Chapter One

  Aria dreamt the same dream she had been for a while.

She didn’t know where she was or how she’d gotten there. But in some way she felt like she knew this place, that it held some higher meaning. The hill covered with swaying green grass. Goats running up and down the hill and around the rocks. Horse’s grazing in the distance. A small clear stream ran through the valley from the mountains. I was barefoot, just standing there in a silk purple dress. An old lady was doing laundry in a nearby house. Children running around with two small black and white huskies. One broke away and ran towards me.

…Halo.  He looked up at me with his blue and green eyes.

Teito and I had nursed him from almost dead when we found him abandoned in an alley. He was a tough one, and always looked out for Teito and me.

  Nambinava…

I forced my eyes to agust to the sunlight. I looked at the town, the swaying pink and green trees, and the wind blowing around different colored leaves. It was fall. The sky, the birds, and the people --- all calm and happy.

  The only building larger than all the others was the king’s castle; it looked smaller from up here. There were no cities near us. So we weren’t exactly  up to date on the news, sense it traveled slow and no one cared to speed it up for a small quite town. You could walk down the street, and just keep walking. Eventually someone would say hi, or invite your for something to eat. A kid your age would invite you to join their game, whether it is ball or hide and seek. It was a warm and welcoming town. We got the occasional traveler; they always brought tales and news to us.

   Aria stopped a single boy over all the other kids. He was taller than the rest, he had dark shaggy but almost spiky brown hair. She could see the color of his emerald green eyes from the other side of the bridge.

She called out to him.

   She couldn’t speak. It was like she had no voice, or forgot how to speak.   

Why? Why won’t my words come out? Someone…help me.

Forgetting she was dreaming she ran. Soon the town and the trees, and the kids playing disappeared.

  Now Aria found herself surrounded by tall trees, and rock.

Woods?

She couldn’t tell which way was out. It was dark; the moon was just setting in the sky. She wasn’t alone, though she couldn’t see this other person she knew they were there. She felt frightened yet safe.

There is no going back. Something terrible with come sooner than you think my child.

 “Who are you?”

I’m a friend.

“That doesn’t tell me who you are.”

I guess not. Soon you will know. But for now you will have to trust me when I tell you, to protect yourself and that boy. The two of you will soon learn you’re true feelings for one another.

“What boy?”

Teito Alan Walker. He is the only one who can truly understand you. Aria Sky Ride you and Teito are the last of your kind be careful. I must go and must you.

“Wait!”

We will talk again, I am always watching over you two.

   The voice was gone and the sun was rising.

 

Bright sunlight hit Aria’s face. “Mhmm...” Aria squinted her eyes as she forced herself to sit up. Her body was covered in sweat. Her medium brown hair stuck to her face. She looked in the mirror at her bedside.

“Disgusting” My hair was a tangled mess; it kept trying to cover my Caribbean blue eyes. My skin was clear and tan. But for some reason all I could see was the sweat. It was bright. I grabbed a glass of cold water left on the bedside table and downed it all at once.

  I fell back onto the bed and tried to fall asleep once again.  

“You’re still in bed? Dear me, would you wake up and get your lazy bones out of bed everyone is waiting on you.” I turned my head to her; I knew if I got up I’d have to train.

“I’m too tired. Where is Teito?”

“Waiting for you.” She placed my old torn training clothes out for me and went into my bathroom.

  I dressed in dark black tight pants, a small deep purple top that showed most of my stomach. I pulled my scraped up black boots up just past my ankles. And slipped on my last remaining glove.   

“Come; let me fix your hair.” Rhiannon bushed out my hair gently. She left my hair down but tied it in a baggy pony tail. My hair hung long, almost to the end of my back. The pony was held by a purple ribbon. I tied a single braid behind my ear that hung in front, a few remaining curls hung on the side of my face.

“Why the long face.”

“Oh. Sorry. Just a little distracted.” Rhiannon turned me around and stared me down.

“Aria, now am I not your best friend? You can tell me.”

I explained my dream. Her face grew pale, like she knew something.

“What is it? You know something don’t you.”

“You better hurry off to eat, or you won’t make it through training or tonight.” With that she was gone.

 

   I hurried down the hall to the dining area. Teito was sitting in his normal spot. The table was filled. Ian stat at the very end, next to him was Jason; the kings nephew, and then Zachary and Kayla. Beside Teito the only seat left open was mine right in between him and the king. I may be living here and I may call them family. But that’s not what they really are.

  10 years have gone by as of today. The day of the annual town ball and parade. We were only seven then, Teito and I. Wondering in the snow covered woods, alone. We couldn’t remember anything before that. That’s why we are living with the king. No one questions it, for all people know is I’m the late queens secret daughter and Teito is Jason’s little brother. Though they looked nothing alike. Jason with his plane brown hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. Teito could had looked like Jason’s mother if it wasn’t for his tan skin that was much like mine and far from her pale.

  But we are different. When I say different I mean it. Ian told us that we were special. We could do anything we set our minds to; we had strength beyond that of ten me. He never went into that much detail. An eventually we just stopped asking.

“Good afternoon my dear.” I sat down still exhausted and still sweaty.

“Aria? You feeling okay?” Teito placed his hand on my leg.

“Just fine.” I didn’t want to tell him about my dream with everyone else around.

“Now that Aria is here can we eat.” We all laughed at Zachary with his knife and fork in hand.

 

There was no denying that Philip was not only an amazing black smith but also the most amazing cook.

“Don’t forget you have training in the field today. Armeria is waiting for you.”

Teito and I grabbed our water jugs and went out to the field hidden in the forest.

Armeria…or Fang stood next to a bulls-eye post waiting for us. She was a fairly tall women, standing at five foot nine, only twenty-one and fought in more war’s than any of the capitols guards. Her fairly bronze skin looked well with her wavy dark brown hair, with a single braid behind her left ear. Her piercing green eyes resembled Teito’s so much. Her earrings hung out past her hair; claw shaped. She wore blue clothing over a black top that cover her breast. Black sleeves over her forearms. And tan leather open-toed boots. My favorite part was the two fur-pelts hanging from a cord beneath a belt that held her spear and unique dagger. Underneath she wore blue shorts and a long blue wrap that went over one of her shoulders and hung to her feet. It was lose and open on both sides, making it easy to run. She truly was a remarkable woman.

“You ready for today.” I wanted to say no, but decided to keep it in.

“Go get you’re horses.” We came out with our horse, they wore no gear however.

“He really likes you doesn’t he. I watch them bring him in; it took ten men to get him in that stall.” Zess was a pure black Arabian stallion except for small white spot on the tip of his tale. He was rescued from a cargo ship that Fang destroyed. He didn’t like anyone when he first came. It didn’t take me long for him to trust me. He was my friend, when I felt lonely I’d always come out and lay with him in the field by the water fall.

“Teito how is Luna?” Luna was much like Zess. She was a pure bred deep brown mare. She was found young and Teito picked her out of all the other horses for sale. She was the smallest one, and no one wanted her. But now she is magnificent and strong.

“For today’s lesson you will be running.” Running? I understand building leg muscles but, we’ve done that every day. We didn’t start out running. We rode to the waterfall.

“Now I want you to race your horses back to the barn.” We exchanged looks.

“That’s it?”

“That’s it for today. You don’t need to learn anything more after this. If you can beat your horse back then you have passed all my lessons.” If I won I was done. I had to win. We lined up behind two trees. The horses new not to go easy on us.

“Ready. Set. Go!”

  The wind hit my face hard. I ran at the same pace as Zess, but it wasn’t good enough. I’d been training for years, working up this strength and I wasn’t about to let Zess stop me from winning. The barn and targets came into sight. I began taking longer strides. I pulled in front of Zess, just barely. I fell to my knees panting.

“Not bad. You’ve passed.” I looked at Teito and we both began laughing.

We screwed around for a while practicing shooting and sword practice.

“What time is it?”

“About three.”

“Damn it.” I grabbed my water flask and ran.

“Thank you for today Fang. We will see you tonight.” We were late. An I wasn’t ready to get scolded by Rhiannon.

 

“I’ll see you soon.” I closed my door gently hoping she wasn’t already in my room.

“You’ll late!”

“I know. I’m so sorry.”

“No excuses. Tonight is very important. Now go change.”

Rhiannon picked me out a long strapless sea foam green dress. I was one of those dresses that are longer in the back than the front. It was light and soft making it easy to move in. I didn’t like the idea that I had to wear heals but I didn’t have much of a choice. She pinned a part of my hair up in a bun, while the rest hung.

“You look beautiful so smile.” I may look beautiful but I didn’t feel beautiful.

“Thank you.”

“Come along Teito is waiting for you.” He wore a simple black suit and a tie to match my dress. I wrapped my arm through his and we entered the ball room.

“I don’t want to do this.”

“I know.”

“Can’t we say were sick, and go to the waterfall?”
“You know we can’t.”

 

I sat there the whole night watching all the other noble women and men dancing and drinking. I grew tired of sitting there waiting for something entertaining to happen. I looked over to Teito; he wasn’t having trouble attracting the ladies. My body grew hot and impatient watching him flirt with them.

“Excuse me can I get some wine.” I drank over seven glasses of wine. My mind was growing foggy and I didn’t like it. I left the ball room and made my way to the first open bed room.

  “This is disgusting.” I repeated as I threw up in the toilet.

“I didn’t know I would be sharing a room with a beautiful lady.” I didn’t recognize his face.

  It must have been the wine because I could barely stand. He lifted me up. I could smell the wine on his breath.

“I’m sorry for using your bathroom. I’ll send someone to clean it.” He didn’t let loose of my arm. I couldn’t use my strength my body was week from the drinking.

  He pushed me on to the bed.

“Let’s have some fun.” I tried pushing him off me but it didn’t seem to work.

He pushed his lips against mine roughly. I didn’t want this. I just wanted to go back to my room and sleep.

“Please don’t.”

He pulled my dress off me fast. I didn’t know which scared me more how Rhiannon would react when she saw my dress, or that this man was trying to take something from me that wasn’t meant for him. His hands were rough and cold against my bare skin. I tried screaming out for help, but his hand covered my mouth. I was helpless. In my mind I screamed.

Teito.

I opened my eyes. I wasn’t just crying out for help I was crying out for Teito’s help.

Teito I know you can hear me. Please help me.

We discovered long ago we could communicate through our minds if we tried hard enough. I didn’t get a response from him. Maybe I wasn’t trying hard enough.

Damn it Teito. Ahh. Stop it.

I felt him trying to take my shorts off. I fought as hard as my week foggy body would allow me to.

Aria? Where are you? What’s wrong?

In the closest bedroom to you. I can’t get him off of me, my body is to week and I can focus.

He didn’t respond.

 

The next moment Teito pushed the doors open. I looked at him trying to hold in the tears.

“Let her go.”

“Why should I she was in my room so she is mine.”

“She doesn’t belong to anyone.” Teito grabbed the man off of me and threw him on the ground.

“GUARDS.” Four guards ran in the room swords at the ready.

“Take him to the dungeon.”

“Lord Teito. This is Sir. Karol.”

“And he tried to force himself upon lady Aria.” They nodded in acceptances and dragged him off.

“..Thank you…” He placed a sheet around me and held me close to him. I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I cried into Teito’s chest.

“ARIA!” I looked up to see Rhiannon panting and holding herself up against the door.

“Rhiannon...I’m really sorry about the dress.” She threw the dress a side and hugged me tightly.

“Rhiannon please go tell the king what has happened.”

“What about Aria?”

“I’ll take care of her.” I nodded to Rhiannon and she ran off.

I wrapped my hand around his neck and he picked me up and carried me back to my room. I was dark, only the moon light reflected in the room.

“Are you okay?”

“I’ll be fine.” He pulled the covers over me and headed for the door.

“Wait…”

“Do you need something?”

“Will you stay with me tonight?” I remembered the voice in my head from my dream and what he told me. I didn’t want to be alone tonight.

“Of course.” I slid over in my bed and he climbed next to me. I laid my head on his chest, like when we were younger. He stroked my hair. I watched the moon until my eyes didn’t open.

 

My dream finally changed. I was standing alone in the woods where I first heard the man speak to me. This time I didn’t hear him though. I was all alone. I ran straight; I didn’t care where it leads just as long as it was away from here. I heard a scream ahead of me and ran faster. I stopped myself at a skinny tree. Nambinava…It was burning. I watch the town in flames. I ran towards it. Towards the castle. Inside I saw Ian, Jason, Rhiannon, and everyone piled in a pool of blood. Teito? Where is Teito? I ran to his room but he wasn’t there. I searched the whole castle but couldn’t find him. I ran outside to the hot flames rising. I heard it then. I heard him yell in pain. I looked around to find him. In the middle of the towns court on the ground a sword in his chest.

“NOOOO.” I dropped to his side. Tears wouldn’t stop flowing out of my eyes.

“Don’t cry. It’s not that bad.”

“Not that bad. You have a sword in you.”

“I don’t want to see you crying. I love you Aria.” What was going on?

 

 The scene changed. I was now in a cave I didn’t recognize.

Don’t cry my child.

“It’s you.”

Yes it is.

“What was that?”

That was a possible future. The future that is to come soon if you do not act now.

“You’re telling me everyone is going to die because of me.”

The children must awaken the true power; terrible fate will fall upon those they love if they fail.

“True power? Stop joking around and give me a solid answer.” 

Now wake my child and begin your journey.

The cave turned into darkness. I was falling and fast toward fire.

 

“ARIA.” I woke to Teito worried face.

“What?”

“You were screaming and crying.” I touched my face and felt the wet tear stains on my face.

“Sorry. It was just a dream.” I could tell by the look on his face he didn’t believe me.

“You can’t lie to me.”

“Very well.” I told him about my dream up to falling towards the fire. He held my hand tightly.

“You have to tell Ian.”
“I know. I will today.”

“Are we actually going to leave and travel to who knows where?”
“We don’t have much of a choice to do we.”

“Come on lets go.”

 

When we told Ian he didn’t seem surprised. He was calm and actually smiled.

“I knew this day would come. Rhiannon go get the things I asked you to prepare.”

“You knew, how?”

“I found you. Child I know everything about you. Now return to your room and pack only what you need.”

 

I found Rhiannon in my room. My things already packed.

“Put this on.”

It was a beautiful warrior’s outfit. I wore a tight deep purple halter top, a short purple skirt cut unevenly over black shorts. A light purple fabric wrapped around and tied in knot, along with black boots. It also had a fur pelt just like Fangs. It had a thick yarn style belt that hung from my upper back to my belly button. The fur pelt allowed me to attack my sword. My left wrist was covered with soft black leather bracelet Teito made me. My other wrist had numerous bracelets of different colors. I worse a single necklace that I’d had with me sense they found me. I left my hair down in the same ponytail like style Rhiannon did for me, along with the single braid like Fangs.

I noticed another bag next to mine.

“Rhiannon whose bag is that?”

“Mine.” I raised my eyebrow at her.

“I’ll be traveling with your until your react the next town over from there I will be traveling to my new masters castle. Now we need to go, will you go get Teito.”

“Yeah.” New master?

  I walked in on him dressing. He wore simple black pants with a high collar black shirt that was baggy and didn’t cover his entire chest, along with deep brown boots, and black cloth covering his left leg and arm; the cloth on his arm was for wounds. His chest is covered by two straps, held in place by a badge. He wore a thick leather belt to hold his sword to his side. To go over it all he had a black rope like cape that he didn’t put on.

I cleared my throat.

“It’s time to go.”

“I’m coming.”

We didn’t hug, or cry. We mounted our horses and rode off. It would be a two day journey.

  We didn’t stop riding until it was a little past noon. We pulled over and ate the food Philip packed for us. We let the horses wonder off to drink some water.

“So what is your new master like?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never met him.”

“But you’re going to be living with him.”

“I know. But he has to been a nice guy if he is willing to let me work for him. I hear the last time he hired a maid was many years ago before his parents died. He has a younger brother two, only 19 I believe. That’s all I really know. ”

“I hope so. I’ll visit when I can.”

“Teito. Why don’t you go get the horses and we will keep going.” He could sense that Rhiannon wanted to talk to me about something important.

“He loves you.”

“Don’t joke; we are simply friend.”

“You can’t fool me. I’ve been with you sense you got here. I’ve watched the way he looks at you and I can tell that he loves you. Whether you want to accept it and tell him how you really feel is up to you.” She just smiled. She’s crazy. I hadn’t really looked at him as more than a friend. When he came back I looked into his eyes.

My heart raced. I jumped up quickly.

“Let’s go.” I jumped on Zess and started riding.

“What’s that about?”

“Love! Ha-ha.”

 

We rode till dusk hit. We pulled off camp under a cliff offside the trail near a stream. Rhiannon cooked dinner while Teito and I collected fire wood.

“What did Rhiannon mean when she said you two were talking about love?” I froze in place. That little snitch I’m going to have to give her a good smack on the head.

“It was nothing…”

“Didn’t I tell you I can tell when you’re lying.”

“Yeah you did.” I didn’t want to face him, so I found myself looking in to the moon. Teito placed his hands on my shoulders.

“Aria. What is it, just tell me.” I turned around and looked him in the eyes, I bit back the tears.

“I don’t want this. I don’t understand these feeling or why I have to be feeling them.” He dropped the firewood and grabbed me close. I could hear his heart beat so well. It wasn’t calm.

“You’re a fool. Do you know how long I’ve waited for you to finally tell me how you feel.”
“I always see you flirting with those girls at Ian’s party. I see the way the women in town stare at you.”

“Yes, that may be true. But none of them are you. Aria I love you more than you can imagine.” I pulled myself closer to Teito so he couldn’t see me cry.

 

“It’s about time.” We threw the firewood onto the fire.

“What’s for dinner?”

“Stew. I used the vegetables that Philip packed and some of my powder I packed.” We’d never tried Rhiannon’s food, but considering how hungry we are we didn’t care if it tasted bad or good.

 

It wasn’t the most appealing color. But it smelled good.

“Well eat it.” It wasn’t bad at all. Actually it was quite good.

I fell back onto my padded bed Ian packed us.

“Tomorrow we should arrive in Namibia a little past noon if we ride at the same pace as today.

“I’m beat. Goodnight you too.”

“Goodnight Rhiannon.”

“The moon is so big.”

“Hey Teito do you think everyone will be okay.”

“I’m sure they will.”

“That’s good.”

 

I didn’t dream that night. Instead I woke to screams.

“Teito get up!” We ran towards the screams.

A small house in the forest was lit in flames. Big bulky men surrounded it. A single man stood out over the others, he was holding a small girl by her arm. Tears streaked down her dirty face. I took a step forward but Teito stopped me.

“What’s your plan.”

“Ready to prove you can shot that arrow.”

It was a simple plan. Teito shoots arrows into the distance so the men would run towards where they came from. While I take down the other men and get the little girl. I waited for Teito to shoot the first arrow.

  When the arrow went by the men run as planned. I slipped through the top of the trees until I was position above the man with the little girl. I dropped down. The other men were simple to take care of. It became easier to get to the girl when Teito joined me.

“What is this, a girl and a boy taking down my men. I can’t allow this.” He threw the girl at his last standing man and drew his sword. I looked at Teito. He confirmed he would get the girl. I drew my sword. When I looked at it I noticed it wasn’t my normal sword. It was a two sided very sharp blue and black blade. The handle fit my hand find. It was long and light weight. It had the same symbol as on my necklace on the hilt of the sword. A triton like symbol.

He swung his sword fast. I felt his strength with every blow. I knew how to beat him. I widened my stance and block his blow placing my sword at his throat.

“Surrender and I’ll let you live.” He dropped his sword but I knew he wasn’t giving in. He let us go, he would follow.

“Teito get Rhiannon pack and ready to go. He isn’t quite done with our little fight.” While running I heard two soft screams. I stopped in place trying to focus on them.

“What do you hear?”

“There are still people in that house. You don’t think?”

“We can’t go back. I’m sorry it’s too late.” This girl was no older than six and she just lost all the family she had.

“Rhiannon hurry and gather you’re things we need to move fast.”

“What did you two do?”

“Saved this girls life.”

“Oh by the Gods.” We got on our horses and rode fast. The bear man was hot on our trail with a small group of his conscious men.

“Hold on little one. Pick up the pace.”

We lost the within minutes. We didn’t take the chance we rode at this pace until reacting Namibia.

 

We’re here. It was bigger than Nambinava, but not as big as the Capitol. We rode through that tall gate. The markets had just opened because people were still setting up. We dropped Rhiannon off at the transport station.

“Aria, Teito. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you this later. But Ian made me swear not to until I got here. There are people out there looking for you. They want to use you and your abilities. Please be careful.” I hugged her tightly. I tried not to think about what she just told us. I looked down at the little girl she was dirty and I could tell she was hungry.

“Teito I’m going to go get a room. Pick up some food.”

“Sure.”

I found the nicest inn I could. The only descent one was also a tavern.

“Excuse me how much is a room?”

“For you young lady five coins a night.”

“Thank you.”

“Please follow me.” He lead us up stairs and to the end of the hall. The room was large and clean. There was a fire place and couch.

“It may not be much but the couch is very comfortable. Through that door is the bathroom and the other door is the bedroom. Feel free to come down stairs and request anything to eat our chef will make you anything.” I gave the man his money and he left. A few minutes later Teito came in.

“I managed to get some bread, cheese, and apples.”

“Good. Are you hungry?” She didn’t speak but she did shake her head. I handed her the food. She didn’t inhale it like I expected.

“Can you tell me your name?” She looked at me with her big baby crystal blue eyes.

“Very well I understand.”

“What do you understand?”

“The child is in shock. She can’t speak, at least not till she is ready. Now that you’re done eating shall we give you a bath?” She seemed happy about getting clean.

 

I ran the hot water over her head. I scrubbed her hair good. I rubbed the soap in circles on her back. It looked like she’d been beaten. When I got to her sides she let out a little sound. So she wasn’t fully mute. I poured the water over her and washed all the soup away. I could see that her hair was really black and her skin was very delicate and fair. I placed her under garment back on and wrapped her in a blanket. I placed the necklace around her neck. It read Elspeth.

“Elspeth. Is that your name?” She smiled and shook her head at me.

“Everything is going to be okay.” She hugged her little arms around me and ran out to the fire. I emptied the bath tub and joined Teito and Elspeth out on the couch.

“She fell asleep fast.” I let out a laugh; he didn’t look comfortable with Elspeth lying on his lap. I picked her up so Teito could get off the couch. I placed her down and covered her up.

“I’m going to put the fire out.”

The bed was large enough for both of us. I lay on my side looking at the moon. The moon always seem to slow my heart down and bring tears to my eyes, like it was calling for my help. I turned to Teito something about him made me laugh.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No.”

“Then why are you possibly laughing at me?”

“No reason.”

“Well then goodnight.” I kissed him on the cheek and quickly fell asleep.

 

I dreamt again. But it wasn’t a terrifying or sad dream. It was me I wasn’t much older than I am now. I was sitting rocking back and forth in a chair in front of the fire. I saw Elspeth playing with a doll, smiling and laughing. She came over to me and spoke.

“Mommy can I have an apple?”

“Of course. Ask Daddy to cut it for you though.” I wondered what my face looked like when I heard her talk and call me mommy. And who was daddy?

Teito? He was taller and more muscular than before. He handed Elspeth the apple and walked over to me.

“How is she?”

“Settling down.” Who was she?

“Have you picked a name?”

“Fay.”

I walked around to see who it was I was holding. In my long arms the most delicate baby laid. Her skin was pure and fair. Her skin looked so soft and clean. Her hair was a lighter brown than my own. Her eyes so big and bright. They shined in the sunlight, they were beautiful and brown. Not just brown but a glossy light brown. She was so tiny and beautiful. I started crying. Was this my future, was this Teito and mine future? The dream shifted like it always did. I found myself in a field of flowers. I sat next to Teito, watching Elspeth and another young girl running around. Elspeth was around ten by now. The girl next to her about five. I looked closer at her. Her long wavy light brown hair had added some blond strips in it. Her fair skin had grown more tan. Her eyes were still big and bright. They began to change into a hazel golden. She was beautiful and mine. Her smile grew bright when she played with Elspeth. Nothing in the world seemed to matter like none of the bad things I dreamt or saw were going to happen. I felt the tears dropping from my face as I watch them laughing and playing.

Do you like the future you see?

I..I do.

If you can defeat the king that wants to control your powers than you can have this.

 

I woke up to the sun drying up my tears.

“You were crying again. Was it the same dream.”

“No. It was a good dream.” I told him about my dream. His face turned red.

“What was her name?”

“Fay. You know what this means.”

“We have to keep Elspeth with us.”

“I wonder if she would like that.” I felt a light tug at my pants, at my side I saw Elspeth smiling at me. I guess that was a yes.

“So tell me what are we supposed to be doing now?”

“Finding a man named Damien.”

 “Elspeth stay here we will be back soon.”

 

  Down stairs we found a hooded man sitting alone. I was expecting to see a scary nasty looking man but when Damien took off his hook I had to catch my breath. He was tall when he stood. I’d say almost six two. He had black hair like Elspeth and golden cat eyes.

“Welcome. Shall we get down to it, I don’t have long.”

“Just tell us what we need to do.”

“Good. Let me see your hand.” He took something small out of his pocket and pricked our fingers. An old torn scroll lay in front of us.

“My name is Damien. I am also known as the demon king. Write your name on the parchment and we will form a contract. This will allow you to call upon me and I may help you in anyway.”

“The Catch.”
“None. I owe a favor to Fang. Plus it’s been a while sense I’ve made a contract with one of your kind. But she did ask me to deliver this to you. ‘The king who wishes harm upon you in found in the town of Tavania. It’s a two day travel from here, knowing you it should be no longer than a day journey. Be warned he is tricky, and you must find the way to unlock your ultimate power to defeat him. Good luck.’ ” We signed our name and he was gone.  

“Can I get you something to eat?”

“Oh yes.” While we waited for our food and loud slam at the door.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” The bear man had managed to catch up to us. I tapped Teito’s hand and talked into his mind.

You get the horses and I’ll get Elspeth and the bags.

We quietly got up from the table and went our separate ways. They didn’t seem to pay attention to us.

“Elspeth sweetie we need to go.” We walked down stairs. The men were still there. We’d almost made it to the door before one of them grabbed my shoulder.

“I know you.” He lifted my chin and removed my hood.

“Boss it’s that girl.” He looked scarier than last time. I pushed Elspeth behind me out the door along with the bags.

“Run to Teito.” They let her path with no question.

“I was going to get good money for her. I had to burn those slave traders to get her though. Now that I’ve seen you I don’t need her. You my dear may just be the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.” I pulled myself from the man’s grip and ran for the door. They blocked my only exit.

“You really don’t want to do this.” They all came at me at once. Fools if you think that is going to stop me you are mistaken. The swords drew near but they did not reach. The sounds of blades hitting ringed in my ears.

“Big mistake.” With one blow I threw them all flying backwards.

“You bitch.” The bear man ran at me with his sword. I wasn’t ready for his swing. He sent me flying into the street. People gathered around in a circle watching. I pushed myself up blocking his next swing.

“You will lose.” I pushed myself forward dogging his attack and landing my sword at the edge of his neck. Panic rushed over his face. I didn’t kill him I did however knock him out with the hilt of my sword. The people in the crowd cheered. I found Teito with horses in hands and Elspeth hiding behind him. When she saw me and the bear man on the ground she ran to me wrapping her arms as far around me as she could. I patted her head and put her on top Zess’s back. We rode off towards Tavania; I just hoped we could make it before anyone got hurt.