Wanderer

Sworn Warrior

"My apologies ma'am.. I have not explained everything." He motioned me to follow him to a large scroll, with maps all over, family trees, etc. "This is the ancient scroll to which we follow. You are here." He spoke pointing towards an empty box. "You are the new warrior, full of life, full of pain, yet willing to protect. Also wanting to discover.." A smirk appeared on his face. "You are far from home, but for good cause. You're mother is fine, so no need to worry."

"What about my dog?" I said with a worried expression. She was my best friend, and my true only friend. I couldn't lose her.

"Oh yes... How could I forget?" He smiled, and let out a loud whistle. A large dog, larger than Lucy, like a wolf size, ran in. She gave a look towards me, then at the stranger. Soon ran and pounced me, just laying there. Her tail wagged, and she barked happily. "This is your dog. Sure may not seem as it is, but trust me she is. Lucy came to this world with you, but same as you, grew into a warrior. Lucy will fight by your side." I stopped him before he could finish.

"Fight?" I questioned as he gave a chuckle.

"Young one let me finish, now no more interruptions, please. " He spoke, I gave a small nod, siting upon a stool, and listened. Lucy sat at the side, almost as though she was listening too. "Your mother gave you hope of finding a box, now no I can't find you this box. Only you can once you find it in your heart, not your mind. The box will have nothing to do with your task, but on your own journey. Now that's cleared up.... You have been brought here by a young man. This man you've met once, but won't for until the time is right.. In fact you need to stay far from him, he is trouble. The man who calls you to be princess is someone you've known, but might not remember. You'll meet him soon though. You are here to fight for this palace. There are people out searching for you, once they have you we'd have to surrender everything to them. It is a war. Now go ahead and tell me giants, witches, vampires, etc don't exist.. No they are not killed by what most think, but actually by your own weapon. Won't be easy, but can be done. You must be ready for war, and know how to defend yourself."

"I'll do whatever it takes!" I yell proudly, standing up. I fall off my stool, and everyone laughs. "Stupid dress..." I groan, and stand up, dusting off.

"Yes... You need work." The stranger laughs, and shakes his head. "I'll leave you here to train with these warriors. They are our best." He turns, and leaves.

"So.. What's first?" I smile, rubbing my hands together readily. They all look at each other, then break into a stance, each holding a weapon. I stare in amusement, elements, duel swords, one handed, bow, and nothing.

"You are to learn all these, you should have known these some, but can only master all. You are the first in generations to have this power. Choose your first three weapons to begin with." A warrior spoke, she wore a mask, and spoke strictly.

"No! She must change into the more acquired where for this.." One spoke in demand over the other. They agreed, and demanded I go change, giving me an outfit. I do as told, and look into what I was now in. A black tank top, with a leather fitted jacket, dark skinny jeans, black knee high boots, and weapon belt. I even had a mask that only showed my eyes. I walked out and they bowed in acceptance. I chose my first three weapons: Bow, duel swords, and nothing.

"Good choices, now we will each train you separately, first week you learn to master the bow, then nothing, then duel." The elder said, resting upon the mantle.

"Why duel last?" I questioned.

"Duel will be your most powerful, as same with bow. Bow is only learned first because you are already skilled in it. Duel you are, but need the most training in. We know you have mastered one handed, and magic. You may not think you know magic, but you do. It's deep in you." The elder spoke and disappeared.

The tall one holding the bow lead me out to an archery course in the back. He handed me a regular bow, and we practiced for hours that day. Days went by, I got hours of practice, not shooting, but handling, reloading, and aim. I never once shot the bow. At the end of that week I had began to actually shoot, and was impressed with my ability, speed, and accuracy. So was my teacher. That week ended, and we bowed.

Next was the no weapon task. This should be fun.. I don't fight without weapons, but this is why I chose it. I knew if I had to fight, I may learn without weapons for a precaution.

"Okay! I'm ready." I said doing a little karate move I had learned from a kids class I took. The teacher laughed in embarrassment for me and did a mastered, full move. I stood in shame, and sighed.

"You will not learn how to fight, but how to concentrate, relax, and your strength. You have already learned your accuracy, and speed." They were very wise, and I was still so curious as to how they knew so much about me... I couldn't question.. I knew there was not enough time. But who was the wise warrior? The elder? He peaked my interest the most... 

"Come on... I wanna get to fighting.. I can learn all the other stuff no problem.." I groaned, and the smirked, bowing.

"Very well, since you're so impatient. I'll teach you to fight." They spoke in an odd manor, and got in stance. I got in a stance I was most comfortable with, and we fought. They jumped, and punched me, causing me to fall on the floor. I grabbed my chest, and groaned... 

"I wasn't ready!" I yelled, and looked at them. They went to where they were, and she spoke soon.

"I know you were not. You had your confidence set too much, thinking you could fight. Only thing was is you knew not of what you were doing, and lost concentration on it. You must learn as I told, or you will fail." The said, motioning me to follow to a room, of silence. I love silence, but this was like torture. The room was not silent, but the people were. 

"Yes teacher.." I sighed, and sat next to them. Going into a deep meditation. That week I was put through the ultimate hell.. I could not speak, and only meditate. Then I was forced to earn my strength by doing treacherous chores: Carrying heavy water jugs on a pole for miles, using only a bamboo stick to weed out the tall grass, and more.. It was so much to handle, and if I did not do it right the first time, I had to redo it until done right. That week lasted a very long time... I went to sleep every night with bruises, and cuts. Woke up every morning in a sore, stiffening motion. It was no fun... 

"You are now ready, young one.." She smiled, and bowed. Handing me a pair of black leather gloves, with the fingers cut out. "Take this for your journey." 

"Thank you, but we haven't even fought yet?" I questioned as I placed the gloves on my hands. 

"I know, but that is how you learn. Have trust, for you are ready." She spoke lastly before leaving. I nodded, and knew I must trust this warrior.. Since.. Well she is kind of a professional and the best in this kingdom. 

"Come now." Spoke the final warrior entering the room. "We must finish your duel wielding so you can be on your way. I nodded and followed. It was one of the easiest training I had yet to do. I mastered it in no time. My best weapons were daggers, and specialized swords. I spent the last few weeks I had with the tall stranger. He taught me how to enchant weapons, make certain elixirs, and hunt. I was going to be set on my own to complete my end of the scroll... My time was now...

I packed all I needed, Placed my weapons in the appropriate place, all the food, elixirs, and water in one satchel on my side, and waved goodbye. I hugged everyone, and smiled as I left the castle, going to win this battle...