Jess Smith

After a series of wars that led to the death of so many soldiers and loved ones and after battling with the greed and corruption of high-profile members of the council that had caused untoward hardship that lasted for decades, Zaza was on its way to recuperating as the kingdom had experienced peace and tranquility for over a decade.

When the war broke out, Jess was just a teenage girl. She remembered how the whole town was in an uproar, and fear was evident in the countenance of the village folks.

No one knew how to prevent the war from coming to their doorsteps. Rumors about the invaders advancing speed sent shivers down the spines of those who heard them.

Those who could afford to flee and had families in the country Far East, down the Hill Valley, fled in the dead of night, not minding the risk of running into the invaders. Many people had died in the aftermath of the drought that descended upon the land.

As familiar with kingdoms that experienced war, their economy was dwindling as the people could not farm or trade with neighboring kingdoms. They were besieged on every side as parents watched their young die before their eyes due to starvation and malnourishment.

Jess was walking across the corridor one afternoon when she overheard her mom telling her dad that their neighbor, Henry, and his family had fled to the Hill Valley, where he had cousins who would shelter them.

Honey, what are we going to do? Jess heard her mother ask, worry evident in her voice.

Unable to resist, Jess opted to eavesdrop on their conversation, so she tiptoed closer to the door and peeped through the keyhole.

Michael Smith had his face facing the window in his room, his hands entwined with each other as they rested on his back while her mother sat with arms crossed on the bed.

Did this mean that they were going to die? Henry was known to be a fighter because nothing ever phases him. It was surprising to learn that he fled in the middle of the night after boasting about staying put to fight off the invaders.

Even the king and his family fled? Jess thought in her mind.

But where would they go? They had no relatives in Hill Valley or the money to risk the journey of crossing over the border at night to escape to a country they did not know. They would probably die on the way. Jess thought to herself.

Jess wanted to hear the response to the question because her mind was racing with a thousand thoughts. She felt her heart pounding so loudly that she felt like her heart would jump out of her chest.

Michael Smith was silent, and the wait made Jess uneasy. She just wanted some reassurance that everything would be fine and dandy and that they would be safe in Zaza.

But the answer was not forthcoming as Michael Smith remained silent. He was probably thinking about what he would do to secure the lives of his family, but even in his silence, Jess knew in her heart that he was just as confused as everyone else.

Oh God, I hope the king at least made arrangements for the safety of the people before fleeing the city. How could a king meant to protect the subjects abandon the people he swore to protect? Jess wondered.

The king had sent a letter to the chief and had instructed all women and children to be conveyed to the underground castle by the Royal Battalion, where they would be safe from the invaders. Michael Smith stated.

And what about the men? She heard her mother ask.

What about them? Came the quick reply from her father, who Jess saw had turned around to face her mother, who had her hands on her waist while tapping her feet on the floor.

Jess was all too familiar with this pose from her mother to know that she was not too pleased with the response she got.

What of their safety? She asked annoyed.

Does the king want the men to fight in this war? They are not trained soldiers and should not put their lives on the line while the royal family sits arms crossed in their haven, watching as our men are annihilated by the invaders and as our women and children become bereaved, Vera Smith said.

Vera, Michael Smith whispered her name, perhaps trying to calm her down.

Jess knew that her father always called her mother by pet names. But whenever her mother was angry or moody, her father would call her by her real name, which made her mother all mushy.

No, stop defending them.

Why should men inexperienced in military combat stay and fight in a war meant for soldiers? Her mother protested.

Where is the king who is supposed to protect us? He fled like the true coward he is and yet expects the men of Zaza to go and die! Her mother said, venom lacing her words.

I know you are angry, but that is not enough reason to speak ill of the king. His safety is of utmost importance because of the symbol he represents for our people. As long as he is alive, the people of Zaza can have hope to continue fighting the invaders.

Even though the royal guards had escorted the royal family to a secret hideout for their safety, the royal battalion was left behind to protect the people. Michael Smith stated.

I overheard some soldiers whisper in the market yesterday, saying that the crown prince was leading the army and would be here in less than a week.

We have to hold on and pray for the victory of our soldiers and the royal family. Jess heard her father say, proudly defending the royal family. He even seemed proud of the crown prince, whose identity was shrouded in secrecy.

The whole village held a prayer vigil each night to pray for victory over their enemies who wanted them annihilated because of their land and their treasures.

The invaders knew nothing but blood. They cared not about who they trampled on with their horses nor the countless innocents that were killed in their quest for power and wealth.

Jess remembered crying her eyes out at the thought that something might happen to her father as the men would stay behind to stay and fight alongside the soldiers.

The sound of her sister's voice brought her back to reality. She took a moment to observe the young lady standing before her, both hands resting on her hips and her lips pursed.

I've been calling your name, but it seems your mind is elsewhere. Are you in trouble? Wait, don't tell me you got fired from your job? She asked with a raised brow while tapping her feet on the ground, a trait she inherited from their mother.

Good morning, Mia. I hope you slept well. Jess asked, ignoring Mia's question as she walked towards the kitchen door at the back of the house.

She did not have time for Mia's drama this morning as she had to prepare for work. Bills needed to be paid, and food needed to be restocked. Their dad was trying his best, but considering his advanced age, she couldn't let him shoulder all the burden alone.

Her sister Mia was only concerned about the annual ball being held in their village. Jess wondered why they decided to have it in Black Wood Pine, this year. The ball was normally held on the grounds of the castle because of the caliber of people that would be invited.