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Rosalind
Roderick's Teacher

Roderick's Teacher

The sound of swords clashing against each other, punctuated by the grunting of men engaged in a bit of a combat, resounded in the air. We inched closer into the training grounds, it was my first time seeing one and I had to admit it looked exactly like how I imagined it would be.

The scent of sweat and dirt permeated the training grounds, where the sun beat down mercilessly on the men.

A group of men fought with each other in order to prove who is stronger, some wielded swords while others depended on their fists and muscles.

At the far end, archers released arrows—some hitting their marks, others didn't even reach their marks.

I scoured the vast area, looking for the perfect teacher for him.

“If I may ask . . . what are you looking for, My Lady?” Roderick asked.

“I am looking for the perfect teacher to train you!” I replied without giving him a glance “But it is difficult to. . .”

“Who would have thought that our dear Princess of the dukedom would visit the training grounds?” A deep hoarse voice echoed behind us.

We turned to notice— a tall dark, brawny man grinning at us. He held two defenseless men on each arm in a choke hold. I observed as they tried to wriggle themselves free from his grasp.

Abruptly, a memory flashed in my mind. I saw a little version of Rosalind and Edward running around the training grounds— holding little wooden swords as they were being playfully chased by him.

I beamed knowing who he was “It is nice to see you again, Sir Richard!”.

“May I know what brings you here?” He asked, maintaining his hold on the men which strangely reminded me of little worms wriggling themselves free from predators.

I held in my laugh at the image. “You are the one that I want to see actually!”

He shot me a strange look before letting go of them. They held their throat whilst coughing profusely, gasping for air.

“What may I do for you, Young Mistress?” He approached me. For a moment, I felt the ground beneath me quiver along with the pebbles, as he marched forward. He looked frightening. . . like a giant.

I gulped. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Roderick's reaction, he stood there unfazed by the hulk. I felt proud knowing that he wasn't intimidated by him.

“I need you to help me train someone!” I said cheerfully, pushing my fears aside.

He raised his brows at me, utterly confused by my statement.

“You are the best of the best when it comes to training Knights and you also trained my brother, Edward!” I added “And he turned out great! It won't hurt to train one more!” I said in my sweetest voice.

He shifted his gaze from me to Roderick, glaring at him. Roderick's face was the same as it was— completely composed and undaunted.

“Fine, I will do it!” he said after a few minutes.

I yelped out in joy, hearing that “Thank you so much!”.

“I am doing it not because you asked. . .” he said abruptly, killing whatever joy I felt earlier. “. . . I see something in him that I haven't seen in a long while and I need someone else to manhandle,” he cracked his knuckles. His lips curved to a menacing grin, “These guys are weak!” He referred to the men around us.

“Sure! Whatever makes you happy!” I replied, not being terrified at all.

“Have you told The Duke yet?” He questioned suddenly.

“He may. . .or. . .may not know!” My voice croaked nervously whilst avoiding his stern gaze, “But I will make sure to let him know the sooner I meet with him!” I quickly said.

“It’s alright with me!” He said with a shrug and left us to bully another set of trainees.

“He is terrifying!” I said, my face grew pale as I watched him flip three guys over all at once.

“I can handle him!” Roderick said boldly, standing beside me.

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A smile spread across my lips at his words, “I like your confidence!” He smiled at the compliment “But, don't let your pride get you hurt!” I added.

“Of course, My Lady!” He replied.

I took a deep breath as I continued to watch Sir Richard break more bones of more men.

“He is definitely terrifying!” I said with a shudder. Turning around, I left the training grounds, pondering on ways to tell my dear Father about Roderick.

* * * *

I took a deep breath, trying to ease in on the conversation. We were halfway through dinner and after dinner I fear that I may lose the opportunity I had to tell him.

“Rosalind!” My Father called out.

I turned to look at him, pondering on the reason he called me. It seemed that I wasn't the only one who wondered why, Leo and Edward abruptly stopped eating and looked at me.

I gave them a half shrug letting them know that I knew nothing.

“Yes, Father!”.

“I heard that you went to the capital today. Did you buy anything interesting?” He asked, beaming at me.

“I_uh_well, I didn't buy anything per se for me!” I said thoughtfully, choosing my words wisely “I found someone that I'd like to be my personal Knight!”.

He shot me a strange look “A personal Knight? What about the Everhart Knights? You can choose the strongest of them!” He suggested.

“I am not comfortable with them, Father!” I said slowly.

“I don't know, Rosalind. You brought a stranger to the estate and now you want him to be your personal Knight, it's. . .” He paused thinking of the correct word to use.

“Please, Father!” I said, pouting my lips. No one can resist cuteness not even my dear Father, I gave him the puppy dog eyes, blinking slowly. He shook his head trying to resist the temptation. I smiled a bit knowing that it was working.

“I don't. . .”

“Pretty please!” I pleaded. He sighed, giving in.

“If that's what you want then. . . alright!” He said finally.

Joy engulfed me on hearing his decision.

“Father, are you really going to allow a complete stranger to guard her?” Edward asked.

I shot him a look. I felt the joy within me earlier, slowly withering at the question. I had to prevent him from changing his mind.

“He is currently under training as we speak. Sir Richard is training him!” I said sternly.

Edward didn't look convinced one bit.

“What if he fails to protect you. . . What happens then?” He asked.

“Then I will protect both of us!” I seethed.

Edward chuckled, taking me by surprise. “Um. . . Rosalind I don't mean to be rude but. . . your power isn't actually the protecting kind. You know because of it's. . .” Leopold nudge him before he could finish the sentence.

“. . .Weak!” I finished his sentence.

My fist clenched as my vision blurred. To think he thought that way about his sister enraged me.

Anger vibrated through my being at his words, taking a deep breath I turned to him. “ It is bad enough that I have to hear how weak my flame is from strangers but you know what hurts most?” I paused, my breath hitched as I felt an ache in my chest.

“. . . Hearing it from the people close to me!” I threw my napkin on the table angrily and stood up to the surprise of everyone seated. I stalked out of the dining room as anger bubbled within.

“Now, look at what you have done!” Leopold said angrily, as soon as she exited the dining room.

“I didn't mean to make her that upset!” Edward replied. He turned to see his Father glare at him with a rage that could burn his entire being.

“You better apologize to your sister, Edward!” He said, his voice was low— deep and stern.

Edward exhaled, staring at her empty seat. Heat creeped to his cheeks as guilt rushed in. It was a tad too late to cry over spilled milk; Now, he had to apologize to her—hopefully, she may accept his sincere apology.

>>>> I slammed the door of my room, recalling the event earlier. The rage within me grew weak.

I sighed, knowing that Edward was right about one thing made me feel worse. My flame was weak and if I had to protect myself and Roderick during a dangerous moment I had to be strong.

Rosalind's last words rang in my ear; ‘Nurture your flame, it will be of great help to you in the future and make sure that you survive!’.

I exhaled, I didn't know what she meant by that but she had a point, if I want to survive I had to be strong enough to protect myself. I clenched my fist at my determination to become stronger.

* * * *

Deep in the dark forest situated between the boundaries of Alderia and Novara, the western empire where sunlight is restricted to the outer parts of the forest. Roars of magical beasts could be heard from every corner of the forest. No one dares to venture into the dark forest due to— the unsteady magical energy it possesses. The only inhabitants were the malicious looking beasts that were ready to devour whatever human they sense.

Within a swarthy, sinister cave located at the most dense part of the forest, the circle gathered. Each member wore a cloak covering their facial features, they numbered a hundred. A green flame of fire which was the only source of light in the cave was situated at the center. It crackled ominously, casting flickering shadows on the hooded figures—giving off an eerie, deleterious feeling as they stared at it.

The silence was palpable, it was only broken by the hiss of the flames.

Two members stepped forward from their number and approached the flame.

“Is it time yet?” One of them asked.

The other shook his head slightly “No, the Grandmaster said it is not yet ready and only she knows when the right time comes!” He replied, his voice echoed at every inch of the cave.

The flames increased with a high level of luminous intensity. Its power grew as each member vanished. Immediately the last member was gone, it devoured anything in sight until there was nothing left but ultimate darkness.