By The Light of Lightening: The Third Way
By: M14Mouse
Summary: Daggeron had a way…so did the Snow Prince…but Catalina's way is totally different.
Disclaimer: Don't own them.
-Zaria approached me today while I was going over reports. She sat in front of me and told me quite frankly that she is going to become a knight and I was going to help.
I was quite surprise that she would come to me since we don't know each other well. I am sure that she would have approached Leanbow or Snow Prince if she wished. She knew them better than she knew me.
Of course, I brought this up to her and to her reply that I was woman.
That was the most ridiculous reason that I ever heard and told her so.
As a woman and as a knight, I would be worst possible choice for her. I wouldn't give her an inch and I would push her until she couldn't be pushed anymore. I would break and mold her into a knight…not some fallen queen.
She held her head up and looked me straight in the eye. She told me that is what she wanted and that this was the best way to protect her people and all the people in their lands.
I stared at her for a moment. Trying to will my magic to give me anything…a impression or something. Nothing.
I sighed softly and agreed to take her on a student.
At least, I will be in for a challenge or insanity.-Catalina
"So…you said that you want to make me a leader but…isn't that kind of Nick's job?" Chip asked as he and Brightstar rode along side Catalina.
Catalina tilted her head to look at him then started to chuckle.
"I am not talking about now, Chip. Now is Nick's role. After is your role."
He frowned for a moment. That made no sense what so ever. She must have driven the others nuts.
"No offense to you but I am not a leader."
"This may be news to you but no one really signed up to be the leader. I have many stories of Leanbow's early days. He threw up after his first "pep" talk in front of hundreds of soldiers. It was a good speech if I remember correctly. But Leanbow hated it and was a nervous wreck before and after the speech. Leanbow hated being a leader. He just wanted to settle down his wife and son. Slowly, he came to realize that he couldn't until the task was complete."
"Like Nick," He said thoughtfully. Nick didn't want to stay after first either. Their leader came once he realized that they were in trouble.
"Fear drives a person in more ways than one. More often than not, we are thrust into the role and pray to the saints that everything turns out well. If does not, you carried those mistakes for the rest of your life. Because in battle, there are not any second chances."
"Like Zaria…"
Catalina paused for a moment and nodded.
"Sometimes, I wondered if I was there would it have changed the outcome," She said softly.
"I'm sorry."
"So I am."
Silence filled the air between them. He wanted to ask the question that has been bugging him.
"Why me? Why the journal and everything…? Why?"
"A week ago, you and the others played capture the flag. What team won?" She said
That was random.
"Mine. Why is that important…."
"Would insist that there was something wrong with Ms. Vida when she turned into a vampire?"
"Me but…"
"When Rosa fell off her horse, who organized everyone to their appointed task and kept everyone calm?"
"Me but I had help…"
How did she know about this stuff? Did she have a crystal ball or something where ever she was? Hey, was she anyway?
"Who was determined to make a perfect score at their first archery tournament of the year?"
"I did but I had to train for so many hours and…" He was about to say before he cut off again.
"Who greeted each child that your aunt and uncle brought into the household and treated like they lived their entire lives? Never made them feel out of place or unwanted."
"All of us do that. There are rules."
He had no clue what she was getting out.
"Oh, Chip…it is more than rules. Compassion…Drive…Instruct…Loyalty…those are a few qualities of a leader. I am just going to fine tune yours. Now, we are here." She said as she stopped.
He and Brightstar stopped and he took in the sights. It was a large field outlined with huge oak trees. Sunlight filtered through their large branches and there were patch of grass on the field. Mostly, it was a large patch of earth.
"Where are we?" He asked.
"Our old training grounds before the Master attacked it."
"What happened?"
"I am not sure. It was before my time. Snow Prince and Leanbow never talked about it. I cam imagine that it was too painful to ask. From what I have read, we had quite a few brothers and sisters and many young squires died here. Diane and I came here…to see it," She said as she stared out into the field.
He closed his eyes to imagine the field filled with young men and women fighting and training together. Now, this place was a graveyard of dead memories and souls. His throat tightened slightly.
"We will be training here…well close to here. I don't want our session to be on a grave yard but I feel that I should honor the souls here. Honor this place that has seemed to be forgotten," She said as she slipped off of Rasa.
"So, what will be doing?" He asked as he followed suit.
"A little weapon practice. It will be to test your skills against an unknown enemy," She said with a grin.
He growled.
Catalina's way may be a little different from Daggeron or Snow Prince's way.
But they all want to make him a giant bruise.
End of The Third Way
Next Chapter: Question For A Question
A/N: Thank you for the reviews. You guys always amused me. Leanbow is an interesting character to me because from the brief flashes, we know that Leanbow seemed different before the Master. Bad thing as a writer, I don't really have much to go on. Read and Review if you wish.