“Auna! Where are you! We need to get to class!” Jensen was seen calling out as he quickly searched the halls of the campus. This was a common sight; they played hide and seek often now.

  “You really are not great at this are you?” A random boy laughed as he stopped to help Jensen search an empty classroom.

  “Well, she does have a skill that lets her know who is around, friend or foe. So, I would say she is just too good at it, not that I am not.” Jensen sighed deeply as their search came up empty.

  “I heard many merchants have a skill like that, even hunters need it. Why don’t you have it yet? It would make your games easier.” The boy followed him to another room to search. The whole campus would stop, when available to, helping the group play their games. Even teachers found looking for Auna hard. Their other games were easier, attracting even more to join the fun.

  “I have tried, I just don’t seem to be built for it.” Jensen shrugged. He knew he would never learn a skill that allowed him to know were anything but monsters’ locations. He was unsure why, even in other worlds he did not have a great sense for knowing when others were nearby. Only knowing when animals, or threats had closed in. Auna on the other hand always seemed to know who and what was around her. Even if it posed no threat to her, she would know something was nearby. It made hunting in their last world easier for her.

  “Maybe she already went to the class?” The random boy asked as they searched yet another area.

  “No, the rules were with in the art wing.” Jensen stated as they rounded the corner.

  “Oh, have you not searched all the rooms yet?” The random boy laughed as he caught Auna walking up behind them. “How did we miss you?”

  “Auna!” Jensen ran up to her giving her a hug.

  “You looked in the room I was in together. I guess you two were distracted talking?” I can’t help but smirk at them. I was hidden inside the teachers’ podium. They passed me groaning about how hard it was to find me. It was pretty funny. Mr. Voice backed me up for once.

  “I see, we tried at least. Thank you for playing.” Jensen gave the sighing boy a pat on the back. “We better be off to class.”

  The two walked to their last classes before spring break would start. By the end of next month, the king would hold his famous end of spring Yarren party. After that the children planned to spend the next two months in their dungeon.

  “Say Auna are you worried?” Seth was in the same history class as her. They were done the assignment packing up.

  “About?” Auna asked with a sigh. “You need to be more specific.”

  “The Yarren party. The king has increased the amount needed for your freedom the last two years. All because the church keeps saying it isn’t a proper amount, that it is too easily obtained. Are you really not worried they won’t convince him to do it again?” Seth gave an exasperated sigh.

  “I don’t think it will be raised any more. The king has said I need to make the average income of a family of four, and the amount to send both myself and Ciela to school. That is the same as the wealthiest commoners and low nobles. Many lower nobles don’t even make one Palladium and eight Platinum with their own merits. They have to use their lands. If the church pushes for any more, people will look very poorly on them.” Auna led them to the study hall, the last time they would have a study group this semester.

  “Why would it look poorly on them?” Seth asked as they sat down at the table. They had arrived first.

  “It is simple. The lower nobles, and high-end commoners will be looked down on as it is. How can a little girl of sixteen make more than a small noble house? They have to limit the amount I need to make to keep it just below that. They need to save face. Right now, the king is toeing the line the lower nobles will handle.” Auna explained as she pulled out some test sheets Nero made.

  “Basically, if the church pushes for you to make more the king can easily say no. Any higher and it would be the same as asking you to make the same as low noble houses. That would really be an outrageous ask of a sixteen-year-old.” Josh snickered as he sat down. He had heard the end of the conversation. It was obvious that Josh had figured it out before Seth.

  “Don’t be a smart ass.” Seth groaned lightly punching Josh. Josh had a different class section than Seth and Aunas’.

  “I can’t help it. Perhaps if you weren’t such a dumbass.” Josh punched him back lightly.

  “Now, now kittens don’t fight.” The Jade twins came next, sitting down.

  “Okay, we should do our last study session.” Auna waited until everyone was seated before cutting off their chatting.

  “Wait before that! Who is going to be in your party for the hunting festival?” Marell asked.

  “Oh. Sam.” Auna then tried to continue onto the studying, Marell would not let them.

  “Who is this, Sam? Why don’t one of us get priority?” Marell shrieked.

  “He is a young boy we met a few years ago at the festival. The one my dad took home.” Jensen butted in, making sure everyone remembered the cover story. In truth the boy Sam, Sambor, lived in Ember Moon.

  “Oh. Still, why not one of us? We have wanted to team up, and next year we will be in the older group.” Marell was now pouting.

  “I understand, however, he had dibs. Also, you have a team you have been competing with since you could compete. Why do you want to change?” Auna questioned.

  “Well, we are never in the top ten. It was why dad had us train with you guys.” Marell continued to pout.

  “Then work harder. Changing your team can be counter productive. You should try to stay with a team for as long as you can. Learning how to work well together takes time. Remember the first few times we competed with Seth? He struggled to keep up, so we had to slow down. If we didn’t there would have been serious consequences.” Auna lectured.

  “I guess. I am still bummed though.” Marell relented and let them carry on with studying.

  “Auna, the head seamstress really wants to make you a dress for the kings’ party. Even asked Jensen if she could make his outfit. She is making mine, and Cielas’. Edgar is going as well, though his dad is bringing him an outfit from home. The church is hosting Lord Poe for the month, he should already be here. Edgar, are you excited?” Chloe asked, as this year she and her family were staying at the Pearl villa. She had been invited due to her school effort, and knowing Auna.

  “I am very excited. I don’t see dad as much as I want to. I know I can’t tell him about the dungeon, but I do enjoy telling him about everything else.” Edgar answered from the bed he shared with Jensen. They were all sleeping together for the final day of classes.

  “I’ll speak with her tomorrow. She can make our outfits. She has been bugging me about it, wanting to match my head band. Also, something about looking too young for the mature lady I am. I am not sure. Either way.” Auna gave a shrug.

  “Good, she has been bugging me. Said she asked and never got an answer.” Chloe yawned, turning over. They would not be getting anymore conversation from her.

  The next day they said their goodbyes to Meredith and Edgar before heading to the Pearl villa. They would meet again at the party. Auna would not put a door in the church, and Meredith had some at home things needing done.

  “So, we have a month nearly. What do we want to do?” Chloe asked at the dinner table. Her family were struggling with being in a nobles’ house. Only her parents, her twenty-five-year-old sister, and her twenty-two-year-old brother. The rest had stayed home, her parents worried they would be too much for such a noble event.

  “Well, we have the fittings for our outfits. I thought we could also give your family a tour of the capital.” Auna paused to look at Rosa and Charlie, Chloes’ siblings. “Do you two have anything you want to do?”

  “Oh, Lady Jade you don’t have to.” Rosa was the first to decline.

  “I am Auna. Not a Jade.” Sighing I soften my tone I try again. “You are the siblings of Chloe. I want to get to know you. I think Jensens’ parents would also like to get to know your parents. So, we should all head out. We children should all go.”

  “I understand the Pearls have two young children, and two older than you but also younger. Who is going to care for everyone? I watch my younger siblings all the time, wouldn’t staying here with the adults be better for me and Charlie? We are adults.” Rosa spoke with more attitude than before.

  “Rosa!” Chloes’ Mother scolded her daughter.

  “Stay here, I really don’t mind. Also, I don’t know you. Why would I trust you to look after Aku, and Gemma? That is a bit pompous of you to think we would.” I gave her my sweetest smile. “Stay here with your husband, he looks so happy that you declined a tour of the capital.”

  “Auna, can we tone it back a bit?” Seni asked with a scolding look. “And Rosa, if you want to stay here you can. Just know, for your own protection, you are not permitted to leave without proper personal with you.”

  “Proper personal includes a fourteen-year-old child?” Rosa asked rolling her eyes. “I get my sister is some genius and her friends are too, but I am an adult I can take care of myself.”

  “I for one would love a tour with you all.” Charlie interrupted Rosa. “As for my sister she is just upset because she was the star, precious girl in our family before Chloe got accepted into the capital school. She should get over it.”

  “Really Charlie? At least I have a husband. You are still living at home with our parents.” Rosa, very childishly, stuck out her tongue.

  “Children. We are in the home of the Pearl!” Chloes’ father raised his voice at his two children.

  “It is okay. We understand! Gorge and I were hailed as geniuses! Out parents couldn’t stop talking about us. Then Jensen, Diego, Mateo, and Bruno began to make waves. Now we look almost stupid next to our little brothers. Even Gemma is showing signs of being another over achiever, I think Aku is a strong positive influence.” Joseph, the older brother of Jensen by three years, spoke up.

  “Yes, it can be frustrating for a child to go through that.” Seni gave a knowing look to her oldest son. “However, no loving parents love one child over the other. There are no worries, Rosas’ behaviour is fine for such a meal. Though I must warn you such behaviour is frowned on at events like the kings party we will be attending.”

  “I understand.” Rosa backed down.

  “Anyway. Auna take some guards with you on your outing.” Seni motioned for a maid to come over. “Please arrange some guards, and make sure to pull our best. These kids get in too much trouble.”

  “I find that offensive.” Auna grinned widely. “Even if it is the truth.” Couldn’t help but add that? Mr. Voice spoke in her head. She ignored the voice.

  The rest of dinner went well. The next weeks were spent relaxing, and playing games. The tension from the dinner soon dissipated as everyone settled. They would be spending an entire month at the villa. It was easier to have them there early enough to get quick lessons of noble party rules. They even went on a few tours of the capital. Though they did not have too much fun as Rosa complained the entire time there were too many people.

  “Chloe, darling we want to go with you to the seamstress.” Chloes’ mother asked a dinner a few days before the party would happen.

  “Um, I don’t think that would be possible.” Chloe looked to Auna worried.

  “Why not? You children have gone twice a week this entire month. Surely it is safe enough for us to come.” Her mother pressed.

  “Why not have the seamstress come here to do the last fittings?” Seni offered.

  “Sure, I can arrange that.” Auna nodded before thinking.

  “Why would you arrange it?” Rosa asked confused.

  “Because I can? Why bother the Duke, and Duchess with such a simple task?” Auna countered. Seriously I am so over this girls’ attitude. She thought exhausted.

  “No need to be so rude, I was just confused why a small girl would be able to arrange that.” Rosa shrugged with a smirk.

  “Now, now. Everyone calm down. We will have the seamstress come here.” Nick put an end to the conversation.

  “She is here, Jensen!” Auna called through the villa. She had picked up Lacey their seamstress from the dungeon a few minutes ago. She had made sure to do it while everyone was distracted so they wouldn’t question how they missed her arrival. Her name was given to her by Auna. She was one of the slaves they had saved, she was fifteen and unnamed. She already had the seamstress job, so Auna gave her a name she thought was good for her. Her naming sense was not great. Still Lacey loved her name, her home, and Auna. She was very loyal.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  “Who are you yelling about?” Rosa asked, they had just woken up and were heading down for breakfast.

  “Lacey, the seamstress is here. She wants Jensen, myself, Ciela, and Chloe to get dressed. The triplets are already dressing. Aku is also already being fitted.” Auna walked towards the rooms Lacey had been set up in.

  “Mom! Chloe is getting in her dress!” Rosa yelled.

  “Dress?” Auna asked as they closed in on the rooms. Rosa ignored her.

  “Auna! Get dressed! We have so little time!” Lacey pulled Auna into a room with a ‘girls’ sign stuck to it.

  “Wow, you look lovely.” Seni said as Gemma walked out first. Now everyone was here. The Pearls, and Chloes’ family. All the siblings, who had also decided to get into their party clothes. They decided to start with the youngest.

  Little Gemma had on a light pink dress, with off white flower designs. It reached just below her knees. She had on soft slip-on shoes with pink ribbons. Her hair was tied with a pink bow with a small silver bell. She wore a few items of Pearl jewelry, also pink. Her favourite colour was pink. Everyone cooed at the small girl.

  Next Aku came out wearing an outfit similar to a dress. It was a long thing white shirt with a low cut. Over top of it, square piece of red fabric tied at the waste with a green rope. At the end of the rope was a silver bell. He was really into bells, even started working with a crafts man to make them. He had on white sandals laced by small white rope. It looked like something ancient people in Aunas’ old world wore. Apparently ancient people of this world wore something similar.

  “What kind of outfit is that?” Rosa laughed, making Aku tear up.

  “Back off.” Seni scolded in a serious tone which made every one quiet down. “Aku, I am sure Auna is going to love it, comer here. Don’t cry love.” Seni held the small boy in her arms.

  Ciela came out next, her outfit had a few pins in it for last minute adjusting. Her dress was deep forest green. It had silver leaf patterns embroidered from the bottom hem to half way up the dress. Her shoes matched. She had silver items of jewelry which included a bell around her neck. Her hair had a silver leaf headband holding her bright blue hair back. Everyone cooed at her as well.

  Next was Chloe. She wore black leather shoes and pants. Her top was also a long one that reached just above her knees. It was a warm brown with a turtle neck, and three quarter sleaves. She had a black leather belt across her mid section. The buckle was a large silver one with a pretty design carved into it. She wore her hair half up with a silver rope which also had a silver bell.

  “No. You are not going to the kings party in pants, you are a girl!” Chloes’ mother jumped up in protest.

  “Mom, I am known for my combat and intelligence. I don’t like dresses. Not all women have dresses on.” Chloe protested.

  “She is not wrong, many women at the party wear pants.” Nick shrugged. “Personally, I think suits you. You look very nice.”

  “I am her mother.” Chloes’ mother turned to the seamstress. “How dare you dress her like that? A child of your age should have a master you work under. Bring her here.”

  “I don’t have a master. My craft is my own. Chloe looks good, more importantly she feels good. Besides I was under the impression the king invited Chloe, not you. Aren’t you being brought to the party by the Pearl house?” Lacey stood her ground, even standing in front of Chloe.

  “How dare you!” Lacey was grabbed by Rosa. Auna immediately walked out and kicked her in the back of the knee. She let go of Lacey as she fell.

  “Don’t touch her again. I will break your bones.” Auna then patted Chloe on her shoulder. “You look like you. It is perfect.”

  “I agree, children should not be confided by our rules.” Seni smiled. Everyone settled down.

  “My moon, you look amazing.” Jensen smiled as he grabbed her hand to twirl her around, causing a few giggles.

  Auna and Jensen were matching. Auna had a black dress with a side slit from her ankle to her knee. The dress sparkled with blues, purples, silvers, and reds, like a galaxy. The collar was a low bertha one made of lace. It had thin black mesh sleaves that covered her hands partly. Her shoes were solid black open toes with laces up her calf. She wore her normal mana stone necklace, her moon bracelet, her three-bell ribbon hung in her down hair, and her forehead band. Her ankle now had a new small band with a silver bell. She was not wearing a mantle as it had been rainy and overcast for weeks. A bit rainy for the end of the season, though not too uncommon.

  Jensen wore a light black suit that also sparkled in the same way. He wore light slip-on shoes. His hair had a silver backward head band. It held leaf charms and a silver bell. Around his neck he wore a mana crystal that was white, blue, and red. It had been carved into the same shape as Aunas’. He had found it over the summer on the beach. It like Aunas’ seemed to be made for him. His shirt was a dark grey, with black spots.

  “You two look breath taking!” Seni smiled happily. Everyone complimented the two.

  Next came out the brothers Gorge, and Joseph. They both wore white suits that seemed to sparkle. Their father and mother matched them as well. They all looked very noble. They all also had small silver bells included. The boys wore an earing each, Nick fastened one to his breast pocket, and Seni wore a necklace. They even had matching slip-on shoes that sparkled.

  The triplets came out in pink suites matching Gemma. Though their suits had purple flowers on the ends of the jacket sleaves, and collar. Their shirts were off white. Like Nick they had silver bells on the breast pockets.

  Chloes’ father, her sisters’ husband, and brother wore light brown suits with black shoes. Her mother and sister had light yellow dresses with flowers on them, closed toe shoes. They had modest jewelry. It was obvious they were not nobles, though there were other commoners that attended the party. It would be okay.

  “Can I ask why you all have silver bells?” Charlie asked with a goofy grin.

  “Aku helped make them all for us. He wanted us to all match.” Auna pulled the small boy into a hug. As far as everyone knew Aku was an adopted child of Pearl. Though once Auna was free, he would one day become her child. He had been such a good child, even if he had an odd obsession with bells. She loved him deeply. He had even made bells for Meredith, Edgar, and Edgars’ father. Though he didn’t know Lord Poe, Edgar had said he would love one. They didn’t want to be too friendly to the Bloodwave family considering they were still trying to pressure her. Even though the king told them to back off.

  Soon the party day came. They were all dressed well, loaded into carriages. They had to leave their tamed pets at home. It was not common to bring them to parties, only festivals, or some noble parties. The Bloodwave parties of all kinds were often known to allow tamed pets. This was because they were known for it, a few other nobles as well had an open-door policy. They all had to wear shoes as the muddy ground was unpleasant to walk in without them. Though they usually didn’t mind, it would be very feral of them.

  “Okay let me help you down.” Nick gently pulled Auna out of the carriage last. The steps were very slippery as it was lightly raining.

  “This way please, the party has been moved to inside.” An attendant welcomed them inside to the party.

  “That seems reasonable.” Nick smiled taking the hand of Seni. They then entered a huge ballroom. Many people were already there. Lord Poe found them easily, as Edgar pulled him toward them.

  “Auna! Ciela! Jensen!” Edgar came puffing as he yelled the rest of their names. He also gave them all big hugs.

  “It has only been a month dear.” Auna pulled him back into a tighter hug giving him a kiss on the crown of his head.

  Edgar and Lord Poe matched. They wore blood red suits with black shoes, ties, and undershirts. They also both had the silver bells strung on simple bands around their necks. Other than that Edgar only had their family ring as jewelry. His father had the family ring, and his wedding band. His mother was sick, so only his father was here. Apparently, his mother had been sick since his birth. His father had bright blue eyes, and blood hair. It was apparent Edgar got his mothers looks.

  “You are very kind to my boy. Thank you.” Lord Poe put his hand out for a hand shake. Auna just looked at it. “Is a hand shake not common here?” He asked Nick.

  “They are.” Nick took his still offered hand. “Auna is just a bit odd. She is still accessing you. Once she is comfortable, she will shake your hand. Until then, she will not let you touch her.” Nick shrugged guiding everyone deeper into the hall.

  “So, I hear you are staying at the church how is that?” Auna asked after a while.

  “It is. Interesting.” Lord Poe answered.

  “Hmm.” Auna nodded looking towards the crowd. She noticed the king take the throne at the end of the room. It was not his actual throne; the garden throne had been brought inside. There was also a small stage that was set up to host it. His children were all sat off to the sides as usual.

  “Did I pass?” Lord Poe asked but Auna was already moving to the stage.

  “Don’t, she needs to see the king first.” Nick put his hand on Lord Poes’ shoulder. Auna could hear him explain about the deal.

  “A, Jade. Please do come here.” The kings booming voice easily covered the hall. Everyone stopped to watch the king. He had now sat down as Auna made her way to stand in front of him. As usual she started by looking at him, with her back to the people.

  “You look very lovely. Have you reached the goal of bringing in a yearly income of one palladium, and eight platinum coins? Which equals one hundred eighty gold a year.” The kings voice still carried over the whole hall.

  “No, my King.” Aunas’ voice was not as loud, but could be heard in the quiet hall.

  “I see, stand beside me child.” The king motioned for her to stand to the side of his throne. It was a usual occurrence as well. She would be standing there until everyone was satisfied with their ogling.

  “Does anyone have anything they wish to say?” The king asked as he settled more comfortably into his throne.

  “How are the studies going?” A noble asked smiling softly in Aunas’ direction. Beside him stood a boy she knew from her classes.

  “She is top of the school right now. Though younger her scores are higher than her seniors. Anything else to say on the subject?” The king looked to Auna.

  “I still have many lessons from my teachers, and senior classmates to learn.” Auna gave a small nod to signal she was done talking.

  “I heard you are teaming up with the boy Lord Pearl pick up from the festival a few years ago this year. Why is he not here?” Another noble asked.

  The king looked to Auna, not knowing anything about it.

  “Sambor was unwell today. He stayed at the Pearl residence. Yes, he will be on our team.” Again, she nodded.

  “King, we the church think the amount should be raised again.” The saint looked at the king with a lovely smile. Auna felt a bit sick even though she knew they would ask.

  “Request denied.” The king said simply opening the floor again.

  “King Jules. We, the church, have documents here showing the increased costs for the school and other things. Please reconsider.” The saint asked again.

  “Request denied. I should not have to explain myself. However, an act of good will I will explain. Currently we have a goal which we have moved twice now set for A, Jade. Not only have I already gone back on our original deal twice, to which she did not complain once, I have broken my word by doing so for the church. I will not break my word again. Next, the amount needed is already over the average of a family of four in my kingdom. I should not have to explain why this is enough, perhaps in the gods land the average person is much richer?” The king asked with a blank face.

  Auna felt relief. She was happy as she did not want the goal to continue to move. The kings’ words basically were suggesting the church were greedy, their people richer than average.

  “I understand King Jules. I will not press the issue. Perhaps we miss understood the current financial situation of the kingdom.” The sly words from the saint had the king stand up.

  “Do not insult my people.” The king spoke simply, while others nodded with him. The ire of the kingdoms people now firmly on the church representatives. “Is there anything else? Or may we get back to the party?”

  Auna was released from her position on the stage. She walked back to her people with eyes still on her. It took a few hours before no one was looking at her anymore. Some still gossiped about her, the church, and the deal. With two years left they were seriously now betting on who would essentially win.

  “A, Jade. Come here!” The king called out to her after she had been dancing with Jensen for a while.

  “Yes, my king?” Auna asked as she was close to the group the king was with. Lord Wardite was included.

  “Lord Wardite here has some issues with baren soils in his lands. I know Ciela, the little farmer, has some ideas on how to fix baren soils. Do you think she would like to take on the project? It would count as extra credit; I was thinking the rest of summer break?” The king asked nicely.

  “King, why are we asking the child? Is the other child also not under your wardship?” Wardite asked in a condescending tone.

  “The little farmer will not listen to a word I say. I have asked her a few times. She has said only if her big sister asks. I can not physically make her.” The king said as Ciela came over to hand Auna a cookie.

  “Ciela, would you like to try and fix the baren soils on our school breaks?” Auna asked taking the cookie.

  “I think it would be fun, can I ask Rowen to help?” Ciela looked into Aunas eyes with a shinning hope. She really wanted to try. Though she did not want to without approval from Auna.

  “Alright Ciela will be helping then.” Auna gave the little farmer a pat on her head, the little farmer then walked away into the crowd.

  “Okay, then I guess we should talk about it?” Wardite sighed deeply. “Should we try to catch up to her?”

  “I’ll bring her back.” Auna gave a small giggle, turning around. Her back towards the king, she a few steps away now.

  Lethal attack aimed at the king, five, four –Auna sprung into action as Mr. Voice did as asked. He warned her that someone she cared about was about to be hurt, lethally. Even though it would be potentially harmful to Auna.

  The king seemed unaware as Auna jumped between him and the direction of the attack.

  The faces of the people around them did not even have a chance to register confusion at this. She used her wings, and arms crossed in an X over her chest. Auna thought that would block the attack enough. She was wrong.

  It seemed like slow motion to everyone. They watched the small fairy born blur into action. She was in front of the king when a projectile surrounded by dense dark yellow magic flew through the air. Small lightening strikes falling off of it easily indicated the yellow magic was lightening based.

  Unfortunately, the projectile bore a hole through both of her wings, the lightening magic paralyzing her, causing burns everywhere. The projectile then passed through one wrist, embedding itself into the other. The pressure of the impact broke her ribs, collarbone, and cracked her jaw. Her lung slowly began to collapse, having been punctured.

  Time seemed to come back into view for most people once Auna slammed into the kings’ chest. He caught her in his arms before she fell to the ground. Everyone screamed and ran at the same time. It was pure chaos in the hall. Even Wardite ran, leaving the king alone. Quickly the king oriented himself, pulling Auna into one arm putting a sword from a storage device in the other.

  He looked around the hall, locating his children being evacuated. He saw Lord Pearl fighting off masked men, along side Jensen. Jensen was looking towards the king every few moments. He was too far away to take Auna. The Bloodwaves, and other nobles with strong warriors were in the same situation. Wardite was seen over to the side fighting a few masked people as well. The king briefly wondered why Wardite had left his side. He should have been beside him in such times, it was his houses’ main function. The sword of the king.

  He dodged a few attacks, killed a few masked men. He continued doing this for what felt like hours. Though it was less than thirty minutes before the guards, and nobles got the situation under control. The masked men that were left standing were being taken to the dungeon to be questioned. The nobles were being moved to a clean room, for protection and to be debriefed. Many were hurt.

  For the first time since the fighting started, he looked down to the girl in his arms. He tried calling for a doctor, though nothing came out. He was in shock the small girl had holes in the middle of her wings which lay limp, blood was pouring from them. More blood was pouring from her wrists which were turning a purply blue, and very swollen. Her breath was shallow, and wheezy. She was still alive though. “Doctor.” The king whispered. “I need a doctor.”

  The king looked up at the crowd slowly dispersing, a few doctors and healers from the church were checking on people. “Doctor.” He tried again. Shaking he hauled the small girl into his arms, dropping the sword. He left the sword heading slowly to the first person he could. “Church mother.” The king whispered when he came up to her. She was healing a broken arm of some noble child.

  “Can’t you see I am busy?” She spat turning around. Her next words died in her throat. For a few moments she just stood there. No longer caring about the noble childs’ broken arm. “TO ME!” She yelled in a voice much louder than the king could muster at the time. As soon as she did many church healers came running, the palace doctors having finally understood came as well. No one else was fatally injured, their assistants would be able to handle them.

  Soon an entire team of doctors and healers regarded as some of the best in the world were working on Auna. They had quickly stabilized the child by punching a hole in her chest. The king had protested, along side Jensen though she began to breathe deeper. The king and Jensen couldn’t enter the operation room. They sat well into the next morning, both covered in blood. Waiting.