The Good King

'The Sky Tower'

The sky was still dark when she opened her eyes to a horrible feeling. She was jolted awake, gasping as icy water splashed over her face and soaked her clothes.

Evan was not alone. A lot of youngsters about her age were put in the same situation.

They were surrounded by the guards, a lot of them felt like crying but not her, she chose to be there and she was not willing to back off anytime sooner.

The soaked children got up and followed the guards to the huge training court, it was only then when they realized that they were inside of the royal palace.

Looking up at those high towers, made her feel like they were within the reach of the stars.

"Form a line"

Said a familiar voice, it was the same knight who allowed her to tag along.

They were forced into forming a line, then each of them was handed a huge sand bag. And was asked to carry it, run around the court then come back to their positions.

Those desperate faces and small hand struggles a lot. Evan was not the only one struggling. No one was able to do the task that seemed to be impossible.

Yet one boy was able to carry it, he was not running fast but he did walk all around the court, he was covered in his own sweat, his breathing got only harder but he never stopped, and managed to survive the pain that came with each and every step he took.

It did motivate her, after all, she had a reason, a strong one.

Evan's weak arms kept shaking through the process but after all of that, she managed to carry the sand bag.

And started walking around the training court, by that time the other boy already made it back to his position and was able to rest for a few seconds.

"Again"

The knight ordered. 

Evan was no longer able to feel her hands after the first lap, the resting time periods was very short but it was better than nothing.

Even though those two stood out, a lot of youngsters picked up their lost selves and manages to accomplish the task required from them.

After completing thirty laps, the sun was up the blue sky, and Evan could not take her eyes off those beautiful towers.

She wanted to know how long would it take her until she could see the inside of that palace, she did not know what it would look like, so she let her imagination run wild.

"Rest up"

The knight said, allowing in two maids to serve the food.

It wasn't much, but it was just enough.

"The training will last for six months, at the end of each month, there will be a test for each of you, those who fail would be sent back to their homes"

He spoke while they ate.

Evan's eyes sparkled, if she survives the training, she will be able to go back to her sister sooner than expected, and of course bring her to Kardia.

The training hours were from dawn till late nights.

With two meals provided per day and a small space for all of them to crush at.

The same gloomy little guy kept on beating everyone else in every little task they were given.

It was not a competition but he did stood out, and Evan was getting tired of being second, so that kept her going hard on herself and trying even harder.

The youngsters were not allowed to speak, not to anyone, not to each other.

So all they could focus on was their training.

By the end of the first month, they were asked to carry two bags of sand and run thirty laps without stopping for a second.

A lot of them gave up before it started, they were relieved that they will go back home, and one of them was the boy from Evan's village.

He told her he will for sure let her sister know that she will be back soon.

From 100 people, only 20 were left.

The number went down with each passing month. They were taught how to use each and every weapon, a sword, a bow, a dagger... you name it.

The days went by and her stamina kept getting better, as well as her speed and Evan would go out of her way to train by herself when everyone is sleeping.

Her doing all the farming back in her village and carrying the vegetables bags from her little house to the market place did help her stand out.

Because it was the last month, and Evan has been chosen, next to other four people.

The last five standing, were asked to gather around under that blue sky.

It felt unbelievable how much someone can grow in such a short period of time. Not physically only but mentally as well.

"Get changed, you will be presented in front of the king, the basic training has been over, I believe the five of you are ready to take it to the next level"

The knight said, he did not get a response, since none of them has spoken in months, it almost became a habit.

"You may speak"

He said.

"What is your name?"

Evan asked with her eyes pointed on the man standing in front of her.

It took him a while to process her question even though it was an easy one. Her smiling face did fill his body and should with regret. These youngsters had no idea what they were about to face.

"Theron"

He replied,

"Am Evan, thank you for bringing me along"

She said.

"Am Rose and this is Alex"

The other girl said.

"Mirai"

The fourth trainee said since he felt their intense stares.

"What about you?"

Rose asked the one who was first since the day he arrived.

"Venator"

He replied.

"No time for this, get dressed now and follow me"

The knight interrupted their first conversation.

"Come with me Evan"

Rose said dragging her new friend to the little room where they changed their clothes.

Their new outfits did fit them perfectly, but the dark colors were not for knights or guards. But they did not think about that at all.

They followed Theron, and for the very first time, they were able to see the bright Side of the palace, something other than the training ground. 

They walked through the entrance, the surrounding was nothing but the different flowers and plants of the royal garden.

The palace's door was open for them, a bright light came from the inside as they finally stopped in.

'Finally, am so close, wait for me...'