CHAPTER FIVE
Kuya Zouli took me to the camp’s headquarter and training center. The place was meters away from the camp’s heart. It was filled with training materials and equipments, with obstacles around the ground and some weapons hanging by the sides. It was not the first time I entered the camp’s headquarter. This would probably be the fifth or the sixth time, but I was here before for the reason of bringing packed foods for the trainees.
I patiently waited for Kuya Zouli to spill the reason why I was brought here but he didn’t even talk to me along the way. He was just ignoring me. He would always treat me like I was some kind of dirt in his shoe.
”Morning, Amara!” some greeted me when they saw us walking.
“Morning too! Don’t forget your lunch.” I greeted back. I was like a parrot repeating its words again and again every time we encountered someone along our way to Master Dante’s office.“Will you please stop talking and talking? Just nod to them and everything is great.” Kuya Zouli complained. I didn’t know why he’s mad at me all the time. I remembered nothing that could make him hate me that much.
I just ignored him and continued to greet back.
“So stubborn.” I heard him whispered.
After Kuya Zouli knocked twice in front of his father’s office, he opened the door and let me enter first.
“Good Morning, Master Dante.” I greeted as I entered.
He stood from where he was seated.
“Morning, Amara. I apologize for calling you here.”
“It’s fine with me. No need to apologize.” I said, smiling.
“Please have a seat.” He offered me the seat that was just in front of his table. He then looked at Kuya as if he wanted him to go out from the room.
I went silently to the seat and made myself comfortable. It was made of hard wood.
“I’ll wait outside.” Kuya Zouli said while looking at me. I nodded while telling him okay without making a sound.After the door closed, Master Dante started to speak his concerns.
“I know it’s just been only two months after what happened back in your town. But we need you to start preparing yourself for the war that we are facing, not just mentally but also physically, Amara.” he explained.
I knew how hard it was for him to say those, as I could clearly see in his eyes and the way his voice hesitated that he was having a hard time.
“What do you mean by that, Master Dante?” I asked.
“We want you to undergo physical training. You need to learn how to protect yourself from danger. You need to practice how to fight and how to use weapons, Amara. There will be a time that you’ll face death alone, and no one will protect you except for yourself.” he explained with so much concerns in his voice.
I also thought of that every time I saw women training in the field. They were running, shooting and fighting. And now that Master Dante mentioned it, this might be the right time. I don’t want to be a burden anymore.
”I understand, Master Dante.”
Starting from that day, I visited the headquarter everyday not to bring packed foods but to undergo training.
“Zouli here will assist you for the whole duration of the training. He will guide you along your training sessions. You can count on him, Amara.” Those were the words of Master Dante during my very first day as a trainee in the headquarter. I was very nervous during those times up until now.
“Aw!” I yelped. I was pushed to the ground by Kuya Zouli.
“It was just a light push yet you fell like a child.” He claimed while standing and looking down on me. He never went easy on me. He was harsh and becoming harsher and harsher each day.
“I was not yet ready!” I complained as I gathered myself to stand.
“You must be ready all the time. Your enemy will not wait for you until you’re ready. Understand?!” he said without remorse.
“You’re so mean..” I whined.
“Stop making cute face and go back to your stance. I am not buying it.” He said with finality.
Every after training, my whole body would ache like hell. I would get bruised around and Aunt Agatha would complain all the time.
“Can you just skip this training, Amara? You look like you’re being tortured. Look at your arms, it’s swelling.” Aunt Agatha would always react like that every night. She was with her herbal poultice.
“It’s fine, Aunt Agatha. It will heal in no time.” I assured her. It was always been fascinating that my healing time was faster than the normal. My mother learned about it when I was around two or three. My scratches would heal overnight and it would leave no scar or any sign that I was injured from yesterday. The wound that I got in my arm from the royal guards’ arrow also left no trace.
“Okay, you win.” Kuya Zouli announced after his sword was thrown away from his grip while the end of my sword was pointing at his throat. It was our last sparring practice for the day and I finally won a battle against him.
“Finally!” I exclaimed as I was raising up my arms in midair, still holding my sword. I was so happy. It was a fulfilling feeling after all the struggles.
After months of training, I could say that I improved my skills. I strived hard every day just to prove everyone that I could do more than just packing food, more than just being my father’s daughter.
The plan to attack the palace and reclaim the crown was made. It took everyone years of hiding and preparing to get to this point. Spies were already placed in the palace and from time to time they were giving us updates. People of the Calla Empire were suffering from theft and corruption. The poor became poorer and the rich became richer. The amount of slavery increased over the years of exploitation. And it was all upsetting.
“You will disguise as one of the new cooks. Pack this with your things.” Kuya Zouli handed me a white apron with the royal symbol embroidered at its center. It was a peacock.
“Stop worrying and have a good sleep tonight. Things will get rough for the following days.”
He advised before leaving me in my room. Days like this would always soften Kuya Zouli’s heart. He truly cared for me but he was just shy of showing it..
Tomorrow, our quest of bringing Augustos’ reign into dust will begin. A week from now, a large festivity will be held at the palace. It will be Princess Zahriya Calla’s twentieth birthday, Augustos’ daughter, and it will be perfect for our grand entrance.
CHAPTER SIXA grand wall made of hard rocks amused me upon reaching the marvelous Calla Palace. The wall was high, it was mighty and intimidating. It was exactly what my mother described. It screamed power and royalty.Royal guards were guarding at the entrance of the main gate and people outside it were busy. The main gate was filled with gold and silver. A large peacock was engraved at its center. Flags were also spread outside.“Identification, please.” One of the guards asked me as I approached close to the gate.“Faisa Montanier of Malieth, one of the newly hired cooks for the event.” I stated as I handed them the royal document that proves that I was truly summoned inside the palace, alongside with the folded apron that Kuya Zouli gave me few nights ago.Our group scattered around, we planned to enter the palace at different times. Some of us were al
CHAPTER SEVEN“Surprised?” the princess, who was really a witch, uttered. She then laughed wickedly and it sounded annoying to the ears.“How-“ that was the only word that came out from my lips. I was cut short after three royal guards came to me. They were armored and were holding swords.I looked back to where Master Dante was. He fell on his knees with his blood still dropping. Our members were with him, kneeling and all were badly injured. Augustos’ men were encircling them and pointing their swords towards their head.“Arrest her!” the wicked witch ordered her men.I breathed in and out. I charged my strength onto my hand blade. I should trust myself. I trained for months.The first guard tried to strike me with his sword. I barely escaped his first attempt and on his second I managed to make a cut some
CHAPTER EIGHTI closed my eyes tightly, waiting for something to happen. Our nose touched. His breathing caressed my pale skin. It was tickling but I kept up with it. His lips were moist and soft, like the muffins at our bakery store. It was warm but the light touch immediately sent chills down to every bit of my being. My heart went insane. It was pounding like crazy. I forbade myself from breathing for the moment. I remained unmoving for a second or two before deciding to press mine to his a little bit deeper. T-this should be enough, right? No need to m-move, right?“The bride finally kissed the Goblin!”Excitements and joy filled the four corners of the room. It was like a dream come true for them. But after another couple of seconds, nothing seemed to happen. I withdrew from the kiss. I finally was able to gasp a pinch of air. His eyes were still closed, his handsome face remained
CHAPTER NINEAs soon as the cells were opened, we ran our way out. The assigned guards to the underground prison were still sleeping heavily. Augustos was still unaware of our breakout. Together with the old captives and the rest of the campers, we climbed up the walls and made it to the forest.This must be the forest where Mother and Aunt Agatha run to escape the palace and save our lives.Fafaniya was still flying beside me. She was glowing in the dark like those fireflies in the woods, except for her shining dusts. The night breeze was cold and the forest was filled with mist coming from above.Amethyst who was struggling from her injured leg was being supported by my petite body. Her arm was p
CHAPTER TENFate was really unpredictable and playful. In just a snap of a finger, things went from dark to light, left to right and death to life. We were saved from doom. A prince with his shining armor came to the scene and made a beautiful entrance. Just like how his beautiful white horse stood on the ground with might, he was walking with ease and appeal.All I knew was – I was swept off from my feet, riding the white horse with him at my back.“You are safe now, Amara.” His words were like feathers on my ears.I was confused yet my eyes still managed to find its way to where the Goblin was. He was truly in deep pain. I could see it. I didn’t know but I could also feel it. He was still kneeling, groaning in pain and anger.“I promise to find you. By then, I will never hesitate to take your life away.”His voice w
CHAPTER ELEVEN“Amara, you forgot about this.” Amethyst handed me a mask.The mask would only cover half of the wearer’s face, including the forehead and the area surrounding the eyes. It was a masquerade mask. It was shaped like those butterfly wings. It was crafted from silver, with crystal beads designed at its corners and a black sun with four rays at the upper center. It has a lace at both ends.“Who owns it?” Amethyst asked curiously.“The Goblin’s.” I mumbled shyly as I received it. It was made of hard material and a little bit rough yet it looked so classy in a manly manner.“Let’s go.” I added hurriedly.I didn’t want to talk about how it ended up with me. I didn’t want to turn i
CHAPTER TWELVEMy hands rested over his shoulders while his were on my waist. Trying not to ruin the rhythm and fun, my head let him guide and lead the tempo.He was maneuvering my every move and I did nothing but to obey and follow. I knew this was not right but my body and words were betraying me.I wanted to stop but I couldn’t. I tried to control my actions but it only made my head ached. Fafaniya was stopping me and she even did some pinching to my ear but she only ended up being ignored by me.“My bad. I forgot to introduce myself, my lady.” he uttered as he removed his one hand from my waist and instead held on to my hand in order to spin me around, 360 degrees.And when I faced him again, he revealed his name.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN“Where are you taking me?!” I asked panicking.We were still up in the sky. His wings were real big and fascinating. It spread wide and pure white. He was like an angel fell from above; still encircling his arms around my chest and waist. White tiny ices were still falling and I could feel how it melted against my skin. It was cold so as the wind coming from the night sky.Looking down below, the lights were giving me the best view and the moon was getting closer as we flew farther.“Home. Don’t worry we will land soon, my wife.” he ensured as he tightened his embrace.I held onto his arms. I didn’t want to fall.“Why are you doing this? I will forgive you for snatching me from my friends, just return me to them. And can you please stop calling me that?”“Stop calling
CHAPTER SIXTEEN Our sudden appearance inside the cave made the bats tousled around. My heart jumped and every one of us got surprised. The path was dim with only the light coming from the other end and Fafaniya’s glowing presence. “Gosh!” Fafaniya shrieked. She then hid behind me. “It is fine, Fafaniya. They are already gone.” I assured. The bats flew towards the light, more frightened than us. In the middle of our way to the other end, I finally had the opportunity to change my clothes. “I think I need to change.” I interrupted the group in the middle of the walk. The men simultaneously looked away. Prince Conrad coughed a dry one. “R-Right, it must be uncomfortable.” he said in an awkward tone still not facing me. “We will wait for you outside.” Kuya Zouli agreed. He gave me my knapsack before following Napoleon who was already moving his way outside the cave. Amethyst and Fafaniya accompanied me. When I saw the three gentlemen reached the light and disappeared from our sig
CHAPTER FIFTEENThe Marchans then changed into their angel form. They unfolded their hidden wings and spread it wide and free.“Protect our Mother!” the girl who mixed our blood commanded her kind.They managed to free themselves from Fafaniya’s power.The weather was starting to go insane. The winter snow tripled and the wind blew strong and fast. A squall happened in just a split second.They carried and tried to fly with them the sick old woman they all called Mother but they failed. A strong blow twirled to our direction and it made all of us slammed on the trees, including the Mother.“Woah!” Fafaniya spun in the air like a dry leaf blown by the wind.My back ached from the impact and we all landed on the icy ground.
CHAPTER FOURTEENI woke up at the sound of the horns and the drums. When I opened my eyes, it was already morning, yet the clouds were nimbus and dark gray. It was the sky’s warning that it would rain despite the winter snow.I was lying flat on a cold hard surface. My wrists were tied above my head so as my ankles. I could see how my chest was rising up and down from my petty position.People were scattered around and doing some dancing rituals while chanting unknown languages. Their hairs were decorated with white and black feathers with red stains painted on their faces.I was wearing the same dress from last night. I tried to free my hands from the cuffs but it was useless.“Hey!” I screamed.They started dancing around me. A young girl went to my side. She dipped her fingers in a coconut shell and painted my face with the red liquid lik
CHAPTER FOURTEENI woke up at the sound of the horns and the drums. When I opened my eyes, it was already morning, yet the clouds were nimbus and dark gray. It was the sky’s warning that it would rain despite the winter snow.I was lying flat on a cold hard surface. My wrists were tied above my head so as my ankles. I could see how my chest was rising up and down from my petty position.People were scattered around and doing some dancing rituals while chanting unknown languages. Their hairs were decorated with white and black feathers with red stains painted on their faces.I was wearing the same dress from last night. I tried to free my hands from the cuffs but it was useless.“Hey!” I screamed.They started dancing around me. A young girl went to my side. She dipped her fingers in a coconut shell and painted my face with the red liquid lik
CHAPTER THIRTEEN“Where are you taking me?!” I asked panicking.We were still up in the sky. His wings were real big and fascinating. It spread wide and pure white. He was like an angel fell from above; still encircling his arms around my chest and waist. White tiny ices were still falling and I could feel how it melted against my skin. It was cold so as the wind coming from the night sky.Looking down below, the lights were giving me the best view and the moon was getting closer as we flew farther.“Home. Don’t worry we will land soon, my wife.” he ensured as he tightened his embrace.I held onto his arms. I didn’t want to fall.“Why are you doing this? I will forgive you for snatching me from my friends, just return me to them. And can you please stop calling me that?”“Stop calling
CHAPTER TWELVEMy hands rested over his shoulders while his were on my waist. Trying not to ruin the rhythm and fun, my head let him guide and lead the tempo.He was maneuvering my every move and I did nothing but to obey and follow. I knew this was not right but my body and words were betraying me.I wanted to stop but I couldn’t. I tried to control my actions but it only made my head ached. Fafaniya was stopping me and she even did some pinching to my ear but she only ended up being ignored by me.“My bad. I forgot to introduce myself, my lady.” he uttered as he removed his one hand from my waist and instead held on to my hand in order to spin me around, 360 degrees.And when I faced him again, he revealed his name.
CHAPTER ELEVEN“Amara, you forgot about this.” Amethyst handed me a mask.The mask would only cover half of the wearer’s face, including the forehead and the area surrounding the eyes. It was a masquerade mask. It was shaped like those butterfly wings. It was crafted from silver, with crystal beads designed at its corners and a black sun with four rays at the upper center. It has a lace at both ends.“Who owns it?” Amethyst asked curiously.“The Goblin’s.” I mumbled shyly as I received it. It was made of hard material and a little bit rough yet it looked so classy in a manly manner.“Let’s go.” I added hurriedly.I didn’t want to talk about how it ended up with me. I didn’t want to turn i
CHAPTER TENFate was really unpredictable and playful. In just a snap of a finger, things went from dark to light, left to right and death to life. We were saved from doom. A prince with his shining armor came to the scene and made a beautiful entrance. Just like how his beautiful white horse stood on the ground with might, he was walking with ease and appeal.All I knew was – I was swept off from my feet, riding the white horse with him at my back.“You are safe now, Amara.” His words were like feathers on my ears.I was confused yet my eyes still managed to find its way to where the Goblin was. He was truly in deep pain. I could see it. I didn’t know but I could also feel it. He was still kneeling, groaning in pain and anger.“I promise to find you. By then, I will never hesitate to take your life away.”His voice w
CHAPTER NINEAs soon as the cells were opened, we ran our way out. The assigned guards to the underground prison were still sleeping heavily. Augustos was still unaware of our breakout. Together with the old captives and the rest of the campers, we climbed up the walls and made it to the forest.This must be the forest where Mother and Aunt Agatha run to escape the palace and save our lives.Fafaniya was still flying beside me. She was glowing in the dark like those fireflies in the woods, except for her shining dusts. The night breeze was cold and the forest was filled with mist coming from above.Amethyst who was struggling from her injured leg was being supported by my petite body. Her arm was p