Oath of a Guardian

Chapter 3: Darkness Arises

Raven ran up to her room and changed into her armor. The main body of the armor was given to her as a gift by Crystal. The armor was black leather similar to her sisters' however the top of the armor ended just above the waist, black leather pants and boots. The arms of the armor including the straps holding it together were made of chainmail and one embellishment her father had made for her which was a wolf shoulder piece on her left shoulder to symbolize loyalty and a crimson sash attached to it that draped down to the end of her back.

She entered the large courtyard to find a group of Solarian soldiers honing their skills in swordplay. Once Raven was seen by them all the activities going on ceased bowing in respect. "Your highness" a small hesitant voice called out from behind her.

The princess turned to see her personal guard standing before her "Thomas" She exclaimed smiling at the man who began to bow. "How many times have I told you that that wasn't necessary..." the princess stated her smile fading away slightly.

"I know my place your highness" trying to ending the discussion he knew was coming. "I... I hope you're well, I mean you look well" he said unconsciously then realizing his voice was louder than he expected, his eyes opened wide in shock of his own actions "I- I mean healthy... well built.." He began panicking as he noticed the confusion on her face as one of her brows was risen "Wait! No! Not that you're not a building!" He said franticly raising his hands trying to explain but failing yet again "I mean... Beautiful" He raised his hands covering his eyes in mortification of his constant babbling...

"I am quite well and yourself?" Raven answered smiling at the nervous grey-eyed man standing in front of her. She turned around and began walking towards the carriage while covering her lips with one hand to suppress the urge to laugh because she did not wish to embarrass the guard any more.

He looked at her for a mere second before following. "I am also well" He gave a tentative shy smile, the burning in his cheeks endured once they reached the carriage he offered her his hand to help her in getting in the carriage then said "Are you ready your highness? We have plenty to do today?"

"Yes" she said smiling before she stepped into the carriage.

"To the Academy" Thomas notified the driver. "So, how are you taking your sisters sudden departure?" He asked now looking to his hands tangled on his lap

"It's our duty to ensure the future of the guardians; all must be sacrificed in the name of peace and justice." Raven responded the sadness is her voice was obvious "We must never falter from duty for it is all we know. For the sake of those we are destined to protect ". Thomas immediately lifted his eyes from his hands to see her gaze locked on something out the small window, probably nothing in particular, she simply did not wish to make eye contact with Thomas lest he be able to notice her true feelings. The look in her eyes matched the sad voice she spoke with.

"With all due respect your highness, I did not ask for the oath, I asked for your feeling on the matter, about your sister leaving"

"I am now a guardian, I don't get to have feelings about it really" She said turning her gaze from the window to meet his, the corner of her lips moved upwards to form a small smile assuring him that she was fine with her fate. Unknown to her that he was always able to see through her, Thomas remained silent unsure of what to say, He wanted to say something, anything but he was afraid of overstepping his boundaries as a knight of Solaria.

They arrived at their destination by nightfall. The Academy was a tall structure; mage shaped monuments and statues decorated the outside of the marble covered building. The doors opened to reveal a grand hall; No candles were to be found for the room was lit by the night sky. It was lit by the strings of moonlight coming through the oval glass ceiling. In the center of the hall a man stood.