Knightingale [THE FIRST DRAFT.]

CHAPTER NINE

"The temptation of a hero."

[ THIS BOOK is available illustrated on my KOFI @/2ndstarart ]

Eyocahn and Crahka were neighbouring kingdoms, once holding a solid bond between the nations, but like many things, this bond cracked when King Killian came to power – something that Queen Seraphina could not fix. Whilst their proximity was close, they could not have been more different in culture.

Crahka was a kingdom of magic, housing elves, orcs, druids and the like, in which the more rebellious sort would often travel just beyond the borders to offer their services to willing Eyocahn folk. They were a peaceful and just people, scorned by Eyocahn yet they make no move to retaliate nor avenge the lives lost to Killian's blaze. Simply choosing to not engage with the kingdom diplomatically any longer.

This separation created a naivety in the Eyocahn people, for they didn't know of the wonders and magic that awaited them along the border.

"If we continue along this borderline, then it should lead us directly to The Tor Temple." Adric expertly spoke, his map held close to his face as if he was watching little versions of himself and Gale traverse the pale parchment.

Gale kicked up a rock, "The Tor Temple?" she asked, looking back for a moment. Their fires were burning bright, and their bird companion sat peacefully on her brother's shoulder.

"Yes!" He smiled, looking up at her confused face, "It's the... It's The Tor Temple." The boy tried to reason.

Gale scoffed, "You say that as if I'm supposed to know what this is."

Rolling his map up tightly, Adric started what Mallory would describe as 'one of his rambles.' "Only the birthplace of magic itself! Guarded by the mysterious Lady of the Lake, who only lets those of noble heart traverse past her waters and into the temple."

This was half true.

"And what's in this Temple." The pale girl asked, a raw curiosity to her questioning coupled with the slightest hint of mocking.

Adric shrugged, much to the bird's annoyance, "No one knows, but it is said to be the gateway between our world and the next."

"And a place of that significance is in a ruined temple." Mallory settled once again, hiding a small cackle at Gale's sass.

"Ugh. You don't get it." Adric threw his hands in the air, once again troubling the bird, who decided that the girl's shoulder would be a much calmer ride. She, however, didn't wish to take her eyes off of her brother, therefore, settled backwards, almost tickling Gale's cheek with her tail feathers.

Adric shoved the map back between his leather waistband, where his sword should be however, he had seemingly forgotten about the weapon that stayed tucked under Gale's cloak.

"Where were you planning on going." Gale gave a low hum in response, accompanied by the small shunt of her shoulders, however this time it was muc gentler than that of her counterpart. "You don't know?"

"I don't." She looked back at him, swinging her torch around with her. "But she does."

Mallory turned on the girl's shoulder, she was quickly realising that there was no time for rest it seemed.

"The bird?" He quipped with a small smirk on his face at the preposterous nature.

"No." The girl lifted her cloak slightly and laced her bony fingers around the hilt of her trusted friend. "My dagger."

Adric crossed his arms, now with a burst of laughter that ached to come from his mouth, "I'm listening."

Gale rolled her eyes, handing him her torch (which seemingly burned brighter than his own,) and played with the blade in her hand. She would flip it in the air to catch its handle once again. She would throw it between her hands. She would even play like a child with a stick and flip each end of the weapon - metal and hilt - to create an arch in the air of sorts. This was all in preparation as she closed her eyes and spun. It was the most odd thing Adric had ever witnessed, he would've found it rather funny had she not thrown it violently as he began to speak.