The Hour is Nigh

"Your Majesty, let me help you out of this predicament!" I begged the Queen, who just a few months ago had been sitting on a throne of gold and ink. To see her now, scarred and gasping for air, lying in a heap on the prison floor was almost too much for my own mind.

"The time has drawn nigh for my execution, child. Do not fear the future." The Queen smiled weakly.

"The Kingdom will be in ruins. Anarchy will ensue. What shall we do?" I asked, voice low, lest the guards would hear.

The Queen beckoned me closer and whispered raggedly, "There is an heir. He is young, bound to make mistakes. You must go to him and help him. Past the Fields of Conjecture, you will find where the knighthood is. They will bring you to the heir."

"The knights are all dead!" I stared at her, bewildered.

"Presumed dead. They are very much alive. Now go, my child. I pray you live to tell the tales of the citizens of this now passing kingdom. May the rivers guide you." The Queen smiled one last time, and slid into sleep.