Hidden for her own protection

Chapter 12: Fighting Azure!

Chapter 12: Fighting Azure!

"The rules are simple you can not draw blood at all and you mustn't step outside of the arena," King Reef announced.

It's time for my fight with Azure my chance to get rid of him for good.

"We will begin with a magic duel," Princess Sylver called out.

Azure and I faced off together. The purpose of our duel was to make one of us willingly surrender or force them to bow down.

I began by summoning ropes and binding Azure with them tightly. He made them turn into water and then used an earth spell on the ground beneath me. A hole appeared beneath my feet so I just let my wings unfold.

The only rule is no blood and not to leave the arena so I wasn't breaking any rules. Azure joined me in the air and flew up in front of me. He stretched his hand towards me trying to touch me, but I put up a mind attacking force field and he began to hold his head in pain. I then continued to make rain appear above him and his wings became drenched. He fell towards the ground and landed on the mat I summoned at the last minute.

The mat then surrounded Azure and held him in place. I flew down in front of him and forced him to look at me. Using a strong magic in my voice I spoke.

"Surrender this magic duel now Azure," magic leaked through my words.

"I surrender," he said. I released my magical hold on him and he got up groaning.

"Arlia wins the first round. Now a new rule is added on. No magic is allowed to be used now except as protection on your armor," Queen Siraphina announced.

"It is now time for the flying race," King Axanian announced.

Azure and I flew over to the starting line. A golden path in mid air outlined the path we had to take. As soon as the flag waved Azure and I were off. I flew as fast as I could never leaving the path. Azure was slightly ahead of me.

I knew I had a disadvantage against Azure here because Azure has had his wings since he was a child, and I had them for less then a month. I tried to fly faster, but my wings were still new and therefore they hadn't fully developed yet.

Azure crossed the finish line exactly 5 seconds before I did. The whistle was blown and the course completely disappeared showing the end of the race.

"The winner of the race is Azure. The contestants are now tied. Next up is the sword match," King Axanian announced.

Azure and I once again returned to the make shift arena. I summoned my sword to me and Azure was handed his by his uncle. We then used our magic to summon our armor and then putting a simple protection charm to reinforce the armor so we wouldn't penetrate the others defense. We once again faced off this time it was pure skill that would win this match.

Azure charged at me swinging his sword to my side. I side stepped him and thrust his sword away. The sound of metal hitting metal sounding throughout the arena. We circled each other once again and I charged this time aiming for his leg and then as he went to block I hit his sword arm hard with the blade. Azure yowled in pain and paused for just a moment giving me the time to strike his sword from his grip and raising mine to his neck.

"Arlia wins," Reef announced. "If Azure does not win the next match then Arlia will be the winner and he must leave with me when I return to the village."

"The final match is archery. Soldiers bring the targets and the bows," Queen Siraphina announced.

This time Azure and I didn't face off, but faced the targets. Aiming our bows we each had 5 shots to make. I didn't even look at Azure and I strung the bow and aimed all 5 times hitting dead centre 4 tines and the rim of the bullseye the next. The first 4 had split each other right down the middle. Turning to look at Azure's I saw all 5 dead centre he won by only a slight fraction.

"This tournament is officially over Azure and Arlia had tied and therefore Azure is allowed to stay when his uncle leaves," King Axanian announced.

I just left fuming mad. Calica and Jermaya were with Sylver so I knew she was safe. I just needed some air. I had lost the only chance to get rid of Azure and now I was stuck with him for the rest of the campaign and war. I need to figure out the dreams meaning though and who was there or we will be doomed.

"Arlia I'm sorry. I know you want me gone, but I need you to forgive me," Azure said sadly.

"Azure I will never forgive you and don't worry you'll become Reef's heir," I smirked leaving him alone.

Now it's time to fly over to the Fae Palace to confirm my suspicions.