The Warriors and their King

CHAPTER SIX

    "Wake up, wake up, Adriel," A voice urged. Adriel groaned and rolled over, burying her head under her soft pillow. She recognized the voice. It was Uriah, and she was suddenly wondering why she hadn't awoken on her own, early in the morning... again. She peeked out from beneath the pillow, and sunlight peered back, blinding her. 

"What time it?" She asked groggily. Uriah chuckled and said, "9:00 in the morning. You slept in three hours!"

Adriel sat up abruptly in her bed, a wave of sudden dizziness coming over her.

"Whoa, slow down, sister," Uriah grunted.

 Now she would have to hurry through her duties, and hopefully have enough time to talk with Jose. And then she remembered - she had stayed up late the other night, talking to Jose. At first, they talked about her sword and then their conversation carried onto life in the King's palace and what it was like to live there. She hadn't gone to bed until 1:00 am. Adriel groaned once again and crawled out of her small bed. Uriah helped her up. He was already dressed, and probably half done with his duties.

"Is Jose still asleep?" Adriel wondered. 

Uriah shook his head. "No. He awoke early in the morning and is outside with his angels."

"I see. Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" Adriel mumbled, proceeding over to the timbered dresser, pulling out her everyday attire.

"Jose said you need your sleep. But as long as you finish all your duties today," Uriah said.

If Jose was one of her brothers, she'd scold him for allowing her to rest. But he was The Good Prince, and no one would dare argue with him. 

Uriah left the loft, as Adriel finished getting changed. She nearly forgot her dagger and quickly strapped it to her belt before clambering down the ladder. No Warrior ever went without a weapon of some sort. Danger could lurk in anyplace at any time. They had to always be prepared.

Climbing down the ladder from the loft, Adriel shouted a "good morning" to her family before she realized it was likely that everyone was outside, completing their tasks. When there was no answer, she knew that no one was inside. Adriel felt embarrassed for saying good morning to an empty house.

She walked over to the kitchen counter and started slicing bread for her breakfast.

"Good morning," A quiet voice said, and Adriel nearly jumped out her skin with fright. She spun around and saw a tall figure standing in the doorway of her home. She squinted her eyes, trying to get a clearer view, but the sunlight was causing the figure to appear washed out. She did not recognize the voice. 

"Who are you?" Adriel asked, her hand automatically going to the dagger on her waist. The figure stepped into the kitchen, blocking out the sunlight. He was young; around her age, with white blonde hair and a husky body.

"Forgive me, Miss, if I startled you. I have no intention of harming you, I come in peace," The young man said, raising his hands slowly.

"Who are you?" Adriel asked again, narrowing her eyes, but her hand fell away from her weapon.

"I am Adrianus. I'm here to see where I might find a place to stay. You see, my family died from a fire that demons set upon our home, and I have no money. I was wondering if any of you Warriors in Nevaeh would be so kind to let me stay," Adrianus explained. "At least until I can find my financial footing again."

"Oh, I see," Adriel said softly, her heart turning tender. "Of course. My family would be honored to let you stay here. It is Warrior's job to open their hearts and help those in need," Adriel smiled kindly at him.