Chapter 2

Eira groaned as she finished tying the last lacing about her neck.

She didn't want to do this! But, rules were rules. Her father ordered, her father got.

Immediately stopping short, Eira shook her head at the tone of her thoughts. It smacked way too much of bitterness for her taste.

She would do anything for her father…..but, why did it have to be this?

Glancing about her room, Eira spotted the wooden practice sword leaning against the back side of her dresser chest. Beaten and worn, it could almost pass for a prized memento of a seasoned warrior. Unfortunately, it was hers.

Years and practice: of bloodied knuckles, sweat-soaked backs, sore muscles, and what did she have for it? Callouses.

Eira could read the library out twice over, she knew the castle supply stores like the back of her hand, she could instruct how to plant and maintain Draven's famous orchards, and settle disputes among the people. But, this….this she had to master.

The thought caused her to groan again.

Her grip was horrible, her stance couldn't support a bucket, and her defense was laughable. And, yet, she had to go through this over and over again.

Eira supposed she shouldn't complain. Her father had at least given her the mercy of only having her lessons once a week now, instead of daily.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, Eira took a deep breath.

There was no putting it off but….would another chapter from the book hidden under her pillow be that bad a delay? It would give her something to think about as she swung through drills. And, it was a really good part of the story so—

"Princess Eira!"

The call had her sighing as she rose to booted feet. Yep, her time was up.

Marching to her window, Eira picked up the practice sword with an almost amused acceptance.

Of all her studies: tutors, stewards, scholars from all-over Draven….why was this so hard?

'How poetically ironic.'

"Eira!"

"I'm coming," she answered, turning sharply towards her door.

Might as well get this over-with.

SSS

"Don't look so grumpy," the familiar voice teased from Haearn's room door. "The council will think you don't want to be there."

Haearn remained silent as he ran the comb through his hair once more. Kaja was always eager to get a rise out of him.

"Guess I shouldn't be surprised," she continued as she stepped gingerly about the numerous piles around the room. "You never look like you want to be there."

"I don't want to be there," Haearn answered. "And, I'm not grumpy."

"Of course not," Kaja quipped before she giggled and threw herself onto his bed, a side pile of clothes tumbling to the floor. "Seriously, are these growing?"

Again, Haearn remained silent. He'd kept his room the same way for years. That wasn't about to change now. He had more important things to worry about.

"So, here we go again," she muttered as she tossed a sock to the floor. "New verse, same song?"

"I've no reason to change it," Haearn answered as he put the comb back on the table. "It's not time."

"You know, I'm here for you, right?" Kaja offered. "I mean, if you ever need anything."

Haearn sighed as he picked up the clip that would secure his hair. The etching of the Mountain's Flame blazed in its golden center. The very heart of their kingdom. A heart that had almost been ripped from them years ago.

Since the last attack, Kaja and Haearn only had each-other. They were all that was left, other than their grandmother.

"I know," he answered.

"Would it… be so bad?" she asked, twisting an auburn curl about her finger. "I mean, hey, it's your choice but….do you think you will ever be ready?"

"I don't know," he answered, silence weighing heavy in the room.

However, Kaja was never one who could stand quiet for long.

"Well," she quipped, hopping back to her feet. "Grandma will hold the throne as long as you want but… even she can't have it forever. No-matter what she says."

Haearn couldn't help the smirk twitching the corner of his mouth.

For years, their grandmother had told them she was too stubborn to die. That she would turn into mountain stone first. Despite the ridiculousness of it, it was always comforting to hear.

"Who knows," Haearn offered. "Maybe you'll be next."

Kaja snorted.

"Me?" she tutted. "Please. I sit my behind on that throne, half the Great Hall would race to the surface."

"And, that would be so bad?" Haearn countered, causing his sister to point at him in gaping glee.

"There's your sense of humor," she cheered. "I knew it was hiding somewhere."

Haearn shook his head in amusement as he tossed a rag at his sister's face, causing her to just laugh harder.

All this time, after everything they had to face, she could still laugh at the simplest things. This was what got Haearn to get up from his bed. This was what pushed him to go back to the forge. This was what he had to protect.

"Well?" he asked, arms held out for full inspection. "How do I look?"

Kaja ran her gaze up and down him in full scrutiny. Undoubtedly, she took in his immaculate tunic, lined and etched in the finest gold, patterns of fierce beasts and woven mountains braiding across his chest like a heavy collar. The wide belt, covered in tanned slick leather, wrapped about his waist and ending in gold trinkets. From his smooth pants to sturdy boots, he was cleaned to perfection. The perfect prince.

With a bright smile, Kaja stuck her thumb in the air.

"Never looked better," she informed. "Perfect for telling the Council to all shove it."

Haearn snorted in amusement.

'If only.'

A sudden banging on the door had both of them straightening to full height.

"That would be your escort," Kaja replied. "Should I clear a path to the door?"

"Just stay out of trouble while I'm there," Haearn replied. "Try not to start any fires."

"One time," she huffed. "One time, years ago, and I'm branded for life. It wasn't even that big, anyway."

Haearn grinned. With a teasing flounce, Kaja hopped down and came over to smooth the stitching around his neck.

"You're sure this is the right thing?" she asked. "They won't ask again for a year."

Haearn forced himself to smile as he smoothed his palm down the back of his sister's head.

"Don't worry," he soothed. "It won't take long."

"It never does," Kaja quipped.

"Prince Haearn," a voice called from the other side of the door, causing him to set his shoulders in preparation.

Time to get this over-with.

SSS

The rumbling of horses' hooves rolled through the open air. The sound was as natural as the wind rustling through the trees to the group of riders as they broke into the clearing.

The leader scanned the surrounding area, his crowned helm glinting in the late-morning light. Still, there was nothing.

Elric had heard several reports of a Zauber witch in the area. Unfortunately, hours of riding and searching all over Draven's borders had them finding nothing. No death in the air, no taint of the ground or trees, no hints of a Zauber's presence.

Instead, everything was calm. Animals roamed the grass, fearless of any predator nearby. No, this land wasn't afflicted at all. Perhaps the reports to the castle had been wrong.

"Nothing," Elric heard the soldier beside him mutter. "Absolutely nothing."

Elric nodded as he closed his eyes against the Spring breeze that snaked through the field. The fragrant caress was almost enough to bring a smile to his face; precious memories warming him within.

Had it really been so long since his wife's passing?

"What now?" asked the man on his other side, snapping Elric from his musings.

"We'll continue our patrol," Elric ordered, dark eyes scanning the area once again. "There's nothing here. Let's go."

Kicking his mount into action, the group continued on their course, never noticing the dark shadow slipping deeper into the trees.