(To read the first go to my profile and find ‘The Trail Of Stars’ this is also a prequel to last story from the view of Ms. Finch’s mother… also suggest a first name for that character!)

At first Thomas was the nicest person on earth.

Then my husband turned mean.

My name is Isabella Finch.

I have a daughter.

We have not decided her name yet.

Thomas turned mean the day I found I was going have a girl and not a boy.

He is mean to my girl and to me.

But my little girl is strong.

She was strong the day she was born, and she is strong now.

My half-sister kidnapped me.

She allowed me paper and ink to write to my family, but wanted to write to everyone.

To tell everyone that Zara is not to be trusted.

My father,Zaldare, the chief, does not know that I am here.

Zara, Sandy, my sister, and my guard are the only people who now about my prison underneath the arena.

Which brings me to the Trail of Stars.

My daughter turned 17 today.

She will be in the next Trail.

She will win.

My sister, not Zara, has been watching her.

She has spent hours of the day in the library for the past 9 years.

She struggles with science but gets through it.

She studied the historical sites.

She counts the fish everyday, then compares, divides, multiplies, adds, and subtracts them. Making up her own mathematical equations.

She is ready.

And the day of the Trail, Zara comes down to see me.

“Well, Isa, you beautiful daughter is in the Trail today.”

“I am well aware.”

Zara scoffs.

“She will lose.”

I nod, as if I agree.

“Yes. She will.”

Zara looks taken aback.

“Well, then. I have join our father above ground. Enjoy the view.”

I nod solemnly.

As soon as she is out of earshot, I throw myself to the window.

“I didn’t mean it. I promise.” I whisper into the wind.

My daughter looks around at the others.

Her eyes skip over the window that is near the sandy ground.

As my father explains the rules, reason, and how my daughter scans the crowd, as if looking for something. Or someone.

I look to the crowd as well.

Thomas is sitting in the front row with his arm around a woman, who is holding a young boy.

“Go figure.” I say softly.

The buzzer sounds.

My daughter takes off.

She is out the door before anyone else has started.

I breath out slowly, not realizing I had been holding it in.

I settle to wait for her return.

About half way through the race, the chief receives a message.

From my perspective near his feet, I hear every word.

“Ms. Finch has surpassed three of the four tests. How do we handle this situation?” The advisory board asks.

“We review the rules. What happens when someone wins?” My father says.

He signals a servant.

“Could you possibly bring the rule book, kind sir?”

The servant stumbles in shock but hurried to get the book.

After reading through the text, my father rises from his throne.

“I must renounce my power and authority to whom ever wins.”

My jaw drops and I gasp.

“I believe in you.” I whisper.

Zaldare moves towards the exit.

It is 30 minutes before he returns to the arena.

With my daughter.

Who is holding the Key.

They announce the news of the new chief and that there will no longer be the Trail of Stars.

After my father leaves her to admire her new throne, Sandy comes up to her.

“Thank you so very much.”

My daughter pauses.

“F-for what?”

“For being strong. Like you mother.”

My daughter glances over to the window where my face is.

“You knew my mother?”

“I am your mom’s sister.”

Her jaw drops.

“Would like to see you mother again?” Sandy asks.

My daughter nods slowly.

Sandy smiles.

“Follow me.”

She walks towards the powerhouse.

I lose sight of them when the close the door.

I quickly turn to my cell door.

My guard glances at me.

Ignoring him, I listen for footsteps.

When I finally hear them I am almost certain Sandy changed her mind about letting me see my daughter.

They come into view.

My daughter stops when she sees me.

“Mom…”

I nod.

My guard clears his throat.

“Only royalty is allowed in this cell.”

My daughter shows him the Key.

He steps back.

She unlocks my door.

I quickly walk to her.

“I missed you.” I say into her hair after I have wrapped her in a hug.

“I have missed you too.”

Sandy joins our hug.

“I am so glad I don’t have to pretend I don’t you anymore.”

My daughter laughs.

“Let’s go home.”

THE END