Tierra: The Shadow War [Book One]

Chapter IX

"You can't! It's dangerous! You could be killed!"

Rena glared at Sazohr. "If I don't, more people will die! It's my kingdom now and I have a duty to protect it!" She turned and started to leave. 

"Please, Rena. It's for your safety." Sazohr pleaded. "The kingdom need it's qu-princess."

Rena looked at him, "Thank you for making my point clear. My kingdom needs me, to guide them out of this war. I don't expect you to help me with this. You can stay here where it's safe for who knows how long and not fight for your home."

Rena left the wizard standing there as Tyson and Sensiil followed her over to Thunderwings. She climbed onto his back, and Tyson sat in front of her. They flew off and Sensiil stayed beside them as they flew.

Rena felt guilty for leaving Sazohr behind like that. He was her friend after all and they been through a lot over the past week. And the fact that it only has been a week shocked Rena.

Soon the capital city came into view, soon followed by the castle. It didn't look like Xix was there, so Rena still had time to prepare.

They landed on a hill then Rena and Tyson jumped off of Thunderwing's back. Rena looked at the balima, "Please. I know there will be a battle and my people won't be prepared..."

Thunderwings nods, "I'll get my people to get an army ready for the night. Stall until then."

Rena nods as he flew off. She only had a few hours until sundown. "Sensiil, go to King Naloth and ask for his army to help."

The little red dragon nodded and flew away, leaving Rena alone with Tyson. Together they ran to the castle to prepare for Xix's arrival. Once inside, Rena locked the doors. "He should be here soon, thinking he's won already. Hopefully I can take him by surprise."

"Maybe we should get Sazohr to help-" Tyson started to suggest.

"He'll show up." Rena interrupted him, heading to the throne room.

The throne room was rarely used but it was always clean. Three thrones sat at the end of the long room. Behind each throne were glass cases, holding crowns for each throne. Rena opened her case and took out her crown. Her parents had gold ones and she had a silver one. But she never complained. The jewels caught the light beautifully, but Rena didn't have time to think of that.

She placed the crown on her head and sat on her silver throne. Normally, she'd get dressed up for a visitor, but she knew she would be fighting. Tyson came over and handed her a sword, "I found it thinking you might need it."

Rena nodded her thanks and strapped the sword around her waist. She had no idea how to sword fight, but she couldn't worry about that now. Hopefully she wouldn't need to use the sword.

After an hour of waiting, Rena heard banging on the doors. "He's here." She whispered.

Soon she heard a crash then the throne room doors flew open. A man with a proud look on his face walked in but stopped. Rena couldn't help stare back at him. To be honest, she expected more from a man who had such powers to control weird creatures like the Shadows. He looked just as surprised and shocked.

"Rena...I thought you were hiding somewhere when my resources lost track of you." The man said.

"You were spying on me? That's creepy." Rena replied. "And I expected more...I don't know, glitter? From you Xix."

"Glit-what? Glitter? Why...no!" Xix glared at Rena. "I'm taking Tierra like I should have done thousands of years ago!"

"You. Are. Old." Rena said. "Wait...what do you mean?"

Xix sighed, "You don't know who I am?" Rena gave him a blank look and he sighed again. "I was the one who started the revolution that your parents stopped."

"That...was you? But...how are you still alive?" Rena asked, even more confused now.

"The same way that wizard that was with you did. A potion." Xix smiled. "There is more then one way to gain immortality."

"Sazohr...didn't get his immortality from Sun?" Rena muttered to herself as she thought about this new information over.

She saw Xix get impatient and looked at him. "The attack is at night fall. So you better be ready." Xix said then left.

[A/N: Sorry about the short chapter, but the next one will be more exciting so it's worth it]