to lie back down on the cot, my ginger hair spilling over the fine linens. My green eyes darted around the room, taking in the shelves lined with glass bottles and neatly arranged healing supplies. Everything felt unfamiliar, and a knot of unease settled in my stomach.

The door to the infirmary creaked open, and a physician, her expression kind yet wary, approached with cautious steps. “You’re awake,” she murmured gently, her voice a soothing balm amidst my confusion. “You’re safe now, in the Duke’s castle.”

She offered a sympathetic smile, her hands deftly checking my pulse and observing my reactions. “You were found on the shores, unconscious,” she explained softly. “The Duke himself ordered for you to be brought here.”

My brow furrowed as I tried to recall the events that had led me to this place. 

The physician smiled gently. “Do you remember anything, like how you ended up on that little boat?” she asked softly. "We don’t know how long you were unconscious and what led to that state."

I frowned slightly, trying to recall that moment. "I… I don’t remember anything," I replied, tears threatening to spill from my eyes in frustration. 

“It’s normal to feel disoriented after such an experience,” the physician responded, trying to comfort me.

“Elara!” I suddenly squealed.

Seeing the physician's shocked face, I laughed, tears finally streaming down my face. “My name is Elara,” I said. “My name is Elara,” I repeatedly whispered as if trying to memorize it, scared I would forget.

The physician sat on the edge of the bed, putting her hand on top of mine. “Nice to meet you, Elara. My name is Miriam,” she said with a big smile on her face. I smiled back, reassured that even if I forgot, someone would remember my name for me.

“Now tell me,” Miriam said. “How are you feeling?”

“Other than not remembering who I am or where I am from, I would say I am okay,” I admitted quietly, a pang of frustration tugging at my heart. Miriam’s expression softened, her empathy palpable in the gentle touch of her hand upon my arm. “It’s alright,” she reassured me. “Memory loss can happen after a trauma. It might take some time, but we’ll help you through it.”

I nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and anxiety. I closed my eyes, trying to summon any memories that might give me a clue about my identity. But all I could remember was my name—Elara.

As Miriam was checking on my bruises, possibly caused by hitting against the boat as the violent waves pushed it along the river, there was a knock on the door. “May I come in?” a man's voice asked from the other side.

“Yes, please,” Miriam replied.

Immediately the door opened, and walking in was a tall man with a quiet demeanor. Seeing the man, I instinctively moved behind Miriam and held her dress tight. Noticing my wariness, Miriam smiled at me and said, “It’s okay, my dear. This here is Gareth, the Duke’s Steward and most trusted .”

“Good morning,” Gareth gently greeted me.

“Good morning,” I replied softly.

Gareth turned to Miriam. “How is she? Have there been any problems while tending to her?”

“She seems to be experiencing amnesia because all she can remember is her name,” Miriam reported. “Other than that, a few bruises on her arms, back, and legs from the uncomfortable journey.”

“Have you administered any medicine?” Gareth asked while taking note of everything Miriam said. It felt strange to sit there while these two discussed me as if I were not in the room.

“No, not yet,” Miriam replied.

“Okay,” Gareth said, putting his pen down. “Let me know if anything new happens.”

Now looking at me, he said, “It was nice meeting you…” Gareth paused, waiting for me to complete the sentence.

Before answering, I looked at Miriam almost as if asking for approval. She nodded. “Elara,” I finally answered.

With a smile, Gareth bid goodbye and left, leaving me alone with Miriam and my muddled thoughts.

***

Cedric strode through the grand entrance of his castle, the heavy wooden doors closing behind him with a solid thud. The dim light of the late afternoon cast long shadows across the stone floor. As he walked, his boots echoed off the high ceilings, a reminder of the solitude and power that came with his position. 

The butler, an elderly man with a dignified bearing, approached me with a slight bow. "Welcome back, Your Grace," he said, extending his hands to take my travel-worn coat.

"Thank you, Walter," I replied, shrugging off the coat and handing it to him. "Is Gareth here?"

"Yes, Your Grace. He is in the study," Walter answered, carefully folding the coat over his arm.

I nodded, my expression stern. "Good. Kindly send word to the Deputy Commander and Marquis Mortimer. I want to see them immediately."

Walter bowed again. "Of course, Your Grace. Shall I prepare anything else?"

"That will be all for now," I said, turning on my heel and heading towards the study.

As I reached the study, the door opened, and Gareth appeared, a look of concern etched on his face. "Your Grace, welcome back. I trust your journey was uneventful?"

"Uneventful enough," I replied curtly. "But we have no time to waste. I need to meet with you, the Deputy Commander, Marquis Mortimer and Lady Evelyn immediately. We have important matters to discuss and orders to relay from the capital."

Gareth hesitated for a moment. "Of course, Your Grace. But you have just arrived. Perhaps you should rest—"

I cut him off with a sharp look. "Rest can wait. We have pressing matters to attend to."

Gareth bowed his head. "As you command, Your Grace."

***

Cedric sat at the head of the large, oak table in the castle’s war room. Maps and documents lay scattered before him, the flickering light from the candles casting a warm glow over the tense gathering. Gareth entered the room, followed closely by the deputy commander, a grizzled veteran named Captain Aldric, Marquis Mortimer, a stout man with a shrewd gaze, and Lady Evelyn, Cedric's other trusted advisor and second to steward Gareth.

"Your Grace," Gareth announced as they approached the table.

I stood, commanding the room's attention. "Thank you for coming on such short notice. We have urgent matters to discuss following my meeting at the capital."

Captain Aldric nodded. "What are your orders, Your Grace?"

My eyes swept over the four individuals, each critical to the implementation of the King’s directives. "The King has decreed that we must tighten security and prevent any witches from escaping our borders. This is a top priority. We must act swiftly and decisively."

Marquis Mortimer leaned forward, his hands clasped together. "What measures do you propose, Your Grace?"

I felt my expression harden. "We will increase patrols along the eastern borders and implement thorough checks on all travelers. No one is to cross without clearance. Captain Aldric, I want your men to be on high alert. Any sign of witch activity must be reported and dealt with immediately."

Captain Aldric nodded, his face grim. "Understood, Your Grace. We will double our efforts."

"Gareth," I continued, "I need you to coordinate with the other commanders from other dukedoms and ensure that our forces are prepared for any eventuality. We cannot afford any mistakes."

Gareth met my gaze. "Of course, Your Grace. I will see to it personally."

I then turned to Marquis Mortimer. "You will oversee the local militias and ensure that they are properly trained and equipped. We must be vigilant and ready to respond to any threats."

Marquis Mortimer inclined his head. "I will begin immediately, Your Grace."

Finally, I addressed Lady Evelyn. "Lady Evelyn, while I am in the capital, I need you to oversee the administration of the dukedom. Ensure that all matters of state continue smoothly and that any issues are handled promptly. I trust your judgment implicitly."

Lady Evelyn nodded, her expression resolute. "I will ensure everything runs smoothly in your absence, Your Grace."

I took a deep breath, the weight of my responsibilities pressing heavily upon me. "Gentlemen and Lady Evelyn, this is not just about following orders. It's about protecting our people and our way of life. Failure is not an option."

The room fell silent, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

"You are dismissed. Go and begin your preparations," I commanded.

The four individuals rose, bowing to me before exiting the room to carry out their tasks. I remained standing, staring at the maps before me, my mind already calculating the next steps.

There would be no rest for me tonight, or in the days to come. Duty demanded nothing less.