Chapter 4: Winter Castle

Netra gazed at the brilliant view of Silverville from the castle terrace.

It was a traditional, middle-sized town at the western edge of the Wisteria kingdom. With massive cliffs over-looking the sea on one side and a deep forest on the other, Silverville was nothing like its name. As per the local legend, a thousand years ago, silver dragons were the first inhabitants here. However, no evidence remained of their existence.

But Netra loved her home. She enjoyed the view from the terrace whenever she came to dry her pile of washing. It was the only advantage of working as a laundry maid in the castle. Today she admired the view with fresh warmth. Her shift was nearly over, her delegated portion of white sheets neatly folded into a large straw basket and ready to deliver to the housekeeper.

“Are you coming, Netra?”

She saw Maya and Lena waiting for her on the stone steps at the opposite end of the terrace. Each carried her own straw basket full of laundry.

“Coming,” Netra picked up her basket and hurried towards them.

“I heard you’re leaving early today?” Maya asked.

“Yes, I’m almost finished,” Netra said. “This is my last set. I just have to hand these over to Mrs Smith and I’ll be off.”

The trio descended the stone steps together.

“Hey girls,” Lena whispered. “Did you hear the news? Those hunters we saw this morning—do you know why they’re staying in the castle barracks?”

“I thought it was strange,” Maya said. “I’ve seen dragon hunters roaming the town, but I’ve never seen them coming to the castle before.”

“I heard Mrs Smith talking about it,” Lena continued. “They sighted a dragon in the woods and came here to ask for Lord Winter’s help.”

“What kind of help?” Netra asked.

Lena shrugged. “Money or weapons—who knows?”

“It’s impossible,” Maya shook her head. “My grandma says no one has seen a dragon in these woods for over twenty years.”

“I know! All the elders in the town say the same thing. But if Lord Winter agreed to help them, then it must be true.”

“It can’t be a silver dragon, anyway. Those went extinct centuries ago.”

“Why don’t we ask Mrs Smith for more details?” Netra suggested.

“Do you think she’ll tell us?” Maya sounded excited.

“Don’t bother,” Lena warned. “She’ll just scold us for not finishing our work.”

“I could ask her.” Taking the lead, Netra stopped at the bottom step that led into the main corridor of the castle. The entrance to the basement staircase was just across the landing. “My work is done,” she added. “I’m sure she won’t mind telling me. We always chat when I finish early.”

“That’s a splendid idea!” the girls agreed. “You’ll tell us everything you learn, won’t you?”

“Of course! Just as soon as I—Aargh!” Netra turned and tripped over the last step, falling face down on the stone floor. The straw basket went flying out of her hands and toppled some paces away. With dismay, Netra saw all her washing scattered across the passage.

“Netra,” the girls cried, “are you alright?”

Raucous laughter called their attention. Netra’s eyes fell on two young men doubled over next to a life-size metal armour, propped up against the wall. Their neat brown suits and polished shoes made it obvious that they were not merely servants. Their hilarity was enough evidence. In one glance, Netra knew it was their doing. A long spear lay on the floor, just below the bottom step. Netra was sure she hadn’t seen it there before. As the pranksters continued to laugh, Netra’s companions chided them.

“What’s wrong with you?” Maya said.

“How dare you do that to Netra?” Lena added. “The washing is all ruined now.”

The shorter of the two men scoffed in response. “Are you accusing us? We’ve done nothing. She fell all on her own. She should’ve watched where she was going. We were only passing by.”

“You’re lying,” Netra cried. “You made me trip on purpose!”

“You silly wench! How dare you accuse us! Do you know who we are?”

“What’s going on here?” a voice cut through the clamour, making Netra flinch.

“Mr Kai!” The three maids bowed their heads hurriedly.

The two men did the same.

As she scrambled to her feet and bowed, Netra shot a wary glance at Kai. Dressed in all his finery, he looked more handsome than ever. He wore a wine-red overcoat with gold trimmings around the neck and cuffs, a white-collared shirt, black trousers, white tie, and a flashy gold cloak on his left shoulder. Neatly combed and parted on one side, his hair hung in a tight ponytail at the nape of his neck. Deliberately, he walked towards Netra, stopping just short of the overturned straw basket.

As usual, his black eyes gazed scornfully at Netra.

“What’s all this mess?” he barked.

“Sir,” the two smirking pranksters spoke, “this maid thinks we tripped her over. Can you believe that? Why would we do such a thing?”

Netra knew they were mocking her.

“My lord, we saw it all,” Maya intervened. “They were up to no good.”

“Yes, my lord,” Lena added. “They just stood laughing here instead of helping her.”

“Why should we help her?” The shorter man refuted. “We laughed because it was funny watching her fall. That’s all.”

“What are you going to do about all this washing? Mrs Smith will make Netra do it all over again.”

“Is that true, Netra?” Kai asked, raising a mocking eyebrow.

Netra frowned at him. Why was he here?

Hardly ever, she saw him in this part of the castle. His own quarters were in the opposite wing. Suddenly, she noticed the glass of wine in his hand.

Is he already drinking?

It was just half past four in the afternoon.

“Tell me, Netra,” Kai circled around her slowly. “Is your washing all ruined now?”

His behaviour felt highly suspicious. Netra thought it best to ignore all of them and get back to the laundry room in the basement. There was still some time before her interview. She could redo the last set and leave.

“Never mind, Sir,” she replied. “I’ll wash it again.”

“How diligent,” Kai smirked. “I think that’s an excellent idea. Since you’re going to wash it again, I suppose there’s nothing to worry about.”

To Netra’s horror and alarm, he tilted his wine glass and poured all the wine onto the scattered wine sheets. The girls gasped. The men laughed louder. Throwing the glass away, Kai turned and stomped off down the corridor. His two cronies followed him, still snickering at Netra’s expense. In painful silence, Netra picked up all the sheets and put them back in the basket. Wine stains would not wash off so easily. Leaving early looked impossible now.

She only prayed she would not miss the interview.