Heir of the Sword

08 | Regium

Regium {Royalty}

They had left the castle early in the early morning so they could get as much riding done as possible. It had been a bit difficult to say goodbye to Jenny and William the latter whom had actually started crying when Aaron told him that he had to leave. After a tearful farewell the cooks had loaded them with enough food to last them till they reached Kathoria. Arya could tell that it was only about a day's journey until they would be in the capital of Kalvaria.

The group had also picked up the pace since they didn't need to worry about little children riding with them. Arya hid it well but she was starting to get anxious. It seemed so long ago that Zelie had sent her to spy on the boy's academy and she had yet to even reach the Royal Palace. The thought worried her about not being able to fulfill Lady Zelie's commands.

"Fidelem, slow down," a voice said behind her.

Arya turned around to see the rest of the group had slowed down to a light trout. "What is it?" she questioned.

"The horses are tired; we are taking a break for a few moments." Silvia replied.

Arya simple nodded and made no further movement. She knew Eclipse still had the stamina to keep pushing forward if he had to. The other horses clearly weren't cut out of the same stone. Nevertheless Arya understood that everyone had their own strengths and weaknesses.

Arya's hand paused over the belt that held Anaz. She was itching to get back to her practice but she wasn't too sure if she would like to do it in front of Aaron. From the bits and pieces she had picked up from Damien they had come from the West as messenger for an important Lord. Arya knew the boy's academy lay in the West, so she had a certain inkling that they could be from the Narvanian Academy.

A couple of nights back Arya had also seen Aaron fidgeting with the banner that was tied to his shoulder. A simple glance at it had reminded her of the necklace upon her own neck. If that wasn't enough proof, seeing Aaron fight had shed a new light upon the matter. She was almost certain that he had been the male she saw practicing in the night. His blade shape was eerily similar to the one she had seen last night.

Arya was perched on a stone when Silvia came up to her. "Fidelem, do you believe we could take a few moments to practice."

Here is where Arya started to get fearful. Aaron and Damien had already seen her fight before but that had been in the night. She hadn't put of her best effort. Fighting in broad daylight would certainly prove to be another matter. Zelie had told everyone to call her Fidelem so her identity would not be known.

"Damien," she called out. The lad turned around and made his way towards her. "Would you like to duel?"

When his eyes perked up Arya knew that she had gotten his attention.

"With whom would I be dueling?"

"Me," Silvia responded.

Arya saw the look in his eyes change. He wasn't the same happy-go-lucky guy as he had been mere minutes before. These eyes held a certain determination, a determination to prove oneself. Arya knew the look. She had seen it in her own eyes more than once. When she looked and Silvia she knew that she was ready as well. This would be a good development for both of them.

"Give us a moment please." Arya said.

Damien nodded before making his way to Aaron to give advice as well.

Arya could have told Silvia that they were from the Narvanian Academy but she didn't. It would increase her fear, something that she didn't want to do.