Chapter Six

Chapter 6: The Elven Princess

Deep in the heart of Quadrant Two lies a place surrounded by trees on one side and a waterfall with a pond on the other. The location was called the Sacred Grove, and it was the most important place in the whole of Quadrant Two. The Sacred Grove was a very special area, with a powerful reason for being kept safe; it was the beginning of the forest’s creation. The trees began their growth here allowing the special properties of the water to help growth and healing. Inhabitants of Quadrant Two, came here to be healed of their wounds and sickness when they did occur. Sickness was a rarity in the Elves of Quadrant Two. Another reason was that a special seal was located here; one that warded off the Underworld.

The elves were master archers and botanists; knowing the intricacies of archery and plants better than anyone else. Elves had a huge benefit over normal Arenians, besides living a near infinite life, they got to choose when they passed on from old age. However, they could still be killed in battle but since the last great war, none of them had been involved in any battles. During that battle they lent their aid to fighting off the Zodiac before going back into seclusion.

Another important part of the Elven society is; the Royal Family and the Elder. The Royal Family were the King and Queen of the Elves with no signs of being cruel, just the opposite, they were kind and just. There were three main members of the Royal Family: King and Queen Tearny and their daughter, Princess Kyra, who wanted nothing to do with being a princess. She was tired of always being pulled around feeling like she was being put on display. Kyra felt as if she was just a pawn in her own life even though she had her own aspirations and goals.

Princess Kyra wanted to leave the forests of Quadrant Two so that she could see the whole world for herself starting with the quadrants closer to where she lived. To her, the life she lived was dull and boring; she wanted excitement. Unbeknownst to the Princess, her entire life would be changing soon, and drastically.

It was dark outside, the wind blew between the trees as the sky was barely lit with stars. Kyra climbed out her window, jumping onto a tree branch where grabbed her bow and quiver, which were hanging from a higher branch. She slid down to the next branch and jumped to a new tree to make her way to the ground, managing to avoid stepping on anything that would make loud noises. As an elf, her hearing and sight were above normal along with her speed. Once she hit the ground, she darted for the nearest town with her cloak up covering her face. Her destination: Suisha; more precisely, the Suisha Bar and Grill.

She ran quickly avoiding as many people as she possibly could. The last thing she wanted was for someone to recognize her and tell her parents. What she didn’t know was that she was being watched since the moment she left her home. A follower of sorts was tailing her and keeping a close eye on her.

A half hour later, at top speed, she arrived in Suisha and entered the bar. This was a weekly routine for her, at this point. This night was specific and the most important thing to her. She walked over and sat at a table with some elven males who were telling stories about their time out of the forest.

“Have you been to the jungles?” One person asked.

“I have. The ground in Quadrant Four isn’t safe, unless you’re a capable fighter. It’s littered with creatures that want to eat you and they swarm in groups. Pack lots of anti-venom and antidotes, if you ever find yourself there.” The man responded.

“What about the volcano?” Another man asked.

“I’ve seen it but it is way too hot for ANYONE to survive. I’ve heard rumors; that a creature sleeps within the volcano and if awoken, will blacken the sky above Quadrant Five with smoke that billows from its mouth.” He replied.

“THAT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!” A third person shouted.

“If you think that’s bad; it has also been said that the creature's covering is just armor and the beast lies inside, imprisoned within it. However, if you can defeat it, the volcano will return to normal and you can claim a boon, a ring, that you can use to open the Palace Area gates.” He retorted.

“What about beyond the Quadrants?” A voice spoke. “Is there anything beyond here?”

“I see your back for another night of stories, Prin..”

“Shut up, don’t call me that.” Kyra interrupted hastily. “I’m just another person here.”

“As you wish. To answer your question, it is said there is a whole other world out there. There are more Arenians, not elves to our knowledge. Tales of Elemental Golems that have been put to rest long ago.”

Kyra’s ears perked up, as he mentioned there being more to the world than just the Quadrants. She loved her home but after a while things were boring and they’d all be stuck in a rut. “I just want to learn more about what’s available.”

The man snickered,"  Sounds like you’re planning to escape.” He smiled at her,"  You’re not one for the everyday dealings of boring and mundane things.”

“I love my family and my home...but there has to be more to life than patrolling these woods.” She replied with quietness in her voice. This was her topic of choice and the life she wanted to live.

“I would love to tell you more...but I think you’ve been caught.” He pointed behind her. “Aylan.”

“Doran.” Aylan replied.

Kyra turned around to glare at him with her piercing green eyes,"  Are you following me?”

“I am your protector, mentor, and your uncle, Kyra. Of course, I’m following you. Now unless you want your parents to find out; I suggest you return home with me.” Aylan said, grabbing her by the wrist.

“LET ME GO, I’M NOT A CHILD. I CAN WALK ON MY OWN.”Kyra shouted, jerking her hand out of his.

“SORRY, KYRA BUT I’LL HAVE TO FILL YOU IN, ANOTHER DAY.” Doran shouted as they walked away. “Poor kid. She has everything but wants away.” He watched them as they left then returned to his storytelling.

Aylan shut the door behind them as they left and Kyra removed her hood, revealing her entire face. She scowled at him with narrowed eyes that were stabbing at Aylan every second, like a dagger. She was frustrated and angry about him interrupting her story night.

“You can stare at me all you want, Princess, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’re supposed to be at home.” Aylan said, rolling his eyes while shaking his head.

“What’s so wrong with wanting to learn more about the world outside? I can’t ask you because you won’t tell me, Father and Mother don’t know. All of you tell me the same thing: you won’t be going beyond the forest, so forget about it. What sense does that even make? I’ll go where I damn well please, Uncle.” Kyra exclaimed loudly outside the doors to the bar.

“Unfortunately Kyra, you ARE the Princess. You have responsibilities and as such, you need to remain in the safety of the Sacred Grove.” He retorted calmly but also with a hint of understanding as he ended his statement with a subtle sigh.

“Except that; I NEVER wanted to be a princess. I was just born into it. All I want is to be normal Kyra. I want to live my own life, I don’t care about the royal life.” She responded with sincerity and frustration. “I just want to be myself.” Her eyes filled with tears of anger, tiredness, and frustration.

“Kyra…” He sighed and placed his hands on her shoulders,"  You don’t have to explain this to me; I went to war to get out of this forest. I understand your need for escape better than you know and I’m not here to ruin your life, I’m only here to protect it. “

“Then tell me about the outside world!” She shouted as her frustrations continued building up. “I wouldn’t have to leave if I had someone answer my questions.” Kyra retorted.

“If you come back with me and promise to stop sneaking out, for at least a week. I’ll answer your questions, to the best of my ability.” Aylan replied quietly while trying to get her to calm down.

Excitedly, Kyra replied,"  I promise, I won’t sneak out for at least a week.” Her fingers crossed behind her back.

“I can make it two, if you don’t uncross your fingers.” Aylan said sternly with a chuckle afterwards.

“Okay, fine. I promise you; I won’t sneak out for a week.”She said, holding her hands up in the air and in front of his face.

“Did you cross your toes?” He said sarcastically.

“No, shut up.”Kyra shook her head.

“Let’s go home, Niece.”

“Alright, Uncle.” She replied.

Kyra and Aylan returned back to the Sacred Grove, at a brisk walking speed. No running. No wandering off. Just walking forward, back to the palace home where Kyra could climb back in her window and pretend nothing happened. The only difference is that her Uncle now had to tell her some of what he knew about the outside world..the Quadrants at the least. She finally had something to look forward to for the first time in a long time.

When she was younger, Kyra used to believe being a Princess was all she wanted to do but as she got older she began having her own personality and her own feelings. Her mind shifted towards traveling and seeing new places outside of the woods. She had free reign inside the forest until a certain time. Beyond the border of the trees was a place she was forbidden to go.

Having been to the borders and being able to see further into them, was her small amount of experience with the outside world. She had nowhere to go, trapped by an open border. Kyra opened her mouth and spoke quietly as they walked,"  Do you think we can see the edge of the Quadrant, Uncle?”

“Speaking to me again?” Aylan responded sarcastically.

“I was never not speaking to you. I’m just frustrated that I can’t do anything.” She replied.

Aylan paused in his tracks,"  Which border?” He asked without turning around.

“Can we start with Quadrant One?” She asked.

“Sure. It’s the closest at this point.” He turned around to face her. “Let’s go.” He said, smiling at her.

“Really!?” She responded with excitement.

“Yeah, but make it quick. We’ll need to get; back as soon as possible. Keep this from your parents.” Aylan responded with a wink.

“Yes sir.” She replied as she motioned, zipping her lips after a fake salute.

They changed directions and instead of heading back to the palace, they went towards the desert instead. The Quadrant they were heading towards was the second hottest place in the Quadrants. Home to blacksmiths, dragons, and sand...lots of sand. Aylan picked up speed quickly and Kyra kept close beside him. She was a prodigious student with an innate higher speed, than most Elves have to begin with. Kyra had no problem keeping up with him, at his current pace, but he still had years more training and speed under his belt.

Together they ran quickly as if they were the wind between the trees. Unnoticed by anyone else and undetected, by even elven ears...but they were seen by one person and one person only a figure watching them from the Palace Area. There was nothing that this one person couldn’t see, in the realm of the Quadrants. Their eyes were focused on one person..the Princess, Kyra.

“Keep running, Princess, you’re on the path now. Soon enough, you’ll run into the one who will help you escape.”A wide smile formed under the hood. “I’ll see you when the time comes.”

Another person was looking out, over her balcony from beyond the Sacred Grove just gazing across the entire quadrant.”This group is very different from the previous. Kyra is so much younger now. She’ll be a little more hard headed but still a malleable student. She hasn’t had her heartbroken and if I know the spiritual warrior, she won’t have to worry until the end of the journey.”

Kyra and Aylan made it to the edge of the Quadrant and just stared at the desert. The cool air penetrated their clothing as the desert itself was cooling off. In the distance roars of beasts could be heard and they weren’t happy sounding at all. A bellowing free form of fire shot into the air, from multiple locations at once.

“What is that, Uncle?” Kyra asked quizzically.

“Those are the beasts of Quadrant One’s desert. The fire breathing dragons living in the Blacklands.” He replied. “The Blacklands are named for the burnt ground, that stretches for miles, where the dragons have warred against each other and burned the desert, supposedly. Rumor has it; there are beasts below the sand called hybrids composed of Arenians and dragons combined with magic, unlike the Pyrenians in Quadrant Five who are descendants of the Dragon Gods themselves.”

“The Dragon Gods?” Kyra responded in curiosity.

“We’ll save that lesson for the house.” Aylan retorted. “Time to head home, Princess.”

Kyra was staring at the sky at the stars. The stars weren’t obscured by the trees of the Sacred Grove. She didn’t have to climb the trees to see them..she could stand here and look up at the sky, without a problem. “Just another minute, please?”

“Of course.” Aylan smiled. “When I left for the war, I found myself enamored with the stars, as well. How bright they were when they weren’t hidden behind the leaves. There was so much more to see. I, truly, do understand your perspective, Kyra.” He placed his hand on her shoulder and looked up with her.

“I wish you would have told me sooner.” Kyra replied not looking away from the sky. Her eyes fixated on them.

“I’m not supposed to encourage this path because you have duties and responsibilities, as a Princess. I understand that you’re more than just a princess but it’s always been: the royal duties come before your own plans.” Aylan explained to her. “As your protector, I have to see you through this. As your Uncle, I want to see you happy and that's all I want for you.” Together, they stared a little longer and right before their eyes a shooting star passed by in the sky. Aylan patted her shoulder,"  Make a wish, Princess Kyra, it’s an Arenian tradition.”

Kyra closed her eyes and thought to herself, I wish I could be free. Her wish would soon come true..just not how she wanted it to.

“Come on.” Aylan said quietly.

“Don’t you want to know what I wished for?” Kyra asked.

“Tradition states you shouldn’t tell anyone. I can assume though.”He said smiling. “I hope it comes true.”

Kyra smiled back at him with a few tears in her eyes. This was their first time really connecting as a family, in a long time. Since, he became her protector more and less of her Uncle. This was a bond she always wanted back with him. “Let’s go home, Uncle.”

“You got it, Princess.” He knelt down facing away from her,"  For old times sake?”

She laughed to herself,"  For new times.” She hopped on his back. “Onward!” She shouted playfully.

“HOLD ON TIGHT!” Aylan responded, as he took off at full speed with her on his back. He knew that she was a teenager now but she was still his niece. He still wanted to look after her as much as he could and take care of her even with her parents being her primary caretakers. As for Aylan, he didn’t have his own children, but he treated her like his own daughter.

It didn’t take long with him running at top speed to return to the Sacred Grove in a more timely manner. He stopped at the tree next to her room and let her down. He held his hands out to her,"  Bow, quiver, and daggers.”

Kyra hugged him instead,"  Thanks Uncle.”

He wrapped his arms around her,"  You’re welcome, Kyra.”

She released him from the hug and took off what he asked for and climbed the tree back to her bedroom. Aylan climbed the tree and hung her belongings back in the ‘secret’ spot of the tree she kept them in.

He placed his finger over his lips and mouthed to her,"  Good night.”

She followed his lead and mouthed,"  Good night”, back to him.

Kyra quickly changed behind the wall after Aylan left the tree. She put her night clothes back on and got in the bed. A sweet smile on her lips as she fell asleep on her bed. She had a peaceful look on her face for the first time in a while.

Aylan walked in the front door of the Elven Palace and immediately was met by his brother, the King. Rolling his eyes he turned back towards the door and tried to leave.

“Where are you going, brother?” The King asked.

“Patrolling,"  Aylan said with a sigh.

“Come now, tell me about what Kyra did this evening.” The King stated.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, brother. She’s been in her bed the entire time tonight.” Aylan said sternly.

“Cut the shit, Aylan. I checked on her myself, earlier. You’ve been gone for hours and you smell like Suisha’s Bar and Grill.''He replied putting his arm around Aylan’s back and onto his shoulder. “You know, lying to your King can be seen as an act of treason.”

Aylan shook his head,"  That’s low, brother.”

“I’m just messing with you. I know she left and I know you went after her. Tell me what is it she wanted tonight?” The King asked calmly.

“Freedom.” Aylan responded bluntly.

The King sighed and got quiet before talking again,"  You two have a lot in common.”

“We do. I understand her desires.”Aylan stated. “She feels stuck.”

“She has responsibilities as the Princess of the Sacred Grove. Kyra just can’t leave because she wants to.” The King retorted. “You know better than anyone since you had responsibilities, as a Prince.”

“Stop, that’s come and gone. You have the reins of this Quadrant now and I never wanted to be King. Why do you think I stepped down to let you have it? I don’t have the heart for politics, only a head for battle.” Aylan replied.

“Point is; you had the same responsibilities, as she does, and you left them. You wanted to see the outside world so you joined a war to escape. Who does that?” The King asked.

“People who feel there is no other path for them, brother. You never understood that about me, understand it about your daughter.” Aylan said angrily. “Get over your position and be her father.”

Kyra was unable to sleep for long, before she started hearing the argument going down on the floor below her. She crept out of her bedroom and stood at the top of the stairs leading down to the front door where she watched them argue. Her uncle was advocating for her to be herself and her father was insisting she be a Princess. It’s not a sight she expected to see but if anything, tonight told her Aylan was on her side, it was this and teaching her about Quadrant One. Kyra began walking down the stairs when she felt a tug on her arm.

Her mother pulled on her arm to get her attention. “Back to bed, my child. Let them deal with this.” She said with a soft smile.

“Yes, mother,"  Kyra replied.

Her mother escorted her back to the bedroom and sat down beside her on the bed. “They do this a lot about many topics. Lately, it’s been about you. Your uncle sees your need for outside experience. Your father is hard headed to the bone. He wants you to be the best Princess and give up your freedom as he did for the Royal Lineage.”

“Great, two sets of shoes to try to fill.” Kyra said sarcastically. “Where do you fall, mother?”

“I fall in between both, my sweet daughter. I think to be the best Princess, you need to see the world. To see what others are doing in the Quadrants. To see what you can learn from our neighboring areas and what you can teach them. What you can bring back to the people of Quadrant Two to make it better for them all.” The Queen answered.

Kyra smiled at her mother,"  I think that’s actually doable. Finally, a request that seems plausible. I never was intending to remain gone, I just want to see and do more than I can do here.”

“I see no problem with that, Kyra.” She kissed her forehead,"  Now get some rest, my child. I'll stop this.”

“I’ll try, mother.” Kyra replied.

The Queen made her way down stairs to see the two brother’s still arguing about Kyra and made her presence known. “Knock it off, both of you.”

“My Queen.” Aylan replied as he knelt to her.

“Get up. We’ve known each other longer than that and I won’t have you bowing to me, Aylan.” She rolled her eyes,"  And you husband.”

“Uh-oh.” The King said to himself. “Yes, dear?”

“Stop pushing your decisions on our daughter. You both have this same fight almost word for word, every time she sneaks out; it’s getting old.” She yelled at them. “Both of you need to listen to one another...and listen to Kyra. She’s growing up before your eyes and before you know it, she’ll be gone and old enough to make her own decisions. Either get on board with her or get out of her way because she’ll decide what she wants to do when the time comes.”

“Until it’s her decision, she’ll follow the role of Princess. As is her duty to her people.” The King retorted.

“SHE NEVER INTENDED NOT TO!” She shouted at him. “You seem to think she’s abandoning ship when what she wants is a little freedom to choose. She wants to learn more. She wants to explore.” The Queen replied.

“Yes ma’am.”The King responded with a deep sigh.

“Aylan, go to your quarters and rest. She’ll need your protection tomorrow morning as she will be out greeting the people.”

“Yes, my Queen.” He responded. Aylan headed back outside using the front door and began making his way home.

“Now my husband. Let’s go to bed.” She stated.

“Of course.” The King replied feeling defeated by his loving wife.

Together, they walked back up the stairs and into their bedroom; where they laid down beside each other and covered up. Kyra had returned to sleep relatively quickly after her mother left and heard them all get put in their place before passing out. Aylan made it back to his home in a few minutes and went to sleep as well. It had been a long night for him as a protector not to mention the emotional drama.

Night had come to an end and the morning was here. Birds chirping in the trees next to the window and the sun's blazing brightness entering through the opening, in a blinding fashion. Kyra placed her hand in front of her face and got up from the bed. She closed the curtains and crawled back in the bed grasping her body pillow by wrapping her arms and legs around it tightly. She fell asleep again, for a moment, when she felt something tickling the back of her neck. She swatted at it trying to push it away as it kept coming back. “Stop it.” She grunted quietly. “I’m trying to sleep.” She swatted at it again.

A vine had crept its way into her room..but it didn’t do that by itself. Below the window was Aylan who had manipulated its growth and was controlling it with Botanokinesis. He laughed to himself as he could hear her grunting about it bothering her.

She rolled over after a few moments of swatting at it to see that it was a vine. A vine. She thought as she tugged on it to see if it would come up but as she tugged, it tugged back. “I’M UP! GEEZ!”She shouted.

“About time.” Aylan replied with a chuckle. “Morning Princess.”

“Sometimes, I really dislike you.” She responded.

“I need you to get dressed. We’re going out on the town today, Princess. One of your so-called duties is calling.”  Aylan relayed the order to her.

“Alright.” Kyra sighed. “Be down soon.”

“I’ll be downstairs.” Aylan said as he entered the front door to the palace.

Kyra looked around her room and saw a white flowing dress with green and trim and gold leaf imagery. She sighed, as she looked at it, not being one for dresses but knew it was what she had to do. She slipped out of her pajamas, which was just a t-shirt and shorts, and walked over to the dress in her underwear. She put stockings on and threw the dress on after them. While she wasn’t comfortable, she would try to make it work.

She came out of the bedroom and walked down the stairs, barefoot. She didn’t like high heels in general but especially on stairs. She held the shoes in her hand by the strap as she came down the stairs. “What?” She said as Aylan was staring at her.

“You just look royal for a change and it’s quite a shock. Also, the shoes.” He laughed.

“I’m not hurting myself to wear these down stairs. Since we’re in the safety of my own home, the least I can do is not wear shoes.” Kyra replied.

“True enough, Princess. Please hurry, we’re on a meet and greet schedule.” Aylan retorted.

“Yes, sir.” Kyra responded with a fake salute.

She slid her dress up some and placed her leg on the railing of the stairs then put one high heel on. She did the same thing with the other somehow maintaining her balance for someone who hated heels.

“Impressive.” Aylan stated.

“Shut up.” Kyra said with a laugh. “I have a little balance.”

Aylan laughed to himself and smiled at her,"  Come, we need to start our rounds. You have people to meet and greet with.”

“I’m coming.” Kyra responded to him.

Together they made their way into the more populated location of the Sacred Grove, the pond. Kyra met with dozens of people in the area and greeted them. Most of which she had literally met several times before. This was one instance where she didn’t understand why this was one of her duties still; she had already met before. These were the same people who lived in the Quadrant, that she had to make appearances for, at this point. After a few hours of shaking hands, saying hello, and asking how people were; she took her shoes off and stuck her feet in the water.

“That was a long time of meeting people I've already met.” Kyra said to herself quietly.

A very soft faced and young elf with bright green eyes approached Kyra from behind,"  You know, your duties aren’t that hard, Kyra.” She spoke.

“They sure are tedious though and it feels like today has gone on forever... it just started.” Kyra turned around,"  At least I didn’t have to meet and greet you, Aerya.”

“Haha.”She laughed,"  Hi Princess, I’m Aerya Lamaira.” She said with a smile on her face.

“I’m Kyra Ryanne Tearny, Princess of the Sacred Grove. It’s quite a pleasure to meet you, Aerya Lamaria.” Kyra sighed deeply.

“I just wanted to mess with you, Kyra. I hope all is well.” She replied, sincerely.

“I’m fine...as usual. Just the same things bothering me. I want to get out of here and travel but I keep hearing; you have duties as a Princess.” Kyra rolled her eyes, "It’s getting old.” She replied, sounding like her mother.

“I understand..but what are your duties as a Princess?” She asked, confused.

“Truthfully, it feels like whatever they say. Meeting people, shaking hands, dressing nice, and I guess inspiring people.” Kyra responded.

“Don’t forget having etiquette and grace,"  Aylan added.

“Oh yes, and being followed by every loyal protector and uncle wherever I go.”Kyra stated.

“Come now, it’s time for your archery practice Princess. Aerya, will you be joining us today?” Aylan asked.

“I’m sorry, I can’t today. I have to run to Uoren to visit some family for a few days. I’d rather do that, though.” Aerya said with a big smile on her face. “I’ll take my leave and see you in a few days.” She waved to them as she turned around making her way towards Uoren.

“BE CAREFUL, AERYA.” Kyra shouted to her.

“I WILL.” She shouted back.

“We should get going, Princess.” Aylan offered her his hand.

Kyra gripped his hand and stood up out of the Sacred Grove pond. “I’m not putting these back on.”

Aylan laughed for a moment and agreed after seeing her stumble too many times to count throughout the day. “That’s fine. I have a change of clothes for you at the practice spot.”

“Thought of everything didn’t you, Uncle?” Kyra said, raising her right eyebrow at him. “All the answers for every question.”

“Not at all, just enough answers for some questions.” He replied.

She picked her shoes up off the ground and held them in her hands, while removing her feet from the water. “I’m ready.”

Aylan pointed towards the direction with his head and eyes. He was trying to keep it more secret from everyone else. He didn’t want or need people wandering into their training ground for her archery practice. He just didn’t want anyone to get hurt from wandering into the area blindly or trying to catch up with them.

Kyra walked behind him, with her high heels in hand, as she felt the ground and leaves beneath her. The way the dirt pushed against her heels and toes. How the leaves crunched beneath her feet. She knew this was her home and felt at home but she’d always wanted more. To feel the sands of Quadrant One within her palm and beneath her feet. The snowy ground of Quadrant Three. Quadrant Four’s lush jungle foliage and trees. She was definitely not interested in being burned by the lava of Quadrant Five but she was still interested in seeing it.

All she had to do was escape the trees of Quadrant Two, but as of right now she had no chance of escaping. Between her parents, Aylan, and the rest of Quadrant Two she was stuck in a prison that was her home. How would she ever escape? She had two people on her side that she knew of but both, Aylan and her mother, wanted her to stay here, at least a bit longer.

“Uncle, what’s in Quadrant Three?” She asked bluntly.

“Mountains and cold weather. A possible mythical compound owned by a master of cryomancy. Three clans of swordsmen. Currently there is a civil war going on in their quadrant. One clan is divided into two parts: separatists and loyalists.” Aylan responded quickly and concisely.

“”How do you know what’s going on so clearly there?” Kyra asked, confused.

“I keep tabs on everything, after the war. I learned about carrier birds from a woman named Dez in Quadrant One. I have a few contacts around the Quadrants except in Five, which you can guess why. Quadrant One, I keep up with a man named Lei. He’s a blacksmith of the highest caliber. Quadrant Two, I patrol it so I know it. Quadrant Three, a swordsman named Sage who has come down with an illness, tells me about what is ongoing there. Quadrant Four, a young man named Dion who is roughly in his late twenties, has a baby on the way.” Aylan explained to her.

“Geez Uncle, you are so nosey.” Kyra said playfully.

“They just volunteer information, I can’t stop it,"  He laughed. “Just a little further.”

A few more minutes of walking because of Kyra’s dress they made it to the secret area of the Sacred Grove...which was just on the other side of the waterfall. It wasn’t a total secret either way, it was the training ground for royalty. There were dozens of targets set up in the trees and sections for close range archery and knife throwing.

“Kyra, I'm going to teach you a new ability. I know you’ve seen me do it but I need you to know that; it's only a technique of the Royal Family. It’s a much more deadly and exact version of the Multi-Arrow. The normal technique itself is blue but ours is stronger and green. If trained properly, you can maneuver it with your energy making it a homing arrow.” Aylan explained to her.

“I always thought Multi-Arrow was a bit of a crutch, myself but it does save arrows. This version sounds like a bigger crutch in my opinion.” Kyra stated.

“Unless you're proficient enough to use it, it’ll drain you a lot in the beginning. You definitely don’t need it to be a good archer or proficient, but you’ll need it if you ever end up being Queen, it’s part of the inauguration. I’ll teach you to do it even if you only really need it once. I just want you to be prepared should you ever need it.”

“I understand, better safe than sorry. I’ll master it as well.” She replied.

“Meet me back here after you change and we’ll get started.” Aylan responded.

“Yes sir,"  she said.

Kyra went to the changing stall in the area. She kept clothes in the stall so she could change when necessary. A green uniform with golden leaves embroidered into the chest and legs. A heavier chest piece with similar markings, shin guards, forearms and a pair of boots. They made sure she was protected for her training. It took her roughly ten minutes to get on all of her armor followed by her quiver. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and headed outside.

“You’ve got a new bow, now. We are upgrading your arsenal. This bow is combat ready and slightly armored with reinforced bow string and a durable leather handle. Go ahead and get a feel for it.” Aylan said, handing her the bow.

Kyra accepted it and started feeling all the intricacies of the bow. The grip was soft yet durable, as he said. She pulled back on the bow string and while it felt easier to pull back and sturdier, she liked the feel of it. Why he said combat ready she’d never know, though. She thought all bows were combat ready. This one did feel more made for battle, maybe Aylan knew more than he was letting on.

“Tell me Uncle, what makes this bow combat ready and this bow not combat ready?” Kyra asked bluntly while raising both of them.

“Just the added protection but you’re right, the bow is always combat ready. Your old bow isn’t as protected as the new one. This one is stronger in material and thus has stronger durability.” Aylan explained to her.

“I understand better now.” She replied with her head nodding.

“Glad to hear that, Kyra, it’s time to begin.” Aylan stated.

Kyra began her training on her own at first while adjusting to the new weight of her bow. It wasn’t heavy but it was slightly heftier than her old one. The elven bow shined like a gem in her hand. She smiled and began shooting targets on the trees starting with the ones in the back. She reached into her quiver and prepped a shot waiting on Aylan.

“Shoot!”He yelled.

Kyra began running fast through the small field and firing arrows in rapid succession from her bow; making sure she didn’t hit closer targets. She aimed only between the trees as she ran hitting her mark or at least the target each time. On her return trip, she hit the closer tree targets, nailing them on her first attempt. She slid back across the starting point and put her bow back on her back.

“How’d I do?” She asked.

“Nearly perfect, as you always do lately,"  Aylan replied.

“Nearly?” She asked, confused.

“You got a little droopy on one of your shots. Not a big deal at all, you hit the target but it’s lower than the others.” Aylan responded.

“I’ll have to work on that.” Kyra stated with confidence.

“Collect your arrows and run it four more times.” He commanded. “You’ll get better, too.”

“Yes sir.”

Kyra ran to the trees where her arrows were and grabbed them from each tree. She returned to her post and began again. This went on for half an hour, with her speed, as she flew through the training at his mark. One of her shots was always droopy.

“Kyra, you’re not pulling the same strength each time. Don’t take it wrong, you’re doing wonderfully, my niece. You need to pull it back the same way you do, for the others. Feel the bow string tightening in your fingertips as you pull it back. Remember the feeling of it and continue. One more time and then we’ll move on.” Aylan spoke in a comforting tone.

“I’m trying my best, Uncle. I think I need more than one try.” Kyra was slightly disappointed in herself and that same droopy shot. She wasn’t sure how feeling the tension was supposed to help her while she was running. It was about being quick and hitting the target which she did. She was disappointed and slightly frustrated with herself.

She made her final pass for this training. Kyra took a deep breath and pulled the bow back out. She placed an arrow in her fingers and pulled back feeling the tension more, noticing it instead of just pulling back. She slowed down a bit but was still going fast. She hit every shot in the back row on the bull’s eye. She ran back across and hit every bull’s eye on the front row. She kept in mind how it felt and remembered the feeling. Kyra slid back into the starting position.

“Perfect, Kyra. Damn, perfect.” Aylan exclaimed loudly as he was proud of his niece. She had finally hit them all.

Kyra took a deep breath and exhaled deeply. “I understand more of what you said now. I just needed to slow down a moment and focus on the tension. I think I can increase my speed again with practice.” Sweat rolled down her face as she caught her breath.

“You’ll get it.” Aylan reached into a small cooler and pulled out a bottle of water from the Sacred Grove pond that had been chilled. “Here you are, drink this.” He said, handing it to her.

Kyra grabbed the bottle from him and stuck it on her face, trying to cool off before opening it and taking a big swig out of it. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. When you’re ready to begin, let me know.” Aylan added sitting down on a bench close by.

Kyra walked over to the bench and sat down next to him. “Uncle, I have a question and I don’t want you to tell my parents about it.” She took another drink.

“What is it, Kyra?” Aylan asked curiously.

“What would it take for me to get out of the Quadrant?” Kyra said quietly to him.

“Truthfully, Kyra: war.”

She looked over at him, "Is that it?”

“Yes, but I don’t want you going to war.” He sighed,"  I’m not a good example of someone who wanted to stay here. When we sealed off the Quadrant from Arenians and everyone else, I was fully against it. They thought it was the best and I wasn’t even heard.” Aylan explained.

“Why did they seal the area off?” Kyra asked.

“So they didn't have to deal with the outside world. I only stayed because my family was here and my home was too. War has a way of pushing agendas in politics, they use it as an excuse. We fought the Underworld...not each other and not Arenians. Cutting us off from the outside world was a bad decision. We’re advancing ourselves but have a stagnant way of thinking about the world.”

Kyra could feel her Uncle’s resentment towards their leadership and decisions here. She didn’t know if it was aimed at her father and mother or not but knew it was about politics more than the people. She knew he cared about the place by the way he taught her and others. He protected everyone by patrolling the borders but was it really what he wanted to do? “Uncle, what do you want to do?” She finally responded.

Aylan looked at her before answering,"  Look after you, teach you, and pass on what I know to someone who feels like I do.” He picked up her hand gently and held it between his own,"  You are the future, Kyra, you can be the bridge between us and the rest of the world.”

She was taken back by his statement,"  Is that really how you feel?”

“It is, I want the world for you, Kyra.” Aylan replied seriously and softly. “We should get back to training.”

Kyra found it hard to get back to training after hearing that from Aylan. She was surprised and happy about it but she couldn’t really tell anyone, only able to talk to him about her plans. Her life had changed along with her outlook on her uncle, in a couple of days. She had finally realized; how much alike they actually were. It was probably why they butted heads about certain topics even though they agreed, they couldn’t agree on the execution of the plans. She was young and he was very much set in his way as a few centuries old elf. Yet, he was still the one who was more open to the world.

“Next is that special multi-arrow I was telling you about when we began. You have the power, you have the aim, and you know the original skill. Let’s see if you can manage the Royal variant. All you have to do is; focus on it more. You’d think anyone could do this but so far it's only been seen in Royal Family members.” He shrugged,"  I’m not sure why.”

“Great explanation,"  Kyra said sarcastically.

“Meh.” He shrugged again. “That's all I got. Now do it.” He said sternly with a sarcastic tone.

“Alright. Alright.” Kyra retorted.

She stood up from the bench and drew back her bow. Kyra concentrated on her multi-arrow technique as the arrow lit up with blue energy around, as she did; she kept in mind that he said only the Royal Family could do it. The color went teal, then aqua, then cyan, and finally began showing signs of more green.

“You’re doing it, Kyra.” Aylan encouraged her, excitedly.

“Stop. Talking. You’re messing with my concentration.” She replied with sweat dripping down her face and around her eyes from her forehead.

The arrow lit up bright green and she let it loose. As it flew past the target in front it broke into several pieces, all green with energy. She kept an eye on it and saw it was going off course from the distant target and willed it to come back. The few arrows veered to the left and stuck into the target, the other couple pierced into the trees and disappeared. She did it..to a degree.

“You managed to do it on your first attempt. Your skills are coming along quite nicely.” Aylan congratulated her.

“Thanks for the compliment. You were right though, that really does drain your energy.” She replied.

“We’ll head home for the night. This was your intro into the skill. I didn’t want the meet and greet to rule your time today and I know you love archery. That's why I brought you here afterwards.” Aylan explained to her.

“I really do appreciate that Uncle.” She said with a weak smile being exhausted from the Royal Multi-Arrow. “Can you hand me that water bottle?” She asked politely.

“Of course.” Aylan grabbed the bottle and handed it to her.

“Thank you.”

Kyra took a drink from her bottle and felt energized, at least enough to get home. The night had crept up on them and the sky was darkened. Clouds were rolling in from the west and thunder boomed loudly overhead. The rain began pouring down smelling like salt water. Kyra looked up and let the rain splash her face.

“Come on…” Aylan sniffed the air and rain. “That smells like blood.”

“You did say there was a civil war going on in the next quadrant over. This storm came from that direction so it’s probably just carrying the smell with it.” Kyra shrugged, at least she thought it made sense.

“Either way, we should get back to the house and get out of this storm.” Aylan announced to her.

“I just so happen to like the rain.” Kyra stated.

“Yeah, but your dress doesn’t.” He explained to her.

“Oh right.” She stuck her tongue out at him. “I honestly forgot about it.” Kyra walked back into the changing room and grabbed the dress and stuffed it into the dress bag that her current clothes came out of. She tightened the straps to keep it from getting wet and flipped her hood on.

“Ready to go, Kyra?” He asked.

“I am. Can we take our time?” She wondered.

“Sure. Just be careful with the dress.” Aylan replied.

“I will.” Kyra responded with a shrug, uncaring about what just happened with it.

Together they headed back home while Kyra danced in the rain by herself. Aylan was keeping a close eye on her, as well. She was just enjoying herself for a change. The rain seemed to have invigorated her more than the rejuvenation properties from the pond. She really just loved the rain.

Forty-five minutes later they would make it home for dinner and to rest for the night. Tomorrow, they would begin anew with training and continue where they left off. For now, Kyra would rest her mind and body willfully thinking about what lay on the outside of her quadrant and her dreams of escaping the boundaries.

She slept through the night having vivid dreams of mountains with swordsmen battling each other. The clanging of swords in her mind made her ears twitch. One specifically kept catching her eye: a young man with black hair pulled back into a ponytail with heavy octagonal armor. His gray eyes narrowed and focused on his objective while his sword was glowing with power. The blade swung, as if right before her eyes, and the energy flew through the air. She woke up as it was in her face.

Who is he? She thought before going back to sleep with her body wrapped around her big pillow. Kyra was very interested in who this man was and how he could do what he did? She wondered what his destiny was and how she could meet him to learn more about the outside world.

What she didn’t know was that her dreams were being manipulated by an outside force. A sorceress sleeping in the palace where Majz Ical was. The dream was a mental projection of Quadrant Three’s ongoing battles, sent to her by a sorceress. The Sorceress was reaching out the only way that she knew how: through dreams. Now up to Kyra to find out what she could about this; literal man of her dreams.