Chapter four~ Digger.

Ellinia was by far my most favorite city on Victoria Island. Yes, our hometown Kerning was okay, but Ellinia was gorgeous and just... peaceful. It was very quiet and the entire city was made out of a plush, lush green oak tree. Until you entered the boat station area of course, where people chatted restlessly about where they were going. I saw a few other Cygnus knights, probably on their way to our homeland, Ereve, as well. I only knew a single one.

"Digger!" I yelled gleefully, and ran to him. He had short blonde hair that was nearly white and had bangs gelled upwards in the front. He also had beautiful grey eyes that would make anyone's knees weak, and a smile that lit up the whole world like the fourth of July. He wore Night Walker gear (which consisted of a black leather long-sleeved shirt, black leather pants, and black combat boots), just as I did.

"Oh yes, hello Caddie Cat!" He rejoiced, using a nickname Eckhart had given me back as a training knight. He wrapped me in a tight hug, picked me up and spun me in a circle, then kissed my temple. "How have you been darling?"

"Oh I have been just wonderful! What about yourself?"

"I have finally achieved level 120." Unlike the other classes, Cygnus Knights only went up to level 120 instead of 200. This was a true reason to be excited.

"Oh my, that is truly amazing!" I squealed. "We must surely throw some sort of celebratory party once we reach the homeland."

"But of course!" He agreed. "Maybe you and Fukayna can come over to wherever it is in Ereve I am staying. We may celebrate then. A party of sorts."

"I think I would like that." I replied. Immediately afterwards, the boats horn went off, and we all loaded in.

Digger and I ducked into the cabin as soon as the boat took off, not quite wanting to battle a Balrog. We had not seen each other in years, and had much to discuss. Our parents had been friends, until they died in a Black Mage attack. They had wanted Digger and I to grow and marry each other, so our children would be purebred knights as well. I still haven't decided if I would like that, even after all these years.

"So how is William? Is it true he strayed from the path and became a dual blade?" Digger asked, taking a seat on the floor.

"Oh, he's well. Yes it's true; he's a level 124 Blade Master now." I said sheepishly, taking a seat next to him.

"No one ever did tell me his story, why he let his blood go to waste. He would've made an exceptional knight..."

"Being a knight killed our parents." I explained. "He did not, and still does not, wish to die as they did. Lady Cygnus said that if he could prove himself worth by beating a ferocious beast, he would be free to do as he pleased and would still always be 'welcome' in his homeland. Unfortunately though, the beast ruined his face. There is a horrible mark across his mouth where the beast raked its claw... in the end though, he did prove himself worthy. Lady Cygnus set him free."

Digger nodded in understanding. "I believe that makes sense... but were people not upset with him? Did no rebel or go against the Empress?"

"Everyone knew his name after that. Everyone muttered and whispered things to each other as they passed through. He had told everyone that it was just simply because he did not want to be a knight. In reality, it was because he was afraid. People did indeed question the Empress's leniency, but no one rebelled." I paused for a moment. "He was so disappointed in me when I became an official knight at level thirty. He'd never been disappointed in me until then." While having Digger listen to my past was nice, tears threatened my eyes. "I was just doing what I thought would make my parents proud of me. I didn't want to be like Will, crying my apologies to them every night..."

Digger wrapped and affectionate arm around my shoulders. "You did the right thing Caddie Cat. Will was wrong to be disappointed in you."

Frantic stepping and running and some screaming was heard on the deck of the ship, letting us know the Balrogs had come. Digger stood and brushed himself off, muttering under his breath. "I might as well go up there and save everyone." He said, and flashed me a smile. "Just stay right here, okay?" I nodded as he turned to leave.

We reached Ereve not too much later. Digger and I got off the boat, and then were lead to a large courtyard that was packed with all kinds of knights, each separated into their own class. It almost reminded me of a school, in a way, how everyone grouped together. The Dawn Warriors would be the jocks, the Night Walkers would be the emo kids, the Blaze Wizards would be the straight-a students, the Wind Archers would be the popular ones, and the Thunder Breakers would be the ones that everyone wanted but no one could get.

We met up with Fukayna, and waited until something happened an hour later.

Lady Cygnus walked in, followed by the chief knights and Shinsoo. All at the same time, as if practiced, everyone got down on one knee. "Rise, everyone." She said, her quiet voice somehow bellowing through the yard. "As you all may know, Ereve is in great danger. The Black Mage is back, and we have a new enemy, Hilla. For those of you who were not at the meeting last month, Hilla tried to take the throne." Worried gasps and mumbling erupted from the crowd. Lady Cygnus held up her index finger and it was all silent again. "I have called you all here so you may speak with your instructors on what we should do about the manner. Until we come to a conclusion, you may all stay at the Erevean palace until discharge. I shall see you all tonight in the dining hall." Then she and Shinsoo turned to leave.

The knights began to flood to their instructors. It took me a second to realize I was the lowest level knight in the whole crowd. It was embarrassing.

Eckhart pulled me aside once he had led all the others to the Erevean castle. "Greetings, Cadiera." He said, using my full name. "Lady Cygnus has asked for your presence." I tensed severely. "Do not fret, it is only about William."

That only made me more scared. "She... she asked for me by name?"

"Indeed. Your parents were some of her most trusted knights. That and what with your brother... it is only right that she know your name."

"Is Will in any trouble?" I asked frantically, my voice quavering.

"Absolutely not. It is just that Lady Cygnus may need his help with this whole dilemma. And he must abide by the Empress's wishes, because whether or not he likes it, William is still one of us. It is still his duty to serve the Empress." Eckhart answered with a grave tone.

"Will will not like this."

Eckhart sighed. "War is not about whether or not one likes it, it is about serving one's country."

"You still not forgiven him, have you Lord Eckhart?"

"So many questions. No, I have not forgiven the boy, and I probably never will."

"And tell me one last thing, why have you summoned me when I am still weak? I am the lowest level knight here, have you noticed?"

"Yes, Cadiera, I am well aware. I asked you be here because of your parents. You are just like them, Caddie. Strong. Determined. You are just as strong as everyone else here."

Lady Cygnus's throne room was absolutely incredible. It was mostly plain, but still in a way that it was gorgeous. The tiles on the floor were ivory, the walls were ivory, and the large ten foot tall throne was even ivory. The light in there was almost blinding because it was just all so white.

Lady Cygnus sat in her throne, upright with her hands in her lap. I walked until I was ten feet in front of her, where I then got on one knee and bowed my head. "Rise, Cadiera Lightwood." She said, her voice as sweet as music. I lifted my head but stayed on my knee.

"You have summoned me, Lady Cygnus?" I asked, trying my best not to let my voice quaver or shake in awe.

"Indeed. I have called upon thee to speak on the manner of thy brother, William Lightwood."

"My brother is not in any predicament, is he?"

"Of course not." She chuckled slightly. "It is just that William is still a knight, lest he like it or not. It is still his duty to serve me when I am in need of his services. He is aware of this, correct?"

"Yes Milady." I replied, already imagining the fierceness of Will's wrath.

"I was just making sure. We may need him in this mission. You are dismissed."

Once again, thanks for reading, reviews appreciated, you know the drill.

Until next time!

XxNanamixX