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Chapter Six
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2024-10-29 19:42:56This city was nothing like the last one. In fact, I’d almost confuse it with a trip down an old street in the middle of London - at least the ones I’ve seen in movies. The buildings seemed to be made of something that was similar to bricks, plastered, with stained glass windows on every home. The narrow pathway into the main city square proved to be a bit of a trial. The stones that made the ground beneath me were charcoal in color and by no means were they smooth or laid neatly. In awe of the buildings around me, I must have tripped and stubbed my toes a half dozen times. The boots made it a less painful experience.
The main square was beautiful. There are garden boxes laid about with colorful flowers, the shapes of which I have never seen. The flowers that glowed a little red reminded me of candles, I almost thought that if I touched it I might get burnt. Giggling at the thought my atte
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Day Eight What was that sound? I lean up, creaking in the cot as I do, to try and listen again. It sounded like crashing...and screaming? The candle that Gecko had lit to keep the bugs away was barely surviving in the night, but I was still able to faintly see. I get up and find my way to Corvu, who was sleeping above the blanket. It is a warm night, but I can’t imagine ever sleeping without a blanket myself. I nudge his shoulder gently, “Corvu.” I whisper. His eyes open as if he weren’t sleeping at all and leans up on his elbows. Perhaps I’m a little too close to his personal bubble but the noises concerned me, “I think something’s happening outside.” Without speaking he stands up beside me. Giving him room to go around he walks right up to the window. I’m not sure what he expects to see this l
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As we get closer to the next village, I notice more people on the paths. They’re just not heading in any particular direction.“We’re here, we will just stop for food then keep going.” Corvu states. I nod, but looking around I don’t see any walls, gates or guards. In fact all I see is woodland covered completely in moss. The only thing that wasn’t covered in moss was the dirt path which some ago had turned into mostly sand. I watch Gecko riding in front, looking very excited to be exploring new lands. I put a hand to my chest and felt the amulet sitting beneath my tunic. I can’t believe such a small piece of jewelry causes so many problems. “See that boy?” Corvu asks me, pointing into the forest. I couldn’t see what he was talking about at all. “Look at the boulder.” He says. That’s when I see him. The boy in question looke
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The ride leading out of the village was quiet, but that still didn’t help me feel uneasy around the Skelly. Every now and then they would stop eating moss and look up at me with their dead eyes. If I grew up in a village like this one, I would have moved the first chance I got. Perhaps that’s why Corvu left. Looking at him beside me I wonder if it would be rude to ask why he left the family that loved him. It isn’t my business, it really isn’t.“Why did you leave that village?” Smooth, Tia. I really don’t know how to just butt out. He is momentarily surprised by the question but otherwise he sighs and responds,“Aside from very few others, I was the only one that wasn’t human. I just wanted to be somewhere else where everyone was different.”
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Corvu had spent a little longer than half an hour teaching me how to keep a grip on my sword, but I was otherwise left with more bruises than when I had fallen off that cart last week. I was here for so long already. It meant I had missed a few shifts at work as well, so surely someone would have noticed I was missing by now. It’s not that I expected anyone to come looking for me, I just didn’t want to be forgotten. Maybe I should have tried harder to make more friends. I’d hate to think I’d go completely unnoticed. I do have a good friend, we grew up at the orphanage together. She was adopted though, but we never lost touch. She calls me once a month and visits every few months or so. She lives in New Jersey so the subway ride can be a little long. I miss her.It’s night, and even though we don’t have to worry about Skelly’s anymore I’m still worried a
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Day SeventeenThe next morning when I wake up, I decide to let the boys sleep a little bit longer. I wouldn’t normally venture out on my own like this, but I just wanted some fresh air, and a little extra time to practice.Dawn had barely broken through by the time I got to the back of the lodge where I was only surrounded by our horses under a made up shelter, hay and an empty cart. It was kind of Corvu to get me a rapier to protect myself with. Buckling myself up properly I decide to unsheath it and practice my footwork, lunges and retreats. Corvu told me it was important to keep distance from my opponent but just as important to strike when the opportunity arises. The dry dirt makes small dust clouds as I lunge forward and pull backward. I’m actually starting to enjoy the idea of swordplay, I can also see that my fantasy novels didn’t
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Dusk crept up on us quickly, but Corvu had managed to find the entrance to where the giant dwelled. In front of a huge hole in the middle of a mountain, surrounded by dead vines and ash. This was not a tourist destination. Corvu appears to be emptying a few items from his backpack and replacing them with others. Dismounting the horses, we tie them up beside a distant tree and enter the cave.Corvu has his slingshot in hand, although I don’t imagine this to be as easy as the story of David and Goliath. Either way, it was better than trying to use my rapier against a giant. The cave wasn’t as dark as I expected, there appeared to be bits of light shining through a thick ceiling of vine and mud above us. I wonder how that works? I thought this was a mountain? Perhaps the giant had built it himself.Step by step we get closer to the sound of hummi
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By the time I’ve picked up enough wood, Corvu and Gecko have made their way to me. I’ve become used to picking good vantage points for campsites, and preparing places for fire. If there’s ever the opportunity, perhaps I will actually go on camping trips when I return home. Gecko decides to sit against a tree trunk, wanting to keep out of the way. I knew he was in a lot of pain, at the very least it looked like his arm was broken, but the deep gash on his forehead and shoulder really needed tending to.“Hey Corvu,” I speak up, “, how far is the next village from where we are?”He thinks for a moment before answering, “If we leave at first light, we can probably make it before dusk.” That was a long ride for a child with a broken arm. Corvu looks at Gecko, noticing exactly why I asked. “I&rsq
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Being Knighted was an adventure all of its own. I managed to single-handedly tear my specially designed dress right before entering the Throne Room, which meant Sandy had to rush a last minute repair - literal last minute. But other than that it all went fairly smoothly.Corvu and I are part of a six-man squad that are frequently sent out on missions, and since Shelia is around to teach me what kind of magic I need to know, those missions are quite smooth. I promise, I’m not in any real danger. Corvu protects me with his life, which is almost turning into some kind of game to him on how many times in a month he has to save my life. It’s a little embarrassing, one month he got up to about seven. Guess I’m still a klutz. The other squad members are a little strange and not all human, I’ll have to detail them a little later. Just know they have my back.
Amulet of the Witch Chapter Twenty-One
The next morning I woke up in the giant bed I had slept in the night before I originally left Skiora. Sandy had knocked on the door and entered, laying out a lovely casual purple dress for me. It was a hesen fabric of some kind to be worn on warmer days, which this certainly was.“This afternoon you must return to change into ceremonial wear, for your Knighting.” She smiles.“Knighting?” I question, getting up out of the bed in a pair of pyjamas I had picked up from a thrift store that said ‘I Heart New York’. She was very interested in my clothing, little did she know I brought back a dress for her.“Yes, the King has to knight you in order for you to join the King’s Guard. He’s very excited to have you.”
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Days Without Them.When I opened my eyes, I really was home. It looked like time had barely moved despite being gone for an hour. I could feel my face was hot and flush, but also wet from tears. I didn’t even notice I was crying that whole time.Walking through my apartment, everything seemed...like an illusion. That’s when I saw Corvu’s old clothes on the bathroom rail. It really wasn’t a dream. Grabbing onto his tunic I wonder, will they think of me in years to come? Maybe as part of the King’s Guard they’ll be happy? Moving around my apartment slowly I go to my bed and drop the satchel by my feet. The clothes Patricia had given me lasted so long in the woods, and I was never really that cold or too hot. They were perfect. I fall into the bed and start to cry. It would stop hurting eventually. I’m sure of it.&nb
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Day Twenty-Eight. The next thing I know, the three of us plonk onto the floor, the bench no longer there. I let out a short yelp as a spear is pointed into my face. “Wait!” I hear Sandy’s voice. “It’s okay, they’ve returned.” The guards pull back for a moment and appear to recognize us. As Sandy helps me and Shelia from the ground I take a look around. We’re inside the main hall and the Prince was nearby, this time in full golden armour like this father wore before. Approaching us, he looks a little relieved, “And they have the amulet! The Orcs aren’t going to be victorious today, it seems.” He chuckles. I roll my eyes and run to the nearest door. Beyond it I could see various archers lined up along all the windows. I had to find out what was going on. Through a gap between them, I could see torches below u
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Day Two. But I didn’t die there, either. In fact even with my eyes closed all I remember seeing was that bright flashing purple light, then hitting my head on something solid. As I struggle to open my eyes, I make note of something in particular...I’m freezing. Why was it so cold? I put my hands down to the ground as my vision slowly comes back. Was this snow? I hear a grunting sound and I realize I’m actually sitting up against Corvu who had just banged the back of his head into a wall. Pulling back I realize the most important thing. He’s alive. I take a deep breath and look around me. This is familiar. I know where I am. “Ow.” Corvu sighs, grabbing the back of
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I’m shocked. The determination and sternness of his voice almost frightens me. Why does he want the amulet now? “I thought you didn’t want the amulet.” I remark. He sighs and closes his eyes for a moment. After he opens them he takes a step toward me, then another. Mimicking his movement until I reach the bench, I practically fall into it. Leaning down to face to face with me he responds, “I don’t, but if it means they won’t torture you to death for it, then you need to give me the amulet.” He wants to protect me? He places his hands on both my knees and kneals between my legs. He was so close to me. Why was he so close to me? “Tia, if they find their way into this castle, they are going to kill you. I’m a Trickster, it would take a lot more effort for them to convince me to let them have the amulet.” The longer he stares into my eyes the harder he’s making i
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The dress Sandy laid out for me was actually really beautiful for clothing made around here. It was mostly white underneath with a purple top layer that had silver swirls resembling flowers around all the edges. Perhaps upon seeing the amethyst on the amulet she decided I should stick to a certain color. I wasn’t against it, I thought it suited me well. It wasn’t poofy, in fact it sat on me nicely. I open the doors to my room and see guards standing by it. Were they standing there the whole time? “Are you ready to go to the dining hall, my lady?” One asks me. He sounded quite young beneath the helmet. I nodded as an answer and they directed me where I needed to go. This is going to be a long and confusing day. When I enter the dining hall, everyone is looking at me. This was the first t
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Day Twenty-One. Riding to the top of the hill with Corvu and Gecko by my side, we finally see it; Wanbourne. The Capital from this heightened distance was magnificent. There are hundreds of homes, towers and farms circling a great white stone wall, and within those walls I can see towers made of white stone and emerald roofing, accented in glistening gold around all of the edges that glistened in the sunlight. I can’t wait to see what the area looks like from inside. Travelling past a guard tower we make our way inward. Dismounting the horses we walk them through the crowded village. Each home was built with a lot of care upon the dirt and ground beneath it. It was obvious by the flowerpots and colored paint on their front doors that people took pride in their homes. Gecko was right though, it was mostly dominated with humans, although I did see the odd
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By the time I’ve picked up enough wood, Corvu and Gecko have made their way to me. I’ve become used to picking good vantage points for campsites, and preparing places for fire. If there’s ever the opportunity, perhaps I will actually go on camping trips when I return home. Gecko decides to sit against a tree trunk, wanting to keep out of the way. I knew he was in a lot of pain, at the very least it looked like his arm was broken, but the deep gash on his forehead and shoulder really needed tending to.“Hey Corvu,” I speak up, “, how far is the next village from where we are?”He thinks for a moment before answering, “If we leave at first light, we can probably make it before dusk.” That was a long ride for a child with a broken arm. Corvu looks at Gecko, noticing exactly why I asked. “I&rsq
