Chapter 13

  Eldric’s vision spins as the world flips upside down, and he lands on the ground with a bone-rattling thud. Dazed, he blinks up at the sky, only to find Nyssa standing over him, a triumphant grin lighting up her face. Her figure blocks out the sun as she leans forward, hands on her hips.

  “Got you again, Eldric!” she announces, her voice dripping with mockery.

  “Yeah, yeah, you sure did,” he grumbles, rubbing the back of his head.

  Three years have passed since they first met, and Nyssa has blossomed into a strikingly beautiful young woman. Now sixteen, her confident demeanor is paired with a casual charm. She twirls a strand of her brown hair around her finger as she saunters in front of him, her leather boots crunching the dirt beneath her feet. She’s dressed in the standard training uniform of all soldiers: a snug white shirt tucked into fitted brown leather pants that match the tone of her boots, giving her a sleek, seamless look.

  Extending her hand, she helps Eldric to his feet. He stumbles slightly, then collapses forward, his weight falling into her arms. Nyssa’s breath catches, her heart skipping a beat as a rosy blush creeps across her cheeks. She steadies him, smiling as he rubs his head in confusion.

  “Hey, Eldric,” she says softly, her usual confidence replaced by a rare shyness.

  “Yeah?” he replies, flashing her his easy grin.

  “I...I want to talk to you later, OK?” she asks, her voice faltering slightly.

  “Sure thing,” Eldric replies with a nod. “After dinner, maybe? But for now…” His eyes dart across the courtyard. “I’ve got to see Rendrick get his butt handed to him by Fiora.”

  Nyssa chuckles and releases him, watching as his gaze settles on the action unfolding in the center field.

  Fiora and Rendrick are locked in an intense sparring match. Sweat trickles down Fiora’s determined face as she lunges at Rendrick, her fist aimed squarely at his head. Rendrick reacts with lightning speed, catching her wrist mid-swing. A grin spreads across Fiora’s lips, and she shifts her stance, planting one foot behind her for leverage. In a swift motion, she unleashes a powerful kick that slams into Rendrick’s rib cage, sending him staggering backward. The impact knocks the wind out of him, and his grip on her wrist falters as he collapses to the ground, clutching his side.

  Eldric lets out a low whistle, impressed. “Man, she’s really not holding back today.”

  Nyssa follows his gaze, her lips curling into a smirk. “When does Fiora ever hold back?”

  Eldric laughs, the tension of their earlier sparring match forgotten as he watches his teammates push themselves to their limits.

  Eldric takes a moment to observe Fiora as she stands triumphantly over Rendrick. Despite the passing years, she hasn’t grown much taller and still carries her petite frame with an air of determination. Her small build, however, is deceptive; beneath it lies an unnatural strength that rivals, if not surpasses, Rendrick’s. Unlike Nyssa, who has embraced her femininity with long, silky hair and an effortless grace, Fiora remains practical and focused. Her fiery red hair is cut to shoulder length, a choice born of utility rather than style, and her piercing eyes radiate an intensity that often catches people off guard.

  Fiora narrows her gaze at Rendrick, silently daring him to rise and face her again. Rendrick, now a broad-shouldered and muscular man, stands tall despite the blow. His imposing frame casts a shadow as he dusts off his clothes and cracks a rueful grin.

  “Well fought,” he says to Fiora, nodding respectfully before turning to Eldric. “Looks like you’re up next.”

  Eldric smirks. “Sounds good to me. It’ll be nice to spar with someone I can actually beat for a change.”

  Rendrick chuckles, rubbing a tender spot on the back of his head. “Don’t get too cocky. I’ve been working on a few new moves.”

  The two head toward the shack to grab their weapons while Nyssa strolls over to Fiora. They settle cross-legged on the grass, their eyes following the boys as they ready themselves for the next bout.

  “Those two are relentless,” Fiora says, folding her arms. “Every chance they get, they’re competing. Who do you think is going to win this time?”

  Nyssa leans back, propping herself up on her elbows as her gaze lingers on Eldric. “I’d put my money on Eldric. He’s quick, and somehow, he always manages to come out on top.” Her lips curl into a sly smile as she watches him deftly evade Rendrick’s powerful swings. “He really has grown into something, hasn’t he? Hard to believe that scrappy kid from Valifield turned into such a stud.”

  Fiora’s eyes snap to Nyssa, narrowing sharply. “You sure have a thing for him, don’t you?” she mutters, her tone dripping with annoyance.

  Nyssa straightens up and meets Fiora’s glare with one of her own. “And what if I do?” she retorts, her voice carrying a sharp edge. “I’m entitled to my opinion, aren’t I?”

  Fiora scowls but says nothing. Sensing an opportunity, Nyssa rises to her feet, brushing off her pants as she smirks down at Fiora. “If you’ve got a problem with it,” Nyssa says, her voice taunting, “why don’t you come over here and shut me up?”

  “Your pretty face won’t earn you any favors here, Nyssa,” Fiora sneers, stepping into a fighting stance. Her crimson hair sways with her sharp movements. “I’ll show you your place.”

  Nyssa smirks, her brown eyes alight with mischief. “Bring it on, princess,” she replies, raising her fists. The tension crackles between them as they circle each other, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

  Across the courtyard, Rendrick’s ax halts mid-swing, the heavy blade hanging in the air as he stares at the unfolding drama. “Uh, what’s going on over there?” he asks, his voice tinged with curiosity.

  Eldric, who had been mid-strike, freezes as well, his blade hovering just inches from Rendrick’s arm. He follows Rendrick’s gaze to where Fiora and Nyssa square off, their glares sharp enough to cut steel.

  “Well,” Rendrick muses, leaning his ax against the ground. “They don’t look very happy with each other.”

  Eldric sets his sword down beside Rendrick’s ax and crosses his arms, watching the scene with growing interest. “Not at all. Makes you wonder if they’ve been holding back on us all this time.”

  “So, who do you think will win?” Rendrick asks, a grin spreading across his face.

  Eldric studies the two women. Fiora’s compact frame is coiled like a spring, her stance solid and unyielding. Nyssa, on the other hand, moves lightly on her feet, every muscle primed for a swift counterattack. “It’s a classic match-up: strength versus speed,” Eldric observes. “Fiora’s got more raw power and stamina, but Nyssa’s faster and more agile. If Nyssa can outmaneuver her, she’ll take it.”

  Rendrick chuckles, nudging Eldric. “I thought you’d put your money on Fiora. Aren’t you supposed to back your childhood friend?”

  Eldric shrugs, a hint of a smile on his lips. “I call it like I see it. But honestly, I’m more curious about what they’re fighting over.”

  The two women remain locked in their standoff. Fiora narrows her eyes, analyzing Nyssa’s stance. She spots an opening and decides to strike. I’ll show her who’s better, she thinks, stealing a quick glance at Eldric. With a fierce burst of energy, Fiora lunges forward, aiming a hard punch at Nyssa’s gut.

  Before her fist can connect, something yanks her backward. She stumbles, confusion flashing across her face. Nyssa, who had been bracing for impact, stares in shock as she, too, is suddenly pulled off balance. Both women hit the ground with a thud.

  “What the—” Fiora mutters, rolling to her side. She sees Nyssa sprawled next to her, equally disoriented. They spring to their feet, eyes scanning the courtyard for their unseen attacker. Their muscles tense as they ready to defend themselves.

  A low, familiar voice cuts through the tension. “Save it for later,” Cerys commands, stepping into view with her arms crossed. Her piercing gaze pins both women in place.

  “Yes, ma’am!” Fiora and Nyssa reply in unison, snapping to attention. Their flushed faces betray both embarrassment and lingering defiance.

  Cerys’s expression softens, though only slightly. “If you’re going to fight, do it where it matters—on the battlefield, not in the courtyard.” She strides away, her voice sharp as steel. “I don’t have time to babysit your squabbles.”

  As Cerys walks off, Fiora shoots Nyssa a sideways glance. “This isn’t over,” she whispers under her breath.

  Nyssa smirks, brushing dirt off her pants. “Anytime, princess.”

  Eldric and Rendrick exchange knowing looks, suppressing their laughter. “Well,” Rendrick says, clapping Eldric on the shoulder, “I think we know what they were fighting about now.”

  Eldric shakes his head with a bemused sigh. “Yeah, and something tells me this won’t be the last time.”

  Cerys stood before them, her hands on her hips, a tightly rolled parchment gripped in her right hand. Her eyes scanned the group with an intensity that demanded attention.

  “I have received new orders directly from Alicia,” she began, her tone firm and unyielding. “Tomorrow, at first light, you will embark on an operation to the capital city of Oaklea. Effective immediately, all training is suspended. Your priority now is to rest and prepare for departure.”

  “Oaklea?” Eldric blurted out, jogging over with Rendrick to join the group. “Isn’t that the enemy—”

  Before he could finish, Cerys’s glare froze him in his tracks. In an instant, she knocked him off his feet with a swift and deliberate shove. The impact sent a puff of dirt into the air as Eldric hit the ground.

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  “First,” Cerys snapped, her voice cutting through the silence like a whip, “I did not give you permission to speak.” She bent down and grabbed the front of Eldric’s shirt, hauling him up effortlessly until his face was mere inches from hers. “Second, you will address me as ma’am at all times. Do you understand me?”

  Eldric’s eyes widened in alarm as he nodded quickly. “Yes, ma’am!” he shouted, scrambling to his feet the moment she released him.

  Cerys gave a curt nod, her gaze shifting to Fiora. “Fiora,” she said, her tone steady but commanding, “you will be in charge of this operation.”

  Fiora’s eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. “Yes, ma’am,” she replied, standing straighter.

  Cerys extended the parchment to Fiora. “Your mission is simple: observe the city. That’s it. No combat, no unnecessary risks. This is strictly reconnaissance.”

  Fiora took the map, her fingers brushing against the coarse parchment. She unfolded it carefully, nodding as Cerys continued.

  “This map will guide you,” Cerys added. “Study it thoroughly. I am counting on you to ensure the success of this mission.”

  “Yes, ma’am!” Fiora said with a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. She clutched the map tightly, feeling a swell of responsibility.

  Cerys turned to leave but paused mid-step. Pivoting back, her expression darkened. “Let me make one thing crystal clear,” she said, her voice low and deadly serious. “You are members of Alicia’s personal guard. If something goes wrong on this mission, our government will deny your existence. Should you fail, there will be no rescue, no acknowledgment. You are ghosts. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, ma’am!” the four of them replied in unison, their voices resolute despite the weight of her words.

  Without another word, Cerys exited the courtyard, her armor clinking softly as she disappeared into the shadows of the castle.

  The group stood silently for a moment before Fiora unfolded the map. Eldric, Rendrick, and Nyssa gathered around her to examine it. The crude drawing was a far cry from the detailed maps they’d seen in training—more a child’s sketch than a proper cartographic tool. It depicted Aldcliff and the capital of Oaklea, with a dotted line snaking through the mountains and a valley that connected the two cities. The most useful feature on the map was the compass rose, which confirmed their path would lead north.

  “Guess this is what we’ve got to work with,” Fiora said, her brow furrowed as she studied the map.

  “Well, at least it’s something,” Rendrick offered with a shrug.

  Eldric crossed his arms, his eyes lingering on the line that wound through the valley. “We better memorize this. It doesn’t look like we can afford to get lost.”

  Fiora nodded, her resolve hardening. “Let’s get some rest. We’ll need all our strength for tomorrow.”

  The group dispersed, the weight of the mission pressing down on them as they prepared for the journey ahead.

  Fiora flipped the parchment over, her brow furrowing as she read the instructions scrawled on the back: Go into town and look around. She stared at the sparse instructions, a mix of disbelief and amusement crossing her face.

  “Really? That’s it?” she muttered, holding up the parchment for the others to see. “Guess tomorrow we head out at sunrise, go north, hopefully find the city, and… ‘look around.’” She let out a dry laugh. “Some first assignment. I was hoping it would be something more… important.”

  “Well, at least we get to leave Aldcliff!” Rendrick said, his voice brimming with excitement.

  Fiora smirked, folding the parchment neatly. “I guess we should eat dinner and get to bed. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.” She glanced at Eldric, her smile softening. “Eldric, why don’t you help me get dinner started?”

  Eldric nodded. “Sure.”

  “I’m going to take a bath,” Nyssa announced, already heading toward the overgrown garden at the far corner of the courtyard. Hidden within the tangled foliage was a spring they all used for bathing.

  “I’ll start packing,” Rendrick added, trotting off toward the shack.

  Fiora watched the others scatter, then turned her gaze to Eldric. For a moment, she simply smiled at him. Lately, it had been rare for them to spend time alone together, and she wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip away.

  “Go see what they brought for us tonight,” Fiora said, crouching down to arrange kindling in the fire pit.

  “On it.” Eldric grabbed the cast-iron pot and headed toward the barrel near the shack’s front door. Lifting the lid, he found four plump pork tenderloins resting on a bed of salt. His stomach growled at the sight. “Looks like we’re eating well tonight,” he called, his voice light and cheerful. He placed the meat in the pot before turning his attention to the nearby wooden crate. Inside, he found a bag of rice.

  “Pork and rice it is!” Eldric declared, gliding back to the fire pit with the pot in hand.

  Fiora had already coaxed the fire to life, its crackling flames casting warm, flickering light across the courtyard. She took the pot from him and hung it over the fire, letting the tenderloins begin to sizzle.

  With a few moments to spare before the food needed tending, Fiora stretched out on the grass, her hands behind her head. “Lie down, Eldric,” she said, her voice softer now.

  He hesitated for a second, then joined her. Together, they gazed up at the night sky, the stars twinkling like scattered diamonds. The cool grass beneath them and the rhythmic crackle of the fire created a rare moment of peace.

  “This is nice,” Fiora said after a long pause, her voice barely more than a whisper.

  Eldric glanced at her, noticing how the firelight played across her face. “Yeah,” he agreed, a smile tugging at his lips. “It is.”

  For the first time in what felt like forever, everything felt calm—if only for a little while.

  “Beautiful, aren’t they?” Eldric said, his voice soft as his gaze remained fixed on the stars twinkling above. “Whenever I look up at the sky, I’m always overcome with a sense of peace.”

  Fiora smiled faintly and shuffled closer to him. After a brief hesitation, she tilted her head and rested it gently on his shoulder, letting out a long sigh.

  “Something bothering you, Fiora?” Eldric asked, his tone laced with concern.

  She tilted her face upward, her eyes locking onto his. “No,” she replied softly. “I just feel safe like this.”

  Eldric looked down at her, studying the sincerity in her expression. “It’s strange, isn’t it?” he said after a pause. “It’s been over three years since the cloaked women appeared. In all that time, I’ve barely been consumed by thoughts of finding them—or Ashley, for that matter.” His voice grew wistful as he gazed back at the heavens. “We’re living such a peaceful life right now. What if we could just spend the rest of our lives like this?”

  Fiora shifted slightly on his shoulder, her determination evident as she spoke. “You know it won’t remain peaceful, Eldric. As much as I enjoy this, I can’t forget. I still want to find those cloaked women and Ashley.” Her voice grew firm. “I believe it’s our duty to figure out why our families were killed. Don’t you agree?”

  Eldric sighed, the weight of her words pressing against his fleeting dream of serenity. “Maybe,” he admitted, his voice tinged with reluctance. “But one thing I know for sure is that I’ll keep you safe, no matter what.”

  Fiora lifted her head, a small blush coloring her cheeks. She leaned in, brushing a light kiss on Eldric’s cheek before standing. “Thank you, Eldric,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude and warmth. She moved to tend to the pot hanging over the fire, leaving him frozen in stunned silence. After a few seconds, Eldric blinked and got to his feet, muttering something about helping with the rice.

  As they worked side by side in companionable silence, the door to the shack suddenly flung open, slamming against the frame with a loud thud.

  “Boy, what smells so good?” Rendrick asked as he bounded outside, his excitement palpable.

  “Pork and rice,” Fiora replied, grinning. “It’ll be ready soon. We just need to wait for Nyssa to get back.”

  “Well, wait no more,” Nyssa announced cheerfully, appearing from the darkness with her usual bounce.

  “Perfect timing,” Fiora said, gesturing for Nyssa to join them by the fire. “Let’s get everything served up.”

  Eldric grabbed a small stack of plates, passing them around one by one. They each served themselves generous portions of the savory meal and settled into their spots around the fire pit.

  For several minutes, the group ate in comfortable silence, savoring the warmth of the meal and the calm of the evening. The air was filled with the soft crackle of the fire and the occasional clink of utensils against plates—a moment of quiet before the unknowns of their first official mission.

  After helping herself to a second serving of rice, Fiora broke the silence. “So, Rendrick, do you have everything you need packed for tomorrow?”

  “You bet!” Rendrick cheered, his voice filled with excitement. “I can’t believe it—I’m finally going to be leaving Aldcliff!”

  Eldric smiled, understanding his enthusiasm. Just three years ago, he had shared the same dream of adventuring beyond the confines of his home.

  Fiora turned her attention to Nyssa, who was quietly fiddling with her fork, her expression uneasy. “What about you, Nyssa? Are you ready to leave Aldcliff?”

  Nyssa glanced up, her wide eyes betraying a flicker of fear. “I think so,” she began hesitantly. “I’ve lived in the city my whole life until Alicia brought me to the castle. Even that move was terrifying for me. If it was that hard just moving here, I’m scared of how I’ll react to leaving Aldcliff entirely, even for a short while.”

  Fiora softened, kindness crossing her face. “It’s only going to be a day or two. Oaklea really isn’t that far away, and then we’ll come right back home.”

  Nyssa nodded but sighed deeply. “I know it’s not permanent, but I can’t help worrying.”

  Fiora suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. The past few years of forcing herself to tolerate the others had been a challenge. I have to do this for Eldric, she reminded herself, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. I just hope it’s worth it.

  Nyssa caught Fiora’s gaze and offered a small smile, seeming comforted by her words. Fiora gave a curt nod and returned to her seat.

  Nyssa jumped to her feet, clapping her hands lightly. “Well, I guess we should turn in for the night,” she announced, her cheerful tone a bit too forced. She shot a quick wink at Eldric.

  Fiora and Rendrick both stood, stretching in agreement, but their eyes landed on Eldric, who remained seated by the fire.

  “You guys go ahead,” he said, waving them off. “I think I’ll take a walk before bed.”

  “Well, don’t stay out too late,” Nyssa said, her voice carrying a peculiar edge of insincerity. With that, she, Fiora, and Rendrick headed inside, leaving Eldric alone by the fire.

  He sat in thoughtful silence, staring into the glowing embers. Eventually, he sighed, rising to his feet. His steps were slow and deliberate as he made his way up the dirt path toward the center of the courtyard. When he reached the edge of the open field, he paused, tilting his head back to admire the night sky.

  The sea of stars shimmered brilliantly, painting the darkness of the new moon with their dazzling light. For a moment, all the doubts, fears, and conflicts of the day melted away as Eldric stood bathed in the calm serenity of the heavens above.

  A soft hand touched Eldric’s shoulder, jolting him from his thoughts. He turned quickly to find Nyssa standing there, her face glowing with a warm smile.

  “I thought they’d never fall asleep,” she said, beaming. Without waiting for a response, she slid an arm around his waist and leaned into him. “It’s been a while since we’ve been alone together.”

  “Yes, it has,” Eldric replied, his voice soft. He turned to face her as she stepped in front of him. Nyssa turned her back to him and leaned gently against his chest. Instinctively, Eldric wrapped his arms around her. Together, they gazed at the sky.

  “You know,” Eldric began, his voice thoughtful, “I’ve been looking at the stars ever since I was a little kid.” Nyssa tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. “They’ve always felt so mysterious,” he continued. “When I was about eight, I started sneaking out of the house in the dead of night to lie in a field and just…watch the stars. I’d wonder what other secrets the world might be hiding.”

  Nyssa watched him as he spoke, a soft smile playing on her lips. Eldric chuckled at a memory. “Then I left my village, came here, and learned about wizards. It turns out this world is far more mysterious than I ever imagined.”

  Nyssa rested her head on his shoulder, her expression suddenly more serious. “You know,” she began, her voice quieter now, “I’m surprised we’ve gotten this close. It’s almost like we’re dating.” She giggled, but her tone betrayed a hint of nervousness. “I was worried you might be in love with Fiora.”

  Eldric hesitated, his brow furrowing. “I really like Fiora,” he admitted. “We’ve been friends for so long.” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “But lately…something about her feels off. Her attitude seems so forced. Honestly, it’s kind of unsettling.”

  Nyssa tilted her head, curious. “Forced? How so?”

  Eldric scratched the back of his head, suddenly sheepish. “Well, earlier, she kissed me on the cheek out of nowhere.”

  Nyssa’s face tightened. “You didn’t stop her?” she asked, her voice sharp with confusion and hurt.

  “I didn’t know she was going to,” Eldric said, defensive. “Plus, we’ve been friends forever. It didn’t seem like a big deal at the time.”

  Nyssa pulled away, crossing her arms. “Do whatever you want, Eldric. Don’t let me hold you back,” she snapped. Before he could respond, she stormed off toward the shack.

  “Wait…” Eldric called after her, his confusion evident. But Nyssa didn’t stop or turn around. Sighing heavily, he muttered to himself, “Women are confusing.”

  Eldric lay back in the grass, letting the cool night air wash over him as he tried to make sense of what had just happened. For a few more minutes, he let the peaceful shimmer of the stars calm his thoughts. Eventually, he pushed himself up and made his way back to the shack.

  When he stepped inside, the room was silent except for the soft, rhythmic breathing of his comrades, each of them sound asleep. Eldric plopped onto his cot, his body heavy with exhaustion, and closed his eyes. Sleep came almost instantly.