The Dance of the Keepers

Chapter 1 Welcome to the Capitol

"Did we really have to take the invisible steel jet into the capitol?"
Vienna squeaked, clutching her seat.

I peered out over the edge of my seat, elation building. For a Wind Wielder, the idea of flying thousands of feet above the earth in a plane you could see through on all sides was simply fascinating. The only thing better would have been to be flying without the use of a plane at all. To have felt the wind in my hair and breathed the cold, clean air into my lungs, would have been a glorious feeling. Vienna and Jasper, on the other hand, looked more than a little green.

"It's tradition, the province champions always fly into the capitol with the best view of the largest city in Itova. Once we clear the Topaz Mountain Range, you'll be in for a real treat."
Kyle informed us from his seat beside me.

"Will we be able to see the Winter Palace?"
I asked in curiosity.

"Yes, we'll pass right over it."

I bit my lip, unsure of exactly how that made me feel. The King's palace was the most elaborate structure built in all of Itovian history, it would be incredible to see such a work of art from this height above it. Yet, it was also the home of my greatest enemy. Could I truly enjoy the splendor of it, knowing the tragic history the monarchs' who ruled from it had caused? I supposed it wasn't fair to hold the building responsible for the deeds of the those who walked its halls.

"How much further?"
Vienna moaned.

"Two minutes less than the last time you asked."
Jasper snapped in annoyance.

Vienna scowled and crossed her arms, the two of them hadn't been on the best of terms since the end of the Primus Regionals, a day a half ago. We had been given a short time to rest after the competition and now we were being carted off to Los Eres for the beginning of the Magna Games season. While the Tournament itself would take place over the course of one long, grueling day in August that would be televised nationwide, the build-up to the fated day was supposed to be legendary. Though it was only the beginning of June just then, it wouldn't be until the first of September, that the final four champions left standing were initiated into the Order of the Keepers.

"Can you tell me a little bit more about the season? I only know what I've watched on the TV in years past, but I'm sure there's more to it than what they show."
I asked Kyle.

He opened his mouth to reply, but it was Jasper who voiced an answer first.

"In amidst our continued battle training, we will be subjected to interviews, parties, and royal balls, to name off a few things. The nobles can pay a hefty price for one or more of the competitors to attend their parties, while we all are present at any royal occasion. There is usually a long string of events to attend for the more popular competitors, and we all have our regular evaluations that are broadcasted nationwide."

I grimaced and then shook my head.

"Sounds positively awful. How do you know so much about it Jasper?"

"My family summers in the capital, they've dragged me here every year to participate in the glamour of the season."

Now that was a surprise. His family had to be quite wealthy to afford to live in the capital, even for only part of the year. I hadn't taken Jasper for coming from a rich background.

"Do you think they'll come this year, with you being a competitor?"

"I'm sure they will, they haven't missed a season yet. However, it will not be for my benefit that they come."

I didn't know what worse, family that wanted to be with you, but couldn't, or family that could be with you, but didn't want to be.

"Still, maybe I can meet your sister. Think she'd give me some of those conversation starters?"
I smiled, trying to lighten the mood.