Date: Yithi 9th, 1590 - Before The Long Stillness
Training began at dawn, the sun rising high above the mountains. I made my way down to the training courtyard.
The palace walls were cold, only reminding me of how much I ached for the warm clay homes of Paesuna, how the heat would hang in the air.
Instead it was brisk and sharp against my skin.
As I walked down to the courtyard, I stopped by the kitchen, or rather, my stomach decided to stop me.
Sertha stood by the stove. I walked over to her and quietly asked, “Can I have some breakfast?”
She looked at me and smiled, “Yes, of course, child.” Handing me a plate of food piled high with bacon and lyn berry bread.
I ate it so fast I may as well have inhaled it.
I walked down the corridor and out into the training yard. Kathera was already standing in the field, practicing lunges with her wooden sword while Castor watched.
“Foot back further,” He tapped her back foot.
She adjusted, nodding.
“Breath is a spiral, Kathera; life and breath are what a fight is made out of. You must breathe through the lunge to give it power. Again.”
She lunged again, this time with more power.
I walked up silently; I wasn’t late; they must have just started before me.
Kathera met my eyes and smiled. “Good morning!” Her voice was bright.
Castor turned and faced me. “Let’s get started, get in your stance.”
I moved and began my stance, my legs shaking within moments; narrowing my eyes, I focused my mind. You are stronger than stone, fluid as water, powerful as fire, and sharp as the wind.
I stood, and Kathera lunged for a long time, Castor correcting our stances.
“You can take a break; after that, you will meet with Briar for magic lessons,” Castor said, walking away and nodding to us both.
Kathera broke her stance, beaming. “Want to go get snacks before magic lessons?”
I nodded. “Yes!”
We made our way to the kitchens, walking through the training yard. The grass brushed my ankles.
Silence filled the space between us.
“My parents won’t be too hard on you. You don’t need to be as nervous as you are.” Kathera shrugged as we walked.
“It’s just, honestly, knowing I have to be the one to protect you…” I trailed off, unable to finish.
“Is there a lot of pressure?” Kathera continued.
I hesitated. “Yes”
Kathera nodded. “I understand; lately when I hold a sword, it feels heavier. Like a reminder in my hand of what it will all mean one day.”
I studied her face for a moment. She looked older than she should, her face more serious than I’ve ever seen. Her shoulders shifted downward, as if the world already rested on it. “Exactly.”
“I know it’s hard right now, but I think as we get older it will get easier to carry.” Kathera continued.
I shrugged, my stomach sinking. “I hope so.”
We got to the sunroom for our magic lessons with Briar.
Glass windows surrounded the room, which was so full of plants I had never seen before.
Briar stood in the middle of the room, her smile reaching her eyes.
“Girls, today we are going to learn about different plants,” She smiled, holding a large, thick, leafy plant.
“This species is called ‘Holckvyn’. It can help heal deep cuts when you split it down the middle and apply it to the wound. It is a part of the plant's natural properties.” Briar said, though she didn’t demonstrate.
“Now you will walk around the garden and pick your favorite plant,” Briar instructed.
I began walking around the sunroom. I picked a small yellow flower with a red center.
When we met back in the middle of the room, Briar motioned for us to hand her our chosen plants.
Kathera chose the Rose of Hynitha.
Briar beamed, “Kathera, you already know what that flower means.”
She rocked back and forth on her heels. “I just really believe in the meaning behind it.”
Briar leaned in. “Of course you do.”
She then held up my choice, the yellow flower, small and slightly glowing. “This is the Lily of Kithias. Bringing joy and luck to all who keep it in their home.”
Briar gently handed it back to me. “You already bring so much joy to those around you. It makes sense you picked that.”
I looked down at the tiny symbol of joy. My destiny is to protect, not to bring joy.
But as I stared at the flower, I couldn’t help thinking that maybe protection brings joy.