Air Warrrior

Birthday

The next few weeks my wound healed, and I was finally able to start as a Guard. At first, I did a lot of patrol and learned the techniques and rules of being on the Royal Guard... with the most important rule being protect the Royal Family at all costs. David had agreed to teach me the ropes and let me shadow him on a few adventures. My relationship with Christopher didn't stay a secret for very long, rumors began to spread that the prince had a girlfriend but, no one really mentioned it around us. 

"Sorry to interrupt, I just wanted a moment before you left for your patrol." Claire stepped into my room looking around before she closed the door.

I gave her a curious look and laughed a little, nervous of what she wanted to tell me. "Of course, are you alright? Did something happen?"

"Oh no, nothing like that my dear. I just thought I should warn you that it is the prince's birthday on Monday." She said in a hush tone.

"Monday, really? I didn't know, thank you Claire. Shouldn't they be planning some kind of party or something for him?"

"The prince has never really like parties, he thinks they're silly. He used to love his birthday but, as the years past he insisted on no parties. The King has chosen to accept his request but, he still makes him get dressed up for a special dinner with a few of their closest allies and lords." She smiled as she left me. Doesn't like birthday? I know that I didn't need to get him anything but, I had some money saved up from my time I worked in the castle, and I wanted to. 

I went to walk patrol with David when we saw the King approaching us. We both bowed to him, and David spoke, "Good morning your majesty, was there something you needed?" 

"I wanted to inform you that Tuesday we will be planning to raid a nearby camp of Ash warriors that was spotted near the border. I'd like you and a group of your men to join Christopher." I looked over at David and he nodded at the King.

"Yes, sir. I will inform the crew this afternoon." He left us and David turned towards me. "You ready for your first raid?"

 "Wait, you want me to come?" 

"Of course, I do. We are not going to leave our strongest weapon behind." He laughed a little as he walked away. After we finished our shift David told me I could have the rest of the day off so, I headed into the village right outside of the castle to see the blacksmith.

As I walked around through the village, I heard shouting coming from a building in front of me. A man ran out yelling and cursing. He was waving his arm franticly trying to put the flames out. I ran towards him and sent a gust of air towards his arm, extinguishing the flames. He looked at me stunned.

"Thank_ thank you miss." He bowed toward me out of breath. I approached him and looked at his arm. He was a young guy, only about 25 or so. 

"I don't think it burned the skin but, your shirt is definitely ruined." I gave him a smile and he chuckled. Before he could respond an older gentleman came towards us. He looked to be about 70, he had a long white beard and wore a long black rope. 

"I tried to tell you to keep your sleeves rolled up when you take the steel out of the firer!" He sighed as his head fell a little. The older man grabbed his shoulder, "I just don't want you to get hurt my son."

"Sorry father, I will be more careful next time." He gave me a smile and returned to the store.

"Thank you miss, I heard there was an Air Warrior in the Kingdom. It is nice to meet another Element warrior." He smiled as he held his hand out, palm facing up. A small flame levitated above his hand, and I let out a gasp.

"You're a fire warrior! I've never seen another Element warrior before. Are there others in the Kingdom?" I asked with enthusiasm. The flame vanished and his eyes saddened when he heard my question.

"Unfortunately, not... I worked for the king many years ago in the Royal Guard. After I retired, I decided to put my skills to go use and supply the guards with armor and weapons." He motioned toward the building behind up that read blacksmith. 

I stood there for a moment, there were really no element warriors in the kingdom. I felt a rage inside my heart. My thoughts were broken up by warm voice of the man. 

"I am happy to see another Warrior fighting for our freedom. Air warriors are quite rare, I wish you the best of luck in your fight young warrior. Was there something you need?" he looked at me with curious eyes.

"I was hoping to get a sword made for a friend, it is his birthday Monday and I want to get him something special." I smiled as I thought about him.

"A friend?" He said with a sarcastic tone. "Is this an Order from the king?" He asked looking at my pendent.

"No. I have some money saved but, I was hoping to work off the rest of the payment owed. I can clean the shop, deliver orders to villagers and even use my powers to help cool the steel!" I said trying to convince him to agree.

"Okay, I will take that offer. Come in and tell me about what you are looking for." I nodded as we headed into the shop. He told me to come back on Monday morning to collect my sword.