Winding

Disclaimer: Tarei is pronounced "T-air-(eye or aye)"

I wiped the sweat from my eyes, smearing blood on my cheek as I steadied my sword hand.

I had spent the last five years of my life training harder than anyone else so that I would be useful to Jay and I didn't want to disappoint him on my first solo mission.

I readied my sword and lowered my stance as the beast charged again. I slowed my breathing and thrusted the blade at the monster. I felt the sharp crystal slice through the dense flesh, creating a wet sound as the creature was sliced in half. I stood up slowly, breathing heavily.

This sword was the only thing that kept me in check. Without it, I was afraid that I may accidentally release my power and hurt someone. I wasn't going to let anyone else die for my mistakes.

I felt a hand rest heavily on my shoulder. I looked into bright green eyes. Eyes that never wavered.

"Come," he commanded and I slid my sword back into its sheath. One of the nice things about it was that it was charmed to keep the blade clean. I followed him away from the corpse and away from the tree-line.

He came to a stop and I did likewise. He turned around and pointed his blade at me. My eyes widened. "Jay-?"

"By the power vested in me by the King of Anatole- though it may not be much," he said jokingly, "-I officially dub thee as a Royal Knight for your services in helping to protect this kingdom. You've worked harder than anyone's I've ever met to get where you are today. You should be proud."

I looked up at him, eyes shining in admiration. "I promise not to let you down!" I said enthusiastically.

He patted my head lovingly.

"Okay, let's go, Tarei."

I nodded and followed him, always only two steps behind.

This excerpt would go right before chapter 1.

This story is supposed to be a combination of multiple characters' lives and storylines so it will switch between chapters. I was inspired by Robert Jordan's novels from the Wheel of Time Series.