The Twilight Child Saga

Cassandra - Chapter 1: Threats, shhhmreats

Wood cracked against wood, the sound echoing through the ancient trees. Sunlight dripped through the canopy, dappling the moss where Cassandra danced around her battered training dummy. Her silver hair caught the light as she moved with fluid grace, each strike precise. Sweat beaded on her brow, but her green eyes gleamed. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air. She lunged and parried, a blur against the stillness.

"Feet closer, Cassie!" Kayla's voice, sharp with amusement, cut through the morning air. "Unless you're aiming to trip over your own two left feet."

Cassandra stumbled, shooting her mother a mock glare. "Ha, ha, Mother. Very funny." She rolled her eyes, adjusted her stance, and lunged again. "Better?" she huffed.

"Almost. Still moving like a troll on stilts." Kayla leaned against a nearby oak, arms crossed, a wry smile on her lips. Sunlight glinted off the silver in her dark hair, her green eyes mirroring Cassandra's.

Cassandra snorted, gripping her sword tighter. "Charming." She adjusted her feet. "Now?"

"Better." Kayla's smile deepened. "Show me that footwork. And try not to chop down any trees."

Cassandra grinned and launched into the sequence, a flurry of blows aimed at the dummy's torso. She feinted to the legs, then an overhead cut whistled through the air. The dummy shuddered, splinters flying. She whirled around it, her sword a blur, her chest heaving. The final blow sent the dummy spinning.

She turned to face her mother.

"Nice." Kayla's voice held pride and a hint of teasing. "But you're still favoring your left."

Cassandra rolled her eyes, wiping sweat with a cloth that hung from a nearby tree. She leaned against the trunk, its rough bark scratching her back. "You'd think I'd be perfect by now." Her tone discouraged but wistful.

Kayla approached, her eyes softening. "You're only fourteen. You have time and everyday you're improving." Her hand rested on Cassandra's shoulder.

"But when will I be ready to face what's out there?"

Kayla's smile faded. Her gaze turned steady. "The world doesn't always wait for us to be ready but you, Cassandra, are strong, like me and wise, like your father. You can face anything." She squeezed Cassandra's shoulder.

"Father? Wise?" Cassandra shook her head, remembering his recent drunken stumbles returning home so drunk he was barely able to walk. "Are we talking about the same man?"

Kayla looked away then straightened, determination sparking in her eyes. "Cassie–."

Not wanting to hear another lecture, Cassandra cut her off, "You're right, Mother. I won't let fear stop me."

Just as eager to put off that conversation, Kayla accepted the subject change with grace. "That's my girl," Kayla said, pride swelling in her voice. "Now, how about we practice those evasive maneuvers? I hear the Whisperers are getting quite crafty these days."

Cassandra's eyes widened. "Whisperers? Here?"

Kayla's expression turned serious. "Not yet, thankfully. But it's best to be prepared. They can twist the mind, make you see things that aren't there." She paused, her gaze piercing. "Even turn loved ones against each other."

A shiver ran down Cassandra's spine. "How do we fight something like that?"

Kayla's lips curled into a wry smile. "With a clear mind and a strong heart. And maybe a few well-placed blows to the head." She winked. "Now, let's see how you fare against my 'whispers'."

Cassandra laughed softly, casually tossing the rag back onto the branch. "Oh? You think you can handle me," she replied, her green eyes sparkling playfully. "It may be too traumatic for your delicate sensibilities."