When Andrew woke up he still felt quite exhausted. As he sat up he saw scorch marks around the cave. Wow a simple journey for training and I end up with a whole new set of problems besides my memory loss. His head hurt and all the questions he wanted to ask seemed so pointless. Well lets figure out what I can now. First off who in the world was that person, what was that power, and where is that person now. Andrew couldn't help but feel sorry for whoever it was. That power was definitely his even if he didn't know what it was.
Grabbing his sword he stared at it and examined it and the small orb he had placed their. What is this and how can such a small gem hold such power. Walking out of the cave he decided he was gonna use the time he had left to figure out just what all this was about. But first I need to get to Feltz and find my new master. Looking up in the sky Andrew could tell it was still mid morning and started out for town. Going all day without rest he was able to make it to Feltz just as the sun was starting to set.
He was stopped by a guard who asked, "What is your business in Feltz traveler?" "I have traveled here from Seles to train with Master Ranum" "Very well you may pass. You should find the Master in the castle right now but I am afraid they may not let you pass to get there. It used to be different but since the Princess Emille's accident things have changed drastically including her. Watch yourself my friend and be careful."
"Thank you sir I will." Nodding his head Andrew made his way into town seeing small depictions of stars everywhere. Walking over a small bridge and down the street he found himself in what he assumed was the market place. Although since it was getting late barely anybody could be seen around there. He saw the path to the castle and went to it but then noticed a rather large guard right there. As Andrew approached the guard stood up blocking the path and said in a stern and deep voice, "What business do you have here stranger?"
"I am here to meet and train with Master Ranum, may I pass?" "I am afraid that by order of Princess Emille I cannot allow anyone to pass." Andrew sighed, so the guard he had talked to when he got to the city was right. What could have made this Princess Emille so cold and stern. Even in the far reaches of Seles they had heard of the Princess Emille and Lisa her younger sister. Both were said to have such kindess and incredible beauty. He couldn't help but feel excited in the hopes while training he could see either one of them.
Of course with such treatment by Princess Emille he wasn't as excited. With my luck she'll have my head on a chopping block for any reason she could think of. He shuddered at the thought. Looking up he could see the stars shining. Maybe I should quit daydreaming and start looking for a place I could stay the night. As he made is way back the way he came a young solider approached him and asked, "Are you the young man who is going to be training with Master Ranum?" Nodding Andrew said, "Yes and who are you?"
"I am a personal vassal of Princess Lisa, she wishes to speak with you but we must be secretive about this. It is strange times now, quickly follow me." Following the man into a back street he pulled up a stone to reveal a ladder leading to an underground tunnel. They climbed down and when Andrew got to the bottom he could smell an awful smell.
"What is that smell?"
"This is one of many tunnels and they are the sewers of the city and palace but Princess Lisa had this certain one cleaned out and prepared in case the tunnels the people of the palace would usually escape in times of emergency are compromised. It was only recently she had this done and so the horrible smell is still here for now."
"Well if we're suppose to be pretty much sneaking into the castle won't this smell give us away once we get there?"
"This tunnel has multiple run offs and one entrance into the castle is the base of one of the spiral towers that you see of the castle. The Princess Lisa's chambers is at the top of it. We will only pass 1 guard other than the other vassal. Do not fear if need be I have been ordered to protect you with my life."
"I appreciate that but even so I don't wish to cost you your station, besides what makes you think I need to be protected," as he said it Andrew grinned slightly.
Laughing softly the soldier responded, "What Princess Lisa has to speak to you about is part of the reason I must protect you even if you don't believe you need it. She will explain it all herself, this way."
Pointing at a door he pulled a key out of his pocket and quietly unlocking the door and opening it. Andrew felt a small breeze hit his face and could smell fresh air. They walked up a small flight of stairs and Andrew marveled at how big the towers were when up close. Two tall spiral towers stood slightly apart, the spiral of each tower were stairs leading up to the top. Going up the tower closest to them they ran jumping two steps at a time until they got half way up.
"We will be safe now, at this time no one but the Princess or her vassals will be up here." After 10 minutes of walking they reached a landing where a large building sat and another soldier stood by the door. "Welcome back Ronan, is this the young man Princess Lisa spoke of?" "Yes Buron I believe so, but the Princess will have to make the final judgment. Just go inside we shall stay out here, what she has to say is only for you," Ronan said moving to the other side of the door as Buron stood on the opposite side.
Cautiously Andrew walked through the door, and noticed the exsquisite decorations of the room. A giant four cornered bed with blankets and curtains that looked like silk. Although since he had never seen silk before he could only guess. Out under the star stood a young girl looking up at the sky. She wore an incredible dress which was all yellow and almost shined with the light of the stars. Andrew walked towards the balcony and as he took a step out onto the balcony the girl turned and it felt like the breathe was sucked out of him.
She had blond hair pulled into two pig tails laying on either side of her head. Her face was almost like a child's yet with a majestic grace and beauty of a woman twice her age. He was taken away by how beautiful she was and nearly jumped when she spoke in a soft and graceful voice.
"Welcome Andrew, you have traveled far to train to protect what you love. I am afraid however you play a big part in the world and the future that may come about. The specifics of that I cannot see but before that you shall have to first discover pieces of your past so you are prepared for the future."
Andrew was unsure what to say at first but then asked, "How is it you know such things and how can I find out more about my past?"
Princess Lisa turned her head and looked up at the stars and said, "I have read it in the stars, but they only show me some of what may come. What I have seen isn't enough to help you. I can only try and direct you towards the right outcome."
Sighing Andrew shook his head, "So I have some big part in the future of the world but to be ready for it I need to remember my past?"
"Not remember your past, discover your past. The stars show me that you no longer have those memories from your past. They were taken from you, and without them you cannot hope to control the power you have."
Andrew was surprised she knew about that. "The stars told you that I had some power? Not to be rude but if they can show you something like that which I just recently discovered myself. Why can't it show anything more about what I can do to control it or at least get my memories back?"
Lisa giggled lightly, "I can understand your frustration but the stars only show what they can. The rest is for us to figure out."
"Us?" he said blushing slightly.
"Yes the stars also showed that our fates are tied together," she said sounding embarrassed. Andrew could see her blush and was surprised. Quickly composing herself Lisa said, "For now we must look into finding out about your past, but since you came all this way to train you should rest tonight and began with Master Ranum like you planned.
I will keep searching the stars for more clues. Ronan will show you to the guest quarters. Be safe and rest well." With that she walked past him towards the door. Andrew followed her and they both found Ronan and Buron still at either side of the door. Lisa nodded to Ronan and as he started down the stairs he turned and motioned for Andrew to follow. At first Andrew walked slowly and turned back to Lisa when he got to the stairs.
She smiled and nodded before turning and going abck into her room. With that Andrew hurried to catch up to Ronan, they walked in silence till they got to the bottom of the tower. They met 3 guards who nodded to Ronan before continuing their patrol. Going into the main part of the palace he was shown to a room to the right of the Chamber of the Sun.
"Sleep well young warrior, Master Ranum shall be informed of your arrival and your training shall began as soon as you are ready," Ronan said with a small bow before disappearing back to Princess Lisa's chamber's. Andrew laid down in the bed and noticed it seemed so soft and comfortable.
I've never really had something this nice. It seems my journey for some training is just gonna get crazier from here on out. I wonder what Shana is up to right now. Thinking deep thoughts about past, present, and future he drifted off to sleep.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another short one, but I promise the next one will be full of action and be much longer. With this chapter I wanted to set things up and give hints and possibilities for what might happen later on. Let me know what you think.