The Chronicles of Colteran: The Warrior Queen

Chapter 1

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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LICHENSTON'S Crown Princess Elizaria Emersyn Silverwind was on a journey to Stratenwit to discuss plans on extending The Olden Barrier for protection against Darkdwellers from the Outlands with her childhood friend, Queen Braelynn Amica Zeryndrew. She was accompanied by the Crown Guard Reinald Calclaire with his daughter Ruth, her personal bodyguard Denzell Quillon and mentor Malin Parma. As far as she can remember, she and her group was supposed to ride for Stratenwit along with Luxemberg's heir apparent, Prince Cayden Valdus Brandenshield, but her father insisted that she should have a private discussion with Braelynn which means she has to make the journey after Luxemberg's.

“Are we there yet?” Ruth asked as they tread across the grassy plains of Galdren in a hot, sunny afternoon.

“Not yet,” Elizaria answered.

“I don't get why the High King ordered us to walk to Stratenwit if we can ride for it,” Denzell complained.

“Do not question the High King's decisions, Denzell. There is always a reason why he does things,” Reinald defended.

“I may not understand his intentions but I know they're all done for good reasons,” Elizaria added.

Reinald and Malin nodded in agreement.

“Okay okay, I get your point. Truth is, I'm hungry and beat,” Denzell stated as he collapsed near a pile of hay.

“Me too,” Ruth agreed as she joined Denzell.

“We have to keep moving. We have to reach Stratenwit as soon as possible.” Reinald urged them to keep on going.

“Can't we just take a break for a while, old man? We've been walking around like 4 hours now. After we catch our breaths, we'll carry on,” Denzell pleaded to Reinald, pouting like a baby.

“Go on. Keep making that face, it will get stuck that way,” Malin teased.

“Then let us rest so it doesn't,” Denzell replied, laughing. Reinald sighed. Elizaria sat beside Denzell and Malin followed her.

“Okay then. Let us rest for a while and when we recover, let us continue until we reach Stratenwit,” Reinald decided as he sat beside Ruth and took out a sandwich. Instead of taking a bite, he gave all of it to his daughter.

“You're not eating, father?” She asked.

“Take it, Ruth. You need it the most,” then Reinald focused his attention to everyone,“I need all of you to recover your strength for the journey ahead. Elizaria, I need you to be ready for your discussion with Queen Braelynn.”

Elizaria nodded. It has been three years since Braelynn, her childhood friend, was crowned queen of Stratenwit. Braelynn was crowned at the age of 18, making her one of the youngest queens of all time. Her responsibilities as queen took up most of her time. She barely wrote to Elizaria.

“Hey, Elizaria.” Denzell called out to her, grabbing her attention.

“Yes, Denzell?”

“You've been awfully quiet most of the time. Wanna tell us what's going on your mind?” He asked.

“Nothing special. It's just... I miss Bree. It has been three years since we have spoken with each other. Thanks to father sending me to represent Lichenston, I get to see her today,” Elizaria replied, reminiscing the days she spent with Braelynn and her sister Briana.

“The High King thinks you are ready, Elizaria. It is why he sent you,” Malin assured her.

“I agree with Malin. His over-protectiveness never clouded his judgement. The High King is wise, at the same time, a thoughtful, caring and kind father to his daughter,” Reinald told Elizaria.

“Through all the training I've been, do you think I'm ready to take on what lies ahead of me?” She asked, doubt taking over.

“We believe in you, Your Royal Highness. The High King thinks so too,” Ruth's encouragement to her.

“He wouldn't allow you to step out of the kingdom if he knows you're not ready,” Denzell added.

Elizaria looked at all of them, amazed by their unwavering faith and loyalty to the future queen of Lichenston. She knew she's with the right people all along. Minutes passed by as they conversed about what the future might bring. They all agreed at one thing: the future is bright for each and every one of them. After a while, Reinald stood up.

“Let's get going. We should arrive there immediately. Who knows what's lurking out there in the plains at nights to come?” Reinald said as he helped out Ruth.

“Okay then let's go!” Denzell said as he sprinted forward.

“Hold up! Wait for us, would you?” Ruth ran after him.

“Don't get too far ahead you two!” Reinald shouted as the two are getting far from the rest of the group. Elizaria stifled a laugh from behind. She wondered how long these moments would last before she was to be crowned queen.