Kelanar is a fast runner. She has been racing the boys in her town since she could run. She keeps up with Henry and the others well. They all run, she keeps between second and third with Henry in the lead. They all get back to Master John with Kelanar in second and Henry in first.“Well, this girl might survive training, just maybe. Well, as the rule states, the leader will choose the amount of miles you all must run. So, Henry, how many? No less than three. Choose,” orders Master John.“Four, sir,” says Henry.Henry knows he could choose the minimum, but he also knows the master expects more out of a leader, which he wants to be one day.“Very well, four it is,” orders Master John.The group runs. Kelanar keeps up, but she is not sure if she could do all four at the same pace. She gives it her all.They all run. The positions change, all through the four laps around the compound. All but Henry, he stays in the lead until the end. Kelanar falls back to fourth or fifth place. She hears
Hector's group arrive in the Kingdom of Mystic Forest. Hector notices the cooler temperatures as soon as they cross the border.There is so much green compared to what they see in Ember. They stop at a small clearing where there is a camp and Hector notices demons and other vampires.“We will camp tonight and go the rest of the way in the morning,” orders Rex.“Are these the ones the wolves are mad about on their land?” asks Hector.“Yes, and you're going to tell them we are moving them out once we are done with our business with them,” says Rex.Hector, Ruby, and Ash get off their horses and set up bedrolls on the ground. They sit by a fire, drink some blood and watch the sky when Rex calls it a night.“Get some rest Hector, we will leave at dawn. The rest of you will stay here and wait for our signal if we need you. If we don’t, you will meet us on the way to the next castle."“Rex, why can’t they come with us?” asks Hector.“Most royals don’t like one to allow, let alone four peopl
Kelanar spies George on the meat, so she grabs the potatoes and peels them.“You look dirty and exhausted, girl,” says George.“Yeah, rough first day of drills with Master John,” says Kelanar, yawning as she peels.“Yeah, you’re the first woman for many things around here. I am sure he won’t make you do it for long,” says George.“That's the thing. If I want to work with Henry so I can defend myself, he is going to make me do it and it is not a bad idea. I want to be able to handle myself. All girls should be able to.”“This is true. Girls need to be able to defend themselves, but the guard training isn’t for everyone and he has no intention of taking it easy on you. He wants you and all those boys to understand what he says, goes. You wouldn’t stay away from the boys now. He is going to keep you in his sights, so they know to leave you alone.”“I understand what he is doing, but I am going to use it to my advantage and learn all I can. No matter how tired I will be from the training
The group rides until they are over the border as they know that there could be a group coming for them. While they ride, Hector is lost in his thoughts.I'm sure Ellie hates me now, but I didn’t have a choice. I'm glad Kelanar will never know the monster I have become. It would have been better if I had her father just kill us, but Kelanar would be in danger, and I can’t allow that to happen, thinks Hector.Soon Rex calls for a break once they cross over into the witches' border.“We will rest here for the night. Men, set up camp and get a fire started. We have much to celebrate. Hector has completed his first assignment,” orders Rex.The men get to work. They tie the horses, gather wood and pitch tents. Hector walks around, looking back toward Mystic Forest Kingdom. Rex comes up to him.“Look, I know this wasn’t easy for you, but I told you not to get attached to her. That we belong to Lord Skorn, and we do whatever we are ordered to, no matter what it is,” says Rex.Hector sig
Kelanar glares at Henry and Master John. The shame that fills her is like nothing she has ever felt before.Henry puts away his sword.Kelanar steps away from him and picks up all the swords the boys left behind and takes them to the shed. Kelanar grabs polish and polishes the dull metal.Henry goes over to Kelanar and sits.Kelanar is tired and hurt from all the blows and getting knocked on her ass.Kelanar refused to acknowledge Henry's presence until after she gets a few swords polished.“That was uncalled for, Henry. I understand you must knock me on my ass, but why did you have to expose me like that to the other guys? It is bad enough that I am the only girl, and they won’t stop looking at me like I am a piece of meat. Now, they got a look see.” Yells Kelanar while polishing the swords.Henry grabs her hand. “Stop for a second and look at me.”She pulls away from him and looks him in the eyes.“You exposed me when you did the shirt move,” says Kelanar, with tears in her eyes.He
The sun sets, and Hector and Rex rise from their sleep. Hector stretches his muscles, stiff from horseback riding, and wants a shower.“Do you mind if I shower first, Rex?” asks Hector.Rex looks over at him and smiles.“No, go ahead. I like to hunt before I shower, but make sure you are done before I get back. No taking your time like a woman would,” says Rex.“No, I will be out pretty quick,” says Hector.Hector walks into the bathroom. He sees a good sized room. On the walls he sees a lot of symbols like runes. He uses the restroom and turns on the shower. As soon as he does, he smells this fragrance consisting of roses, lavender and some other herbs. Hector knows he is in the kingdom of the witches, and he needs to stay alert. He strips out of his clothes and steps into the warm water. He sees many bottles of soap and they all smell like the rain. Hector quickly uses them, rinses off and dries with a towel he finds hanging on the wall. He walks out of the bathroom just as Rex is
Henry is in his bed and can’t sleep. What Kelanar said really bothered him. An idea comes to him, and he goes to sleep before his alarm goes off at three o'clock. Ben and Ken groan at that. It is not time to get up yet.Henry wipes the sleep out of his eyes and grabs a quick shower before dressing and heading down to the kitchen. He sees George.“Well, good morning, Henry. What are you doing up already?” asks George.“Morning George. Well, Kelanar made a comment yesterday that really bothers me. She must do double duty as a woman and a guard. I find it very unfair.”“I am sure you do, but that is the orders and like you said, she is a woman.”“I know very well. I have come to a decision that, as long as she has to, then I will too. So, put me to work,” says Henry with confidence.“Very well, that is very you. Grab some potatoes, get to peeling. She will be here soon,” orders George.Henry sits and gets to work. A little before four, Kelanar strolls in. She spies Henry working and is
Kelanar sent her letter over three days ago and she has been waiting to hear back from her sister, Eve. She is helping George with breakfast when Master John hands her a letter.Dear Kelanar,Glad to hear you're doing ok. I can’t believe they have you in the guard, that is crazy, but mom and I are very proud of you. If they were to have a first woman, we could see it being you. I know you are great with a bow, so give those boys hell. I can’t wait to see you for our birthday. Write back soon.Love, Eve(Six weeks later)Kelanar has been enjoying her time with Henry in the morning as they help George and then they train all day. Then they get some time alone as they clean the boots. Master John said that this was the last week for boots, thinking they had been punished enough. Henry has been doing all this with a broken hand. He gets the wrap off today.Kelanar has been getting better with a sword, and she is moving up in the ranks with the boys. She is still the best with a bow and M
Kelanar sleeps most of the night, but early morning, around two am, she wakes up, notices the trash can and gets sick. Kelanar knows she drank too much. After she gets sick, she drags herself to the bathroom to take a shower.Why did I drink so much? Thinks Kelanar.Kelanar places her head against the cold tiles of the shower wall and lets the warm water hit her back. Once she cleans up and doesn't feel like the world is spinning, she goes back to bed.Kelanar sleeps until six am, then she gets up, dresses and heads down to help in the kitchen. Kelanar hears talk In the kitchen. She Ppushes open the door to notice a smiling George and Henry looking refreshed this morning.“Morning Kelanar, how are you?” asks George.“I am ok. I think my head is killing me, but I did drink last night for my guard induction with Henry,” says Kelanar.George chuckles. “Yeah, Henry is just telling me about it. I have seen many boys go through that. I am glad to see you can stand and still help with the ki
Hector wakes up in a dark room nothing like the room he last remembers being in. Hector tries to move, but finds he can’t. He is chained to a chair. Hector hears footsteps. They are very close.Around a corner he spies the queen and a few guards. He has a bad feeling about this.“Queen Gabrielle, what is the meaning of this? You signed the treaty. Why am I chained to a chair?” asks a worried Hector.“Oh, Hector, I am sorry this isn’t personal. You see, Rex is one who won’t turn on his King and give me information and my daughter truly cares for him, so I couldn’t hurt him. Now you, I know, are new to Skorn's ranks and have a love you can’t see. You're hurt and angry with Skorn. You will tell me what I want to know, won’t you?” orders Queen Gabrielle.Hector tests the chains. They are strong, holding him like a vise.“Oh, don’t bother Hector. These are vampire steel. You will not be able to break or get out of them, so get comfortable and answer my questions and we can put this whole
Kelanar is in shock due to Henry's statement. So much so, that when the barmaid comes back over, she is still speechless.“Would you like your check, Sir, or dessert?”“What do you suggest for dessert?”“Well, we have our famous apple pie, chocolate pie and chocolate cake.”Her bright eyes never leave Henry.“Apple pie sounds nice.”“One or two, Sir?”Kelanar just watches while smiling at Henry. This girl was flirting with him hardcore.“Two sounds good.”“Yes, Sir. I will be right back.”As the barmaid turns, she winks at Henry and glares at Kelanar. She comes back a few minutes later and places two slices of pie down. One is an enormous piece and the other is tiny, the bigger helping she gives to Henry. As she goes to leave, she spills a drink on Kelanar.“Oops, so sorry. Let me get you a rag in the lady’s room around the corner, if you'd like to freshen up,” says the barmaid sweetly.Kelanar glares at the barmaid, gets up and goes to the lady’s room.While she is gone, the barmai
Rex and Iris leave the Queen’s study and head to a little pub down the street from the castle.“I am glad you came back, but do you think it wise to leave Hector with my mother?” asks Iris.Rex orders two beers and sits by her.“Hector can handle himself. Besides, he's all business. He will have the drink with her and then head back to his room or go hunting. His mind is on his girl,” says Rex.“He has a girl? Is it that blond that came with you all?” asks Iris.“Well, in a sense, yes,” Rex takes a drink and sighs.“Hector is my charge, but he didn’t come to this life willingly, like most. We have to have some way to control the vampires. I am afraid you will hate me if I tell you this,” sighs Rex.“I couldn’t hate you and I know you have done things you don’t like, but you have a king to answer to, and we all know he is not very nice. Some even call him evil.”“Well, this is true. I had to threaten his girlfriend, the human one. If he gets out of line, she will be hurt and before we
“I can dutifully oblige you. Come, let me speak to the masters. I think they would give us both a pass to go to town to celebrate,” says Henry.“Is that allowed? I haven’t left here in six weeks. That would be nice to relax some. Let’s go,” says Kelanar.Kelanar follows Henry back to the castle.“I don’t see why it wouldn’t be.” Henry goes up to speak to the masters.Master John notices them while he is seeing the other masters off.“Henry, Kelanar, can I help you with something?” asks Master John.“Yes Master. I wish to take Kelanar to town to celebrate. May we have a pass? I will keep her in my charge,” says Henry.Master John looks like he is thinking, then he smiles.“I am not supposed to let her leave the compound unless she is going home, but as of tomorrow she will be officially in the guard and under my charge fully. I suppose I could allow it. If you promise to watch her and make sure you’re both back by curfew. It is a day to celebrate, for I believe some women might want t
Hector and Rex walk into a grand room. A long table is present and the queen's throne sits at the end of the grand table. There are many people seated at the table already. The young girl from before sees them.“You both clean up nicely. The queen will be pleased. Come with me.” She leads them to the two chairs on either side of the queen’s throne.They sit and Hector turns to the girl.“Do forgive me, but I didn’t catch your name earlier.”She blushes. “I am sorry, I am so used to Rex, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Princess Iris.”Hector is surprised and bows.“I am sorry, Your Highness. I didn’t know you were a royal,” says Hector.Rex laughs. “It’s fine, Hector, you didn’t know, and Iris isn’t one for titles. Just respect the queen and we will be fine,” orders Rex.Ruby and Ash join the group a few moments later. Ruby sits next to Hector and Ash sits next to Ruby.Hector goes to speak with them when the double doors open and everyone stands and bows. The queen enters wearin
Kelanar sent her letter over three days ago and she has been waiting to hear back from her sister, Eve. She is helping George with breakfast when Master John hands her a letter.Dear Kelanar,Glad to hear you're doing ok. I can’t believe they have you in the guard, that is crazy, but mom and I are very proud of you. If they were to have a first woman, we could see it being you. I know you are great with a bow, so give those boys hell. I can’t wait to see you for our birthday. Write back soon.Love, Eve(Six weeks later)Kelanar has been enjoying her time with Henry in the morning as they help George and then they train all day. Then they get some time alone as they clean the boots. Master John said that this was the last week for boots, thinking they had been punished enough. Henry has been doing all this with a broken hand. He gets the wrap off today.Kelanar has been getting better with a sword, and she is moving up in the ranks with the boys. She is still the best with a bow and M
Henry is in his bed and can’t sleep. What Kelanar said really bothered him. An idea comes to him, and he goes to sleep before his alarm goes off at three o'clock. Ben and Ken groan at that. It is not time to get up yet.Henry wipes the sleep out of his eyes and grabs a quick shower before dressing and heading down to the kitchen. He sees George.“Well, good morning, Henry. What are you doing up already?” asks George.“Morning George. Well, Kelanar made a comment yesterday that really bothers me. She must do double duty as a woman and a guard. I find it very unfair.”“I am sure you do, but that is the orders and like you said, she is a woman.”“I know very well. I have come to a decision that, as long as she has to, then I will too. So, put me to work,” says Henry with confidence.“Very well, that is very you. Grab some potatoes, get to peeling. She will be here soon,” orders George.Henry sits and gets to work. A little before four, Kelanar strolls in. She spies Henry working and is
The sun sets, and Hector and Rex rise from their sleep. Hector stretches his muscles, stiff from horseback riding, and wants a shower.“Do you mind if I shower first, Rex?” asks Hector.Rex looks over at him and smiles.“No, go ahead. I like to hunt before I shower, but make sure you are done before I get back. No taking your time like a woman would,” says Rex.“No, I will be out pretty quick,” says Hector.Hector walks into the bathroom. He sees a good sized room. On the walls he sees a lot of symbols like runes. He uses the restroom and turns on the shower. As soon as he does, he smells this fragrance consisting of roses, lavender and some other herbs. Hector knows he is in the kingdom of the witches, and he needs to stay alert. He strips out of his clothes and steps into the warm water. He sees many bottles of soap and they all smell like the rain. Hector quickly uses them, rinses off and dries with a towel he finds hanging on the wall. He walks out of the bathroom just as Rex is