Chapter 2: One Last Goodbye:

"Jayden, wakeup!" A loud whisper woke me up from my restless sleep. Someone shook my shouders, causing me to open my eyes.

"Wha. . .?" I peered through half open eyes into the face of Mother. "Why are you wake me up so early?" I asked with a yawn.

"Jayden, we have to get to the palace! The soldiers will be leaving today. It's our last chance to see your brother until the war is over."

"They're leaving today!" I cried, now fully awake. "But. . . don't they have to train?" I was sure Shane would be training at the palace for at least a few weeks before leaving.

Mother shook her head. "There's no time."

I was thankful that there was at least another chance to say goodbye. "When do we leave?"

Mother quickly got up, stepping to the side to glance out a window. "Soon," she said. "The neighbors are starting to leave already."

I stood up, brushing my fingers through my straight, dark brown hair. "Let's leave now, the sooner we leave, the more time we have with Shane."

Mother nodded and handed me a fruit. "Eat something before we leave."

Outside, the weather was absolutely lovely. The sun was shining brightly in the sky and a warm breeze blew through my hair.

When we reached the palace gates, the ground was packed. It seemed as though all of Kyrria was there, struggling to get through the gates to reach their loved ones.

"One at a time!" I heard the rough voice of a palace guard shout.

Many people were in tears, longing to see their husbands and sons for what may be the last time.

"Stay close," Mother said, as she dragged me through the throng of people.

We were quite close to the entrance now. The guards took a few seconds to check the women, elders and children for weapons or any other dangerous objects before letting them through.

"Hey, lady, show me what you have in your pocket," the guard said, carelessly glancing at Mother. Mother dug her hands into her empty pocket.

"Alright, go through," he said, lightly shoving her through the gate. "Next!"

I stepped up to the guard. From his annoyed expression I could tell he was getting pretty exhausted from his job.

"Got any pockets, little lady?" he asked in a monotonous tone.

"No, Sir," I replied.

"Alright, kid, get through. Next!" He peered over my head to the next person behind me.

I quickly moved through the gates, into the grassy courtyard. I peered around. Where did Mother go?

"Jayden! Over hear!" cried a famliar voice. I whirled around. The voice belonged to Shane, who was with Mother.

I ran towards them, surrounding Shane in a warm embrace. As I peered up to look at him I felt warm tears roll down my cheeks.

"Jayden, not this again. . ." Shane said softly, setting his hands on my shoulders.

I forced a smile through my tears.

"Jayden," he said softly so Mother couldn't hear. "Please, after the war, don't be too expectant to see me. You know that there is a great chance that I may not come back. . ." For the first time in my life I saw my older brother cry.

"You promised-" I started to say but I was cut off by another voice.

"Good people of Kyrria," a voice from above boomed. All the people in the courtyard looked up to the balcony to see the King. King Charmont was standing with Queen Ella and another boy who looked to be a few years older than me, who I assumed was Prince Derek. They were both standing on either side of the King.

"My good people," King Charmont repeated. Even at a tie of great despair the king did not fail to bear a genuine smile. "We have reached a time when out men have to bear arms and fight for our beloved kingdom."

There were cheers from the men below, though I failed to understand why anyone would cheer at the thought of going to war.

"Although many men will period in this great battle, they will be remember for their bravery, loyalty and courage. Each and every man shall be respected and remember forever."

Tears continued to pour down my cheeks. What kind of inspirational speech was this anyway, stating that many men will die. I looked over at Shane. His eyes were glued on the king, and there was a fire in his eyes I'd never seen before. The thought that this may be the last time I'd ever see him broke my heart.

Then I had an idea.

I tugged on Shane's sleeve. "Shane," I whispered.

"Hm? What is it?" he asked, not moving his glance away from the royal family.

I hesitated for a moment. "I-I want to go with you."

His eyes widened, and he turned to stare at me. "What do you mean?"

I swallowed. "I-I mean. . . I'm coming too. To fight. . ."

Shane's eyes grew even bigger. "You're kidding, right?" he asked, looked at me with his dark brown eyes as if I were crazy.

I shook my head.

Shane sighed. "Jayden, please, don't be ridiculous. You're a lady. You're fifteen. It's not safe."

"B-But. . ." I sobbed. "What if I never see you again? Hm? Then who'll stay up with me when there's a storm? Who's walk with me to the store?"

"Jayden," Shane said. "I promise I'll come back. . . rememeber what I said last night?"

"But you just told me a few minutes ago that you might not come back! And didn't you just hear what the king said? Were you not listening? You might die out there!"

"Jayden, listen," he said, peering into my eyes. I could see that tears were beginning to form in his eyes, but he quickly wiped them away. "Here," he reached into his shirt and pulled something from around his neck.

He took my hand and wrapped my fingers around it.

I peered in my hand, and on it was a silver chain, that I recognized was the heirloom father gave him before he passed away. And now Shane was giving it to me. Because he might die too.

"I can't take that. Father gave you that."

He shook his head. "It's yours. For now anyway." He grinned. "You know I'll come back for it."

"Now, be good to Mother. I know she's been a bit distant ever since Father. . . well, you know," he whispered, making sure Mother didn't hear. I nodded. "And also-"

The king must have stopped speaking because before I knew it, the guards were gathering the people out of the palace gates.

"Shane!" I cried as I was swept into the crowd. I anxiously looked around for him.

Before I had a chance to say my last goodbye, I was out of the palace grounds and the gates were closed.

A/N: Please review!