「✦ Reflection of Memories ✦」

Chapter 10: The Eyes of Youth

[Isla's POV]

I ducked under a few flying arrows.

One planted at my feet, sticking up in the dirt.

I picked it up, hiding behind a large boulder to examine it.

Engraved on the arrowhead, was the sign of their team: Ateyondin Kingdom.

The arrows were made of wood, and there were short blue strings attached to the bottom.

I stepped out from the boulder, only to be forced back by another quiver of arrows.

They were everywhere! There has got to be at least two dozen new archers standing in the corners and edges of the battlefield.

Sticking the arrow in my pocket for further examination later, I rushed through the battlefield, to the tent. Hiding behind to catch my breath, I fumbled with my sword, trying to get it into position.

I heard footsteps rustle the long grass in front of me.

I raised my sword, ready to attack the oncomer.

"Isla?" I heard Cira's voice call.

I lowered my weapon. "Cira? What are you doing here?"

Cira appeared in the shadows of the tent. She crossed her arms. "I should be asking that. What are you doing here?"

"I'm-" I started, then stopped.

"I don't know," I admitted. "But it has something to do with that statue of you, I'm sure of it."

Cira looked above the hill, to the glimmering shine on the tip of her rock sword.

"Well, it is magical. It was carved by the queen herself." She responded.

"The queen? Why do you say it so wistfully? Did something happen to her?" I asked.

"Isla, this is the past. But early on in this battle, we lost the princesses and the queen. Without their aid, Taipis Empire's side has gone down."

"What do you mean, without their aid?" I asked again.

As I finished that sentence, a shout of battle near us sounded.

The sound of running got closer.

"Hold that thought," Cira said, turning around.

"We've got an attacker to...the left!" She shouted, pointing to the left side.

"How-" I started.

"Training! And practice! Lots and lots of practice! Now stop asking questions and run!"

I could do that.

We ran as fast as our legs could take us.

Actually, it was only me running. Cira disappeared halfway through and appeared a little farther ahead. She gestured for me to run in her direction.

Naturally, many warriors ran in our direction, including Taipis Empire soldiers.

I kept running, dodging and slashing with my sword once in a while.

Finally, I managed to reach Cira with only a few minor cuts.

Cira waved her hand, and a forcefield appeared over us.

"This'll only hold for a little while, with my minimum magic. I can answer a few questions." She told me before I said anything.

"Okay, first of all, answer my question earlier," I started.

Cira waved her hand in dismissal. "The princesses are the best warriors of the kingdom. The queen studies magic. They are the heart in battle, and without them, the army falls."