The Torn World

Chapter Nine

                  

Emily's P.O.V

"Hello. Nice to meet to you, I'm Caileigh," the woman greeted me with a beam, "I will be escorting you to the warrior's testing hut. You'll stay in the boarding rooms provided for a night, before the trials begin." Caileigh beckoned me over to the two deer. I had been well informed about the warriors' preferred form of transport.

"So I just climb on its back and it won't react.... Caileigh, my mother was previously a warrior, not me. I have no idea how to ride one of these things," I exclaimed. Then realising the rudeness of the outburst, I opened my mouth to apologise but Caileigh was already talking, "I was just getting to that part. Obviously you're bursting with excitement and these deer -which by the way are she, not it- might have overwhelmed you but may I remind you, that as well as being your chaperone, I am a warrior, so some respect would definitely be appreciated." I blushed. "Oh and your apology is accepted," she added after noticing my gaping mouth. 

Trees flashed by, the scent of pine needles lingered in my lungs, air blew the curls of my rich auburn hair back, birds chirped merrily, filling my ears with their sweet tune. I had never experienced the sense of flying, riding a deer, however, was better than flying.

We arrived at a wooden log structure, intervals of wooden planks separated the building into stalls. Caileigh unmounted her deer, I mimicked her nimble actions, trying not fall. We both led our deer to separate stalls.

After the deer had been pampered, Caileigh discussed a few points about the other warriors' expectations from me.

"Okay Emily, your mother was a recognisable figure of the warrior band. Not only was she the superintendent, she also expertised in many fields, including; shooting, tracking and healing. The warrior corporation, however does not judge you on your genetics or family history. Many in society believe that the warriors ways are strange and unsophisticated. This rumour was first spread, at the thought of women fighting and performing acts considered to be only done by men. This should not affect you however, if this changes your train of thoughts then I suggest that you leave, as this occupation is obviously not one fit for you. Now that all the formalities are out of the way, I need to explain about some other -personal- problems you will encounter. You have already been notified that there are many different warrior bands, which guard and protect different areas of the forest. Each band has a superintendent, who acts as leader of their respective band under the orders of the chief of the warrior corporation. The band which the chief of the corporation is part of, is the band defending the most important area of the forest, surrounding the city. That particular band is composed of the strongest of our warriors, I doubt that you know this but the time has come that you knew, your mother was not only the superintendent of her band but indeed the chief of the whole corporation. When your father passed, she resigned from her job, many were shocked, some were angry, others were understanding. I myself wasn't part of the corporation then, but this is a popular topic of gossip. The reason I am telling you this, is that this story is often retold in the corporation. Some of the girls change and add extra parts to ruin the image and reputation of your mother in others eyes. Also, many will be expecting you to be as brilliant as your mother and will judge you accordingly. I am warning you of this now. I hope you understand and take this as an issue of seriousness," Caileigh looked at me, eyebrows raised. Still in shock, I nodded.