Chapter 30
Return to Lorrington
Flying is so much fun! It took a little while to figure out how to fly but my gift accelerated that process and now I am a pro. My wings are jet black and seem to be emanating some type of shadows from them. While I am still upset that Tiamat used trickery on me to get over on her rival Bahumut I am somewhat flattered that almost all the dragon gods I talked to had an interest in me.
Flying high above the crowd outside the shrine that I just took the trial I looked around. In the air were several dragons just hoovering and looking at me, on the ground it was no different as was usual all the attention was on me. Using my link with Skyler I was able to sense her location. I shot off like a rocket using my powerful wings to accelerate. Very quickly I reached my destination and almost on a dime stopped feet away from the Skyler and her mother.
“Congratulations Kara you have passed your trial and even was knighted during the trial. We must hold a feast in your honor.” Queen Alyssa said as landed.
“I am honored by your gesture. Tomorrow I plan to leave this place. So tonight I will enjoy myself .” I bow to the queen.
“I need you and Skyler looking proper. Ruby and Misty go and make sure that happens.” Alyssa looked over to 2 dragon maids who grabbed Skyler and walked over to me. Once all 4 of us were together I could feel space-time magic as we were teleported to palace. We were swiftly escorted to the baths.
Once we arrived without hesitation I was quickly stripped naked along with Skyler by the maids. Bashfully I quickly jumped into the water and covered myself not wanting to look at Skyler. I had bathed with girls as Kara before but that was with Mandy, Claire, and mother all who are immediate family this was definitely different.
“Why are you acting so shy Kara-chan we are all girls here, I don't have anything that you don't have yourself. No reason for you to so reserved” Skyler quickly approached me in the bath after entering.
“I am sorry it's just on some level I feel this is perverted. I know I shouldn't feel this way but that's just how it is, I think you know why.” I say to Skyler my eyes still off to the side.
“Its ok Kara I understand, I can see how you feel that way. Perhaps you would let me wash your back though? I promise I wont do anything perverted to you.” She said to me.
“Ok” I reluctantly agreed. I turn my back around so she can wash it.
“OH my god Kara its so cool!” I could fell Skyler's hand gently trace around my back where the pact sigil from Tiamat formed earlier.
“So you didn't actually want to wash my back did you.........” I say slightly annoyed.
“Oh I did I just couldn't help but admire your new tattoo.... I mean sigil. I will wash it now for you.” I could fell Skyler small delicate hands over a bar of soap lather up my back. It took her a minute to lather it up all the way. I would lying if I said this feeling wasn't blissful, but so weird was my back really that sensitive? I don't remember getting this feeling when my sister washed my back. Maybe Skyler was just really good at this activity or perhaps it was something else.
“You know I am leaving this place. Have you thought of what you are going to do?” I ask Skyler as she finishes rinsing my back.
“Well I am staying with you obviously. Attending a magic school will be so much fun! Perhaps I can get stronger there.” Skyler said with an almost giddy tone.
“You think your mom will let you? You were just kidnapped not too long ago and almost died.” I say to her trying to figure out how should would clear that hurdle.
“Oh she has no choice but to let me go. She is no longer in charge of my safety that responsibility now belongs to you. Even if that wasn't the case she would gladly let me go. I haven't shown an interest to get strong my whole life so for me wanting to go on my own accord, there is no way she would shoot me down.” Skyler replied to me.
“She isn't concerned for your life? You are her own blood.” I don't seem to understand why her mother would let her put herself in dangerous situations.
“Its not that she doesn't care about me. Its just that she has a different lookout on life. Her saying is when difficulties arise you either get stronger or you die. Anyways I have over 20 siblings most of whom I have never meet so she cant simply spend her time worry about me. She is an important lady after all. All done with your back now its your turn to wash mine” Skyler replied.
After washing her back and finishing washing ourselves the dragon maids helped dress us for the banquet. Skyler wore a light green gown that looked comfortable. I however was given a tight black dress that was very formal but definitely uncomfortable. After complaing how my mobility in such an outfit was leaving my safety jeopardized and having the maids turn a deaf ear to me I swallowed my pride and proceeded to the banquet.
The banquet hall was on the second level of the palace right above where the throne room was at. The room was filled as dragon nobility and dragoons both wanted to come. The head table had to spots open just the left of Alyssa. The noise in this place was very vibrant, Skyler and my entrance seemed to turn a few heads but for the most part people continued to chat to those around them. After getting situated at our chairs Alyssa rang a bell signaling people to be quiet for a bit. After the crowd died down she spoke.
“Welcome all today we are celebrating a new dragoon having passed the trial. As you may have heard she also was blessed by Tiamat and now holds the Title of Black Knight. I know many of you may see Tiamat as a purely evil deity but that is not a fair assessment of her. Anyone familiar with our gods will tell you that Tiamat is an important god that holds values strength above all which is an important aspect of our culture. I ask you not look down on Kara for this. Kara would you like to have a few words before we begin the feast?” Queen Alyssa said to the packed hall.
“Yes thank you all for hosting me. My route to becoming a dragoon was atypical but I wouldn't have changed how I did it. I am honored that I was chosen to become the Black Knight, I don't know what expectations you all have of me but I promise you I am not an evil person so feel free to approach me. My time here has been great but tomorrow I must leave as my journeys are taking me elsewhere. However when time comes that dragon-kin need my help you can count on me to be here.” I didn't prepare a speech but I was pleasantly surprised with what I was able to wing with my high Charisma score.
After a brief pause a lady dressed in black with a staff made of gold that depicted a 5 headed hydra approached me. Her status said she was a dragon priest a follower of Tiamat. Other then that I noticed a familiar ring on her finger, one that I also wore on my finger. She was a member of the assassin's guild.
“Greetings Black Knight. I am Thelma high priest of Tiamat. As is tradition when a new Knight is chosen by a deity. The head priest of that god bestows a gift . You will be now bestowed with an artifact blessed by our god. Now there hasn't been a Black Knight in a long time so perhaps some people aren't familiar with this artifact. I present to you the Twilight Bracers.” As she handed me the bracers. They were obsidian black with gold embroidery. I couldn't help but notice how freaking over powered they were.
-Boosts Strength and Agility by 15%
-Attacks made while wearing the bracers deal additional shadow damage
-Bonus only works when equipped by the Black Knight
“Thank you I will treasure this gift.” As I equip the bracers I cant help but feel the power swell inside me. Of all my possessions except for the Sidhe staff this was probably the most powerful. Having seen Alma's artifact (her spear) it pales in comparison.
After Thelma gave me my gift several other approached me with gifts. Nothing of course came close to the power the bracers I received. The coolest thing I got besides the bracers came from the dragon who performed my Trial of Wisdom Gamon. He gave me a book about the previous Black Knight Vincent Rize. I will be sure to read it when I have time, I had trouble finding stuff about him in the library. With gifts out the way the feast began and people began to resume talking as they did before.
“So you haven't changed your mind about returning home and attending magic school?” Alyssa asked me admist the feast.
“No, of all my abilities I posses my talent in the arcane is the most lacking. With my age I have an opportunity to learn from some of the most powerful mages in the world. As I said before if Dragnor needs me I will do what I can to help. There is another thing Skyler would like to attend to the school with me.” I reply to her question.
“Oh I was going to suggest that myself. People around here give her a hard time because she is not as strong as some for her age. I can see however she has potential specifically in magic. It wouldn't be the first time I sent a daughter to Mahouren.” Alyssa seemed to be planning this all along.
“As for my gift to you I will use the Nexus stone to transport us to Lorrington.” I don't know what the nexus stone is but if it was able to teleport a group of people that extreme of distance I am sure it is valuable.
“Us?” I ask her just to make sure I got that part right.
“It will just me, you, Skyler, my head guard, oh and your 2 friends. I went ahead and had Simone to gather them and your things so everything should be good to go at first light.” Alyssa had already taken care of everything.
“Nexus stone? Is that a space-time magic item?” I was now curious.
“Thousands of years ago there was a nexus network set up by the Karthians. Only royalty and a select few had access to it. It used the leylines to amplify space-time magic allowing for quick travel. The Karthians didn't have a lot of mages but the ones they had were famous for the advancement's in space-time magic. Using nexus stones a person could teleport a group of people across Solus. However when the Mad-King took over he destroyed all things Karthian including these nexus stones. The one I have left only has enough power to do one round trip.” Alyssa mentioned the Mad-King this is the same guy who destroyed the Karthians technological advances.
“I am grateful that you would use such a valuable item to help me.” I sincerely thank her as this will shave a couple weeks off my travel and give me more time I can spend in Lorrington before leaving.
“Oh its no problem I needed to meet with your father anyways and I hate having to fly long distances.”
so Queen Alyssa was simply using this for her own comfort that makes me feel slightly better.
“Is he expecting us? I haven't talked to him in years. Until recently he thought of me as dead and even then he probably doubts I am still alive.” I mention to her the current state of my relationship with my dad.
“Oh well I didn't specifically mention you, but none the less he will be expecting us. I am sure he will reckonize his own daughter” She said as continued to eat the feast before us.
The rest of the night went smooth, I had several people come up and greet me. The vast majority however stayed somewhat distant. Perhaps my victory against Alma intimidated them, or perhaps it was because I had become the Black Knight. After the meal we enjoyed some light entertainment while people began to thin out departing as the evening set in. Eventually only the servants were left cleaning up after the large feast. Full and having a big day ahead of us we departed to our separate bed chambers. Sleep set in quickly.
Waking up the next morning refreshed I quickly headed to the baths to freshen up. Gratefully I found no one here so I was able to wash in solitude. Atleast that's what I thought.
“Leaving so soon Black Knight I had hardly got to know you?” It was Thelma from last night before I could respond to her she was up against my back. Her head draped over my shoulder.
“How did you get in here?” I say still shocked at how quick she had closed in on me. I knew she was strong from inspecting her status last night but this goes beyond what I estimated her capabilities at.
“Oh I come her often, this bath is wayyyyy better then shitty one at the temple. Here let me wash your back.” She said playfully. Half expecting a hand with a bar soap similar to what happened last night with Skyler I gasped as my expectations had been shattered. I felt two distinct mounds lathered up sliding up and down on my back.
“Is … is ...that what I think it is? This is lewd!” I somehow managed to whimper out.
“Oh you are so cute and innocent! Of course it is, that's how I wash the backs of all the people I like.” This was really starting to upset me I don't like being in compromising situations like this but she did get the drop on me so it is my own fault.
“So does this visit have a purpose or did you just come here to commit lewd acts on me in the bath?” I say clearly pissed. Its not that I hated what was happening but it being with an almost complete stranger and me being such a young girl made things different. Perhaps I was just mad she got the drop on me.
“Oh a temper! I like that! Of course this visit has a purpose. In my dreams last night our Lady Tiamat gave me a message to give to you.”
' As the stars fall follow the full moon, to the serpent's mouth. Within you will be tested. Remember the black rose only blooms in complete darkness.'
“Pretty cryptic huh. Anyways if you are heading to Mahouren perhaps we will run into each other again. Being a priest of Tiamat gives me a lot of freedom. I have another profession, I think you could guess what it is since you have thesame ring I have. I am regular at the Toulia branch.” She said as she finished with my back.
“What ring? I don't know what you are talking about.” I said after getting no response I turned around to find I was now truly alone in the bath. Hmmm Black rose I thought that type of rose only existed in legend. I will have to do more research on it.
After my bath I went back to my room to get dressed. Several years have passed since I talked to father. I suppose I might as well look decent I choose a nice red and green dress that had been a gift from Jennifer for working in her shop. I wore white flats on my feet and after doing my hair I went to meet up Alyssa.
“Wow you certainly clean up good. Arn't you excited to see your family?” Skyler asked me admiring my outfit I had picked out.
“I suppose so” I reply anxious for the day to get going.
Alyssa and her personal guard who after inspecting him was another one of Skyler's siblings his name was Siefer escorted us out side the palace. Siefer turned into his dragon form as did Alyssa. I must say the queen's dragon-form was just as majestic as I had heard the rumors of it being. After climbing on Siefer's back we began flying to a familiar place. It was the place where I had taken the trial at, however this time we headed towards the village with the large temple. After landing outside of the town we walked through the village. Little kids who were playing a little bit ago started to run up get a look at us.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“That girl is the Black Knight! I saw her yesterday fly from out the mountain! And that scary woman is the queen” One of the kids said.
“Wow the queen is here she is not scary she is gorgeous and so is the Black Knight.” A small girl among the group spoke.
“Run along kids we are on official business at the temple.” Siefer barked out and the kids dispersed.
“That wasn't nice.” Skyler said seeming cross at Siefer now.
After approaching the temple I noticed the doors were open. After passing through the ante-chamber we entered the main chamber with various dragon deities represented including the 5 linked to the dragoons. Alyssa led us down some stair at the back of the main chamber. After walking down a couple flights of stairs we were emptied into another large room. Inside was a familiar wagon with horses, Siena, and Libby. How the hell did they get the wagon and horses down here?! Oh well it doesn't matter now.
“Kara! I was worried about you. Skyler and you left abruptly with little explanation. Then yesterday the same guy that took you away came to our inn and got us too.” Siena ran up and hugged me.
“Yes apparently I had to do some trial as a dragoon before I could leave. I even got a new title Black Knight.” I said looking at Siena. However her smile that was just on her face eroded like a landslide. In the most serious tone she had spoken to me since she found out that I had psionic powers along with arcane powers she spoke to me.
“You are joking right? Please tell you are joking” She said holding me completely still. Libby spoke up while Siena was freaking out.
“Black Knight I remember mention of a black knight in the books in my library his name was Vincent Rize. The Black Knight was a harbinger of death and destruction. Uncontrolled by the dragons he and his dragon Lotus wrought death and despair across Solus. It was one of the darkest eras of recorded history.” Libby said and the ramifications hit me.
“Is that true I know Libby's common has been a work in progress. Why haven't I heard of this before in our histories.” I say looking at Siena. Skyler was freaking out too.
“Human's are prideful. The fact that they brought down to a knee by a single person isn't the most favorable moment in their history. The event also led to rifts between human's and dragons that still exist today even though it was neither's fault. Trust me there are records about it if you look hard enough. The question is why would Tiamat choose you? I know you Kara you are a good person.” Siena said to me.
I turn my attention back to Alyssa.
“Why didn't you mention this?” I said to her
“Oh who do you think was the one to insist Gamon give you that book? What the previous black knight did has nothing to do with you. Anyways this is the main reason why I am going with you just to help explain it to your dad.” Alyssa said unapologetically.
“Anyway time is wasting It is time to use the nexus stone. Simone thank you for taking care of this you are truly a devoted vassal.” Alyssa said to Simone as he backed away from the circle drawn in the room beneath us.
“It is my pleasure to serve my Lady.” He bowed and left. As soon as he did Alyssa pulled out her nexus stone and began chanting a spell with it. The all too familiar pull of space-time could be felt. However this time it was much more painful. After the sensation passed I began to take in scenery around me. We were outside around us was a unique rock formation around us to the north I could see a familiar city of Lorrington. The horses freaked out from the Teleport were quickly calmed down by Alyssa.
We all hopped into the Wagon and began the short trip to where I grew up. Alyssa and Siena rode in the front with us both in the back. As we approached the gate two guards asked what was our business in Lorrington. After Siena showed the guards her adventurer's pass and her papers we were allowed to pass. Our wagon pulled up to the stables just inside the gates. After getting off the wagon and paying the stable master to watch over our belonging while we dealt with business our group ventured towards the palace.
“Not going to go the adventurer's guild?” I asked Siena whom no longer was obliged to follow us.
“And miss a chance to see your family's reaction no way!” Siena replied. It is good to see her rebound from the disturbing developments earlier.
Lorrinton is just how I remember it, perhaps a little more developed now. The city was quite wealthy and people were happy here. Compared to Zyrus this place was pretty much heaven. Vendors tried to get us to come to there stall but we ignored them. They smell of Termain cooking filled the air Finally after over 4 years I have returned.
As we got up the gate Alyssa talked to one of the guards who went inside for a second. After a couple minute he returned and opened the gate for us. Escorted we were lead to the Throne room from a direction I wasn't used to, the front.
Sitting on the throne with mother to the side sat William Rosewood. He had several adviser's and guards surrounding him. When we entered his face lit up enamored by Queen Alyssa's beauty. After we all stood in place the awkward silence was broken by an upset Queen Ria.
“Ahem” She said annoyed at William's glaring.
“Yes, yes you are Alyssa the queen of the dragons? When my messenger's received your official seal we had to dig up really old records to validate it. It is amazing if I didn't know any better I would just think you were a normal human. It has been centuries since you kind has made contact directly with humans. What has brought you here specifically to Termain.” Father said his eyes still locked on Alyssa. Mother's eyes were trained on another person....me.
“Well it has to do with your daughter Kara.” Alyssa said to the king.
“My daughter Kara has been dead for years.” William said now agitated.
“William that girl next to Alyssa is Kara a mother can tell” Ria said to father.
“Hmmm she does resemble Kara in a way but that proves nothing.” I refuted now focusing on me.
“Well normally we could just use information magic to confirm my identity. Unfortunately since I actually am your daughter that will not work. Guard give this to the king.” I handed him my dagger with the royal seal wrapped in a cloth. The guard walked up and retrieved the item, after confirming it was not magical or poisoned he delivered to the king.
“This is Kara's dagger! Where did you get this!” I guess Mandy never forwarded the letter to dad he is still hesitant to believe me.
“It was a birthday gift. When you asked what kind of gift I wanted instead of clothes, jewelry I wanted something practical and it helped me escape from a band of mercenaries whom tried to kidnap me on the river Coll” I said to him.
“If you fled your kidnappers why didn't you return here?” He asked.
“Well I could explain but I prefer for that conversation to be more private. Look if you still don't believes its me I could tell you stuff that only I know. Like the fact you hide sweets inside that old vase in your office so that mom doesn't know. If that is not enough I could open the royal vault only a true Rosewood can do that.” I started speaking but my rant was interrupted by Ria running up and hugging me.
“Sweet Kara thank the divines! We were all so devastated when you disappeared and thought you dead.” Ria now had tears in her eyes I guess the tears were contagious because I too started to tear up as did Siena and Skyler behind me. Libby who was incapable of tears wore an adorning expression.
“Queen Alyssa I don't know how I can repay you for returning my daughter to me.” Father began to say.
“Oh I actually didn't really do much but rewards are not why I have come here. There is delicate matters concerning your daughter and mine Skyler that we need to address in private if at all possible.” Alyssa said to father.
“That is fine come will talk in my private quarters. Guards these people are fine you can let them pass.” Father motioned Alyssa to follow him
“So introduce me to your friends.” Mother asked me as our long hug finally concluded.
“Yes this elven woman is Siena she has been a long time friend of mine. She is extremely skilled with a blade I bet she could give Max a decent run for his money.” My compliments caused Siena to noticeably blush.
“Oh princess your compliments go to far. I am just a humble adventurer after all.” Siena tried to downplay herself.
“This girl right here is Skyler. I actually saved her life and she has been with me ever since. She is the daughter of the dragon queen.” As I continue my introductions.
“Your Highness it is a pleasure to meet you. Your daughter is truly an amazing person. I want you to know I am truly thankful I meet her.” Skyler introduced herself.
“This last girl is Libby. I owe her a favor and she requested to become my personal maid if it is not too much I would wish to grant her this opportunity.” Earlier I asked Libby to pretend to have requested this so that she could continue to be close to me as my maid. I totally didn't do just to have a automaton maid....or did I?
“Serving the princess would be a pleasure.” Libby said as I introduced her.
“An odd request but if you trust her I see no reason to decline her. ” Mother agreed to my proposal
“Mother if you didn't mind are any of my siblings around. I would very much like to see them.” I ask curious to see them.
“Well Max is in the garrison with Aaron training. Claire is in the mage tower with Abbot and Mandy well she doesn't come here very often. She has a husband after all and is busy with working at Mahouren for now.” Mother said sort of sad.
“I am curious to hear about where you have been and have done these years. But that can wait I suppose. What matters is that your back. I must arrange to have your friends set up with quarters as well as the feast celebrating your return. Your old room is still there for you. Libby was it? Dear if you would come with me I can introduce you to Sasha the head maid she will get you properly dressed and trained to be Kara's maid.” Thankfully I was able to make a illusion charm to conceal Libby wound in her abdomen. I really need to get that fixed.
“If you guys wouldn't mind I am going to go see my siblings. You guys should wait here while mother lines up your quarters.” Siena and Skyler look at each other understand that I want to do this by myself. I suppose I will see the boys first.
A guard started following me when I left the palace I could easily slip him but I don't want to cause him to lose his job ya know. So I bare with it as we travel to the barracks. It seems that the barrack's have improved a lot under Max's leadership. It seems like the number of troops have increased as well.
In the middle of the training ground I can see Douglas one of the best fighters among our officers taking on new recruits one after another with wooden swords. While he isn't on Max's level he is definitely someone you want on your side in a fight. They must be in the early stages of there training because their form is terrible. Douglas just finished the last guy off knocking him down with a blow to the head.
“Is there not one among you that can last more then 5 seconds. You have to be the sorriest lot I have had to break in.” Douglas said disheartened. I truly despise this type of training breaking people down and building them back up crap. It just wastes time.
“Anybody else want a shot at this captain?” He asked looking around. Well I suppose Max and Aaron can wait a second I need to knock this guy down a peg.
“Sure I will challenge you” I say with a playful smile. I pick up the wooden sword and take a stance.
“Hahaha did Lenny put you up to this. I don't beat up little kids..” He seemed to lose interest in me. Oh well his fault. I dash forward at him with breakneck speed. The guard watching me could only get out the prin of princess before I arrived at Douglass with a powerful swing he was just able to block causing his feet to slide from momentum backward.
“Well what if this 'this kid' likes to beat up adults? Would that change your mind?” I say now taunting. The recruits all gasped at this display and rose up to encircle us. The poor guard who was watching me struggled through the bodies surrounding us.
“What type of cheap trick is this? Magic?” He said blocking another swing but it was too strong and his wooden sword broke. I immediately swing again stopping the wooden blade at his throat.
“No that was sheer strength. Sorry I broke your practice sword. Maybe sometime we can have a rematch with real weapons wouldn't that be fun?” Right after I said this the poor guard who was suppose to be watching me arrived .
“Princess Kara we must hurry and meet you brothers and sister. We haven't much time your father will be needing us.” The guard begged me to hurry up. I had to agree father probably wouldn't like be kept waiting. However I feel like being in the company of Queen Alyssa and having his lost daughter returned to himmight have his spirits lifted for the time.
“Who was that girl? She shattered that practice sword in two attacks!” One of the recruits asked.
“That guard said she was princess Kara but I thought the princess was dead.” Another one answered.
“Who ever she was her strength compared to her size didn't make sense.”
Walking though the barracks was a nostalgic experience. I use to come here all the time when I was little. I gave the guards 'babysitting' me a hard time then too. It is weird that not one of father's children are remotely interested in politics. Both his sons seek want to become warlords and his daughter's mages. I kind of always thought that Aaron might take an interest politics but he followed in Max's footsteps. Max's room was just ahead. Max, Aaron, and several other were discussing some battle formations and tactics.
“Excuse me Lord Max. This is.” The guard tried to introduce me but I went ahead.
“Hey you remember me?” I said with my classic smile that Max always requested me to wear when I was around him.
“Kara?! How is this possible” Max rushed over and picked me up hugging me. I didn't peg Max as someone who would get this emotional but perhaps he just hides it well. His hug definitely was tight but none the less pleasant.
“Aaron stop looking stupid and come over here you our sister has been returned to us.” Max looked over at Aaron who since my arrival has just looked at me appraisingly. He is a lot sharper then I anticipated perhaps he put it all together, I was sloppy around him at the masquerade where I became the Angel of Death.
“Oh sorry I am just in shock right now.” Aaron replied and came up and joined in the hug. He eyes however remained trained on me. A few minutes after our embrace. I had to say goodbye.
“I still have to see Claire, I suggest you come to dinner tonight I will be in attendance along with some of my friends.” I wave goodbye and go to leave.
“Oh Kara about Claire, your disappearance was most difficult on her. There is no telling how she will react to you returning. Be patient with her” Max said as we left.
The walk to the mage tower was another nostalgic one. Mandy would hang out here a lot when she was on break from school. It appears that Claire similar to Aaron was following in their older siblings footsteps. So my disappearance was especially hard on her? Out of all my siblings Claire to me seemed the most distant. As a baby she constantly would dote on me, however as I aged we began growing distant. She would be interested in things that normal girls were, like clothes, dolls, and jewelry. The only girly things I was really into was flowers and music, most of my time was training my body and mana.
The mage tower is exactly as I remember it. We quickly ascend the flight of stairs to the top where Abbot and my sister were. We entered the large room at the top. I could see Claire practicing inside of a hollow barrier in the tower. A hollow barrier was different then a traditional barrier, where a traditional barrier prevented any magic from being used within it a hollow barrier allowed magic to be used within it. Its purpose was to simply block magic from traversing the barrier be it from outside or within. These are mainly used in magic duels in combination with personal barriers to prevent bodily harm. Abbot was observing from outside the barrier. Not wanting to interrupt Claire I watched her. She casted a fire based spell that afterwards turned into a large cat like creature, she the commanded the cat to move around. Amazing if I recall correctly this is a level 6 fire spell summon Infernal creature.
This is incredibly surprisingShe had gotten so strong in the arcane arts since I left a level 6 spell was close to what a graduate would be expected to be able to cast. Yet she should only be going into her fourth year. In fact she is much stronger then Mandy was in this point of her schooling. What changed in her to want her to seek to get so strong. I would find out that wasn't the only to change in her. After dismissing the infernal cat she created she walked out of the barrier. Almost immediately another red cat this time not on fire and much smaller jumped on her shoulder.
“Oh Ash you couldn't wait to jump on my shoulder? Don't worry that cat I summoned just now wasn't to replace you. You know familiars are suppose to stay hidden. You don't see Mandy's familiar very often do you? I suppose the only time Zephyr is was things are getting serious.” Claire petted her cat familiar. After inspecting this cat I found it was in fact a flame spirit. It was an incredibly rare familiar. Claire's attention turned to us as did Abbot's.
“Guard why have you brought this girl here? This tower is for mages and nobility. Please explain yourself” She said in a cold and cruel manner.
“Is that any way to treat your sister?” I say in response.
“My sister? I have only one of those and she is much older then you and is way to busy right now to afford a trip to visit.” Claire replied harshly.
“Its me Kara your baby sister. It has been 4 years but I have returned!” I try to calm her down.
“That's impossible Kara is dead. You must be an imposter whom better leave now before you get hurt.” Her body language changed to one of aggression. I don't really want to get in a fight right now and she clearly isn't going to back off. I walked to the door as talking it out with her right now would be pointless.
“Oh I don't mean just from this tower I mean from the entire country of Termain. You may have fooled my gullible father and mother but I know there is no way you are Kara. Kara wouldn't have abandoned us like that. She was way to sweet to ever put us through that turmoil willingly.” Well that isn't happening I suppose I will just let her cool her jets.
“Well that went well” I say sarcastically to the guard following me.
“Princess Kara like your brother said your disappearance was especially difficult on her. I have been a guard for a long time, and can remember princess Claire's enter a deep depression when you disapearred and when she came out of it she had changed. She had become very driven to get stronger. It was as if she was trying to get strong enough to prevent such an event from happening again. Just give her some time she will come around. I am sure she still loves you.” The guard said to me. It seems I was right about causing my family grief.
After leaving the mage tower we returned to the palace. I could smell the food being cooked in the kitchens. It seems I would be having a consecutive feast in my name that has to be some kind of record. The captain of the royal guard, my father's personal guard Zack approached us.
“Princess Kara your father requests you in his chambers. I will escort her from here you are dismissed.” Zack dismissed the guard following me. We briskly walked to our destination. When we arrived my father was sitting at his desk filled with scrolls. He asked Zack to leave so we could be alone. After shutting the door behind him my father spoke.
“Please Kara sit down.” He motioned to a chair on the other side of the desk. I complied, the chair was surprisingly comfortable.
“Comfy? I made it myself carpentry was one of my favorite pastimes when I was a Prince. Nowadays my time is filled stamping the scrolls covering this desk. I am also made to entertain nobles who are often too greedy” I did know that father had level 7 carpentry skill I kind of always wondered why.
“Sounds boring.” I reply.
“Haha the duty of king often is. Oh yeah thanks to you I have to find a new place to hide my sweets. The Queen has already cleaned out my vase that you exposed earlier.” Father said almost in a melancholy tone.
“I am sorry it just slipped out. I am sure you will find another place.” I replied.
“Oh you only knew about that one? I have a backup stash hidden behind that painting of the boats.” He got up and lifted the painting up revealing a hidden compartment. After opening it he grabbed a couple sweet-rolls. Father wasn't obese by any means but he could stand to lose a few pounds.
“Sweet-roll?” he offered me. I reluctantly grabbed it and began to eat it.
“Thank you” I replied in which he simply nodded.
“Now I have talked to the Dragon queen about the situation. She explained to me that you pacted with her daughter in order to save her life and then went ahead and became a full fledged dragoon so you could leave the Dragon capital.” He was going over Alyssa's story.
“So in effect you are married to this girl? Am I to understand this correctly?” He asked.
“That is how their society views it yes.” I answer his question.
“Hmm two girls how are you suppose to have offspring? The dragon's are confusing people. Alyssa mentioned another thing. During your trial you became the next black knight of the dragoons.” Father continued his questions.
“You heard correctly I was about to become the golden knight but that Tiamat tricked me and Bahumut. I know that title black knight is somewhat infamous.” I say to my father who looks way more stressed then he did when I arrived.
“Indeed that is why we are going to keep your ties to the dragons and dragoons secret for now.” He said seriously.
“I have no problem keeping it a secret unfortunately it takes more then one to keep this secret. Others among the dragon-kin know about it too.” I explain to father.
“You let me and Queen Alyssa worry about that. In the mean time no black wings understand?” Oh I didn't realize that aspect of keeping this secret.
“What I just got them I only got to fly once. This is so unfair!” I usually keep my cool but remembering how exhilarating flying was I couldn't help but be upset.
“Please Kara understand and promise me. No black wings ok?” He asked nicely and with a smile.
“Unless my life is in serious danger I promise to not use my wings.” I reluctantly promised him.
“Next topic why didn't you return home after you eluded your kidnappers? A lot of people died protecting you and you ran away after they sacrificed their lives protecting you.” This was the question I am sure my whole family had.
“You said they gave their lives protecting me. Why is that?” I turn father's question into a question to explain my reasoning.
“Well they were guards and soldiers of Termain. They gladly give their lives to protect you.” Father replied almost automatically.
“You see I don't want my countrymen dying for me, I want them living for me. I didn't want them to protect me, I wanted to protect them. After that incident I realized I was weak and needed to get stronger.” I said.
“You were 5 years old! How were you suppose to protect them?” He asked slightly angered.
“You are right. Right then and there it was impossible for me to protect them but if that same thing happened now? I would have slaughtered every one of those mercenaries myself. You don't become a dragoon by being weak.” I replied to father.
“Kara I have always known you were special. That you had the potential to excel in whatever you wanted. Why couldn't you have gotten stronger here if that's what you wanted?” He brought a good point.
“I guess it's hard to explain here I was treated like some prodigy. All I would get from people was praise. There was nothing here that pushed me to excel, to push my potential to its limits. My time training here was limited and after my performance at Mandy's wedding that time would have been even further diminished. I needed to be able to dedicate a majority of my time training.” I paused for a second and continued.
“Struggling to survive, to eat, to gain strength I was able to gain a new perspective on life. I am sorry for the grief I have caused but that is all I regret. The experiences friends and memories I don't regret any of that.” I finished.
“So now you have returned home just to run away again to Mahouren? Kara you are too cruel a daughter...... Come we need to head to dinner there is a feast celebrating your return. We mustn't keep people waiting.”