13th Clan

Natblida (Flashback)

Lexa POV

Flamekeeper scouts were leading me to Polis. I did not want to go with them when I first discovered I was a nightblood. However, my parents reassured me that this was my fate and I should be proud.

Arriving in Polis, I felt scared and nervous but I steeled myself continuing to the Heda's tower. I was only 6 years but had been training since the age of 2. My parents knew my fate and trained me with what knowledge they had. They were hunters with a small trading post in the southern part of Trikru territory.

The scouts lead me to the current flamekeeper. "Natblida. I am Titus. I will be your teacher as I am for all Natblidas."

He led me to the elevator. As we rode up, he told me what is to be expected. I must learn the ways of the Commander and train to be a strong warrior until the time comes for a new Commander.

We left the elevator and enter a room. There were other children inside. They were studying, talking among themselves and even one was napping. The room was filled with beds and other necessities that we needed to live here.

"Natblidas, come." Once they all stood in front of Titus he spoke again. "This is Leksa kom Trikru. Introduce yourself and be prepared for training in an hour."

He left and closed the door behind him. I was unsure what to do with myself. I have never felt this way. I felt abandoned.

"I am Camden kom Floukru and this is my sister Luna." An older boy with dark, short curly hair stepped forward. He motioned towards a girl with similar dark curly hair and she gave me a small smile.

It wasn't long before the rest told me their names and clan. I could not keep up with all their names. Luna, Camden and Rosslyn kom Trikru were the only ones I remembered at first.

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"Lexa!" Titus stormed in the nightbloods' room. His skin was inflamed from the poison ivy that Luna and I put into his bed.

"Yes, Flamekeeper?" I managed to keep a straight face but I heard a stifled laugh from across the room.

"I know you did this." He growled at me. He noticed Luna trying to hide her laughs. "Extra training. Now!"

He grabbed me and began to take me out of the room. "You too, Luna!"

He took us both to the training grounds. Anya was waiting for us when we arrived. She helped trained when Titus was unavailable. It has been stated that soon she will choose one of us as a second.

"Train them until they can't stand." Anya nodded and Titus left us.

"Pranks again?" Anya glared at me. She knew it was always my ideas. "If you wanted extra training you can just ask."

"But where is the fun in that?" I joked. I knew when the current heda died, I would either be dead or the new heda which meant I couldn't enjoy having fun again.

Anya sighed and handed us the wooden practice swords. We knew what was expected of us. Luna and I got in our stances and when we heard Anya say "begin" we faught.

Luna almost always won. She was the better fighter. She was quick and agile but still had overwhelming power in her attacks. I did not have the same power as her. The only times I won a sparring was when I tricked her.

I began to move like I was going to swipe the sword across towards her head. When I saw she noticed my move and began to anticipate it, I quickly swiped my left foot catching her right foot mid step. She fell over and I had my sword at her throat. I could hear her growl as she conceded the round.

"Good. Again." Anya called out. Luna and I took out stances again and started another round. We were 3-8 as of now. I knew we had many more rounds to go and most would end with me conceding.

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Anya and I were in a small village not far from Polis. There was a small matter that required her presence and since I was her second I was required to join her. I was surprised she chose me as her second. I felt Camden or Luna were a better choice. They were the best warriors out of all the Natblidas.

I was standing by Anya while she was talking to the village leader. A messenger approached us. His face gave away his worry as he began to speak.

"Anya, Lexa." He bowed his head before he finished. "Heda has passed. All Natblidas are being called for the conclave."

"Mochof." The messenger left us. "Come, Lexa."

We quickly left for Polis. I did not feel ready. I was 12 years and I felt like I needed more time training. The true fight will be between Camden and Luna since they were the better warriors. I wanted to be Heda. I wanted to live and lead my people. I had so much I wanted for my people but will the spirit of the Commander choose me?

"You are worthy, Lexa." Anya seemed to know I was worrying. "Do you know why I choose you as my second?"

I shook my head.

"I picked you because I saw the potential. You are strong and wise. Both are important as Heda. You can lead us to greatness."

We rode in silent the rest of the way. I thought about what she said. She knew I wanted to bring our people together. I saw that we would be stronger if we worked together instead of fighting each other.

When the gates of Polis came into view, Anya broke the silence. "Remember, Lexa. Fight with both your strength and wisdom. I know you will become the next Heda."

Hearing Anya words reassured me. I steeled myself. I will be the next Heda.