Tara (book 1 in the "Princesses of Naonis" series)

Chapter 5

                  Tara glanced peacefully around the beautiful forest. She and Argreasis had left Mianea's part of the forest an hour ago. She had been granted the power of strength and felt great pride as walked though the forest. "Be careful of pride,", said Argreasis suddenly for he had sensed her pride, " It is your worst enemy.". "What do you mean Argreasis?", asked Tara questioningly. "What I mean is that your power will only work if you are protecting others or if your motives are pure." Argreasis continued, "If you are filled with pride your powers may not work properly."

           "I didn't know.", said Tara worriedly. Pride was hard not have when you had the power she had. But she also knew it corrupted. She thought back to hers days in the village. One day when she was 12, a powerful lord came to the village. He was very corrupt. He demanded  the best wine to be served to him by the most beautiful women in the village, so he could admire them.

           Some harm might have come to the women if a powerful and benevolent duke, who was also known for being humble and kind, had not come to rid the land of the beast. He had a warrant from the king for the arrest of the scoundrel, who on many occasions had stepped far out of line, doing unspeakable things. He confronted the Lord, but in his drunken stupor had attacked the duke. The duke was forced to run him though. She would promise herself to not let pride get the best of her. "I promise.", Tara accidently said out loud. "Pardon me princess, what do you promise?", asked Argreasis softly. "I promise to not let pride get the best of me.", said Tara . You have a sweet heart and I would hate to see it devoured by pride.", said Argreasis seriously, for he knew what pride could do, he had experienced it, "I know you will not allow that, princess.", Argreasis finished confidently. 

To Be Continued...