Chapter 1:

Amelia Crawford rushed down the carpeted flight fo stairs leading to the ground level of her family’s two story Manor in Lordmich, Edom. Her coach waited solemnly in the mist and fog of the early spring, morning as she gracefully descended the steps with haste. Her maid, Isabel, trailing her swiftly, fussing over her hair and clothing. The coach driver, John, bowed respectfully and opened the carriage door as she swept down the manor’s, marble, steps and into the coach. The bells in the bell tower rang ominously from the Catholic Church tower, which loomed at the center of town, paralleled by the mansion of the City Lord. The horses leaned into the reigns as they hauled the coach down the cobblestone lane towards the large church. All around them men in fine clothing and hats, raised pistols and muskets into the air and fired as they shouted their ideals into the thronging crowds that were gathered in the streets every day.

The city of Lordmich was in turmoil, the king of Edom had died in his sleep a few months before and the people were crying out for a new leader. Rumors told of a young Lord who was favored by the City Lords and Dukes, for his keenness of mind and ease in business. Many said he was another puppet to be played by the dukes, while others spoke of him as the next King Butler, a free spirit who had the power and will to bring the land back to prosperity. Some even spoke of a mysterious Heir to the throne, but few knew of it, he was shrouded in shadows and his existence was nearly unknown. It was this rumor that stirred debates and arguments amidst the royal council of Higher Nobles and Lesser Lords.

Amelia pondered about these things as the coach rolled into the church’s courtyard, two servants ran to the coach and opened the door, the other let down the steps to the cobblestone floor. Lady Amelia stepped gracefully out of the coach and immediately curtsied to the priest who stood before her, his hands folded behind his back. Father Remington smiled and bowed then put out his arm and said “join me, daughter of the Lord?” Amelia smiled and placed a hand on his forearm, she enjoyed his company, he was the only one who actually treated her like an equal, and not some high class Noble. Father Remington led them through the church garden of elegant flowers in yellow, red, blue, violet, and maroon. Tall oak, birch, and willow trees formed a broken canopy over the garden, sprinkling the paved pathway in bright sunlight every now and then.

Father Remington glanced over at her and asked “so, tell me Amelia, will you be joining we older folk at the gala tonight?” Amelia nodded without looking at him and whispered “I shall, but I do not look forward to it.” Father Remington chuckled and said “is the young Duke Oswald that much of a bore?” Amelia nodded more enthusiastic this time and replied “indeed, all he ever speaks of is his riches and his skill with that shinny dueling sword of his. Of all his duels for honor and justice, but I think he just likes to kill and fight.” she shuddered at the thought of him. Father Remington nodded grimly and said “yes, he has his faults, but who doesn’t? Even I have my faults, so did King Butler, god bless his soul.” he drew a slow breath and said “but he is a nice boy, and handsome, I hear he’s next in line to the rank of general in the royal army. A cunning leader some say.” Amelia nodded and did not reply.

They walked on in silence until they reached the church doors where father Remington had to leave her to take care of some “business”. As he reached the doors leading further into the church he stopped and turned, he looked Amelia in the eyes and said “don’t give up hope my dear, maybe tonight you’ll meet some one new and more exciting than Duke Oswald.”

Amelia pondered on this as she slowly made her way down the aisle between the long rows of pews in the chapel. For a year now she’d been old enough to attend the galas and parties that the various dukes and nobles threw for once such reason or the other. She had attended three in the past four months and had been stuck with Duke Oswald each time. He’d taken a deep interest in her sense their first meeting, and their families were simply jovial over the set up. He put up a pleasant front when in the presence of other nobles and ladies but on the few occasions they had been left alone or went out for a walk he had comment on subjects border lining on lewd, vulgar and perverse topics. Amelia had furthermore caught him on more that one occasion striking his servants after a more political party.

Amelia pushed these thoughts from her head as she approached the altar and knelt down. The priest came by and spoke a few words over her but she didn’t pay attention to him. She was focused on heaven and nothing would deter her from her prayers. She knelt in silence for seemingly an hour and then arose, tears rolling down her rosy cheeks. As she walked away she wiped the tears away with a handkerchief and glanced over at small door off to the side of the chapel. She was surprised to see father Remington standing there smiling at her, she stopped and curtsied to him. Father Remington nodded to her and walked on towards the outer study chambers. Father Remington studied a lot, going over the Holy Bible and many other literatures from many ages, even scrolls from far off lands.

Very good, noticed a couple of spelling errors and I didn't like the way it ended but a good story so far

hm... any tips will help. that wasn't the end i think my pc didn't copy it all it does that some times.