Love of the Howling Wolf

Ch.1 3,000 Years Ago

Aleu's POV

It was a beautiful day in the Kingdom of Animaria the towns people went about their business, children would laugh and play I looked out my window letting out a sigh growing up wasn't the easiest; when I was five my father passed away, my mother then remarried, my stepfather isn't the best of the best he wants me to be the perfect little Princess and set an example for the towns people but I don't want that. I know I was born to be someone, I want to fight, I want to be someone, I want to be an ancient warrior I would often sneak away to watch them train, they're so strong, so brave I would do anything to be a part of their team. A knock on my door causes me to snap my head towards the door my mother walks in giving me a warm smile.

" Good morning Aleu."

" Good morning mother."

" It's time for your lessons."

" Can't I have a break?"

" Now Aleu you know what your father would say about you missing your lessons."

" Oh, alright."

I follow my mother, she decided to have my lessons outside as I sit at the table, she begins to read outload from a book I was bored out of my mind I couldn't pay attention I glanced around then something catches my eye. I see the ancient warriors training in a nearby field I hear my mother huff.

" Aleu, are you paying attention?"

" Oh, uh yes mother."

" Last time I checked I'm in front of you not behind."

My face turns red I slowly turn back around facing my mother she looks down at me with a disapproving look. She takes a seat next to me letting out a sigh.

" Aleu please take this serious."

" I'm trying my best."

" Are you now?"

" Yes, I am."

" Alright then, what did I just ask you?"

Crap she got me there I shake my head looking down mother lets out a sigh of disappointment she looks over at the ancient warriors then back to me.

" Aleu, I know what you're thinking it's not lady like to fight."

" Why not?"

" It's just not proper, and have you seen a female be a part of the ancient warriors?"

" Well, no."

" Aleu it's time to get that silly dream out of your head its time you be a proper lady."

" If father was here, he would let me." 

" Aleu that's enough."

" You know he would."

" Young lady if you speak one more word about your father."

I shake my head turning away from my mother, she doesn't like it when I bring up father ever since he passed it's been hard on her, trying to teach me and rule the kingdom. My stepfather Derek doesn't like the idea of me wanting to be an ancient warrior either he keeps telling me it's not lady like and I should focus on being a Princess who someday will be Queen of Animaria. 

" You know how your father and I feel about this."

" Stepfather."

" We just want you to be safe."

" I would feel safe knowing how to defend myself."

" You're going to be a Queen someday everything I'm teaching you is important please Aleu, the fate of this kingdom is in your hands."

" I wish it wasn't."

I get up from my seat and walk off I could hear mother sigh as I walk away. I walk past the ancient warriors I glance up at them one of them looks up he catches my eye I quickly walk away but I could feel his eyes on me as I walked away.

Drew, an ancient warrior looks at Aleu then back to Merrick who doesn't take his eyes off her he lets out a scoff seeing Merrick.

" I wouldn't lay eyes on her if I were you."

" Why not?"

" Do you not know who that was Merrick? That was the Princess."

" So that's Aleu."

" Yeah, sorry Merrick, she's off limits."

" Aren't we supposed to protect her?"

Rich another ancient warrior comes up putting his hand on Merrick's shoulder.

" Only when we're called upon, until then we protect the towns people, King's orders."

Queen Mira walks down the hallway letting out a frustrated huff she opens the door to her chambers and takes a seat on the bed a voice rings out from behind her.

" Don't tell me she went off on her own didn't she."

" Yes, she did."

" Did you try telling her it's not right for her to join the ancient warriors."

" I tried everything Derek, she's determined to become an ancient warrior."

" Let me talk to her when she gets back, I have a plan."

" Ever since she heard the story of my grandfather she's always wanted to an ancient warrior."

" Animus was a fool for going after a Duke Org by himself, he was just trying to show off to the others what he could do and look at what that got him, six feet underground, if Aleu becomes an ancient warrior is that what you want to happen to her? See her die due to a Duke Org?"

" Derek please."

" Mira if Aleu dies this kingdom dies, we can't let that happen, but like I said I have a plan if it's an ancient warrior she wants to be so be it."

I walk along the path towns people give me a small wave or small bow I smile at them returning a small nod I come upon the river I let out a sigh.

" It's me again Animus I'm having some problems and I feel like you're the one who I can come to. I'm lost I don't know what to do, I want to make my mother happy, but I want to do my own thing. I want to become an ancient warrior help protect others, but Derek won't let me he's too stubborn to see what I'm capable of if father was here, he would let me join the ancient warriors. I don't know what's the right thing to do here.

Animus appears before me he looks down at me. 

" Hello again my child it's good to see you."

" What should I do Animus I feel so lost."

" Do what you feel is right, follow your heart don't let anyone tell you that you can't."

" I'm just worried about what my mother and Derek will say when I tell them."

" Do not worry Aleu I know your mother is an understanding woman just be patient with her the loss of your father is still hurting her."

" Thank you, Animus."

" Anytime, take care Aleu."

I hurry back to the castle only to be stopped by Derek. 

" Hello Aleu."

" Derek."

Derek lets out sigh. 

" How many times have I told you call me dad."

" Right, sorry."

" Can I have a word with you?"

" Sure."

I follow Derek into the study he closes the door, then turns to me.

" Aleu, your mother and I had a serious conversation about you."

I roll my eyes and shake my head, this conversation again.

" Here we go."

" I understand you want to be different and being different is a good thing if you want to be an ancient warrior then you have our blessing to become an ancient warrior."

I look at Derek dumbfounded did he just say what I thought he just said. I'm lost for words is this really happening.

" Are you just saying that so I can stop talking about becoming an ancient warrior?"

" No, we mean it you can become an ancient warrior, but under on condition."

" Which is?"

" You'll have your own personal trainer; you will not be training with the other ancient warriors you are to stay away from them they don't need to be distracted by you. Do you understand."

" I understand."

" Good, your training starts tomorrow."

" Thank you, Derek I mean dad."

" Run along now and wash up for dinner."

I leave the study and head to my chambers I can't believe it I'm actually becoming an ancient warrior. 

Derek leaves the study and goes to his chambers Mira stands up hearing the door open she walks up to Derek.

" Well?"

" Her training starts tomorrow, let's see if our plan works."

" I hope we're doing the right thing."

" We are Mira, we're doing the right thing for our kingdom."

" What if she doesn't quit then what."

" Trust me on this Griffin will make her quit and then she'll give up on being an ancient warrior once and for all."