Raphael's eyes rolled at the whiny voice of his girlfriend Cia. What do I see in her? he wondered with her. Cia was the daughter of a prominent lord in the Kingdom, his parents and hers had arranged their relationship years ago. With her lion's mane of golden blonde hair, supple hour-glass figure Cia was the perfect companion to have on his arm for dances, dinners and hunts, even to keep him warm in bed. As a companion for other things - stimulating conversation for example - was not exactly something Cia was good for.
"Why don't you try a location spell or something? Make use of yourself," he suggested, gripping the window sill of his room, staring out the castle window down into the courtyard ten stories below where he could see the archers doing target practice, their green and gold uniforms glinting in the fading light of the afternoon sun.
"I suppose I could try but I don't have any of the supplies here in the castle," Cia said. She sat at the vanity table, brushing her long blonde hair, admiring her reflection in the ivory and diamond framed mirror. An engagement gift given to Cia from the King and Queen, hand crafted in the Kingdom.
"You're a witch for crying out loud! The only reason we're together is because you are supposed to be incredibly powerful. You're a Harman after all." Raphael turned around, wanting to throw something at the annoying girl.
"Typical of a know-it-all blood sucker," she sneered. "Just because the Queen is your mother's best friend you think you can get away with anything. Insanity probably runs in your family. You're probably all as crazy as that stupid sister of yours."
Raphael just stared at her, then shook his head in anger and stalked out of their room. Word had come about Elektra's disappearance early that morning. She had not been in her bed when the maid had gone in to wake her. His younger sister had always had some reserve to life in the Kingdom, he knew she hadn't exactly been happy about staying there.
The Kingdom had been buzzing for weeks about the upcoming wedding of Elektra and Prince Azreal, the King's eldest son and heir to the throne. Even though the King had been around for five hundred years and didn't look to be going anywhere some time soon. As he had been betrothed to Cia at a young age, his sister had been as well.
"Do you think they know about Elektra's heritage and all that prophecy crap she's supposed to fulfil?"
Raphael had made his way quickly down the stairs to find a witch who could be relied on to perform the location spell rather than a pretty one like Cia who's only use was apparently being pretty. He had come to the archer's courtyard, and faced with one of them, Linus Greysky, restringing an arrow to his bow. His a curtain of long black hair fell across his face as he took aim - and hit his target.
"They who?" Raphael said, folding his arms across his purple and green tunic, his own blond bangs falling across his forehead.
Linus shrugged. "You know who. Everyone's heard rumours for years. Though no one's seen Elektra show any form of power. She's wistful and dreamy and just doesn't seem like the type. How would she even have the brains to run away successfully?"
Raphael sighed, though a little smile was pulling at his lips. Linus was exactly right - Elektra wafted about the Kingdom like a ray of light brightening the darkest corners, it seemed unlikely she'd be able to cope in any other life than she one she had. "I guess we all under estimated her."
Linus straightened, brushing back his long hair, holding his bow to him as if it were a precious treasure. "Watch out - you've got company."
Raphael looked to where Linus was nodding. His eyes rolled at the beautiful girl who was marching towards him through. The practicing archers were stepping out of her way as she walked by them, ignoring their arrows. The woman was only medium in height, dressed in a silver tunic over a white long sleeved top. On the front of the silver tunic a black design of a snake in a circle eating its own tail. Silver leather pants clung to her legs. Silvery-white hair cascaded around her shoulders. Strapped to her back was a Samurai sword. In her belt were two smaller knives, also two guns.
"Katana, what are you doing here?" Raphael asked. Some of the younger archer boys were whispering to each other, gazing at the stately figure with her weapons as she stopped in front of Linus and Raphael.
Katana stood proudly. "I am to assist you in the rescue of Lady Elektra. We believe she has gone to the Outside world."
Linus was smirking. Raphael elbowed him. Katana just glared at them, scowling. Raphael eyed her suspiciously. "How do you know that?"
"Rhi Weald has just performed a location spell, she's not too powerful at long distance but off the map indicates your sister is Outside," Katana said.
Raphael was surprised and kind of pleased to hear that Katana had thought ahead and already come to him with some useful information. The girl was a known warrior for the Kingdom. She had her own army trained in various forms of fancy fighting. She often worked closely with the General of the King's personal army as well.
"Isn't Rhi the daughter of Camellia Weald? She's the one who trains the witch branch of the army, right?" Linus put in.
Katana nodded. "Yes, Camellia is her mother, but Rhi doesn't seem to have inherited much of her mother's power. Besides, we have - "
"We have nothing," Raphael cut her off. "So Elektra has been on the outside - where? If you have not noticed, the place is - there's an entire world out there and she could be anywhere."
"Already ahead of you." Katana smiled proudly. "I have contacts on the Outside who will be of assistance once we get to them. We leave as soon as you are ready."