The breeze flowed softly through my untamed hair, the voices of the forest sang to my very soul, the heavy weight of my people's sword anchors me to this realm with the strong need to avenge my people and my family.
Gripping the hilt tighter feeling the numbness, watching as the tips of my fingers turn a light shade of red as memories take a hold of my mind.
Akta, my home. Once was a peaceful land with children running around, roaring with joyful
laughter, while their mothers gazed upon them with wary eyes making sure they wouldn't wander off towards the saltum vetitae. I was once that child.
I had once run through those same fields had the same wary gaze of the village mothers including my own, but everything changed that one morning, I wonder to Myself what if I had hidden away in the house like most of the village girls my age what if I had not been so stubborn as to stay with my brother at father's side what if...
I had been at the age of 15 summers when the castle carts arrived I had heard the horses march and knew straight away that our village had a guest.
My older brother Kanin had taught me swordsmanship from when I was still 10 summers had always told me it was so that we could be sparring partners but I know, now why he taught me to fight.
He knew what the northerners had planned he knew what was going to happen.
The carts came to a halt in front of the large gates connected to the city walls, "raise the gates" came the familiar sound of my father from behind me Trivaan my father's top guard also a close friend of my brothers (one of the many men who couldn't defeat me) Must have told father of the guest, I turn and go to stand beside my father I see Kanin by his other side.
A man with long bright sun hair walks out of the cart and beside him many men dressed in armor from top to bottom. I knew straight away that the man was the king the crown on his head and the royal family's crescent on his clothing.
"Unkta what a pleasure it is to finally see you again," says who was most certainly the king "now William the men who fight with me and stand by me are always welcome in my city I have missed you friend" I glance at my father whose face held happiness a slightly nostalgic feeling rose from the two, as they patted each other on the back like old friends.
"Come let us speak about your surprise visit friend" my father says as they walk towards our home my mother greets us at the door "Oh, William what a pleasure it is to see you again do come in"
I followed behind securing my scarf around my head knowing mother wouldn't be pleased if it were to fall off in front of our guest.
Mother had always told me I was special, around the age of ten my eyes started changing from the hazel color my mother had to a striking grayish color similar to the clouds heavy with rain.
She had told me it was unusual for those of our city to have lighter colored eyes and it would cause our city unwanted attention.
Ever since that day I was told to wear a scarf to cover others view of my face, no one would question the scarf because in our city it wasn't unusual for girls to hide their faces and never make eye contact.
As we made our way inside my mother called me towards the kitchen, making my way towards her while glancing around at the men whom had arrived with the king wearing the traditional armour of the king's guard. They looked stern and strict I had heard stories of their victories across the border, the guards were famously known for protecting the king and of course for their unbelievable strength and their godlike swiftness in a man's murder.
My mother had told me stories of them. One of the guards looked towards me and I saw the most striking emerald eyes narrow slightly as I secured my scarf once again his features were as unique as his eyes like all guards he was built to perfection his face molded as if by the gods themselves dark wavy hair up to his shoulders.
While inspecting the male god I hadn't noticed him looking towards me also.
Quickly ducking my head and making my way to mother and willingly helping her with the meal knowing that we would have guest and it would be too much for my mother to make on her own.
After having the meal set on the twelve seating table I was told to go and inform father and the king that supper was ready.
Walking towards the doors of my father's study I saw all six of the king's guard watching me as if I was a threat, as I got closer the men stayed standing, the subtle release of my breath went unnoticed glad I hadn't been stopped.
I continued my path to fathers study with my head down looking at my embroidered shoes I went up and knocked softly on the beautiful carved double doors the warm woodsy scent
drifted off of it.
The door was pulled open by father himself "of Karania is something the matter child" I could feel not only the king's eyes but also the six frightening men outside glaring daggers at my back "mothers calling for the meal father".
Probably noticing my uncomfortable state he said "come, William, we shall eat and then we shall finish this conversation" I watch as the guards around us stiffen than one comes forward.
"sire it wouldn't be smart to eat out of the palace" quickly looking up to see the guard standing behind me only to have my eyes connect with those entrancing emerald eyes after staying still for a second I realized I was staring long enough for him to notice, suddenly his eyes connected with mine and I saw a flicker of emotion across his defined face, quickly looking down I brushed past him in hopes of getting away from the
guard.
As soon as I made it back to the table mother told me to set the table for the king guards and as I was setting the plates, I felt as if someone was watching my every move.
I turned around and scanned the area I noticed a dark shadow near the shaped pillar, and knew straight away that he hadn't, come with the king and wasn't any of the guards.
If I tried hard I could sense the presence of everyone in our home, suddenly the shadow seemed to tense, the shadow disappears into the long hallway, quickly following after the shadow stealthily, making sure not to inform the guards acknowledging that the man would be brutally murdered eliminating any threat to the king.
Which would also mean I wouldn't have a chance to question him. I saw him rush down the stumble of stairs, quickly sliding down the side of the railing and landing firmly on my feet and fist, I could see the dust near my feet gravitate up words I looked up and saw a man like giant with a gruesome scar on his face just under his eye, as I was inspecting him I saw a cruel smirk makes its way onto his face probably assuming my gender and frame as his upper hand.
His posture now more relaxed in turn making me boil with with anger, but like all those lessons taught by our magister, I closed my eyes.
I heard, felt, sensed all things living around me and soothing my mind. I looked up again and knew from the look on this man's face that my eyes were a lighter shade of gray nearing white color most possibly starting to glow softly like the rest of my aura.
Seeming tenser I was satisfied with the shock of fear that ran through his eyes, taking one threatening step forward I saw the small step he took back, seeming to realize this as well his quickly recovers and also takes one step towards me.
I knew he was going to attack me first, in frightening speed I grabbed the man's fist which was making it way toward my cheek and snapped it back hearing each bone in his hand breaking, I brought him closer taking the man by his throat I searched his mind which seemed to have a block, deciding to take the easier way.
I looked up at him and saw fear staring back at me, I lifted him into the air so his feet were left searching for solid ground to gain back some power, I asked with the same smile on my face "what is your purpose scum"
He shook his head as if he had a choice in answering me I used my other hand to bend his shoulder into an awkward position applying pressure. He shook his head looking as if he was about to cry "please let me go I swear it's not me, I was told to follow the king it wasn't you please let me go I beg you" I looked back at him and saw his truth "what was your task with the king, you go back and tell whoever sent you that our home and our people are to remain unharmed if you dare, come into the city I will not hesitate to rip off your head with my bare hands" I said punctuating each word loudly, staying silent I asked him "do you understand" he hastily shook his head yes, this is your warning scum twisting his arm all the way around listening to the satisfying crack I dropped him and saw him scurrying towards the window and throwing himself out. I turned around laughing slightly only to see emerald eyes looking back at me, my heart stopped and my surrounding froze it was then I knew that, this moment would change my life forever.
