Morohtar's intro

Morohtar’s Intro  (July 6, 5729)

   Night had begun to fall over the capital city, the torches lighting the dark path covered in stone. Everything was peaceful not a warning sign of danger anywhere. This is how it always had been ever since a long forgotten war, peace remained a battle never threaten the land.  Everyone prayed to the Gods that it would continue to stay this way for many years to come.

   Hoof stomps began to ring through the city as my steed's hooves pounded against the paved road. The knights were returning home after a long journey of delivering rare cargo to an allies world.  I was among them as the second in comment. I don’t remember much about the trip or even what the item was I just remembered we had to get it to the Phoenix world.

   My eyes went back to the carriage that we were transporting back, it was huge even talker than the horses we rode. It seemed to fit properly in the trailer that held it. The covering over it made the identity of it a mystery to all of us that were protecting it. The fact of the matter was none of us knew what it was... not even I did. Despite the curiosity we had orders, this didn’t stop my urge to just know what it was.

   “Not much father, men!” I heard out leader's yell. He was out in front leading the way.  Everyone’s eyes up on the goal that was up heading in the distance, no one replied with anything vocal.

   I wasn’t sure about the others, but I couldn’t wait to be home. As proud as I was to serve under the king I couldn’t bear to be away from the caster for too long. That was because of Claira his highness’ oldest daughter. Over the years spent guarding her and her younger siblings, who were all females, we had become rather fond of each other. We had been secretly seeing each other over the course of two years.

   At first when I was ordered to protect her, this was when I entered the rank of Commander; I wasn’t sure what to think. I never had contact with her before hand when I was a lower rank considering only the higher ups had access to the royal family.  My mind was left to wander on what she was like who she was and . The job was simple just protect the entrance to her quarters, since it didn’t entitle me to enter her room unless there was danger I still didn’t have a lot of contacts with her. As time went on and I began to share the duty with someone else I started to fill uneasy and just more comfortable if I was there myself, feeling as if I was the only one qualified.

   The job soon transferred to protecting her, and of course her younger sisters, when they were outside castle grounds. I suppose that’s when I started to see how she was, and a new view of her started to come into her. I never thought poorly of her in the beginning it was just I didn’t truly know her to give a judging thought.
As time went on the outings became for frequent Claira became more outspoken. The Princess started out saying cruel words in the nicest possible manner.  She was able to read me as a book in almost every detail of my life in the past and what I wanted to accomplish for the future. I didn’t want to admit it at the time, but this made me feel a little intimidated by her. I forced myself to continue in a professional way not matter what she said, it was no use I soon found myself caving under the pressure of being with her and feelings started to grow.

Not long after Claira had found herself in the same situation, in her case she found herself to be more vocal, with that courage she was able to make the first move. When she found out I wasn’t on duty to guard her that night, she started to sneak around the castle until she managed to find where I was stationed that night. I tried to talk her into returning into her room, but it was no use, she wanted to stay and she cracked under the pressure and started pouring her feelings out to me.

   I was speechless as I tried to process all the words she was saying to me; I was happy and heart was beating quickly. I couldn’t tell her how I felt though, that would have put both of us in danger. I did the professional thing and told her I didn’t feel the same way this crushed her. I didn’t want to risk getting both of us into trouble I would surely lose my position if anyone found out. Things carried as normal for a while, but I found myself slowly breaking down. Before I knew it, we were seeing each other in secret, trying out best to make sure no one found out.

   “Commander, look alive!” a voiced yelled at me. I turned my head quickly to see the Grand Master. When did he get there? He was now leading the company with my fellow Commander now in the back of the group with a smirk on his face.

   “I must have zoned out…” I mumbled under my breath turning my head back in the direction of the castle. It was a comfort seeing it I hadn’t been home in days, I felt like most of the assignments I was on were ones that took place outside the royal capital.

   The main gate slowly opened as we began to get closer. Examining the entrance way my eyes caught hold of the sight of Claira and her sister’s. They were up above the main gate the torches above making it easier to see them. I smiled a little and gave them a subtle wave making sure no one saw me.  The older sister smiled and returned the gesture. The girls watching us return home wasn’t anything new they had done this since they were little, it was more of a habit for them.

   “Welcome home, everyone!” The Grand Master greeted as the gate slammed behind us “I am aware that it was a long, difficult trip, but we thank you for all the hard work you put into it.”

   Everyone was silent listening carefully to the words being spoken, but my thoughts were elsewhere. I was not going to be able to rest for a while, unlike the other men. I still had to help unload the item and file the reports that went along with it. At the time, all of this was happening a fellow commander and myself by the name of Algar were in competition for the upcoming opening for Grand Master.  The current one would be retiring and since I was young I had to prove to everyone that I wanted the position and could handle it.

   The day before my eighteenth birthday was the last day that I was at home, the very next day I entered into the Knighthood in my home world. Sergeant was the rank that I started at that was because of I didn’t have the proper background. My family was from a lower social class than most people that found themselves working for the royal family. My father was a farmer in a neighboring city, growing up I wanted to do more than just stay at the house, feeling like it I wasn’t doing anything that mattered. I trained every day with my parent’s supported in what I wanted to do and finally when I was accepted I kept pushing myself wanting more. This drive caused me to rank up rather quickly, and somehow I worked my way up to commander.

   Algar, on the other hand, was of noble blood; both his parents had served under the King. This made it easier for him get in without the ranking tests or the special training. We never thought much of each other when we both started out until I get my hands on the ranking of knight. Algar was much older than me with similar skills and drive close to mine. Once we were on the same ground the competition began between us; we started butting heads and even if I was right people often took his side. This was out of the respect for is bloodline more than respect for him.

   The competition carried on over the years and now we found ourselves fighting for the top spot. It was hard to tell who was going to get it since The Grand Master favored both of us. I was doing everything I could even put in extra work, but I still feared the position would go to Algar. He somehow had the illusion of the upper hand and the Grand Master did pick him to lead the trip.

   Next thing I knew the men had split up and were already putting the horses away. It was time I did the same, the faster, the better. As I slide off my horse I noticed a shadow behind me I turned my head slightly to see Grand Master behind me. I straighten myself up in a hurry and faced him.

   “Morohtar, are you all right? You seem like you’re a but dazed.” He asked his question. Grand Master Lyall was much older man in his nineties and was still managing to run things. Over the past couple of months he was finding himself ill more often than he was healthy, so he started looking for a replacement.

   Taking a moment I answered “Yes, Grand Master, I’m just a bit tired from the trip is all.”

   “I see…” He answered unable to finish his thought before he began coughing. There was nothing to do, but wait it out since the older man didn’t like much help. “Well, once you’re rested some why don’t you come by my quarters. I wish to speak to you in private.”

   My breath fell short, speak to him in private? “Yes, sir!” I gave my answer right before he left. I looked as if I wouldn’t have time to see Claira even though she was probably waiting. I took my horse by his lead and began to take him to his stall. It was still dark out the daybreak wasn’t close… What could he possibly want with me this late.

   Once my horse was safely put away, I looked towards the wing where Claira’s room was. I wasn’t schedule on duty until tomorrow so showing up randomly to her chamber might have been suspicious.  A visit would just have to wait, it made me uncomfortable but I didn’t want the unneeded attention.

   Making my way back into the main area, my teammates were already unloading the cargo. It seemed as if everyone was told not to look at it. This just peaked my interest more. Everyone seemed to be doing well on their own, so I chose to head back to my quarters. The paperwork took longer than expected, I found myself drifting in and out. Seemed as if I was more exhausted than I lead myself to think.

   Half way into my completing my work I felt arms wrap around my neck. “Hard at work as always.” I heard a voice whisper into my ear.

   A smile came to my face, it seemed as if young Claira didn’t have a reserve to wait another night. “Just filling out the needed paperwork.” My own voice spoke up to answer her.

   She leaned in over my shoulder and began to look over my work. “So this is what’s keeping you from visiting?” she laughed a little. Claira never understood all of the boring duties that came with my job. It was mostly to make sure everything stayed in order and for our ruler to know the details of what happened.

   “Currently, yes.” I answered her only taking a moment to find my answer.

   There was a pause like she was trying to think of what she should say next. She was always like this; it came with her family line and what she learned. Being part of the royals she had to know how to pick her words properly. “For now.”

   I turned around so I could speak to her face to face. I froze for a moment…. I hadn’t noticed in the dark lightning when I was entering the castle grounds. It suited her and framed her face gently and almost seemed like it made her eyes stand out more.  Claira had always been a strong women in spirit at least, her frame was small and looked as if she could fall apart easily.

   “Grand Master wishes to see me once I’m rested.” I pulled my words together after a moment trying to avoid making a comment on her change in style.

   Her gazed stayed on me as she pushed a bit of her hair from her face. “What does he want?” her voice had a curious tone in it.

“I’m not sure…” my voice was trailing a little as I tried to think of a reason. We had just gotten back from the trip that was always a possibility that he wanted to talk about what happened while we were out. In the truth Algar and I’s reporters would cover everything that happened.

   She took a step closer to my desk and hoisted herself up and took a seat crossing her legs leaning back onto her arms. Her eyes never broke away from mine. “I’m sure it’s not anything bad. You always seem to have everything in order.”

   This was true, ever since I had entered into the ranks I made sure that there was never a reason for me to be doubted. I always had things turned in early and was known to show up first for meetings or when we had to leave for outside duty.

   Claira leaned forward her chin resting on the back of her hand she kept her silence as if she was waiting for something. I walked over to her watching her face turn red as I started to get closer to her. Before she could react I wrapped my arms around her and pick her up and held her close. The young princess face turned brighter as she had her arms in her lap.

   She was speechless I had learned over time how to embarrass her. I could hear Claira’s breathing and swear I could hear her heart pounding at that moment. I lifted her close to my face and pressed my lips up against hers. I could feel her arms wrap around my neck as she pulled herself closer. The world felt as if it had slowed down even if it was just for a moment. It was nice to get away from my everyday life even if it was just for a short moment.  

   This moment didn’t last long we pulled away from each other, the girls young face still red from my gesture. “I suppose I need to head back.” Her voice spoke through the silence that still hung over the room. I just remained unresponsive, she was right it would only be a matter of time until they found out she was missing. If she were caught with me then the secret we fought to keep would be out. I let her slip from my arms she now had a smile on her face a smile that I had come to love. We said out good-byes and she left. It took me some more time back I finally made my way over to my bed to rest.
   
   By the time I had awoken the fun was already up, I stretched and began to get ready. My first stop for the day would be to see the Grand Master, I still felt uneasy about the meeting. I still didn’t know what he wanted or what it was about but there was no sense in putting it off. Shaking off my fear I opened my door and headed in the proper direction.

   Grand Master Lyall was located right outside of his office where he normally was. Master had gained his position long ago and had managed to overcome all the work and battles.  As he had gotten older Grand Master had gotten weaker. He found himself sick during the past year. Due to his condition he kept himself busy by attending to none of the physical duties, Algar and I mostly took over the laboring chores.

   “You wished to see me, sir?” I came from behind him and spoke in a clear voice.

   He turned to face me after my words reached him, “Ah, yes of course.” He motioned me to come into his office, I followed orders and he shut the door behind him and locked it behind him. My eyes looked around for a moment as he took a moment to find a seat. I wondered if maybe I should have assisted him before I took mine Grand Master had always been independent.

   Before I could get all my thoughts in order he began to speak. “Morohtar, you’ve been with us for a while now and have worked your way up rather quickly.” It was been rather interesting seeing you grow and now here you stand at one of the highest rankings you can reach.” He just kept talking as I sat there taking in everything that he was saying “As you know I’m going to be retiring soon, my illness seems to be taking it’s toll and because of that I will be needing a replacement. You and Algar have been working hard to prove yourselves. I must say you haven’t made it easy, after weeks of thinking it over I have decided to go with you.”

   My heart stopped for a moment before speeding up to a rather uncomfortable pace. “It’s an honor to be chosen, sir.” I picked my words just as carefully as I had known Claira to in any situation. Finally after all these years of hard work I had reached the top.

   “You’ve earned it, now just keep it to yourself for the time being. I’ll make and official announcement soon.” I nodded in agreement and quickly made my way out of his office.

   I went straight to my post for the day, which luckily happened to be with Claira. I was unable to hold in my excitement around the princess and quickly told her the great news. She took the news just as well as I needed maybe in a way better than I could have hoped. The rest of the day went smoothly, I had gotten the promotion I had been waiting for. While there wasn’t an official day to begin the emotional high I was on wasn’t going to come down. Night had finally arrived and I kept my post by the eldest princess, I stood silently outside her room, my relieving officer would be arriving soon.  

   “They’re coming…” a voice rang inside my head.  

I jumped and looked around, there wasn’t anyone there… but where did that voice come from. It was almost familiar like I had heard it before but I had forgotten where. I sighed and leaned up against the wall it was an exciting day I was probably just hearing things. “They’re unhappy…” there it was again! I drew my weapon and looked around not a single soul around “I’m not you’re enemy but they’re on their way “

“Morohtar!” This time Claira’s voice I heard. I pushed opened her door and quickly rushed in. She was standing by her window gazing out of it. I ran over as she motioned me over. It took me a moment there was a strong fire out the city gates accompanied by an army. The large flame was a phoenix that meant the visiting army was from the world we had just left days ago. What were they doing here? It seemed clear from where I was at that they weren’t there to visit normally when they brought a phoenix with them they were there to battle.

“Stay here!” I ordered the young princess as I rushed out of her room and raced to where the knights were already gathering. The men were starting to get ready for battle my eyes darted around until they finally located Grand Master. He seemed to be helping everyone where he could still unable to do much.

I ran over to catch his attention.  “Okay, good you’re here.” He commented as his eyes caught hold of me.

I stood at attention “What’s going on, sir?” I asked as soon as I could.

   “Seems as if the Phoenians found out rather quickly what we gave them was a fake.” A fake? I was shocked why would we ever do suck a thing? The Phoenix world had always been out allies. This was good that meant they were there to get revenge or take back what they had given us. “Look, Morohtar, they’re going to attack us at any moment I need you to take the lead on this.”

   “What am I suppose to do? Why not just give them back what we took or give them what we were suppose to in the first place?” I yelled finding all of the frustrating. I had never before questioned the actions of my commanding officers but now I was in charge and I needed to know every detail of what was going on.

   “We can’t… we didn’t have the item to begin with and we can’t hand over what we hold now.” Lyall attempted to explain to me quickly.

   What was going on? Since when did we betray our friends? Surely because of this act no other world would ever partner up with us. What did they hand over to us and what did we give them? Feelings of regret were starting to bubble; I should have asked more questions instead of following blindly. Now it was clear that we would be entering a war with this world if the proper actions weren’t taken. What was going through Grand Master’s mind or what this the work of the royal family?

   It seemed as if time has passed quickly, but I had only been standing there for a couple of minutes. Grand Master led me forward to where the rest of the army stood, Algar standing off to the side in front of the unit he normally ran. My old unit that I ran stood with no leader, I hadn’t even given it thought yet on who should have taken over my old duties. In my mind, I still had time to figure it all out but now I was thrust into my new life.

   “Attention everyone!” Grand Master’s voice knocked me from my thoughts. “Early today I appointed by replacement. It seems a huge first duty has come upon him, but I have faith that Morohtar will lead us to victory!”

   Huge was an understatement my first act of duty was going to be defending the capital. I wasn’t expecting us to be at war so soon or at all for that matter. The pressure was heavy, what happened would show everyone if I were truly ready for this. Pulling myself together I looked at the knights that were gathered, I had to prove to all of them I could do this.

Taking deep breaths words started to come from my mouth. “Listen! We all know why they’re here; they are here to make the point that they will not be taken for fools! They gathered themselves and are now at the city gates ready to prove themselves. Well, we need to prove to them that we will not just let them push us around. We shall not let them get close to the place under any circumstance. Protect the people as much as possible if they managed to break in. As for the phoenix take it down by any means possible!” the words were coming out on their own. Something in me had just taken over I almost didn’t feel like myself. “I need fourteen of you to protect the royal family, the rest of you will head to the battlefield with me!”

Just like that fourteen of them left heading to the main part of the palace. Before the promotion, I would have been with them Claira always being my top priority, things had changed so quickly. I now had to fully trust her safety to someone else. As much as it ate at me, I had other things to deal with.

“The rest of you come with me!” I ordered. Just like that they were following me into battle. This was a fight that some of them might not make it out of. The phoenix was going to be a top priority for myself if the needed up releasing the creature it would only be a short time until the capital fell.

A few years back the bird wouldn’t have been a problem out world was one of the ones blessed with a guardian. Many years ago a group of women set up animals as protectors of certain worlds. These seven places were chosen because of an old legend of some type of hidden power in the lands. They were also meant to protect the people.

Our last protector was Alabaster a proud bird like creature that represented our home world. I had only caught sight of him a handful of times.  He met his end protecting of the smaller towns, it was a tragic loss, but we weren’t the only ones that lost their guardian. Over time all the main worlds lost them, the killers were still on the run or maybe they were in wait.

There were rumors that the Tailan world had gained their guardian back.  The sad thing was there was no one for her to protect. The people had all been murdered the day they lost Annamita. Along with that rumor was one that one Tailan remained and that she was the keeper of the new spiral guardian. If these were true I wished her luck, with no one or nothing left her road was going to be difficult.

The deaths of all the guardians opened up a rumor that was found to be true shortly after the Cerberus, Lycus, death. It was said that items appeared after each one of them had passed. Most of the items were now found accept for Alabaster and Lucifer. The items were said to hold the spirits of the creatures and that they gave their users great power. Part of me wanted the user for Alabaster to appear then he would be able to take back his spot in defending the world. With the others already with users, it was hopefully only a matter of time.

My team and I stood outside the main gate the sound of the other army could clearly be heard. They hadn’t attached yet, this was a good sign it would give me a chance to talk to them. Hopefully they would listen to words before any blood was shed. I gave the order to open the gate, the large doors started to creek open. Pushing my horse forward I look back at the man. “If things go wrong don’t open the gate.” I yelled.

The men nodded showing they understood, but it must have been hard to follow. I was going to be clearly out numbered… surrounded. I thought if I went alone they would listen to me and see I was not a threat. Pulling on the reins my horse stood alone in front of the phoenix world’s highest-class army.

“You’re brave to come alone!” they’re grand master made his was to the front. “They couldn’t even bother to send their head, I see.”

I shook my head, “I am the current Grand Master, and Lyall retired just this morning.” I corrected.

He laughed a little, “Well they work fast leaving you to clean up his mess are they?”

The man was mocking me, I knew I was still young but I knew I could handle this. “I wouldn’t put it into those terms. Just continuing where he left off.” He didn’t answer me and just stared at me with cold eyes. I took a moment to lift myself off my horse so we could have a proper conversation. “I’m hereto try and discuss things with you before you attack the city and take innocent lives.”

“Innocent? Is that really how you see yourself?” the Phoenix leader spoke in a loud, clear voice.

Keeping myself calm, I started to speak again. “I’m meaning the innocent occupants of the city.”

“You mean them? I suppose that’s something you should have thought about that before you tried to trick us.”

“What is it going to take to get you to leave peacefully?” I asked keeping my voice stern.

His dark eyes shot over to me. “Oh, Morohtar, you honestly believe this is going to end peacefully?”

“I believe it can, this situation is just a miss understanding.” I honestly believed that it was all a mistake. There was no way they would purposely set the alley we had for years to fail.

The man pulled his weapons “Sorry to disappoint, Grand Master, but we have orders to attack.”

I stared at the tip of the man’s sword thoughts running through my mind. What’s going on? Was what we did really that bad that they had to attack? What did we really give them? I should have asked more questions before we left to trade. I was missing so much information making it harder to fix things.

My mind was elsewhere I just sat there trying to process what was happening. I was speechless not paying attention to what was going on around me. “Watch out!” a voice inside my mind yelled. I snapped out of it and dodged an oncoming attack.

“Better started paying attention, then again you are the only thing standing between us and the gate.” Their grand master laughed.

The enemy soldiers began to circle around me, he was right all the other men were inside I couldn’t take on an army alone. I felt an overwhelming feeling of defeat coming on. I pulled my weapon, surrounded or not I had to try and stop them.

One after another they all began to attack me. Each one different class of weapon and different style I was having some problems keeping up. I wasn’t sure how long it was before I felt a blade pierce through my shoulder. Grasping my wound, I took a moment to look at the attacker. This was it… I was done for I couldn’t fight injured. My breathing was hard… there had to be something… anything!

“Don’t let them pass!” that voice from earlier was back, but this time the face was put with it.

“Alabaster?” I thought seeing the creature in my mind.

My eyes darted to the jewel that was embedded into the glove I was wearing. The gem was shining brightly the light circling my whole body. This was insane, I was the keeper of the spirit item this whole time and I didn’t see it. That meant with Alabaster’s power I would be able to protect everyone.

I began to feel the weight on my body an armor fastening itself around my structure. Black with silver lining, much like the colors of our past protector, it wasn’t like anything I had ever seen before. My relief soon disappeared… I couldn’t control my body was this an effect of the armor?

My body began to move on its own the soldier’s of the enemy in shocked over what just happened. “Perish!” my voice yelled accompanied with Alabaster. Of course, the bird creature had to be the one in possession of my body this was the armor made from the magic he had.

The men began to fall one by one as my sword tore through them. Blood covering the earth below and the armor I wore. I kept trying to fight my movements, but nothing was working. At the rate, I was going the battle was going to end in a matter of minutes with the death of all the enemies. This isn’t what I wanted… I just wanted them to leave peacefully.

The army began to flee and my body stopped was it over? Hopefully the armor would go away and I could rid myself of the spirit item. I never expected that I would be a keeper or that something like that would happen when you used it. Mastering its skill must have taken the other time, but I didn’t want to risk it.

Alabaster turned my body toward the gate, “No!” I yelled as if I knew what was going to happen. The gate came crashing down the army I had lead still standing where I left them “Run you, idiots!”

At that moment, everyone started to happen so quickly. The creature possessing my body began to attack the people I vowed to protect. Just like the Pheonian army they began to fall to the ground. There was nothing I could do but watch it all in horror. I kept yelling at him to stop, but he couldn’t hear me and was soon at the castle gate. I could feel my heart racing unsure if it were because Alabaster had my body or because I knew Claira and her family were still inside.

The knights did everything they could to hold the monster that was attacking off. It was no use it dodged or blocked anything they threw at it and I couldn’t stop it despite being its vessel. The castle defense was falling as it walked in almost like it belonged there.

Something darted out of the corner of our eyes… it was Claira along with her sisters. The knights were leading the royal family to safety, but it was too late the creature caught sight of them. It turned and began to give chase, there seemed to only behalf of the men I sent with the girls. That meant the other half was with their parents.

“Hold it, Morohtar!” a voice called to me.

I amazingly froze and looked at the source of the voice. It was Algar he must have been one of men that left to protect the family. Hopefully he could stop me because so far no one else was having luck. I couldn’t bear being like this; I wanted this armor off and my life to be normal.

The man I knew as my rival sighed, “this isn’t like you, Morohtar, what’s wrong? Why are you doing this?”

Alabaster just stared at him almost as if he couldn’t understand what he was saying. The wings on my back stretched out my mouth opened for a moment I took the opening and forced my own words out of my body. “Kill me!”

Algar froze looking confused at the request I just gave. Despite everything, we had against each other the fact of hurting each other wasn’t possible. He slowly drew his duel blades; he took a moment before charging towards me. Alabaster took control again and dodged the oncoming attack. The battle was a blur, Algar was able to hold his own. In the end, he too fell.

I remembered his face clearly struggling on the ground with his injuries but this look of determination. I walked closer my blade placed over his heart. “Please, Morohtar, think about what you’re doing!’  His eyes had contact with mine.

The creature in control of my body came to a halt. It was almost as if he was processing what was said. I could almost take control again if only the bird creature relaxed more. /Crash!”/ My head turned and I let out a yell before driving the blade into the man’s heart. A disturbing sound hit my ears as Algar called out in pain.

My eyes didn’t look back as the blade was withdrawn. Following the source of the noise, my body kept going. I kept praying that Claira and her family would make it out before I found them. The halls of the castle were empty, but through the window there was nothing but fire lighting up the sky.

I soon came to the throne room where the other guards were located Claira and the rest of her family stood behind them; I approached with my sword dragged on the ground beside me. Voices kept yelling at me not to come closer, but if I could have stopped I would have. My feet began to speed p soon into a run. We were going to attack the royal family! I started to try and take back control, but it was no use!
“Alabaster, stop!” a female voice yelled. My eyes darted back a girl with long purple hair stood wearing black armor. A creature stood on her shoulders, black also with the same type of pattern the girl’s armor had.

“Annamita?” the creature in my body spoke.

In a matter of seconds, the conscience of Alabaster and myself began to fade. Everything quickly went black.

“You have to understand, this wasn’t his fault he’s a victim also.” I could hear an unfamiliar female voice speak.

“A victim? Really Ms. Shizu did you not see the damage done to the city? The pile of bodies that man left in his wake?” the kind spoke.

There was a pause before the women spoke again. “I did, but you need to under-“

“No!” the interruption was sharp. “I don’t have to understand anything. You claim it was the spirit so you have a choice either get that man out of her or I will have him put to death. Either way I will no have this man in my Kingdom anymore”

Footsteps suggested of the two had left, my guess was the person I served under. Forcing my eyes opened the picture started to come into focus, the girl from early was standing by the window the armor she wore was no longer there. Her arms were crossed and looked deep in thought, probably about what had been said.

The cat creature that had been with her now stood at the foot of the bed I was lying in. It was a spiral… that meant the girl in the room was the keeper of Annamita. I pushed myself up, my would from earlier seemed to have been taken care of. There didn’t seem to be any others that armor was something special.

“Oh, you’re up that’s good.” The girl spoke walking over as I stood to my feet, “You had quite a long night.”

“Save it!” I snapped, “I know what happened, I saw the whole thing.”

She looked at me with an odd look on her face. “How could you?” her voice spoke.
“I don’t know I just did…” I answered her. I had gone through difficult mental training when I was younger. That was the most likely explanation, since my magic required more focus than most of the others.

The girl looked away for a moment her eyes on the spiral that still stood on the bed. I couldn’t believe my eyes a creature like this still existed; she was impressive despite her size. A part of me was a relieved that the rumors about her were true. “So what happens next?” I asked the girl. “I heard that they want me gone.”

I couldn’t blame them I did destroy the while city. I felt ashamed I was supposed to protect the city, but instead I single handily tore it down. My life had changed drastically over the course of a day.

The Tailan girl came over and reached out her hand to me, her eyes making contact with my own. “Come with me then. I can show you everything you need to know.” She was odd barely knowing me but was able to invite me with her without thinking twice about it.

I reached my hand out slowly, even wondering if I should. There was nothing more I had to lose, I grasped her hand and let her pull me up. The spiral jumped up into my shoulders being careful of my wound. A new chapter in my life was just beginning. And I was leaving my past behind.