Look! It lives! Aren't you proud of me? It's been another year since I've updated. I need to get better at this game
Well, the reason why this took so long was I was debating which direction to go. I've decided to make this into four books. Yes, you heard me right After talking about it with Akiko, I think I think I can pull it off. And knowing my luck, it will be one of those unfinished projects...
And again, I apologize for all those people who know Picard as Piers. I just knew him as Picard, and I liked the name, so it stuck Just in case there's any confusion about it.
Chapter 6
Warmth. Sunlight greeted him as he opened his eyes and blinked from the light. Picard sat up, and glanced at his surroundings. The storm was a vague memory, though how he had survived it was a mystery. Where he had landed was even more of a mystery. He remembered fighting against the sea, but knew he had blacked out and couldn't recall anything more than vague details about the whole experience.
He sighed as he fell back into his bed. "What have I gotten myself into?" he asked quietly. He placed his arm over his eyes as he rested them. Then he suddenly felt something light on his chest and looked to see what it was.
"You can say that again. I say, this is the last time we listen to Conservato. You could have gotten killed! Where would that leave us? Leave the storms to the Jupiter Adepts, I say. They seem to think the high winds are fun."
"Spring?!" Picard sat up quickly, causing the Djinni to fall into his lap. He picked her up with his hands.
"Not to mention, they're a little too fond of lightning. They would have thought that storm was a wild ride." Shade added when he appeared next to Spring. "Have you ever seen Gust when he's had too much electricity?"
"What happened?" Picard questioned.
"After you tried to play hero, you failed miserably," Shade replied. "We managed to hold together long enough to be rescued."
"Rescued? Then where am I?"
"From what we've gathered, we made it to Rowad."
"Thanks to help from Xander. Too bad the ship was destroyed, but then again, it wasn't worth saving anyways." Fog added. "I don't know how that boy did it, but he spotted us out in that storm. Now he's been going on about how you owe him your life. He's so annoying."
"You're only upset because he pulled your tail." Spring started laughing.
"As I said, he's annoying."
"More like obnoxious," Mist said.
"That too."
There was a creak as the door opened. Picard looked over to see a girl with short blue hair enter the room. She looked more occupied then anything as she headed across the room. She turned her head, and stopped when she noticed him.
"You're finally awake," she said, approaching him. "It's been nearly three days, I wasn't expecting you'd regain consciousness for a little while yet. My name's Katrina, I've been your healer since Xander rescued you from the storm. How are you feeling?"
"Fine, thank you," Picard replied as he sat up.
"Are you sure? It's not every day a Mercury Adept survives a storm like that one." She motioned for him to lie back down. "You still need your rest. There's no need to get up just yet."
He didn't question her as he leaned back in his bed.
"Sean and Savea will want to know you've awakened as soon as possible. They wanted to give you a formal introduction. Is there anything you would like?"
"Perhaps some food would be good." Picard smiled slightly.
Katrina smiled as well. "I'll be back in a little while then."
Picard watched her turn back towards the door. Moments later, she was gone. Leaving him alone with his Djinn once more.
"Are you all right, Picard?" Spring asked her companion.
"I'm fine. Maybe just a little tired. That's all." He sighed heavily as he stared at the ceiling. At least the people here seemed friendly enough. But there was no doubt about it now; Conservato wanted him dead.
Sean looked up from his desk as he heard a knock on his door. "Enter." He said simply. "Oh, hello Katrina. What can I do for you?"
"I just wanted to inform you that Prince Picard has awakened, sire." Katrina bowed out of respect as she entered the room.
"Really? How is he?"
"He seems all right. I told him to rest some more. He might be up later this evening, but I don't want him to risk over exhausting himself. I'm impressed he pulled through, personally."
"Well, he is a Mercury Adept, after all. If he survived a storm like the one the other night, he may have a chance at the trials. I would appreciate it if he would come to dinner tonight if he feels able. We have much to discuss."
"I'll be sure to ask him. While he's under my care, he has a say in the matter."
"If he insists to stay, then we can meet tomorrow. Either way is fine. We're in no terrible rush yet."
Katrina nodded. "I'll see what I can do then." She bowed and left the study.
Picard looked over as the door opened to see Katrina walk in.
"Picard, King Sean would like an audience with you later this evening. Would that be all right with you?"
Picard sat up and stretched. "Sure, I'll be up for it." He smiled slightly.
"He wants to discuss the trials and various other matters," she said, offering him a bowl of soup.
"Sure, I'll be up for it." He smiled, gladly taking the bowl from her. "What time?"
"I'll come for you around four or so."
He blew the steam away from his bowl. "Very well. Would it be all right if I wandered the halls at all?"
Katrina shook her head. "Not today. You'll have plenty of free time tomorrow. I'd prefer it if you'd stay in the infirmary until dinner."
"All right." He sighed as he began eating the soup.
"I'll be in every once in a while if you need anything." Katrina said as she made her way out the door.
Picard watched her leave then returned to his eating. "This is going to be a long day," he muttered.
Picard impatiently waited for Katrina to enter again. He'd changed back into his usual Lemurian clothes, which still looked a little weather-beaten from the storm despite the fact that someone had clearly cleaned and mended them. He was also somewhat bored, since he hadn't been allowed to roam the castle yet and had been too nervous to sleep any further.
When Katrina finally returned, she motioned for him to follow her and he did so without a word. They took several turns in various directions before they reached the dining hall. Two guards stood at the entrance and they wordlessly opened the doors, allowing them entry.
Picard did get much of a chance to take in his surroundings before the King spoke his greeting.
"Picard, Prince of Lemuria, welcome to Rowad."
Picard immediately bowed. "I apologize for my arrival. Thank you for rescuing me. I probably would have been lost at sea if you hadn't."
"You may rise, Prince Picard of Lemuria. The seas around here change drastically within hours; it wasn't your fault the storm happened. We're just glad you pulled through. . If Xander didn't spot you when he did, you could have been in trouble. We've already sent word to Lemuria that you've made it. Now, we have much to discuss." Sean motioned with his hand for Picard to be seated at the dining table. The room was relatively empty of other people. There were only a few servants, King Sean himself, and his wife.
Picard seated himself while keeping eye contact with Sean. Both of their facial expressions became quite serious.
"Before we begin, there is something you have to understand," the King said. "I'm sure you've given thought as to why you're here, but there's more to it then that. We ask all contestants this, and we will do the same with you. Picard, are you positive you want to go through with this? Once you accept the trials, there is no backing out. The only way out will be to either pass the trials, or death. There is more to the trials than simply winning. It is a test of skill. If you fail, that's it. Do you still wish to compete?"
"From the moment I sailed from Lemuria, my decision was made," Picard said firmly. "I understand the consequences of the trials, and I still want to go through with them. I won't fail."
Sean studied Picard. He seemed serious enough to compete in the trials, no matter the cost. He glanced over to Savea and she nodded. "Very well. From this moment on, there is no turning back. You will be staying here until the trials are completed. We have already provided you with a room. If you need anything, just ask. I welcome you to our trials. It's not often we get a contestant so it should be exciting for all of us."
"I'll do my best."
"This is no game Picard. You could get killed," Savea repeated after her husband.
"I know. As I said before, I'm willing to risk my life to complete the trials. I will do all that is in my power."
"Now that you've made an agreement, it's time to discuss the trials. I'm not sure how much King Hydros has told you, but I will give you a short summery. You will be faced with four trials, each based on one of the four elements, Water, Earth, Wind, and Fire. At the end of each trial, you will fight a creature."
"Creature?" Picard raised an eyebrow. "What kind of creature?"
"That, I cannot tell you. The object of the trials is for you to learn how to face sudden dangers, and use your own strength as well as what's around you to defeat whatever comes your way. You may use whatever means necessary, but we can only say so much about each trial."
Picard nodded. "Fair enough."
"You won't be faced with all four trials right away. After each trial, you will have roughly three months in-between. The trials are going to be different from anything else you've faced, so we'll have certain people to train you specifically."
"Train?" Picard questioned curiously. This process was apparently even more involved than he'd predicted.
"We'll explain that later. For now, I can at least tell you that your first trial is Water."
"Water." Picard sighed slightly in relief. That was his home element so couldn't be too difficult.
"Don't take your element too lightly. We will tell you more tomorrow morning, but for now it's getting relatively late. Katie will show you to your room for the night."
Picard bowed slightly after he stood up. It was clear to him that this was a sign they wanted him gone for the time being. He followed the blond girl out of the room, not looking back towards Sean or Savea.
"What do you think of him?" Sean asked his wife seriously.
"He seems friendly enough, almost a little too willing to complete the trials."
"He seems pressured to me. I don't doubt he has the strength to complete the trials. Except, if he isn't careful, he may lose something more important to him then his life."
Well, not the best of chapters, but I figured it's good enough for now And special thanks to Midnight for going through it Thankee! And this was the hard chapter, so, until I get to the trials, it should go much faster. I hope...