New Story Idea [Archive]

nejisgirl15

08-14-2008, 04:04 AM

Ok, so here it is. Feel free to critique!

Prologue

The tall, brown haired man climbed down off his horse and stood looking at the sign above the gate. He silently mouthed the name, Redwood Farm. He turned back to his horse and reached up to untie the small wicker basket on the back of his saddle.

He gently pulled the top off and reached in. When he withdrew his hands, he held a tiny infant girl. Her eyes were closed with sleep and her night black hair fluttered in the breeze. She was only a few months old, the size of a loaf of bread.

He walked silently to the gate, leading his horse in with one hand and holding the child with the other. He paused slightly before walking through the gate, which towered overhead. He walked up the long path the the wooden farm house, which still had a light on even at the late hour.

He knocked gently on the door and stood back to wait. Almost as soon as he had knocked, a small, pregnant woman opened the door. Her long blonde hair hung in soft curls down the middle of her back, gleaming like the sun. She smiled in relief when she saw the man.

"Oh, Pallaton, you've arrived safely! I'm so glad! Is she alright?" she asked, reaching for the baby as she spoke.

"She's fine, Onella. She slept through the whole journey. How are your children?" the man named Pallaton answered as he handed over the child.

"Oh, the boys are fine. How about you?" a strong man's voice said cheerfully.

Pallaton looked up behind Onella and grinned. A tall brown-haired man was walking up behind his wife, beaming at Pallaton. "Pahkakino, it's good to see you," Pallaton said at him happily.

Pahkakino walked up and clasped hands with his friends. "It's been too long my friend. I'm glad that you arrived safely. How long can you stay?" he asked jovially.

Pallaton shook his head. "Not long, I'm afraid. I've got to set off right away. We're starting the evacuation soon and I have to be there."

Onella smiled up at her husband and Pallaton before turning into the house, craddling the baby to her and crooning softly. Pallaton and Pahkakina smiled back at her and turned to eachother once more. "So, I assume by right away you mean now."

"Yes. I need to get a good start back," Pallaton replied.

"Yes, I see. Go safely, my friend. Write us as soon as you can so that we know that you are safe," Pahkakino said sincerely.

Pallaton nodded his head. "Yes, of course. Good luck my friend. May the Spirit be with you," he told Pahkakino as he turned to leave.

"And also with you, friend," Pahkakino said softly as his friend rode away.

Please tell me what you think! :)

Chapter One:Birthday Surprise

The early morning sun peaked through the curtains, casting a line of light across the sleeping woman's face. She rolled over, trying to escape the brightness that threatened to wake her from her beautiful dream. As she rolled, a curtain of jet black hair fell to the floor. One pale hand hung over the side of the bed.
Suddenly, the bedroom door flew open and a woman who looked to be the same age stomped in. Her long blonde curls bounced as she marched in. She took one look at the sleeping figure before shaking her head in dismay. She strode over to the window and tore open the curtains to let the sun bathe the room in light.
"Rane," she began threateningly, "You are going to miss your birthday if you sleep all day. This is the most important day of your life! Get out of bed!" she exclamed as she prodded the sleeping Rane in the back.
Rane rolled over, attempting to escape the assault of words and finger jabs. Her eyes flew open in a panic as she started to fall over the side of the bed. She let out a quiet yelp of shock and scrabbled for the sheets. The sheets tore from the mattress, leaving Rane sprawled across the wood floor.
The other girl was shaking with laughter. "Oh, Rane, that was hilarious! I can't believe you fell out of bed! I couldn't have done a better job of waking you even if I tried!" she weezed as the tears rolled down her cheeks.
Rane sat up and glared at the other girl. "You know, Sundari, you have a terrible sense of humor," she grumbled angrily.
"Oh, don't be sore," Sundari said, giving her that look that could melt your heart. "I didn't mean to make you fall out of bed. It was an accident."
Rane scowled up at her, the corners of her mouth twitching. Sundari grinned at her and offered her hand. Once Rane was hoisted back up to her feet, they turned back to the bed.
"I'll make the bed while you get dressed," Sundari offered. She was obviously trying to make up for Rane's fall.
Rane nodded and turned to the tall, wooden wardrobe. She pulled out a saphire blue dress to match her beautiful blue eyes. Her eyes were the strangest that anyone had ever seen. Many people said that only the royal family had eyes of that color.
Once she had changed, Rane sat down on the end of the bed and brushed her long black hair. "You know, Sundari, I won't be able to get away with half the things we used to do after today," she said saddly.
Sundari looked at her and sat down next to her. "Yes, I know. It's a shame. We used to have so much fun when we were little."
Rane nodded. She pulled her hair into a bun and stood. Sundari stood with her and took her hand. Both women walked out into the long hallway. They moved as a tall, graying man tried to step around them.
"Happy birthday, Rane," he said as he bent to kiss the tops of his daughter's heads.
"Thank you, Father," Rane said cheerfully.
Their father smiled and headed down the stairs. Rane smiled at Sundari and led the way down to the large living room. It was empty except for Red, the familie's giant male dog. He looked up from his spot next to the fire and sniffed at them as they walked by. He licked Rane's hand as she bent down to scratch his ears.
Rane followed Sundari through the huge wooden door across the room. As they walked into the kitchen, something big crashed into Rane. "Happy birthday, little sis," their brother, Akio, boomed in her ear.
Rane sat down at the family's giant table with her two older brothers, her father, Sundari, and her mother. As they all passed around the biscuits, Rane looked around at each of her family members.
At the head of the table sat Rane's adopted father, Pahkakino. He beamed every time his eyes fell on one of his family members. He wasn't a very proud man, but if there was one thing Pahkakino was proud of, it was his family. He'd always been the protector of the family. It was with saddness that he had assumed his place among the Elder's Council this past year. A disgruntled Pahkakino had finally had to admit that he was getting old and that he was not young anymore. He'd been elected as the leader of the Council this past year also.
Across from Pahkakino sat Rane's adopted mother, Onella. Onella wasn't as old as her husband, but everyone had noticed how she'd gained a few strands of gray in her blonde hair and how she had begun to slow down a bit. She was still just as sweet as ever. Her gentle voice was still just as sweet as it had been in her youth. She too would be joining the Elder's Council in a few year's time. Among the family, she was known as the Rock, because of how she always pulled the family together and kept them strong. She was the one they always leaned on for support.
Rane's oldest brother, Aden, sat to Pahkakino's right. He was almost as big as his father, with the same dark brown hair. Aden was known around the village for being the quiet one. He hardly ever spoke. If a person managed to get more than one sentence from him, they were very lucky. Aden worked on the farm with his father from sun up to sun-down. He would be the one to follow in his father's footstep's.
Akio sat next to Aden, hungrily wolfing down his food. His long, blonde hair was identical to Onella's and Sundari's. He was stocky, just like his mother, but just as strong as his father. He was more hot headed than the rest of his family, but he was always the one that made the jokes. No matter how sad anyone ever was, Akio would be able to put a smile on their face. He was also engaged to a village girl named Chessa.
Chessa had a gentle voice like Onella, but she had a tongue that could shame a sailor. Once she got started, there was no stopping her. She also had a reputation for fighting with other girls. She had never fought anyone in Rane's family, but she had fought just about everyone else's daughter. She'd even swung at a few boys. Everybody had thought her a lost cause until Akio had proposed. Her mother had almost had a heart attack.
Sundari was similar to Chessa. She had a very foul mouth that often got her into trouble with her father. She was the vision of her mother in face, but she took after her grandmother in body. She was tall and slim, but very clumsy. Out of her entire family, she was the most outspoken. She and Rane were reguarded as the most beautiful girls in the village. With the interest that young men were taking in them, it was assumed that they would have no trouble finding husbands.
Out of the entire family, the women were most excited today. Today was Rane's nineteenth birthday, her Third Stage day. This was the most important birthday that she would celebrate in her whole life.
The country of Elysium, where Rane and her family lived, had certain Stages that a person must complete before reaching the Elder's Council. The First Stage was infancy. The First Stage lasted until a person celebrated their sixth birthday. Once a child completed the First Stage, they reached the Second Stage, when they started school.
The Second Stage was the stage of childhood. A person was only called an adult when they reached the age of nineteen. They could not accept suitors or participate in adult conversations until they reached nineteen. They were fully responsible for chores and were required to finish their schooling. They had to yield to their parents and elders and were whipped if they didn't.
Once the Second Stage was completed, the Third Stage was reached. The Third Stage was the most exciting out of all of the stages. The day that a person celebrated their nineteenth birthday, they would receive gifts from the villagers and also accept visits from suitors. They would make their intentions clear if they wished to pursue the role of a holy woman, and dismiss marriage, or to pursue the role of a woman on the village Women Council, in the case of a woman.
After the Third Stage came the Fourth and Final Stage. When a man or woman reached the Fourth and Final Stage, they were respected beyond all others. There was no set age to the Fourth and Final Stage, but it was determined once you started to show signs of losing the Light of Youth, as most called it. If someone was told to do something by one of the Fourth and Final Stage, they did it, whether their parents approved or not, as long as it was withing reason and legal. Stages were the basis of respect and adherance to what someone was told.
Today, Rane could expect gifts and also suitors to arrive. The men would go out for the day, probably in the fields or to the village tavern. Suitors was women's business and nothing else. There would also be plenty of visits from the Women's Council to welcome her to womanhood and also a women representative from the Elder's Council to read her the new expectations she had and to take note of her intentions.
Rane herself wasn't very excited. She wanted to marry of course, but she didn't know if she wanted to see so many suitors all in one day. Rane was more of the quiet, shy type that kept to herself. She didn't have many friends in school because she was afraid to branch out. Unlike Sundari, who was very popular, Rane only had her sister and one other girl named Evera.
Evera was Rane's best friend next to Sundari. The three of them were inseparable. Sundari had plenty of other friends that she talked to in the village and in school, but Rane and Evera had only eachother. Evera was very much the same as Rane. She wore her long red hair in braids and had bright green eyes. Unlike most girls, Evera had a look of despair in her eyes. For Evera, family was a luxury that she did not have.
When the Malcontestanis had invaded almost nineteen years ago, Evera's mother and father had been killed. She had been born in the capital city of Pacifico, now called Fort Iron. Her parents had died trying to escape from the city. When Evera had been found by the newly formed rebel army, she had been brought to the village and had been in the care of one of the elders. When her guardian had died when she was fifteen, Evera had lived and supported herself.
Evera was who Rane could relate to the easiest when it came to not having parents. Rane's real parents had also died when the Faori's had invaded the capital. Her parents had been working in the pallace at the time. Just like the king and queen, they had been slaughtered after a negotiation gone bad. The only hope of regaining freedom was that the princess still lived.
As long as she was still alive, she could claim the throne and lead the country to freedom. All she needed was the power and courage to lead her people and a strong army behind her. Every loyal citizen of Elysium silently prayed for the return of the iron wolf's home. Elysium was the home to the fabled iron wolf, that only allied itself with the royal family in times of great need. Ancient murals portrayed members of the royal family riding off to great battles upon the shoulders of the iron wolf. The legendary creature hadn't been seen for centuries.
Rane hoped that the princess would have the courage to take the throne back. She didn't know if she would have been able to do such a dangerous and difficult task. She thought that she would just act like a coward. She was just too nice. She was too quiet to address a whole country anyways.
Once the family had finished eating, the men stood up and walked out the front door. Onella and Sundari cleared the table and washed the dishes. Rane was exempt from all household chores for the day because of her birthday. All three of them sat talking happily.
"So, is there any specific young man that you would like to see on the door step today, Rane?" Onella asked cheerfully. Onella was very open with them about romance. She even listened to Sundari's interests in boys, even though she was still eighteen.
"Oh, I don't know. I don't really think I prefer anyone at the moment. Hamza Lane is very nice though," Rane answered.
Sundari giggled. Hamza Lane had turned nineteen two months ago and he was so shy around Rane that he actually wet himself when he was younger when she said hello to him. Hamza wasn't ugly, but he was very ordinary. He had been shocked when one of the prettiest girls in the school had talked to him.
Onella looked questioningly at her daughter, who whispered the story in her ear. Onella pulled back and tried to hide her smile. "Sundari, you shouldn't laugh at the poor boy," she scolded half-heartedly.
Both Rane and Sundari doubled over with laughter. Onella was so bad at concealing her amusement, that she looked like she had a rotten tomato under her nose from the way her face wrinkled from concentration. She looked quite comical.
"Oh, Mother, your face looks so funny! I've never seen you look like that before!" Rane laughed.
Onella frowned, but her eyes sparkled. "How did I get such cheeky little daughters? No matter, maybe Hamza will come."
As soon as she finished, there was a knock at the door. All three women looked up at eachother, Sundari and Onella smirking at Rane's panicked expression.
"Don't worry, Rane. You'll be fine. They're just men, after all," Onella said, trying to restore Rane's courage.
Rane grumbled incoherently and stood up. As she walked into the other room, she could swear that she heard the other two laughing quietly. She crossed the room to the front door, which now lay silent. She took a deep breath and opened it. She was startled to see Evera standing there with an object wrapped in paper.
"I brought you a gift," she said at Rane in her sweet, singing voice. If anyone had the voice of an angel, it was Evera.
"Oh, Evera, thank you so much," Rane said breathlessly.
Evera smiled at her. "Happy birthday," she said as she hugged Rane.
Rane hugged her back and held the door open for her. She followed Evera into the kitchen where Onella and Sundari were still waiting. They both looked up and smiled warmly at Evera. They both knew that Rane was the only person that Evera was completely open with.
"Hello, Evera, how are you this morning?" Onella asked her kindly.
"Very fine, thank you," Evera said softly.
Sundari grinned at Evera and beckoned for her to sit down with her at the table. "So, Evera, did you see anyone making their way over here?" she asked, craftily getting under Rane's skin.
Evera caught on quickly, replying with a nod. "Oh yes, there have to be fifty men on their way here now. Before you know it, there will be a line to get in. We'll have to start asking people to come back later," she giggled.
Rane frowned at them and plopped herself down in a chair. "You know, when you two reach the Third Stage, I'm going to treat you just as gastly as you are treating me," she growled playfully.
Sundari and Evera laughed just as there was another knock at the door. "I'll get it this time," Onella said as Rane sighed in despair.
Sundari snickered as Rane gasped a quick thanks at Onella. "You know, Rane, it's really not all that bad. It could be a lot worse," she said, trying to be supportive of her sister.
Onella came back in and held the door for a nervous looking Hamza Lane. He glanced up at Rane and attempted to smile, but it came out as more of a grimmace because of how nervous he was. His calloused hands were shaking from his worry.
Sundari grinned in triumph at Rane, who flashed her a warning glare. Onella beckoned for Hamza to sit down and started bustling around the kitchen, preparing tea for everyone.
"H-h-hello, R-r-rane," Hamza stuttered nervously.
"Hello, Hamza," Rane said kindly. She was sympathetic to the poor boy's fear of being made to look the fool.
Hamza made another attempt at a smile, which he succeeded at a little better. He looked more than a little flustered and panicked with the way he was wringing his hands.
"So, Hamza, what brings you here this morning?" Onella asked gently.
Hamza looked up at her nervously. "Well, um, I heard that today is Rane's Third Stage day, and I wanted to, um-well, come to see her," he replied awkwardly.
"Thank you, Hamza," Rane said. "That's very nice of you to come out here to just see me."
Sundari's eyes flashed with her inner laughter, but she held her tongue so as not to hurt Hamza's feelings. Evera glanced at Rane before looking down into her lap, trying to hide an amused grin.
"That is very nice of you, Hamza. You are most welcome here," Onella said kindly as she handed him a cup of tea.
"Thank you, ma'am," Hamza said politely.
The rest of the conversation went on with all five of them sitting at the table with tea and talking about the village events and the weather. Sundari provided most of the conversation due to Evera and Hamza's quiet nature and how awkward Rane fealt with Hamza there, fidgeting in his chair under the curious looks that Onella gave him.
Almost as soon as Hamza left, another young man took his place. It went on like this all day, with the representatives from the councils coming in between the many hopeful suitors that presented themselves on the doorstep. By the day's end, Rane was exhausted. Evera and Sundari were chatting away happily.
"Well, I really must be going if I want to be home before dark," Evera said in disapointment. Everyone knew that Rane's family was the closest thing that she had to a family.
"Oh, Evera, dear, please do stay the night. We would love to have you. You can bunk up with Rane seeing as Chessa is coming to stay tonight. She's staying in Sundari's room," Onella said as the beautiful red head rose.
Evera's eyes twinkled. "Oh, thank you, ma'am! I would love to stay. I won't be any trouble, will I?" she replied.
Onella laughed and shook her head. "No, of course not. Rane, you haven't opened Evera's gift yet. You can open it with the others tonight."
Rane nodded and got up. She stretched and walked into the living room, choosing a chair by the freshly lit fire. The room was starting to get cold with the approach of winter. During the cold storms of snow, the house could get quite cold. During the coldest nights, the whole family brought out the cots and slept in the living room near the fire.
Just as the woman had sat down, the door banged open to admit the men, followed by a young woman with wild brown hair. Chessa looked just as free spirited as she always did with that hair. Akio, who followed close behind, was grinning from ear to ear. Aden had a bright smile on his face as if he'd just finished laughing. Even the corners of Pahkakino's mouth were curved upward in amusment.
"What happenned?" Onella asked, catching their mood immediately.
"Oh, Chessa had a small skirmish with Master Morotos," Akio said dismissively.
Onella raised her eyebrow in question as Rane, Sundari, and Evera crowded nearer in the hopes that they would hear what happenned.
"Oh, it was nothing. The shamed cod wouldn't get out of the road so i told him to move his fat a-, i mean, i told him to move," Chessa said, watching her mouth from the look in Pahkakino's eye.
Rane and the other two girls burst out in laughter. Master Morotos was the grouchiest old man in the village. He had refused to join the elder's council even though his time had come a long time ago.
"So, he's still causing just as much trouble, I see," Onella said coldly. Master Morotos had once stollen her father's prized horse and had refused to give it back. When the Elder's Council had declared that he had to under law, he had let the stallion go in the fields. It had never been seen again.
Pahkakino crossed the room and kissed Onella gingerly ontop of her head. She smiled lovingly up at him and brought the men and Chessa a cup of hot tea. They all smiled gratefully at her thoughtfullness.
Once everyone had a warm drink, they all gathered around the fire to give Rane her gifts. Pahkakino and Onella presented theirs first. It was the young stallion, Blaze, that Pahkakino had bought at the market a few months earlier. They knew how Rane loved to ride. They had also presented her with one of the farm's puppies, the one that they had named Moon for the white mark on her head.
Aden gave her a beautiful wooden flute that he had carved himself. It had many carvings of animals and trees on it and even a small carving of Rane, Evera, and Sundari all holding hands. It was the most beautiful piece of woodwork that Rane had ever seen.
Akio and Chessa had decided to split their gift. They bought Rane a beautiful saphire ring. It wasn't very big, but it was beautiful beyond compare. The saphire was Rane's favorite stone and it suited her well. She knew that it had to have cost them so much money to buy something so beautiful for her.
Sundari presented her with a gorgeous dark blue dress. Down the sleeves and skirt there were intricate lines of silver, forming leaves and shining paterns. It was by far the most beautiful dress that Rane owned. Rane was so grateful to her sister, who had to have spent almost all of her pocket money on the dress.
Evera's gift was also wonderful. She presented Rane with many books, which were hard to come by, some of them that had only existed for a few years. She also gave her a beautiful hair comb, made of sliver and pearl. When Rane put it in her hair, it looked like a lone star in a night sky. Rane almost cried because she knew that Evera would have to scrounge for food money for the next few weeks.
Rane hugged and kissed her family in turn, thankful to have such loving people in her life. She didn't know quite what to say except thank you. Tears pooled in her eyes until they overflowed, at which everyone smiled thankfully at her. Onella hugged her and told her that she was worth it all and more.
As everyone sat around talking and laughing, Pahkakino and Aden sat up and looked at the front door in unison. There was tension marking itself across their features, like they were face to face with an adder.
"Darling, what's wrong?" Onella asked nervously as everyone quieted and looked at them.
"Someone's just rode up. They're coming to the door," he said, looking deep into Onella's eyes. Onella seemed to understand, because she stood and went to make a fresh pot of tea.
Pahkakino stood up and moved for the door when the knock came. Aden followed and Akio detached his hand from Chessa's and followed. As Pahkakino opened the door, his sons flanked him. The door was opened to reveal a tall, muscular, graying man that looked a little younger than Onella. He looked at Pahkakino and smiled in recognition.
"Pahkakino, my old friend, how are you?" he asked in a deep, rich voice.
Pahkakino grinned back at him and held the door open for him to step in out of the cold. "Welcome, Pallaton. It's been many years since I've seen you," he said warmly.
Both men clasped hands and smiled at eachother. They clearly knew eachother, though Rane and the others in the room had never seen him before. He looked quite impressive.
Onella came out of the kitchen with another cup of hot tea. The man named Pallaton smiled down at her as she handed it to him. "Onella, dear, you haven't changed a bit. You look just as lovely as the last time I saw you. Though, you aren't pregnant anymore, that's for sure," he said cheerfully.
Onella chuckled. "Oh, Pallaton, you really ought to watch what you say."
Pallaton looked around the room, seeming to know most of the people there. "You must be Aden," he said when his eyes fell on the eldest son.
"Yes, sir," Aden said quietly, nodding to Pallaton.
Pallaton looked at Sundari and Akio. "Oh, and you two must be Master Akio and the lovely Lady Sundari," he said respectfully, giving a little bow. He was really quite the charmer. Sundari giggled as Akio nodded in comfirmation.
"I don't believe I know you though, my dears," Pallaton admitted when he looked at Chessa and Evera.
"I am Chessa Otara and this is Evera Resmune," Chessa anounced bravely. Evera just nodded and looked awkwardly down at her feet.
Pallaton bowed to them also and said, "Oh, well thank you for gracing me with your names, my fair ladies." Then he looked at Rane. "I do believe that I know who you are. I most certainly do," he said quietly. He seemed to look like he'd seen a ghost. It made Rane feel a little uncomfortable.
"Pallaton," Pahkakino said, "Maybe we should explain everything."
Pallaton nodded, not taking his eyes off of Rane. He took a seat facing the entire family, so as to tell them his tale. "Well, it has been almost nineteen years since I have stepped foot in this humble home, but I can assure you, it wasn't for a joyful visit. I came to deliver a young baby with hair as black as night and eyes as dark as saphires," he said thoughtfully.
Everyone except Pahkakino and Onella glanced at Rane, who was obviously the baby in the story.
"You see, I was charged with bringing her here safely from the siege at Pacifico. It wasn't long after that I found another baby girl that needed the safety of a small village to hide her."
Everyone heard the small gasp from Evera, which was obviously the second child.
"I was the Captain of the Guard in Pacifico when Elysium still had peace. I was a noble soldier, loyal to my king. I will admit, I was almost as close to King Nantai as the lovely Queen Reya herself, being his childhood friend. When the Malcontestani's attacked, I was not at the palace. I failed to protect my king. I was able to grant him one last favor. I saved his daughter. I brought her here, to this very house almost nineteen years ago, and now the time has come for me to take her back so that she can claim what is hers," Pallaton told them.
The room was filled with shocked silence. Rane knew that he meant her. Who else could he mean? He was devoid of any trace of lying, so she knew that he must be telling the truth. If so, then...
"I'm the Princess of Elysium," she said in a shocked whisper that cut the silent air of the room.
Onella got up and held her as a small tear slid down Rane's cheek. "Oh, Rane, dear, it's alright. It's going to be alright. I've got you, darling. Your ok. It's alright," she repeated as Rane buried her face in her bosom.
"Rane," Pallaton said gently, "I know it's hard to think about and I know it's a shock. Please, don't cry over who you are. You are the daughter of the King and Queen of Elysium, but you are also the daughter of Pahkakino and Onella of Katoro Village. You have grown into a beautiful young woman who would lead the country to victory and peace. You would be the greatest hero to ever go down in history. You would be the savior of your people. I can not make the choice for you. You must make it for yourself. Will you stand for your people?"
Rane looked up at the kind looking man that sat before her. Her father's best friend, her rescuer, her captain. "Yes, I will, Captain Pallaton," she said as strongly and as bravely as she could.
Onella burst into proud tears of joy. Everyone else roused themselves from their shocked stupor and cheered her on. Rane looked back up at Pallaton, who was smiling proudly. He nodded to her in secret salute, one that she returned.
"When must I begin?" she asked after the noise had died down.
"Well, we must leave as soon as we can, but we have a few months to spare. The first goal must be to take Pacifico back, and now would be the oportune moment," Pallaton explained, falling into a business-like manner.
"Can we wait for Sundari's birthday?" Rane asked, "I don't want to leave her without celebrating her birthday."
Pallaton nodded. "That sounds like a good plan. We will have plenty of time to get mounts and supplies for the journey back to the troops."
Sundari, who had just been whispering with Evera, looked up at him with a twinkle in her eye. "Evera and I want to come too. Rane shouldn't be without family. In a month's time, we shall be women also," she said strongly. Evera nodded to back her up.
Pallaton looked at Pahkakino and Onella. "I have no objections as long as they wish to learn how to fight alongside Rane," he said with raised eyebrows.
Pahkakino looked down at Onella, who looked up at him with a proud look in her eyes and nodded. "We have no objections either. They are free to choose their own paths. Evera may not be our blood daughter, like Rane, but we treasure her as one," he said, glancing at Evera as he finished.
Evera smiled and almost burst into happy tears. She ran over and hugged Onella and Pahkakino, happy to be adopted into the family.
"Right, it's settled then. We shall be leaving in a month's time," Pallaton said, closing the matter. Rane looked at her family, smiling and knowing that they would give her the strenght for her new life and it's challenges.

sorry that took so long.

Chapter Two: The Three Soldiers

It was a week after Sundari's nineteenth birthday and everything was set for the journey. Rane had spent a lot of time with Blaze, who would be carrying her through this long journey. She had become rather attached to the calm stallion, enjoying his reassuring presence.

Pallaton had bought Evera and Sundari a mount each and had taken care of all of the provisions that they would need. He had made sure that they would be met by a few of his soldiers when they reached the forest where the camp lay. It was also a common spot for bandits and other criminals to hide out.

Rane was currently sitting under a tree behind the barn, watching the clouds go by. She was worried about leaving. She had never been away from home before except to stay with Evera once in a while. She was worried about her parents too. Onella had never had to give up a child to the outside world before. Both of her sons had stayed with the family, but now both of her daughters would be leaving the home. She would be worrying.
Pahkakino would be worried, too. He wouldn't be around to protect his daughters from the men in the world. He would be constantly worrying about how they were and because he wasn't there to protect them like always. Pahkakino thought that his daughters relied on him too much.

As Rane watched the sky, Evera walked over and sat down next to her. She had been staying with the family for a while because of the upcoming journey. The Council of Elders had also granted permission for her to be adopted into the family as well. She now stayed in Rane's room and had sold her old home to provide some money for the journey.
The two friends sat in silence. They were tired from preparing for the journey. They had thrown together an odd assortment of clothes and items to take. They tried to take the bare essentials, but it was so hard. They would be leaving so many precious things behind when they started their journey in the morning. They would be leaving behind the place where they had spent their entire lives, and they would be leaving behind their family and friends. It would be no easy task to leave in the morning.

"Do you think it will be scary?" Evera asked, suddenly breaking the silence.
"What do you mean?" Rane asked, caught by surprise by Evera's sudden question.
Evera fidgeted uncomfortably. "Well, I mean, we'll be in camp full of men. Won't it be, you know, dangerous?"

Rane almost laughed. "Oh, Evera, we won't be the only women there. You heard Pallaton. There are other women that fight as well. Besides, we'll each have our own guard to teach of us what we need to learn and also protect us until we can defend ourselves," Rane told her gently.

Evera nodded like a little child made to look foolish. "Yes, I suppose. Aren't you afraid though?"

Rane sighed. "Yes, I am. I'm very afraid, but I know what I have to do. It's not going to be easy," she confided quietly.

The two girls hugged and smiled at eachother. "We'll be okay, we have eachother. We'll protect eachother. Besides, when they hear Sundari's temper, they want to come withing a ten foot radius," Evera said a bit more cheerfully.

Both girls laughed just as Sundari came out of the house, taking a huge bite out of an apple. "What is so funny?" she asked through a mouthful, spraying them with juice. "Sorry about that," she said as she bent down to sit with them.

"Goodness, Sundari. Your manners are so bad that I wouldn't want to come near you if I was a man," Rane said teasingly.
Sundari frowned and stuck her tongue out at her sisters. "Well, the men don't feel the same way."

"Of course they don't. Your a beautiful young woman that just turned nineteen. How could they feel the same way?" Evera scoffed.

Sundari grinned. "Come on, let's do something fun. Why don't we go into town or something?" she suggested.

"Well, I'm game if you're game," Rane said as she stood up.

"Me, too," Evera agreed as she stood up as well.

Sundari rose and grinned. "Well, let's get a bit of practice riding. We can ride into town. That way we know that we'll be able to stay on the horse tomorrow."

All three went to the barn to saddle their horses. Blaize whinnied at Rane as she saddled him, unused to leaving at this time of the day. Rane stroked his mane to calm him. He moved his massive head to look into her eyes with his left eye. Rane could have sworn that he was smiling at her.

All three young women climbed onto their mounts and headed out to the town. The rest of the family had decided to go to the tavern for lunch. Rane suggested that they meet them there.

As they were riding, they came across a young man that they had never met before. His hair was a dark sandy blonde and he had a sword strapped to his belt. He looked like a soldier, but it was hard to tell.

Sundari pulled her horse up infront of him. "Who are you?" she asked strongly.

The young man looked at all three of them in turn. His eyes rested on Rane. "My name is Sabreo. Pallaton sent me to Pallaton sent me to fetch you. There has been a problem. He needs to see you all in the tavern right away."

Rane looked at her friends. She was clearly the one that he was speaking to. They all looked to her, waiting for her to speak. She stepped down and faced the young man.
"Why should we trust you?" she asked cautiously.

The boy sighed. "Well, maybe because I am one of your best soldiers and that I have been serving under General Pallaton for quite a while. You can trust me, Your Majesty," he answered.

Rane nodded. "Alright then, but you lead," she said.

Sabreo nodded and led them down the path. He didn't talk at all during the journey and neither did the girls. They were on guard for any sign of a trap. Sabreo didn't look like he meant them any harm, but they didn't know for sure.

Once they were outside the tavern, they relaxed a little more. They saw their family's wagon and Pahkakino was standing outside waiting for them. He smiled at them and led them into the tavern. At a table on the far side of the room, their family sat with Pallaton and two other young men. Onella's face was tight with worry and Pallaton's was creased from concentration on a scroll in front of him.

"Sir, the young women have arrived," Sabreo announced to Pallaton.

Pallaton looked up and smiled at the three friends. "I'm sorry, ladies, but we will have to depart tonight. It seems that you are very wanted. Someone has betrayed our cause and betrayed your location. They don't know what house or family the princess is staying in, but they know the village. At least, that's what they think. By the time that we are gone, they will never even know that we were here. We will have to leave within the hour," he explained warily.

Rane and her sisters just looked at eachother. They had all of their packing done, but they didn't know if they were ready when it came to wits.

"So I take it we have to go straight back home to saddle up and get everything ready to go?" Sundari asked.

Pallaton nodded. "Yes, but while you are here, I had best introduce you to our guests," he said as he gestured at the three young men.
"This is Sabreo. I know that you are already acquainted because I sent him for you."
The girls looked at Sabreo, who nodded at them respectfully.
"This is Makoto and Ryuko," Pallaton said motioning at the two young men that sat next to him.

Makoto had long black hair that made him look elvish. He had dark green eyes that sparkled with a kind of mischief, as if he knew a joke that you did not. He was very hansome, as was Sabreo, but he looked much taller, even in his chair. He was more wiry than his two companions.

Ryuko almost took Rane's breath away. His shaggy brown hair was hanging down in his face, making it hard to see his dark brown eyes. He looked gentle, yet firm at the same time. His shoulders were broad and muscular, but he wasn't as bulky as Sabreo, who could have lifted a horse from the looks of him. Ryuko was a very hansome young man, according to Rane.

He had a quiet disposition. He seemed to focus only on one thing, but also everything at once. His eyes were trained only on the face of the princess before him, yet he seemed to see everything around him. He looked wise for his young age, if he was really as young as he looked. His eyes were gentle, not the same kind of hard eyes of someone that had blood on their hands. He wasn't what Rane had expected, but then again, none of them were.

"These young men are some of our best men. I have assigned each of them to one of you. Their duty is to make sure that you are properly trained and that you receive the best of protection, especially until you can fight. They are also the best of friends, so you can all train and travel together. I thought that would suit you the best. When there is need for someone to lead, Ryuko will take charge, for he is the superior out of the three. He is only one branch below me, for that matter. Until you are trained, Rane, he will take comand with you jockeying with the other men for second. Once you are ready, you will take the head position ahead of us all," Pallaton explained to them in detail.
Rane and her sisters nodded to show that they understood. "Why do we need protection inside the camp?" Evera asked nervously.

"We believe that one of our own has decided to betray us. He may try to take one of you captive," Makoto said matter-of-factly.
"Then how do we know that one of you isn't one of these traitors?" Sundari asked threataningly.
They all looked taken aback by her forward attitude. They obviously hadn't though that these three country girls would be likely to question their loyalty. It seemed to offend them for a moment.

"Well, we could swear ourselves to you if you really want that," Sabreo said just as threataningly. Rane secretly hoped that he was to guard Sundari. She needed someone just as moody as her to keep her in check.

"If we are finished arguing, I believe that you may want to know who is assigned to whom," Pallaton said sourly. It silenced all further discussion of the matter of loyalty. "Now then," he began exhasperatedly, "Sabreo is assigned to Sundari, the beautiful blonde, Makoto to Evera, the gentle red-head, and Ryuko will guard the lovely Princess Rane. Are there any questions? Good, so we can get started. I have some important business to handle here, but I shall soon join you back at Rosewood, so I suggest you get riding," he finished as he turned back to his scrolls.
The girls hugged their sad parents and followed the boys outside. They walked over to their horses as the boys walked to the stable next to the tavern. They were already mounted when the boys came out, leading three massive stallions. They were unmistakably war horses.

"Let's go, shall we?" Makoto said as he waited for Ryuko to lead them out. He fell in beside Evera, clearly taking his duty seriously.
Sabreo grudgingly pulled his stallion up next to Sundari, who sniffed in disdain from having to ride next to her offender. Ryuko moved up and waited for Rane to come up next to him. He looked back at her as she moved Blaze up.

He smiled in satisfaction when he saw her handle the stallion so well. "I obviously won't have to give you lessons on riding," he said in a quiet, deep voice. It made Rane smile.
"So, Lady Evera, may I ask where you are from originally? You do not carry the fair hair or the darker skin of the folk from around these parts," Makoto asked politely.
Evera glanced up at him and looked immediately back down at her hands, her face bright red. "Please, I am no fine Lady as you suggest," she mumbled, embarrassed.

Makoto pretended to look surprised. "Why, I thought that you were! Do you mean to tell me that you are a fine Lord?" he said with that mischievious twinkle in his eye.
Evera gave a small twinkle of a laugh and looked embarrassed again. "No, I meant that I am not a lady of high class."

Makoto looked away shyly. "Well, I thought that you had to be, due to the fact that you are beautiful beyond compare," he said softly.
Evera looked up at him sharply in surprise and then looked back down quickly. She had a small smile of joy on her face, obviously pleased to be the one complemented this time instead of Sundari or Rane.
Sundari looked back in amazed glee, happy to have something to talk about later. Evera wouldn't meet her gaze, no matter how long Sundari stared. Eventually, Sundari was forced to give up, much to Rane's amusement.

"So, Lady Blonde, what do you do in your spare time when you are not tormenting the poor unfortunate that crosses your path?" Sabreo asked Sundari, clearly trying to get under her skin.
Sundari grimaced at his cheek. "Well, Sir Brute, I suppose that I find simple minded soldiers to terrorize next," she parried.
Sabreo looked a little taken-a-back. He obviously hadn't expected her to fight back. "Well, I have pity for the first soldier that gets his feathers ruffled by the likes of you."

"Well, I'm sure that she wouldn't want to associate herself if the soldier were the likes of you," Sundari voleyed back.
Sabreo looked up at her, eyes narrowed. "Of course she wouldn't. With a soldier as good and noble as me, it would only make her look foolish to attack one so highly noted."
Sundari opened her mouth to reply, but nothing came out, so she quickly closed it. She had nothing that she could say in return. She had finally met her match and been beaten. Rane thought that it was about time that someone showed her what it fealt like.
Rane turned around and looked at her sister. "Wow, Sundari, looks to me like you've finally met your match."

Sundari scowled at her grinning sister before facing no one, silently brooding about her loss. Rane knew that her sister had always been too proud of her ability to win her battles, but her weakness was that she didn't know how to pick them. Losing for Sundari was worse than anything else.

"Oh, come on now, I meant no offense, Lady Blonde," Sabreo said as he looked at Sundari beseachingly. "It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt," he said grumpily as he turned away.
"Don't worry, man, she'll come around. You know that she's obviously the same as you are," Makoto said as he grinned back at his friend.

"Yeah, I'm a pig alright," Sundari muttered darkly.
Sabreo grinned at her. "I knew that you would come around sometime, Lady Blonde."
"Yes, of course, Sir Brute. I just love talking to ignorant swine," Sundari retorted, regaining some ground.

Sabreo looked over at Sundari, eyes narrowed. "If i'm a pig, I guess that would make you a sow. Then again, if you don't want to be a pig, I suppose that you could be a dog. That would make you a bitch," he declared triumphantly.
Sundari's eyes widened and her mouth opened into a comical little "O". Her eyes flashed infury and she looked ready to kill. "You. Are. Going. To. Be. Sorry. That. You. Said. That," she said in a slow, dangerous voice as she nimbly jumped down from her horse.
Sabreo's eyes widened as he watched her walk towards him. Rane thought that he looked overly confident that she wasn't capable of doing him any harm. Rane stopped Blaze and turned him around so that she could watch what happened. She knew that Sabreo would be in for a big surprise if he thought that Sundari wouldn't be much trouble.

"Alright, get down off of that horse, you dumb animal. I'm gonna show you just how I deal with people like you," Sundari growled.
By now, Evera, Makoto, and Ryuko had turned their horses around and were watching. Ryuko got down off his horse and went to stand between them. He looked from Sundari to Sabreo, waiting for one to move.

"Hey now, we're not going to fight, are we?" Makoto asked nervously.
"Oh yes we are," Sundari declared in anger.
"All right then, this will be your first test. Just to see how strong you are," Sabreo smirked.
"Sabreo," Ryuko said in a quiet warning. He was turned towards his bulky friend, arm oustretched in waiting.

"Let him come," Sundari growled, "It won't last long."
Ryuko groaned as he stepped back. "Be careful, Sabreo."
Sabreo nodded as he watched Sundari move forward. He watched her like she was an adder preparing to strike. Rane hoped that Sabreo was ready. He would be in for a very rough surprise if he wasn't.

Ryuko stepped back next to Rane. Evera and Makoto stepped up next to them and watched. Everyone was dead silent.
Sundari sauntered forward, like a cat cornering a mouse. Her eyes blazed and her mouth curved up into an all familiar smile. She may not be a match for Sabreo, but she most certainly would be if he didn't prepare himself.

"Is that all that you are going to do? Walk forward like that?" Sabreo asked, goading her on. He didn't know how wrong he was.
Sundari stopped about three feet in front of him. She looked at him with her piercing stare, waiting for him to move. Sabreo grinned. "Now all you're going to do is stand there? I guess it's up to me to move first."
As he jumped forward, Sundari shot to her right. "Big mistake," Rane and Evera said together.

As Sabreo ran past her, Sundari spun around and brought her fist down on his skull with crushing force. Sabreo landed on his face just as Sundari pounced on him. She sat on his lower back, using her weight to hold him down.
"Very good," Sabreo grumbled from the ground, "But how's your defense?" He put his hands on the ground and pushed up, knocking Sundari to the ground. Then he pounced on her. He held her arms at her sides as she struggled to get up.
Sabreo bent his face down next to her ear as he knealt beside her. "Check mate," he said softly.

"Not quite," Sundari said in a low voice. She brought her leg up and wrapped it around his neck. Makoto and Ryuko looked away for decency's sake, but Rane and Evera cheered on their sister. Sundari was the most flexible next to Evera.
"Now, look here, if I just sit here and keep my leg around your neck, I can choke you. You can either sit her and wait to die, or you can give. Which is it going to be?" Sundari asked triumphantly.

Sabreo looked at her in disgusted defeat. "Give," he muttered darkly.
Sundari unhooked her leg and got up. She extended her hand and helped a breathless Sabreo up. When he stood, he looked down at her for a moment with a peculiar look in his eye. Sundari looked back up at him with the same intent stare. Then they both got back on their horses and waited for the others.

As Ryuko and Rane led the way, Ryuko turned towards his charge. "So, where did you girls learn how to fight?" he asked in interest.
Rane glanced at him. "Well, our brother is engaged to a girl named Chessa. Chessa has fought every girl in the village and also some of the boys. She could have taken Sabreo out in a heartbeat. She's lethal."

"Oh, I see. Well, it's good that you know some fighting. You'll be able to defend youselves much sooner than I had thought," Ryuko answered thoughtfully.
Rane looked up at the weather-beaten sign that marked the entrance to their home. She fealt a pang deep in her chest when she thought about leaving it. She groaned outloud when she thought of the chance that her family could be in danger because of her.

"What's wrong?" Ryuko asked in a quiet voice.
Rane looked down at her hands. "Well, I just don't want to leave. It's hard to give up my home. I don't want my family to be in danger because of me, either."
Ryuko glanced behind them to see that the others were engrossed in their own conversations. Then he leaned over and gently took Rane's hand. "I know that it is hard, but you will be safe. I'll personally see to it. By the way, we have men and women in disguise that will be watching over the village anyway, so your family will be safe," he reassured her gently before releasing her hand.

Rane fealt a tingle run up her spine from his gentle touch. It fealt like a bolt of lightening had sparked her to life. She fealt warmer somehow, more alive.
"Thank you, Master Ryuko," she replied shyly.
Ryuko smiled at her. "You may call me just plain Ryuko if you wish," he said. Rane wondered if he had fealt the jolt as well.

What are you two whispering about up there?" Sundari and Sabreo asked together. They both looked at eachother and grinned.
"Nothing of importance," Ryuko told them, winking at Rane. She was immediately in on the game.

"Now, that's no fair. You can't go winking and grinning at eachother and expect us to just think it's nothing," Sabreo said crossly.
"Well, that's just your own problem to solve, isn't it? You don't see us asking about your own private conversations with your Lady Blonde there do you?" Rane retorted.
Sabreo looked thoughtful. "Well, I suppose. You do have us beat there."
Sundari just looked back at Rane, curiously. She knew that from the look on her sister's face she had something to share, but she didn't know that Sundari would get it out of her later. Her sister was set on a goal now, a goal that she would see through.
Ryuko stopped in front of the house. He took Rane's reigns as she hopped down from Blaze. "We will wait outside with the horses while you gather your things. Try to be quick about it."

Rane nodded and followed Evera and Sundari into the house. They hurried up the stairs and grabbed their packs, stopping to put a few more things in as they went. Rane looked around her home, fighting the saddness that threatened to consume her. As she followed her sisters outside, she fealt something nudge her ankle.

When she looked down, she saw a pair of large blue kitten's eyes staring up at her. Moon was twining her tail around Rane's ankles, a pleading little cry pouring from her tiny mouth. Rane bent down and scooped the little scrap of fur up. She rubbed her nose against her little furry friend and carried her over to the couch.
Rane put her down and sat down next to her. "I will miss you, little friend. You have sat with me throught the nights and been a true friend. I wll miss you."
Just then, Ryuko walked into the house, searching for her. Rane looked back at him, a silent tear sliding down her pale white cheek. She looked down and hurriedly whiped the tears from her eyes. Some great queen you're turning out to be, Rane, she told herself silently.

She fealt a terrible sob break through the silence, making her whole body shake. She could feel the tears falling now, carrying the weeks of fear and anguish into her material world. She could feel the sorrow engulfing her, pulling her under. She knew that she didn't want to leave. She wasn't ready.
Rane fealt a gentle hand on her shoulder and looked up. Ryuko stood next to her, his steady hand on her back. His eyes were full of understanding and something else that she couldn't quite figure out.

"May I sit?" he asked gently. When Rane nodded, Ryuko sat down next to her and let her lean against him, allowing her to stain his shirt with salty tears. Moon crawled into his lap and curled up, purring.
"Where are the others?" Rane asked when she had calmed enough.

"I sent them ahead. I told them that I had to take a look at my mount's leg. They will have been five minutes down the road by now," Ryuko said.
Rane nodded and choked back another sob. Ryuko wrapped an arm around her and rocked her back and forth, like a mother comforting a frightended child. "Please do not be afraid, My Lady. All will be well. I will protect you. It is my duty."
Rane pulled back. "And is it your duty to protect me from my own emotions? My own sorrow? My own fear? Tell me, Master Ryuko, how would you accomplish such an impossible task?"

Ryuko stared dully into her eyes. "I do not know," he finally admitted. "But it is possible that I might be able to help you protect yourself from your own emotions. From your own sorrow. From your own fear. Now you tell me, My Lady, would you allow a simple common soldier to help you as a friend or sister or brother would?"
Rane stared at him for a moment, looking deep into his flashing deep eyes. She had found a word for the other emotion that glinted in his eyes: empathy. She had found someone that knew hardship, that knew pain, and yet he still stood before her, ready to pledge his life for her safety when she barely knew him. "Thank you," she whispered before looking down in shame.

"All is well, Princess," Ryuko said solemnly, helping her to her feet. "Now, I believe that we have room for one small kitten if you would like her to come," he said, an amused twinkle flashing in his eyes.
Rane fealt all control leaving her as she threw her arms around Ryuko's neck in glee. "Oh, thank you, but won't she be too much trouble?" she asked as he laughed in surprise at her excitement.

"No, but I will be in trouble if we do not set off. Pallaton shall have my head if I keep him behind schedule. We had best be going."
Rane nodded and whiped her face on her sleeve. She followed Ryuko out of the house and waited as he strapped her pack to Blaze's saddle. When he was finished, he stepped aside and let her climb on. Once he was atop his horse, they took off at a steady trot down the main road.

When they reached the outskirts of the village, they stopped. Everyone was already waiting for them. Onella was crying silently into a handkerchief and Pahkakino looked gray and remorseful. Aden and Akio stood beside them, along with Chessa, who looked resigned to the inevetible.
"Are you ready?" Pallaton asked Rane quietly once she reached him. When she nodded, he turned to Pahkakino and Onella. "It is time for us to be leaving now, my friends."
Pahkakino nodded sullenly and walked up to the three girls. He hugged them all in turn and presented them with a small purse of coins each. "I know that it is not much, but it will help you if you have need," he said flatly. He looked at each of them in turn, his eyes watering.
"Goodbye, my loves," Onella sobbed as she held her daughters, blood and adopted alike. "I love you all so much. Please be safe."
Rane fealt a tear slide down her cheek. She whiped it away and faced her brothers and Chessa. They all hugged her and gave their best wishes for her safety. Chessa went far enough to promise to murder her if she got hurt.
"Well, we must be moving on, friends. I will send word when we reach the camp. I had to send orders for it to be relocated due to a larger amount of Mali movement. You shall hear from us in no later than two months," Pallaton said as he clapped Pahkakino on the back.
"You relocated the camp?" Rane asked in confusion. "I thought that we were going to the West Forest?"

Pallaton nodded. "Yes, we were, but there has been an increase in Mali activity and it was no longer safe. I have sent the camp to another place with less activity. It will be closer to the city so that we can have a few days of down time before attacking."
Rane nodded. It made sense, but then she would be farther away from home. "I suppose that we best be going then," she said sadly.

Pallaton nodded and hopped ontop of his charger. He led the sullen group out of the village, their family waving behind. Rane rode between her sisters, pondering what her life had laying ahead.