The Elemental Song

Chapter 6 The Birthday Surprise

"Happy birthday baby girl!" "Father! Thank you for the jewelry and the gown!" Skyrah ran to embrace her father. "Your so grown up now. You're sixteen! You did a great job during the ceremony earlier. You've grown really mature and will become a great queen someday." King Ryan's face was filled with pride. "Thank you father. No matter how much I grow, I'll always be your baby girl." Father and daughter took a minute to just be together then King Ryan cut it off saying, "well, you should finish getting prepared. The guests will be here soon." "Okay father. I love you." "I love you too." And with that the king left to finish preparing for the celebration.

An hour later Princess Skyrah was dressed in a beautiful gown of all the elemental colors. Her makeup was done and she was adorned with jewelry. All that was left to do was to arrange her beautiful silvery-blue hair. "Knock knock," a voice outside of the door caused princess Skyrah to turn away from Dechtire to look at the newcomer. "Zhenya! You're here!" Skyrah jumped up from her spot on the floor and ran to embrace him. "Happy birthday Skyrah!" "Thanks! I'm so glad you're here!" Zhenya let out a chuckle. "Me too. I wanted to see you before your coming of age celebration so I could give you your gift." With that Zhenya pulled out a box. "This is for you. I hope you like it." Skyrah opened the box and let out a squeal of delight. For there, laying in the box, was the most beautiful hair pin she had ever seen. It was pure white gold and inlaid with different colored gemstones. It looked just like the emblem that was on her lower back. The gemstones were just the right color for each of the tribes. Only a select few knew of the mark on her back; her father, her caretakers Noreis and Dechtire, and Zhenya and Eryk. The gift made her eyes water with joy. "Thank you so much Zhenya! I'll treasure it always!" "You're welcome princess. I have to go now, I'll see you soon." "Bye!" Zhenya smiled and left the room. Skyrah looked at the gift in her hand. "Dechtire, can you put this in my hair for tonight?" "Of course princess."

There she stood. Standing before the doors of the great hall preparing to enter. Zhenya and Eryk were at her side as well as Ziff. King Ryan was reluctant to allow Skyrah to enter with Ziff because he was an enormous, mighty wolf now but after a bit of pleading, he gave Skyrah his consent. "Are you ready princess?" "Yes Eryk. Thank you. Let's go." The doors swung open and the three friends and wolf entered. Everyone bowed and the King smiled. They reached the king and his majesty stood up. "Welcome everyone to my daughter's coming of age celebration. Please do not be afraid of Ziff. He is Princess Skyrah's special friend." After hearing that, the guests who didn't know of the mighty wolf relaxed a little. "Thank you all for attending the princess' coming of age ceremony but now, we are here to celebrate and so, let the festivities begin!"

Throughout the night, everyone feasted and enjoyed the entertainment. Gifts were brought up to Skyrah and dancing and music commenced. Skyrah showed off her special dancing and all the musical instruments she played. Eryk and other warriors did mock battles, although, Eryk always won. Very few people knew that Skyrah could wield a sword and shoot and arrow better than anyone in the kingdom. Even though she wanted to show her skills in weaponry and her powers, she refrained because it was her secret weapon in case she needed to defend herself in an emergency. Noble heirs showed their talent at their elemental powers, some of them trying to catch the princesses eye to become a marriage candidate. Ziff stayed by Skryah's side and ate to his heart's content. Soon all the festivities were over and everyone retired to their rooms for the night. The party was a success and everyone was content.

"Dechtire, there were so many gifts! How did you put them all away?" "It was simple princess. Most of them went to other parts of the castle like the seamstresses and kitchens for silks and special china. Some went to other places and some went directly to you." "Ohh, I see. Can you help me out of this gown? I need to go practice." "Of course princess." Skyrah just finished changing when she heard a voice. "Princess?" Ziff sniffed at the door and let out a happy bark and wagged his tail. Someone friendly then, Skyrah concluded. "Come in." The door opened and Eryk stepped in. "Oh, hello Eryk." "Yo. Where's Dechtire?" "Right here General Eryk." Eryk looked over towards Dechtire. "Oh, there you are Dechtire. You have the emergency pack made right?" "I was just about to refresh it." "Okay, that's a good idea Dechtire. Make sure to pack traveling clothes and a dagger. A canteen of water and some food good for travel will be good as well." "Of course." "Since the princess just came of age she needs the pack for future reference just in case something happens." Eryk looked over to Skyrah. "Did you look through your gifts?" "Yes, the ones that were given directly to me." "Go through all your personal belongings including your presents and pack anything you would want with you if an emergency were to happen." "Okay Eryk. Clam down." Skyrah rolled her eyes but followed his directions. Skyrah went around her room and grabbed her special personal belongings. She carefully put the hair pin from Zhenya away in a box and put it in her pack. She added the necklace and bracelet that her father had given her when she was a child that stated her position as princess of Faylinn. The earrings he gave her she already wore at all times and did not state her station as clearly. She also took the crest of the kingdom that she had been given to state her royal lineage and added a bag of coins that held a lot of money. "That's it Eryk." Eryk looked through the bag making sure there were clothes and provisions as well. "Very good. Goodnight then." Without another word Eryk left.

It was long after the celebration ended but Skyrah was still awake. Ugh. I can't sleep. I'll go visit father. I'm sure he'll be up at this time. Skyrah pulled on a cloak and went to her father's chambers. Hmmm. That's odd, where are all the guards? Is someone in father's chambers? The door is open. Skyrah pulled out the dagger she always had with her and motioned for Ziff to stay silent. She pushed the door open slowly and entered the room and the sight before her surprised her. There, in the middle of the room stood Zhenya, standing over King Ryan with blood dripping from his sword.