Watty's Shortlist 2023
"I have been waiting a long time to meet you."
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When two warring kingdoms hear of a magical object that will end the conflict once and for all, two rival heirs embark on a quest to retrieve it and bring their...
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"If you two are done with your ego match, can we go now?" Castor asked, as he repacked his backpack, stood and stretched.
"Yes," Aila dusted her hands as she reached for her own pack. "Kaiden and I will eat on the way."
"Sounds good," Kaiden replied as he stroked Kallias, tied the group's packs to the horse's back, and began to lead the way through the trees. "We'll be there in three days if we keep this pace up," he said over his shoulder.
"Are your legs beginning to hurt too?" Castor questioned.
"It's only day four," Kaiden shook his head. "And Kallias is carrying our packs."
"Yes well-" Castor stopped, unable to think of a solid reply. "You could've just said no," he muttered finally.
Kaiden chuckled. "Aila?"
"My legs are fine," she responded. "It's only day four..."
Castor rolled his eyes.
"Would you like me to look at your arm?" Kaiden stopped, having heard Aila's unspoken words about her arm hurting.
"We'll do that later," Aila dismissed with a wave of her hand.
Though she told herself it was because they couldn't afford to waste time on such trivial matters, the true reason was more to do with her not wanting to see the intensity in Kaiden's eyes as he focused on her injury, or the way his muscles rippled as he tore one of his shirts.
She cleared her throat and ran a hand through her knotted hair, attempting to smooth it out.
"Tell me more stories from Perador," Castor suddenly said. Aila couldn't read the expression in his eyes, but she couldn't deny that she was also curious about Perador's myths.
"Ah well," Kaiden rubbed the light stubble that had appeared on his chin as he thought. Aila looked away from the gesture. "Do you know the story of the shape-shifter?"
"I do not," Castor smiled, turning to Aila and grinning as she shook her head too.
"This is a story traditionally used to teach children to be kind," Kaiden began. "It seems far-fetched but I do think there is some truth in it."
"It is just another form of magic, is it not?" Kaiden raised an eyebrow.
Aila thought of his fire powers, of how she would've doubted they existed before he'd demonstrated them. Even now, she still was in disbelief that he had magic.
"Perhaps, but I truly do believe it is far-fetched."
"You don't even know the story yet," Kaiden rolled his eyes.
"Then by all means, please continue," she replied.
Kaiden's lips twitched up as he obliged her.
"There was once a shape-shifter who used to roam the village. Nobody knew their true appearance, nor their true identity, except a young boy called Kai."
