The Verdant Prince

Chapter 6: 5 Years Too Long

Time seemed to fly by. Today it was the fifth anniversary of the programs starting in our group. The fifth anniversary of the day I took down that massive beast of a man with my bare limbs. The fifth anniversary of leaving my family without a proper goodbye- only good luck.

We were trained in every situation and were rebuilt to be stronger and even more skillful than before.

If we didn't excel in a subject we were put in we learned quickly how to excel in it. All fifteen of us were the deadliest elite force of warriors King Odin had behind his golden halls. At the flick of his wrist we could take out a whole army.

I still had good connections with both Princes and their comrades. Everyone trusted each other with their lives. Every woman was addressed as Lady now, every man either Sir or Lord. Those who defied The Allfather quivered in fear before us as we walked down the halls to diminish the problem.

They spoke to us with respect and fear in their eyes. It was a good and sickening feeling all together.

I sighed thoughtfully as I braided my hair back the way Gaela taught me many years ago. I twisted the last strands together and straightened out my up-do.

"Oh look how you have grown, Y/N." Galea whispered, small tears in her eyes. I smiled and stood up, bringing her into my strong arms.

"I know. I promise I will visit when I can. I will never forget you, Gaela." I whispered, running my hands along her rigid back. I breathed in her soft lavender scent one more time. I didn't want to leave her, the woman who cared for me and acted as my mother rather than my servant since week two of this rigorous program.

We pulled away from each other. I looked at her soft face, wrinkles carefully lining her round face. Her warming eyes blurry with tears as they fell silently down her cheeks. My own vision becoming blurred with emotion.

Gaela sighed as she held the turquoise pendant in her hand thoughtfully.

"Make sure to say hello to your dear Father and sister for me," she said firmly, I lowered my head slightly so she could slip the necklace around my neck. She tugged the front of my robes and straightened out my cloak, grazing her fingers lightly over the golden pin it was attached to.

I hugged her once more, squeezing tightly.

"I don't want to say goodbye." She whispered. We pulled away again and I walked to the door. I took a glance around the room- the same as day one. I hadn't requested anything since then.

"Then don't. I will see you again soon, Gaela. Thank you for all you have done and for providing me wonderful mad tales of when you were younger." I said. She nodded and I took that as my cue to leave. I shut the door softly and sighed, looking to another comrade, Astrid. Together, we walked to the dining hall for the last time in a while.

~

"Today, all fifteen of you apprentices are no longer apprentices. You are soldiers who can slice through rocks as if it were warm butter. You are the legends and tales parents tell their children in the dark of the night. You are protectors of Asgard and the Throne. Today you shall be released back to your families to be reunited once again. By next week you will be assigned to your first mission. Make sure to grab a basket to bring home as well. It contains food and money for support. We thank you for your service and can't wait to see what your potential is to Asgard as a whole." Odin acknowledged. In unison we bowed deeply to him before turning around, our multi colored cloaks flowing gently in the slight breeze that blew through the golden palace.

One by one, we grabbed a basket and headed for the doors.

"Say hello to your family will you? And remember to make me sound as good as I am," Asmund jested as he and I walked together out to the Royal stables.