Lexiana Acosta: Chapter Forty-Seven

I look at myself in the mirror. I have no idea who I am now... I killed a man. A sacrifice for my newly found power.

It has been a year since I did it... And I still feel nothing like my old self. Kenneth told me there will be changes. Being quick to anger is one thing. Being more violent another...

"You okay?" As I hear a man behind me. I turn around and see him lying on the bed naked with just a thin sheet covering him. A passing fancy. I don't even know his name. He is cute enough and looks around the same age as me. Found him at the soldier's barracks. I went on my free day over to relive my old soldier training days. I smile at him as he trained in the field. As he smiled at me. And it started from there.

"Thanks for last night!" I tell him as I abruptly left his room. He tries to speak to me. But I have already left the room. He doesn't chase after me and I don't want him to.

My hair is a mess and my apprentice clothes are not on me properly. I'm no longer wearing greys. But now its robes that are light red with orange edges. I am now officially part of the priesthood. Sometimes I still get classed as an outsider. But officially by rank, I am one.

I walk back to the temple. Kenneth sees me at the entrance.

"Lexi... We need to talk." He says. Always sensing where I am...

I Shrug my shoulders. "What? What's there to talk about?"

"You're behavior... It's... Bad... The eld-"

"Elders... Blah... Blah... Blah..." I say sarcastically. "I had a fun night, all right!"

I was thinking of walking away. But I have learned quickly not to turn back on your master. Kenneth can get pissed when you show him disrespect. Reminds me of my father when he gets mad.

Kenneth sighs. "It's not just the fun nights... I'm worried. Do you need to talk?" He says. He is being sincere. He really does remind me of my father...

People look at me as I am a complete mess. I Yawn as I have no care what they think. The whispering and nodding in disapproval As Kenneth leads me back into his room.

"You have to be careful Lexi... You're being reckless. This has been going on for a long time now. You're eighteen now. You're a woman. On the road to becoming a full-fledged priestess, you need to be responsible! I chose you for a reason... And now you're making me feel as if I chose the wrong person."

"Really?! I am responsible! I'm doing very well with my studies and training as of late! I make sure that unexpected things don't happen! And remember I helped the civilian against a thief!" I say with pride.

"He is a young man. You broke his arm and set him on fire... He is lucky to be alive. And it's not your study ethic. It's your attitude!"

"Serves him right for stealing! But Wait? What about my attitude!? You made me like this! Don't forget that!" I say loudly. I admit to myself that I did go overboard. At least the person I helped is thankful... And scared watching me kicking his attacker's ass. For my attitude... I can't help it. The ceremony changed how I act and think...

He shakes his head in disappointment. "I chose you for a reason Lexi. When I first met you. You were young and brave. You showed potential and continued in your first few years. You chose to serve your country. You trained hard... Now, look at you."

"Yes, Kenneth look at me! I chose to fight for my country! WELL, I'M NOT FIGHTING IT! AM I? KNOWING FULL WELL THAT MY FRIENDS HAVE LONG GONE TO FIGHT!" I sit on Kenneth's bed in frustration.

"I chose to become a priest Kenneth because I want to help! And all these years it has been nothing but training and sacrifice..." I place my head on my hands. "I feel like I have accomplished nothing! I signed my name on a contract against my mother's wishes! I want to fight the war! I feel like my own purpose is lost!"

At that moment a boy walks in. He tells us that the elders are expecting us. Kenneth and I look at each other. What do they want?

Kenneth gives me a stern look as I still look like getting out of bed. Quickly brushing my hair with my fingers and Kenneth straightens out my robes.

We follow the boy to the main meeting chamber. Where they all look down at us.

"We need more priests out in the field. They need more soldiers. Powerful soldiers. Apprentice Lexiana has passed many tests. But she needs to mature... Now its time for her to see priests in proper action!"

A Large grin appears on my face. About time... All this training. I can do something!

A woman elder looks at me. Her name is Idalia. Even after all these years I still have never seen their faces. The mask covers everything except for her bright red lips. "Why are you smiling Lexiana? Do you find excitement in this?"

"I do Elder... I signed to go to war. I have been here and I fe-"

"You felt you have accomplished nothing?" Idalia finishes my sentence. "War is serious you know... This mission you must prove to us that you can be a priest."

I struggle to remove my smile. I remain silent as Kenneth's old mentor

Discusses our mission.

"You are to travel to Schnaraat. And around the area, there are temples we need to discover its secrets." He says in a serious tone.

"Their secrets?" I say mindlessly.

"One of our groups was attacked. The priests and soldiers died."

"What killed them?" Kenneth asks seriously. It's not easy to kill a priest who is fully trained.

"There was a soldier who managed to survive. It was shadow priests. Who attacked."

"YOU'RE JOKING?!" Kenneth shouts in surprise. "They're not part of this war!?"

"I understand that you are curious Kenneth, of why they would be lurking around temples. They are after something."

"Like we are?" Kenneth cuts in.

"We need to win this war. And as our Empress ordered we are allowed to do what is necessary. Even if that means uncovering our rivals secrets."

"Understood". Kenneth says as if he is still an apprentice under his master. "Lexi and I will move immediately."

We are dismissed and I follow him out of the meeting chamber.

"So this is it..." Kenneth says with uncertainty.

"It is!" I say in the complete opposite of his attitude.

We head back to Kenneth's room and he brings out some of his books from his shelves.

He then takes out three maps. One the Red Draconium Empire, Brown Empire and Green Empire.

"We will be travelling far north. Schnarat is deep within Green territory. South of Demir..."

"Wow... If we are that far deep in their territory. Why haven't we taken over yet?"

"It's not that easy Lexi. Demir City itself is a large mountain. Surrounded by other mountains. These are mountain people. We are at a disadvantage already. Which is why the Brown Empire's affiliation has been important. Thanks to them we have gained land. Demir is a complicated city to take over."

Kenneth then opens an old city map of Demir. He then points the top of the mountain and strokes to the bottom. "The wealthiest people such as nobles and lords live at the highest point. Where the poor people live directly to the bottom. The poor people will be cannon fodder... We cannot start taking over the city until we are confident to reach the top."

"Right" I reply.

Looking at Kenneth's face. There is so much uncertainty. He is not sure what we are getting into. So I guess he is not a fan of going to the war...

We visit our dragons at the temple stables. Iymp has been drinking again. He is swaying side to side. Since he has become my partner and I passed the sacrifice test. He has been granted more freedom by me.

I fear that this is bad for him. It took me by surprise when I found him gambling with other dragons. I had no idea that dragons even gamble.

"Iymp. Are you okay?" I ask nicely. Stroking his shoulder. He is so tall and has become comfortable wearing a saddle.

"Fine as I usually am..."

"Iymp..." As Kenneth sighs. "I know you have issues. But please be there for Lexi. You are soul bound to her now. You have a responsibility. You're older be a good example.. Don't encourage her behavior."

I Look at Iymp and gently rub his cheek. He really isn't like other dragons. He was taken to the priesthood at a young age. As he can speak the human tongue. He never saw his family again. He doesn't even remember what they look like... He is empty inside... A feeling that I will never understand. I have a loving family...

As I thought of it. I haven't seen my own family in ages. I can never figure out why I haven't seen them... Is it because of my change? Will they see me differently? I am not the same girl who volunteered. Training as a priestess is long, lonely, and hard. I need to see them before I leave.

"Kenneth... Before we leave the city... Can w- "

"See your family? Yes, we can... It will have to be short though."

I nod as I clean up Iymp. Kenneth then gathers all the supplies and puts all the bags onto his dragon Pyromax. Such an old and gentle boy. It looks like he treats Iymp as a cheeky pup. DO hear Pyro roaring at him on the odd occasion. But I did hear Iymp likes to steal his food.

It's still morning as we leave the temple. I gave it one last look as we walked past many of the rooms. I don't when we will come back. Or ever...

We leave the temple and walk through the city. It gets quieter every time I leave the temple. Eventually arriving in my old neighborhood. I couldn't help but smile. It feels like a part of my old self returns.

Stopping at the front of my house. I knock on the door. It has a new door... When did that happen?

The door opens and there she stands. My younger sister Jamil! She must be thirteen now.

"Lexi!" She screams out and guerrilla hugs me. I crash onto the floor. She laughs with happiness! "It's been so long! What is the priesthood like?! You haven't sent such letters in the past year! Had us worried!"

I smile at Jamil she has gotten taller. Not like the little girl I used to look after.

I clear my throat. "It's great seeing you Jamil! I can't say much about what I've been doing. But tell me what you have been doing."

Jamil grabs my hand and drags me inside the house. And pushes me to sit.

"Well! I have been helping with the food and gear drives. Helping our mother as an assistant. She is back to teaching."

I smile. "You've been busy!" That's good! Mother did write that she is teaching children again. She has to do something now that father has passed away. My little sister has grown up so much.

"Lexi... You seem different..." As Jamil gives Kenneth and me a slice of bread.

"Different how?" I ask urgently. Kenneth gives me a stern look. I know I have changed much since the sacrifice. I feel like I'm connected to the phoenix. A power I do not understand... Emotions I don't understand.

"Well, as soon as you came in you haven't hugged me yet... You haven't even called me sunshine. You haven't grabbed me and swung me around as you used to... Is something bad happening?"

I then get up and hug Jamil. "Sorry, Sunshine!" I tried my hardest to make it seem like it was how I used to. But she could easily tell it wasn't the same.

She smiles at me and I sit back down. Kenneth remains quiet.

"Come on... There must be something to talk about! I saw Iymp outside. He looks beautiful! How you described him in the letters doesn't do him justice." Jamil says excitedly. "Our family has never had a dragon before! Dad would have loved him!"

"He is interesting! Great friend! Never boring!" I say excitedly. " Well if you want to know I am good at fighting now!"

"Really!" Jamil shouts out. "Can you kill people!?"

My smile completely depleted... Little did she know I did kill someone. Not for war... But for personal gain. I guess a bit of guilt is still there. "Not yet! But speaking of it... I am going to war."

Jamil sits back. "Well... It's not that surprising. You signed to go... But now you're a priest. Mother hoped... That you remained here."

As we talked, I see mother come in.

"Lexi..." She whispers.

I stand up as she embraces me.

"Hi mother." As she lets go of me.

"You had me worried Lexi. Look at you! You're getting so tall! And those muscles!" As she squeezes my arms. "We haven't written in a while. Busy in the priesthood?" She asks as she sits next to Jamil. "Kenneth and Lexi would you like to stay for dinner tonight?" As my mother takes out her basket and takes out meat.

"Mother... I'm going to the war..." I might as well be truthful.

She then sighs and looks defeated. "I hoped you would remain in that priesthood to avoid the war. I thought it was problematic. Then I thought it was a blessing... Is there any way I can change your minds?" She says. I know a shouting match would be no point.

Kenneth then chimes in. "No madam... We are being ordered by the high elders. It is time for us to join the fray."

Mother then shakes her head in disappointment. "Well, I guess you must be going then." She says coldly.

"Mother..." I say. Jamil stands up and says mother as well. "We all have been through this. Years ago!"

Mother then raises her right hand. "I struggle so hard without your father... Even after all this time. You signed your name without my permission to join the war! Now you are getting what you wished for! Now go and fight for your country. Join the misery along with the rest of us!"

"That's harsh mother." Jamil says as she looks at me. "She wants to fight our nation like many others want to!"

"BUT NOT MY DAUGHTER!" She shouts out. As she gets up and faces away from us.

"Mother... I'm not going on the front lines. I'm doing special work. Priest work... And I have Kenneth with me. I'm not with the soldiers." I rub mothers back as she cries.

"Oh, Lexi... I can no longer pretend that I am content. Stay here! Leave the priesthood."

Kenneth interrupts her. "I am sorry misses Acosta. She cannot leave... She is part of us now."

I nod in agreement to Kenneth. "He is right mum... I've made vows and pledges. They're serious. I have to go... I want to help win this war. And I cannot do that remaining here... I'm not suited for the typical life."

She sighs and nods in disagreement. "Your uncle said the same... and he died soon after."

"What?" Jamil and I say in unison.

"You were little Lexi... He left to fight the dragon separatists. He was killed by them. I don't want the same thing happening to you. I should have told you back then. But everything went so fast..."

I Look down. But I am certain of the decision I made years ago. "I need to go! I still have the ring you gave me. Remember! I'm going to fight bravely mother!"

I kiss my mother's wet cheek and hug Jamil goodbye. Jamil tries her hardest not to cry. She is growing up so fast.

"I love you, mother and Jamil. And give my love to Plamya. I will come back!"

Kenneth then leads me outside. Where Imyp and Pyromancer are talking to each other. We were about to leave when mother runs outside and hugs me.

"You better come back, my daughter!" And kisses my forehead. She still doesn't approve.

"I will mother." And I hug her back in return.

After the hug, Kenneth and I leave on our dragons. As I rode I take off my glove and look at the ring mother gave me. I will never take it off. As much as mother and I fought. I still love her and I know she loves me. I feel like a bit of my old self now.

And before I know it. We are out of the city... I have never left the city before! The farming fields! Large and vast. Many of the tropical plants are grown here.

To pass the time Kenneth keeps on giving me quizzes of history.

"Who ruled Vulkania in the year 5,072?"

"Empress Helia VII. She was born in 5,060. At the age of twelve, she became Empress after the death of her father Emperor Cyrus III."

"Good!" He says excitedly. " When did the last Red/Green war start?"

"6,952 to 6,960. Came to end because the Gold Empire made a peace treaty between. They both compromised lands and trades."

"Good."

This continued on throughout the trip. Iymp tried to make things fun by playing I spy. As stupid as that may be... Break of pace.

I Look behind as the Vulkanian city volcanos pluming smoke seen in the distance. We made many stopovers at inns during our journey. It's exhausting... But I am loving it! The fresh air! The views, the people. Very different from the main city.

I manage to sneak off and have a bit of fun during the journey. I tried not to drink. But I did have fun with a gorgeous man. Kenneth knows none the wiser... That I know of. He manages to sense and find me easy enough.

I continue training throughout the journey. My magging abilities are becoming so much better. Iymp and I feel joined together by the soul. Its how we perfect our abilities. I used such abilities as drunk tried to fight me. A man tried to punch me and I used my magging power to push him out of the building. I'm still struggling with my firepower though... My anger can easily trigger it. Which is hard considering since the sacrifice my anger has heightened.

After weeks of traveling, we finally reached the border of the Green Empire. Not a pretty picture... The mud, the spikes, the smell, the mines, the corpses... The list can go on. This area was once known as no man's land. Until Green crumbled in support and we managed to make holes and run into their territory.

Looking at the number of corpses on wagons. A battle must have been had... They've been killed recently... Very bleak...

Kenneth heads over to a large tent where I see generals are around a large table. The table is carved as countries of the Red and Green Empires. I see figurines of flame emblems and fist-shaped emblems. Located around the map. The locations of our armies and possibly the enemies.

Kenneth leans towards me and whispers. "Now Lexi remain quiet... Don't say anything. Okay. I need you to be good. We are amongst generals and admirals."

I nod as I understood. Even though I'm well on my way to becoming a priest. I am still Kenneth's partner. And I will be until he thinks I ready to be on my own.

A woman admiral in highly decorated armour talks. "Master Kenneth. Here is a map layout of the empire. There are temples in Schnaraat one being the temple of Huldrich. It is rumoured to have a hammer that can cause earthquakes. They call it the Earth Shaker or Huldrch's hammer. The temples are old and have not been tendered to. So we have no idea what traps can be hiding."

Kenneth nods in agreement. The Earth Shaker? I thought. A hammer strong enough to cause earthquakes. That could help us win the war with ease!

"Any information about the suspecting Inclementians roaming around?" Kenneth asks seriously.

The admiral then hands over a black draconium dagger. It's hauntingly beautiful... A silver black with a dark purple hilt. "This dagger was used to stab the high priest Bren. The soldier who escaped managed to grab it.

"Where is the soldier now?" Kenneth asks.

"He died from his injuries... They got him bad. He was lucky to even escape." The admiral says sadly.

"Damn... Did you get much information from him?" Kenneth needs to know everything. Even I need to know what we're up against. Even I know people from the Black Empire is no joke...

"Only that Inclementian priests are doing the same thing we are. They want more power. Now that we know they're around we will be more prepared!" The admiral then raises the dagger high so everyone can see. "We must be careful! The Inclementians are up to something! We will find out what and why."

A general then make a stand. "Black and Green are allied by their concordant. It wouldn't surprise me that they will join this war."

"Then why haven't they announced it? Very bad on their part..." A much younger captain says. A face I recognise. I only just noticed! It's Brenton!

I'm wearing priest garb so he cannot see my face. He looks battle-worn. He has scars on his face. What has he been up to?

I'm so happy to see him! I couldn't help but smile.

Kenneth laughs. "The people of the north not being sneaky? It's what they're known for!"

"Any news from White, Purple Light Blue, and Blue?" Another general asks.

The admiral answers. "No... Blue is remaining to themselves as usual. Light Blue refused. But I do have a feeling they're helping us. Mainly through ocean travel. We travel through the river of Anapos with flourishing trade. Where I heard Black and Green are struggling with their ocean trades and are driven to travel by land. White hasn't said anything at all... Neither has Purple."

A general joining in the conversation. "Unfortunate... But it's something... But this our fight. It's really a business of no one else except for brown."

Eventually, the meeting comes to an end. It is night time and we will leave at dawn. I sneak away from Kenneth and follow Brenton.

"Hello, Brenton!" I say enthusiastically.

"What? Who are you?" He asks. As I remove my helmet.

"Lexi! Oh my goodness! It's great to see you!" As he hugs me. Nice to see an old friend. We trained for months in the army together. "I wasn't expecting to see you here! How have you been?"

"I've been pretty good. The priesthood is strict but interesting. Much to learn!"

We then walk through the campgrounds as we speak of old times. Him trying so hard to pry into the priest business. The usual answers I cannot give and be vague. I'm sure the tale of sacrifice for power will excite him the worst way possible.

"So you're a captain now! Impressive. How did you become a captain?" Me trying to change the subject.

"I saved many soldiers in battle. I carried them on my back for safety. I got taken out of fire ten as I was needed here on this front."

"How is Nuria? And Haydn?" I ask sincerely. I miss them.

"Nuria is back at her home. An army managed to take over it. Most of her family was killed."

"How devastating!" It was always her mission to learn to fight. She wanted to protect her home. The border city of Fiamme. We are nowhere near that city...

"She managed to help take her home back though. Took almost six months. But they did it!"

"That's good! She did what she sought to do. Sad for her family though." I should visit her in Fiamme one day. She must have quite the task to help rebuild it.

"Haydn... He is at the war front to the East. He decided to join general Alinta. Near the Brown border. I haven't heard from him since. I hope he is okay."

"Kalama and Daha are still here. In fact, they're under my command. They were part of the group I saved. They became more humble over the years. They are not so annoying or competitive anymore."

I smile. It is good to hear they're all still alive. I hope to cross paths with them one day.

"Will you be coming with me... Us to Schnaraat?" I ask shyly. I have always had a small crush on Brenton. I realise that now...

"No... I can't I will be heading away myself with my soldiers. We will be fighting again. A green garrison is not that far from here. But they are getting weaker... And they tend to have fewer weapons and gear as each battle takes place."

"Oh well... But it's fantastic to see you again. Really! Stay alive okay?"

He smiles back at me. Even with the battle scars. He still has a great smile! Always brightens my day.

As we just stood there smirking like idiots. Kenneth finds me again. He certainly knows how to find me... He can sense my presence. That's why when I sneak away it has to be quick.

"Hello, captain," Kenneth says.

Brenton bows and says hello. Being respectful to the priest.

"Good luck Lexi."

"You too" As I grab Brenton's hand to shake. Then he bows and leaves to rest for the night. He is going to need it for the up and coming battle. It was hard not to follow him in sexual temptation. But I didn't want him to be a passing fling... But I hope I will see him again. And my old friends...