Eighteen year old Fae, Nadia is sworn to protect her home Valkri from the vile demons invading their once thriving magical world. Things take an odd turn in Nadias status when she rescues Prince Rone from a demon attack outside of their iron walls...
*This is just a a little fun sneak peak to the first chapter to my second book in the Valkri series. Get ready for a whole new world....*
I ate my words unfortunately, and Ash loved every second of it as I gawked at the set up they had in the caves, that's why I hadn't seen any sign of warriors. The cave echoed with shouting, grunts of dedication, clashing of steel against steel, a sound I had craved and missed. Swords of all kinds, whips and ax's lined up in the caves entry way. "We have a count of 400 soldiers, all brave men and woman, what of the Kingdom of Valkri?"
"We only have about 400 people left," I swallowed the look Ash gave me was a look of shock and dread, genuine sadness. I hated being pitied. "After our recent outbreak, before the curse was broke we lost many. My people haven't had it easy, especially the humans they have a lot to rebuild, so you see why none of us can afford war. Although I can make life I refuse to take it or watch my land be soaked in anymore blood, that's why I'm here, in hopes for a better future."
"There will be one," he said dryly, as I followed him down the maze of a cave. "This is where the elders practice, elders are dragons before the shift, before we were sent into hiding." Not only was this Lord an elder, but the first to their new forms given by Lorelei, in other words the first of many of my lives I've had.
This part of the cave was rallied by young men and woman, they parted their ways to let Ash and I through to watch the sparing match. I received many lingering looks, but most of all I could feel the fear Ash spoke of, my face was known, my very essence a beaming light, drawing in any enemy. Two broad mountain men lashed out at each other violently with cunning smiles pressed on their sweaty faces. They fought with long swords, their moves ungraceful and sloppy but their strength was undeniable. The clear difference between our warriors and there's was ours were fighting for survival, they seemed to fight for power.
Finally the shorter stocky boy who looked no older then 17 threw the larger man to the ground, his foot crashing over his neck. The boy pumped his fist in the air in triumph, the man beneath him swatting his leg and stomping off into the crowd, most likely mortified to be bested by such a young looking kid. "I dare anyone to my title," the freckled boy snarked over at his crowd, "Best me and it's yours."
A man larger then the last, his Molton dark skin flexing as he swung his two swords, a feral smile upon his scarred face. The young boy seemed unfathomed, a wicked grin on his pale face. "What is the young boys status?" I asked. I suppose now I was seeing the wickedness and dread people spoke of about dragons, the crowd craved the violence.
"He is my right hand," Ash said simply.
"He is just a boy!"
"He's the strongest boy I know, loyal, passionate."
Before I could respond the crowd burst into excitement again, the boy bested the beast. Swimming in the crowds chants, once again the boy called out for another contested, his eyes settling on me. "How about you beautiful?"
The crowd no longer cheered, a dead silence awaiting my answer. Ash only chuckled, "I didn't think you a fool boy," he scolded the boy as if he was his father. "She is your creator you can never fight fire with fire, its insanity."
"She has magic, power, this is a game of strength no woman could measure," the boy sneered, only making my hands itch, and my head gloom over in rage.
Before Ash could respond for me I did, "Such bold words from such a small boy I don't think I can turn down such an easy fight. Everyone's entitled to act stupid once in awhile, but you really abuse the privilege," I said meeting the boy on the platform. The crowd snickered as the boys face turned beat red, his bottom lip curling upwards in a snarl.
The boy raised his sword as I did mine, my eyes focused on the tip of my blade. All I've had is time to practice, to use my powers, this little warrior was up for a much needed ego drop. The gold plate chimed, ordering us to spar. The boy waisted no time, swinging his sword with full affect towards my head, I deflected it with ease, the boy stumbling backwards, his eyes blazing over with confussion. He had strength, tactic he had everything he needed to win, but Ash was right he was a fool to challenge me.
He strikes again, and again, our swords dancing with each other, the blades sparking at every fore full connection. I wasn't even using all my strength, the boy on the other hand moved as quick as he could, snarling angrily with every lousy blow. Deciding to end the boys embarrassment I finally went for the win, slamming my foot in the boys chest, not hard enough to break anything but to take his breath away. His sword clattered to the ground beside him, I picked it up setting his sword and mine at his throat.
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To my surprise after the boy regained his breath, he laughed, tears pricking at the edge of his slender eyes, "You have earned my respect Creator!" The boy howled as I lent him my hand, he took it, beaming down at me. "You are quite the woman, the names Blade," he purred raising his thick brows. "I have never seen anyone fight so effortlessly you fight with grace it's captivating."
I couldn't help but grin, I guess I could see why the lord favored the spirited boy maybe he wasn't a fool, but a lover of a good challenge. "My names Nadia." I didnt feel too threatened after all, no one here knew how to kill me except for Ash, thanks to him being conveniently close to my past life, the one and only Lorelei. She seemed to be a busy woman.
"Now if you brutes don't mind, I am giving the lady a tour," Ash said giving Blade a menacing look, his stony eyes were invasive and trained.
"I happen to be doing nothing, mind if I stray along and get to know you some more Nadia? I have quiet a lot of questions, ideas, so what do you say?" Blade asked me, ignoring Ash's low growl of annoyance.
"I dont see why not," I said as I walked off of the cement stage and by Ash's side, "Where to next?"
"Follow me," Ash grumbled as he walked off, leaving Blade to walk beside me. Ash was an odd person, too grumpy for someone so blessed. Then I had to remind myself that he's been alive for centuries, I wouldn't know the first thing about him even if I tried.
