How had this happened? Why had her perfect world, her perfect life
shattered around her?
Mirana bit her lips hard, to stop herself from showing emotion. Her eyes
were filling with tears for the lives that were about to be lost.
She was so helpless, just like the other knights kneeling around her. They had fought, but now it was too late. Tirono, the country to the east of Aquas had won the war. And now they had to pay.
Dusk was setting over the clearing where the knights knelt in a big circle. A warrior of Tirono stood behind each defender of Aquas, a sword resting in their hands, ready to strike in case the defender would make any sudden movements. But there was no point. Mirana had lost. She had let down her country and now the sole heir to the throne of Aquas was to die.
Sam knelt in the middle of the kneeling knights. At twenty-two, he hadn't changed. His hair and eyes were still dark brown, he was still tall, muscular and handsome and his skin was still tanned. He meant the world the Mirana. He had always been there for her. He had helped her with fitting into her new home, he had corrected her hand posture on the sword before the training master could, he had spend hours teaching her politics. And her had taught her about loving. The sweet kisses they had exchanged still made Mirana tingle all over. They had never gone further, nor had they told anyone, but deep down they loved each other.
The leader of the Tirono warriors was kneeling opposite of Sam, deep in meditation. He was prying to the gods, to bless their victory and the blood that would be now spilled.
Mirana's knuckles tightened on the sword she had worn at her side since she had become a knight the year before. Unlike Sam, she had changed. Instead of becoming a lady, she had chosen to become a knight. This had meant long hours of fighting drills, exercising till she was ready to drop, learning new things even when she was sick, forcing herself to step over her boundary of comfort. She had worked hard and soon had become on of the best defenders in training. She amazed herself, her friends and the realm. She had learned discipline, to hide emotions and weaknesses, to go on and not to loose faith. She had cut her hair short and never wore face paint or jewellery. But it had all been for nothing.
Taking a deep breath she made herself relax. Instead she looked around the circle. On her left side knelt Don of Water Vale, her best friend. His cheeks were wet with tears. Next to him was his cousin, Perin of Okol. He was on of those who had suffered the most during the war and the months before. His father had died and shortly afterwards, his home fief had been taken by Tirono, as had been all the lands on the other side of the river Ristra.
Further on along the circle knelt Teridor of Kaliorn and Kevis of Winds Sweep. Both of them looked pale and stretched. Even Kevis wasn't able to wield his sharp tongue; he was grieving too much.
Mirana recognised other faces. Her former knight master, his close friends, and other knights she remembered from her training years. But faces were also missing. Scanning the circle, Mirana couldn't find Cerry, the shy boy who couldn't keep still. Biting her lip, she also noticed that Naramanka wasn't there. Slowly tears started creeping into Mirana's eyes and down her cheeks. Nara and her had started knight training together. Their rooms had been next to each other and they had quickly learned to accept each other. They had been like sisters.
Whispering a prayer to Vania, goddess of Death, Mirana again tightened her hand on the hilt of her sword, Raven. She had heard a cry. Not just any cry, but the cry of Wolf Wave, her black faithful mare, who she had left in the woods before the attack. Without drawing attention to herself, Mirana scanned the dark looming trees around the clearing. Wolf, her horse, only neighed when someone, or something, bother her. Or came too close. The knights had blown their horns for help hours ago, and even though, you could here the sound miles away, no help had arrived. Again the neigh sounded.
Mirana focused again on Sam and the warrior in front of him. He had stood up and was now bending his bow and looping the string over both ends. Biting her lips hard, Mirana knew that she had one chance. If she messed it up Sam, and every one else, would die at the hands of Tirono.
Silently, Mirana loosened Raven in its leather sheath. Than she straightened her back and tensed her muscles in her legs and arms. She needed speed and the surprise of her enemy. "Ariasa, grant me swiftness and the will to pull this through." She whispered under her breath. But if the goddess of peace and defence heard her, she gave no sign of it.
The full moon had risen. Mirana closed her eyes for a moment and took as deep breath. Than Wolf Wave neighed again. Mirana concentrated on the warrior opposite Sam. He had put an arrow to his bow and was now aiming at Sam's chest. The throne prince had closed his eyes. He would die fast.
As Mirana jumped to her feet images flashed through her mind making her strong for she knew that they depended on her. The King and Queen who had accepted her into their family, Evie who had died of a terrible fever two years before, her best friend Don who had brought her home to Aquas, Perin, Kevis, Cerry, Nara, Wolf Wave rearing and who only let Mirana ride her, her sword fleshing through the air. She was dimly aware of the shouts and clashes of metal on metal, but she only saw Sam's smiling face before a sudden pain in her shoulder shook her and every thing went black.
She was standing in a meadow. Suriko was shinning upon her. A cool breeze blew her hair out of her face and tugged at her tunic. She raised her arms and spun. She couldn't imagine what had happened, but this field was peaceful and she felt well. She stopped because all of a sudden she saw a group of people running towards her. "Nara!" Mirana started running. Halfway across the meadow she met the girl, who grabbed her and hugged her. "I thought you died!" Mirana cried. Nara looked at her, "I am dead!" Mirana took a step back, "What? But . . . I don't understand! Where are we?" Before the Nara could answer the rest of the group reacher her. Cerry hugged her, Evie tugged at her sleeve, Master Okol, Perin's father shock her hand and kissed her on the brow. Mirana didn't know what was happening. The group parted and a man and a woman stepped forward.
The woman had blond curly hair and light blue eyes. Tears were running down her cheeks. The man had one arm wrapped around the woman. He had short hazelnut hair and green eyes. His build was tall and muscular, the woman was small and fragile. Mirana had seen pictures of her parents, but it hadn't prepared her. When the Lord and Lady of Summer Reaches wrapped their arms around their daughter, Mirana couldn't help herself; she began crying.
The three didn't notice the breeze pick up or the others move away. Only when the loud booming voice of Meridor, God of fire spoke did Mirana free herself of her parent's embrace.
"Mirana, your quest hasn't ended! You died before your time." Meridor glowed yellow. Mirana had to blink a few times before her eyes accustomed themselves to the aura of the gods standing around her.
Vania, Goddess of Death, stepped forward. "Brother, it will be difficult. I may have to power to return the dead back to the living, but Mirana has too much holding her here. You must explain!"
She bowed to Meridor before returning to her spot in the circle of Gods surrounding the Lord, Lady and daughter of Summer Reaches. Meridor grimaced, "Thank you, Venia!" Turning back to Mirana, he said "You have saved your country this time, but now you must help return law and order to the Realm. Their majesties need all the help they can get and you, Mirana, have seen many different point of views, many aspects of how to live in harmony. You may be accustomed to death, because you have lived on Vania's doorstep for your first thirteen years, but this is your path. Say your good byes, Wave Rider, for you are now being send back!"
Mirana nodded. She understood. She had all the time in the world to be with her parents, one day. But she hasn't reached the end of her path, only a fork in the road. Kissing her parents, and hugging Nara and Cerry she stood in front of the Gods and nodded. "I am ready!" she whispered. Meridor stepped forward and gently brushed her brow with his lips. Leaning down and said so only she could hear, "You are blessed, Wave Rider! Take back your life and help those in need!"
Vania stepped forward and said, "Do not fight me, Mirana." Mirana nodded and closed her eyes.
A horrible pain shot through Mirana as she tried sitting up. Hands grabbed her and pushed her back down. Mirana could only make out shadows and outlines, but she knew that she was lying on a cot in a tent. Someone was leaning over her. Blinking a few times, Mirana again tried sitting up. This time, instead of fighting her, the hands helped her. A cup was pressed against her lips and Mirana sipped. It was cold water. Mirana yawned and fell into a restless slumber.
The next time Mirana woke she was moving. She lay on a stretcher and was being carried between two horses. Looking up, she recognised Perin and Don on the two horses. Groaning, she covered her eyes. Don heard her and quickly together with Perin stopped and dismounted.
Don opened his water flask and handed it to her. Perin grinned while she drank. Finally she croaked, "What is so amusing, Master Okol?" He took her hand and said, "Welcome back to the living, Wave Rider! We have missed you!" Mirana shook her head, "Pardon?" "You have been out for the last week! If the healers hadn't said that you would live, I think we would have all killed ourselves!" Don filled her in.
"Sam was beside himself with worry. You saved us all and risked your life for us." Perin whispered.
Mirana groaned again, "That's all nice, but if I don't stand up in a moment and relieve myself you would wish yourself away from here!" Chuckling, the two men grasped her arms and pulled her up. While she went behind a bush, Perin jumped onto his horse Spiderfingers and cantered of to stop the group.
Meanwhile Don filled Mirana in on everything she had missed. Just as Mirana through herself in between Sam and the arrow, help came. The arrow hit Mirana straight in the shoulder and killed her because it had been fired from such a short distance. The battle had been won and Tirono had agreed to stop the war. They were now three-days ride away from the capital city of Aquas, Jojana. Mirana was stretching her legs and testing her arm as Perin returned together with Ter and Sam. Sam jumped of his horse and wrapped his arms around Mirana. He kissed her cheek because they were in public but Mirana felt his desire. Quickly she freed herself from him, only to be hugged by Ter. Kevis arrived a moment later and also hugged Mirana. A tear leaked down his cheek as he told Mirana, "Nara and Cerry are dead." Mirana surprised the young men by saying, "I know. I saw them in the Realms of the Dead." Sam was breathing quicker as he whispered, "So you were dead!" Mirana nodded and said, "I was. But now I am back!"
Don slung an arm around his friend, "Aye, ya're back! It's time to follow the others to where they are setting up camp. Tonight we'll all celebrate yar return!"
Three days later the company rode into the stables of the royal palace. Mirana had managed to ride the last two days of the journey, but when slid of Wolf Wave's back she swayed and had to grab the saddle for support. She hardly managed to unsaddle Wolf. Sam met her at the luggage carriages. Together they found they their packs and made their way to the palace together. She soaked in her bath. Remembering that their majesties wanted to see her, she pulled herself out and slipped into a clean pair of beige breeches, white tunic and dark blue tunic with the Summer Reaches coat of arms on it; a horse rearing in front of a wave.
She entered the royal wing and made her way to the study of King Neptune. Nep and Korala were sitting there. Both stood as Mirana came in and bowed and curtsied to her. Mirana blushed and quickly bowed low in return. Korala kissed her cheek and Nep hugged her. "Your parent's would be proud of you, Lady Defender, as are we!" Nep bowed again, "Thank you, Mirana, you have saved us all! Come!" He took her arm and, followed by Korala led her through a couple of rooms to a balcony. He stepped up to the rail and Mirana followed. What she saw shocked her. Down below in the public courtyard stood thousands of men, woman and children cheering. Neptune raised his hands and quiet fell. He called, "People of Aquas, I give you our Saviour, Our Lady Wave Rider, Lady Defender Mirana of Summer Reaches!" He turned to Mirana and bowed. And every one down below, followed suit. Mirana didn't know wether to laugh or cry. She had wanted a home, a place where she was accepted. And now she, Mirana of Summer Reaches, had become a legend!
She was so helpless, just like the other knights kneeling around her. They had fought, but now it was too late. Tirono, the country to the east of Aquas had won the war. And now they had to pay.
Dusk was setting over the clearing where the knights knelt in a big circle. A warrior of Tirono stood behind each defender of Aquas, a sword resting in their hands, ready to strike in case the defender would make any sudden movements. But there was no point. Mirana had lost. She had let down her country and now the sole heir to the throne of Aquas was to die.
Sam knelt in the middle of the kneeling knights. At twenty-two, he hadn't changed. His hair and eyes were still dark brown, he was still tall, muscular and handsome and his skin was still tanned. He meant the world the Mirana. He had always been there for her. He had helped her with fitting into her new home, he had corrected her hand posture on the sword before the training master could, he had spend hours teaching her politics. And her had taught her about loving. The sweet kisses they had exchanged still made Mirana tingle all over. They had never gone further, nor had they told anyone, but deep down they loved each other.
The leader of the Tirono warriors was kneeling opposite of Sam, deep in meditation. He was prying to the gods, to bless their victory and the blood that would be now spilled.
Mirana's knuckles tightened on the sword she had worn at her side since she had become a knight the year before. Unlike Sam, she had changed. Instead of becoming a lady, she had chosen to become a knight. This had meant long hours of fighting drills, exercising till she was ready to drop, learning new things even when she was sick, forcing herself to step over her boundary of comfort. She had worked hard and soon had become on of the best defenders in training. She amazed herself, her friends and the realm. She had learned discipline, to hide emotions and weaknesses, to go on and not to loose faith. She had cut her hair short and never wore face paint or jewellery. But it had all been for nothing.
Taking a deep breath she made herself relax. Instead she looked around the circle. On her left side knelt Don of Water Vale, her best friend. His cheeks were wet with tears. Next to him was his cousin, Perin of Okol. He was on of those who had suffered the most during the war and the months before. His father had died and shortly afterwards, his home fief had been taken by Tirono, as had been all the lands on the other side of the river Ristra.
Further on along the circle knelt Teridor of Kaliorn and Kevis of Winds Sweep. Both of them looked pale and stretched. Even Kevis wasn't able to wield his sharp tongue; he was grieving too much.
Mirana recognised other faces. Her former knight master, his close friends, and other knights she remembered from her training years. But faces were also missing. Scanning the circle, Mirana couldn't find Cerry, the shy boy who couldn't keep still. Biting her lip, she also noticed that Naramanka wasn't there. Slowly tears started creeping into Mirana's eyes and down her cheeks. Nara and her had started knight training together. Their rooms had been next to each other and they had quickly learned to accept each other. They had been like sisters.
Whispering a prayer to Vania, goddess of Death, Mirana again tightened her hand on the hilt of her sword, Raven. She had heard a cry. Not just any cry, but the cry of Wolf Wave, her black faithful mare, who she had left in the woods before the attack. Without drawing attention to herself, Mirana scanned the dark looming trees around the clearing. Wolf, her horse, only neighed when someone, or something, bother her. Or came too close. The knights had blown their horns for help hours ago, and even though, you could here the sound miles away, no help had arrived. Again the neigh sounded.
Mirana focused again on Sam and the warrior in front of him. He had stood up and was now bending his bow and looping the string over both ends. Biting her lips hard, Mirana knew that she had one chance. If she messed it up Sam, and every one else, would die at the hands of Tirono.
Silently, Mirana loosened Raven in its leather sheath. Than she straightened her back and tensed her muscles in her legs and arms. She needed speed and the surprise of her enemy. "Ariasa, grant me swiftness and the will to pull this through." She whispered under her breath. But if the goddess of peace and defence heard her, she gave no sign of it.
The full moon had risen. Mirana closed her eyes for a moment and took as deep breath. Than Wolf Wave neighed again. Mirana concentrated on the warrior opposite Sam. He had put an arrow to his bow and was now aiming at Sam's chest. The throne prince had closed his eyes. He would die fast.
As Mirana jumped to her feet images flashed through her mind making her strong for she knew that they depended on her. The King and Queen who had accepted her into their family, Evie who had died of a terrible fever two years before, her best friend Don who had brought her home to Aquas, Perin, Kevis, Cerry, Nara, Wolf Wave rearing and who only let Mirana ride her, her sword fleshing through the air. She was dimly aware of the shouts and clashes of metal on metal, but she only saw Sam's smiling face before a sudden pain in her shoulder shook her and every thing went black.
She was standing in a meadow. Suriko was shinning upon her. A cool breeze blew her hair out of her face and tugged at her tunic. She raised her arms and spun. She couldn't imagine what had happened, but this field was peaceful and she felt well. She stopped because all of a sudden she saw a group of people running towards her. "Nara!" Mirana started running. Halfway across the meadow she met the girl, who grabbed her and hugged her. "I thought you died!" Mirana cried. Nara looked at her, "I am dead!" Mirana took a step back, "What? But . . . I don't understand! Where are we?" Before the Nara could answer the rest of the group reacher her. Cerry hugged her, Evie tugged at her sleeve, Master Okol, Perin's father shock her hand and kissed her on the brow. Mirana didn't know what was happening. The group parted and a man and a woman stepped forward.
The woman had blond curly hair and light blue eyes. Tears were running down her cheeks. The man had one arm wrapped around the woman. He had short hazelnut hair and green eyes. His build was tall and muscular, the woman was small and fragile. Mirana had seen pictures of her parents, but it hadn't prepared her. When the Lord and Lady of Summer Reaches wrapped their arms around their daughter, Mirana couldn't help herself; she began crying.
The three didn't notice the breeze pick up or the others move away. Only when the loud booming voice of Meridor, God of fire spoke did Mirana free herself of her parent's embrace.
"Mirana, your quest hasn't ended! You died before your time." Meridor glowed yellow. Mirana had to blink a few times before her eyes accustomed themselves to the aura of the gods standing around her.
Vania, Goddess of Death, stepped forward. "Brother, it will be difficult. I may have to power to return the dead back to the living, but Mirana has too much holding her here. You must explain!"
She bowed to Meridor before returning to her spot in the circle of Gods surrounding the Lord, Lady and daughter of Summer Reaches. Meridor grimaced, "Thank you, Venia!" Turning back to Mirana, he said "You have saved your country this time, but now you must help return law and order to the Realm. Their majesties need all the help they can get and you, Mirana, have seen many different point of views, many aspects of how to live in harmony. You may be accustomed to death, because you have lived on Vania's doorstep for your first thirteen years, but this is your path. Say your good byes, Wave Rider, for you are now being send back!"
Mirana nodded. She understood. She had all the time in the world to be with her parents, one day. But she hasn't reached the end of her path, only a fork in the road. Kissing her parents, and hugging Nara and Cerry she stood in front of the Gods and nodded. "I am ready!" she whispered. Meridor stepped forward and gently brushed her brow with his lips. Leaning down and said so only she could hear, "You are blessed, Wave Rider! Take back your life and help those in need!"
Vania stepped forward and said, "Do not fight me, Mirana." Mirana nodded and closed her eyes.
A horrible pain shot through Mirana as she tried sitting up. Hands grabbed her and pushed her back down. Mirana could only make out shadows and outlines, but she knew that she was lying on a cot in a tent. Someone was leaning over her. Blinking a few times, Mirana again tried sitting up. This time, instead of fighting her, the hands helped her. A cup was pressed against her lips and Mirana sipped. It was cold water. Mirana yawned and fell into a restless slumber.
The next time Mirana woke she was moving. She lay on a stretcher and was being carried between two horses. Looking up, she recognised Perin and Don on the two horses. Groaning, she covered her eyes. Don heard her and quickly together with Perin stopped and dismounted.
Don opened his water flask and handed it to her. Perin grinned while she drank. Finally she croaked, "What is so amusing, Master Okol?" He took her hand and said, "Welcome back to the living, Wave Rider! We have missed you!" Mirana shook her head, "Pardon?" "You have been out for the last week! If the healers hadn't said that you would live, I think we would have all killed ourselves!" Don filled her in.
"Sam was beside himself with worry. You saved us all and risked your life for us." Perin whispered.
Mirana groaned again, "That's all nice, but if I don't stand up in a moment and relieve myself you would wish yourself away from here!" Chuckling, the two men grasped her arms and pulled her up. While she went behind a bush, Perin jumped onto his horse Spiderfingers and cantered of to stop the group.
Meanwhile Don filled Mirana in on everything she had missed. Just as Mirana through herself in between Sam and the arrow, help came. The arrow hit Mirana straight in the shoulder and killed her because it had been fired from such a short distance. The battle had been won and Tirono had agreed to stop the war. They were now three-days ride away from the capital city of Aquas, Jojana. Mirana was stretching her legs and testing her arm as Perin returned together with Ter and Sam. Sam jumped of his horse and wrapped his arms around Mirana. He kissed her cheek because they were in public but Mirana felt his desire. Quickly she freed herself from him, only to be hugged by Ter. Kevis arrived a moment later and also hugged Mirana. A tear leaked down his cheek as he told Mirana, "Nara and Cerry are dead." Mirana surprised the young men by saying, "I know. I saw them in the Realms of the Dead." Sam was breathing quicker as he whispered, "So you were dead!" Mirana nodded and said, "I was. But now I am back!"
Don slung an arm around his friend, "Aye, ya're back! It's time to follow the others to where they are setting up camp. Tonight we'll all celebrate yar return!"
Three days later the company rode into the stables of the royal palace. Mirana had managed to ride the last two days of the journey, but when slid of Wolf Wave's back she swayed and had to grab the saddle for support. She hardly managed to unsaddle Wolf. Sam met her at the luggage carriages. Together they found they their packs and made their way to the palace together. She soaked in her bath. Remembering that their majesties wanted to see her, she pulled herself out and slipped into a clean pair of beige breeches, white tunic and dark blue tunic with the Summer Reaches coat of arms on it; a horse rearing in front of a wave.
She entered the royal wing and made her way to the study of King Neptune. Nep and Korala were sitting there. Both stood as Mirana came in and bowed and curtsied to her. Mirana blushed and quickly bowed low in return. Korala kissed her cheek and Nep hugged her. "Your parent's would be proud of you, Lady Defender, as are we!" Nep bowed again, "Thank you, Mirana, you have saved us all! Come!" He took her arm and, followed by Korala led her through a couple of rooms to a balcony. He stepped up to the rail and Mirana followed. What she saw shocked her. Down below in the public courtyard stood thousands of men, woman and children cheering. Neptune raised his hands and quiet fell. He called, "People of Aquas, I give you our Saviour, Our Lady Wave Rider, Lady Defender Mirana of Summer Reaches!" He turned to Mirana and bowed. And every one down below, followed suit. Mirana didn't know wether to laugh or cry. She had wanted a home, a place where she was accepted. And now she, Mirana of Summer Reaches, had become a legend!