The next morning went much the same as the previous day. The party sat together at sunrise and ate dried meat and stale bread. As Sam had been doing until now, he went around and refilled everyone’s water pouch with magic. Once camp was broken down the party set out again.

The progress was proceeding fine. Their speed was neither slow nor fast, they were moving along at their expected pace. The monsters continued to be a trivial nuisance. That fact annoyed Charlotte to no end. The bog zombies were easy enough, Liza would cut them down almost as soon as they attempted to surface. When a bog dragon would appear Lisa would distract it and have Brox kill it in one blow.

While being called Bog dragons, they are not real dragons. They are just very large alligators. Charlotte had faced a bog dragon before. Then she was with a squad of trainee knights. They went out on the marshland on a dare and even with ten people they still struggled to kill it. To watch this group kill them as if they were a common monster filled her with jealousy. Each one of them seemed to be as skilled as any arms master, even the young Sam. His technique was sloppy but the power he was able to deliver with his blows made him seem leagues ahead of Charlotte.

Charlotte was at her wits end. What this group was doing was just not possible. She had no other choice but to be direct. Charlotte was not like other nobles. She struggled at the subtleties needed to perform at the highest levels of noble society that her family resided in. So, she joined the knights to at least bring honor to them that way. That is why the direct approach was Charlotte’s way.

“Liza, I am interested in what happened the night you saved me.” Charlotte approached Liza when they stopped for lunch.

“I would be happy to answer your questions, Lady Charlotte.”

“When you stab Robert Armon through his chest your sword tore his breast plate as if it was paper.”

“You saw that, did you? I figured you would have been nearly out of it.”

“What kind of knight protector would I be if a few love taps could dull my senses.”

Liza chuckled at Charlotte's bravado. “Ture enough. I assume you want to know how I was able to perform such a seemingly impossible feat.”

“Yes, his breast plate would have been of the finest quality. Possibly even enchanted. To so cleanly and easily pierce it is unheard of.”

Liza looked at Finn before answering. He gave her a shrug as if to say he did not care.

“Charlotte, who is the strongest swordsman you know.”

“Present company excluded? That would have to be Nydia the queen’s head attendant.” Charlotte said with no delay as if it was the undisputed answer.

Liza again looked to Finn to see his reaction. This time he ignored Liza stare and continued to eat his food as if nothing was being discussed.

“Have you ever seen Nydia perform a feat like you have seen from the four of us.”

“I have a few times seen her do things I did not think could be done, but she is a master swordswoman. She has been on battlefields now for over thirty years. For her to be able to do things that others cannot is to be expected.”

“True enough, but skill alone cannot account for the things you have seen her do, I am sure. I simply did what she must be doing.”

It seemed as if Liza was going to leave it at that. Frustrated by the non-answer Charlotte pushed for a straight one.

“Liza, while I appreciate that technically you did answer the question. It really was more of a dodge than an answer.”

Liza smiled but before she could answer Sam spoke up “That is because it is a secret.”

“You are telling me you all know a technique that makes you stronger than normal people?” Charlotte said with a level of sarcasm a deaf person could understand.

“I cannot tell you, it is a secret.” Sam answered her with a wise ass smirk across his face.

Finn sighed “Mostly because it is going to piss off the kid. Liza, you can tell her as much as you want.”

“What the hell, Fin. Don’t give it away like that. Especially to a noble.” Sam shot up to his feet.

“You want to keep it a secret. Stop Liza from telling her.”

Sam sat back down knowing what Finn met and being too scared to face Liza.

“If the captain is ok with it. Then I will explain the ‘secret’ Sam spoke of.”

Liza set her food on her pack freeing her hand and turned to Charlotte.

“What a master swordswoman like Nydia has figured out on instinct, we have been trained at directly. Nydia has learned to coat herself in her mana and augment her natural abilities.”

“I have never heard of such a thing. Sure, there are some spells that can boost other’s abilities temporally, but they are difficult to cast and take too much of the caster’s mana to be of much use.”

“This is because a great amount of mana is wasted when those spells are cast on others. Most is just used up in the activation and very little ever reaches the target. When this ability is used on your own person there is no mana loss.”

“This does not make any sense. If Nydia can do this, why has she not shared it with anyone.”

“Who is to say she has not?” The comment caught Charlotte off Guard. Surely Nydia would have shared this with her. RIght? “It is also possible she does not understand how she is doing it. It can be easily mistaken by some as just a master honing their skill. Especially because most arms masters are not well-versed magic uses. It is basically a magic spell. If they are not used to the subtle feeling of the mana flowing through their body, they will not pick up on the activation.”

Charlotte was not able to contain her surprise and disbelief at what she is hearing “So there is a self-buffing magic spell that has one hundred percent mana efficiency that anyone can use if they are shown. That is just too hard to believe. This would be common knowledge. It is just too useful.”

“Well to say anyone can use it is kind of a stretch. You see there is no incantation for it, so it is not possible for your average magic user to learn it.” Liza leaned into Charlotte. “I believe that I could help you learn it if you wished.”

“Truly you would be willing to do this.” Charlotte’s excitement at the prospect of having the kind of power these four had was thrilling. “I would be honored if you would teach me Liza.”

“Nothing would make me happier. However, there is one condition.” Liza straightened herself and her expression grew very serious.

“I understand, what would that condition be?” Charlotte mirrored Liza's change in tone.

“You must renounce your noble tiles and authority.”

Charlotte and Anastasia both could not prevent their shocked expression. It made it clear what they thought of that condition. This world was run by the nobility who held all the cards. To be one of them was to wield that power. Even the lowest of Nobles lived a very good life. To willingly give up something that offered a person so much benefit sounded laughable.

“I am not sure I understand Liza. Why would I need to do that to learn this?”

“Well, you see the nobles already hold so much power. We do not want them to have any more.”

Charlotte realized that Liza was serious about this condition, and it was not part of some joke this group seemed so fond of making. She looked at the others to gauge their reactions. Brox did not seem to be listening. Sam had a self-satisfied grin on his face. Finn was turned away acting as if he did not care but his eyes were locked on Charlotte. Finally, Charlotte turned to Anastasia, her mouth just hung open. Charlotte was sure Anastasia had many thoughts on the subject, but she doubted she would be able to have a proper discussion with her in private any time soon.

Charlotte turned back to Liza, “Let’s say that I agreed to the condition. How long do you think it would take to learn.”

Anastasia finally spoke “Charlotte you cannot be serious?”

Finn spoke up as well “Anastasia! Charlotte is free to make her own choices. Do not burden her with your own values to prevent her from hearing valid paths for her own life.”

“I was not trying to influence her. I merely did not want her to make this decision rashly.”

“See that you do not. As you yourself have learned on this journey, noble titles are not really worth anything, they only weigh you down.”

Anastasia had a hard time disagreeing with Finn’s point. The fact that she was a princess had not once helped her in the last three days. It was in fact the reason she was currently running for her life. Still just because it was not helpful now, did not mean it did not have its benefits.

“Princess, I understand your hesitation, but I have not agreed to anything. I am only asking questions right now.” Charlotte turned back to Liza “So how long does it take for someone to learn this?”

Liza shrugged “Depends on the person. Some have caught on right away, others have taken longer. The shortest was one day, the longest was over a year.”

“Hmm… and when would I be able to start the training?”

“Right away. I just need to go over the basic concept with you. After you understand that, you just have to feel for the power within yourself. That is the part that can take the longest.” Liza said, taking Charlotte’s hands into hers. A warm smile spread across her usually neutral face.

“Thank you, Liza. I appreciate the explanation and offer. I would like some time to think it over.”

“Take all the time you need. It is a big decision.”

Liza rose and started to gather her gear to set off, today’s lunch had taken longer than normal.

******

Several hours passed. The party was making great time after lunch. This was mostly due to the lack of monsters trying to attack. No one would be able to tell from her actions and facial expressions, but the lack of encounters was starting to trouble Liza.

“Finn, I am going on ahead.” Liza shouted back, not waiting for a response before jogging ahead of the group.

“Finn what is the matter?” Anastasia questioned concern written across her face.

“Who knows with that woman. She is so emotional.” Finn responded with a shrug and smirk.

Anastasia’s concern morphed into frustration at Finn’s inability to take her questions seriously. She looked to Liza who had made it a good way ahead of the group. She was stopping every twenty feet or so poking at the ground or inspecting things she found.

Finn had brought the group to a stop. He had positioned the three remaining members of his company in a triangle formation around Anastasia and Charlotte. Finn was eyeing Liza’s progress trying to appear as if nothing major was going on, but Charlotte could not help but notice all three had their hands resting on their weapons.

“Finn, I can tell something is going on. Please fill me in. I want to be able to assist.”

“You are doing exactly what you should be doing, protecting Anastasia,” Finn never looked Charlotte's way as he continued to scan the area around them.

“I feel if you would tell me wh……”

A loud roar could be heard from Liza's direction. It seemed she found what she was looking for. What appeared to be three very large snakes rose from out of the bog she was inspecting. At this time Liza was maybe three hundred feet away or more. Charlotte was not sure what monster was attacking Liza. She had never heard of such a monster in the marshlands before. Charlotte drew her sword preparing to go help.

“We must go to help her!”

“And we will. Stay with Anastasia. Sam, stay with them.” Finn shouted before taking off at a blinding speed toward Liza.

“Fuck this is bullshit. Finally, something cool to fight and I get left out again.”

Anastasia moved to Sam and placed her hand on his shoulder. “I am thankful to have her here protecting me.”

Sam could not help but blush as he pulled his hood over his face “UGH.. missing out on the fun just to babysit some noble.”

Anastasia slumped her shoulders as Sam scorn. Charlotte could not help but feel for Sam. She too wanted to go help the fight. As powerful as those three are. The snakes looked to be giving them a tough time.

The trio was so fixated on the fight that they did not see the bubbling coming from the bog next to them.

Another roar could be heard but this time it was much louder and much closer. They spun around to see two large heads come out of the Bog. However, at this distance it was clear they were not snakes as Charlotte had first suspected. The heads looked more like a lizard than a snake. The eyes are more centered and forward facing. This was unmistakably the head of a dragon. As the two heads continued to rise from the bog the full bodies could not be seen. But what should have been two bodies was indeed one. This was a hydra, a sub species of dragon.

“All right, looks like I get to have fun after all.” Sam readied his twin short swords before leaping at the foe.

Charlotte attempted to assess the best course of action. Should she assist Sam in taking down the hydra? If they were unable to, Anastasia would likely fall victim to it as well. Should she run with Anastasia trying to distance herself from the monster until Liza’s group could deal with it. Leaving Sam alone until his comrades could come and assist.

Sam seemed to be holding his own against this new threat. Charlotte took note of the difference in the number of heads. The new one had two compared to the three heads of the other. It also seemed to be much smaller overall then the one Liza and the other were fighting. Charlotte was amazed at the young Sam’s power. He darted between snaps of the hydra’s mouth and whips of its tails as if it was the easiest thing in the world. He would take slashes with his swords as the opportunity arose.

“Is that all you got, monster. I am surprised the others are having such a hard time with your mate. You seem rather weak.” Sam taunted the monster as he dodged to the side of a snapping head. Thrusting his sword into one of the hydra’s eyes as it passed.

The beast started to roar loudly at the pain of losing an eye and it began to thrash around wildly. Sam pushed toward the hydra slashing at its exposed belly. This caused it to leap back in reaction. This is when Sam realized his mistake, he had been circling the beast so much he had positioned it between himself and those he was meant to protect. Attempting to flee from Sam’s attacks caused it to move within striking distance of Anastasia and Charlotte.

The hydra was still thrashing around its tail whipping back and forth. “SHIT how could I have fucked up this bad.” Sam sprinted through the thrashing hydra, jumping over one of its heads it was using like a club. Ducking under the other head as it snapped at him. He arrived just in time to his destination. Sam shoved Anastasia and Charlotte out of the way of the Hydra tail that was about to collide with the pair.

Charlotte had been shielding Anastasia when Sam ran into them. The force of the impact sent the pair tumbling fifteen feet away out of striking distance of the hydra. Sam was now occupying the space the two had just been in, so he took the full brunt of the hydra's tail. He was still slightly off his feet from the shove so was not able to brace at all against the ground. With nothing to grip onto Sam was sent flying a good distance away landing in a bog.

Charlotte watched as Sam was cast up into the air, his body going limp. She now knew that the only thing standing in the way of this monster and Anastasia was her.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

“Princess, I need you to get up and run to Liza and the others. They are better able to protect you than I am. I will keep this thing occupied as best I can.”

“NO! I will not leave you again. We will fight it together.”

“Princess, we do not stand a chance against this thing. You must go NOW!”

“I am Princess Anastasia Volkov, you cannot order me to do anything. Now ready your sword, it is time to fight.”

Gods of the skies above I request your aid. Show the wicked your wrath!

LIGHTNING

A bolt of blue lighting arced from Anastasia hand and stuck the hydra’s body searing fleshing and eliciting a furious roar.

“As you command princess.” A smile spread across Charlotte's face. She was unsure why. But the thrill of standing beside the princess in battle drove her forward. She could not fail her now.

Gods of the skies above I request your aid. Show the wicked your wrath!

LIGHTNING

Another blue bolt struck the hydra. The already burnt flesh blackened further. The hydra’s heads fixed onto Anastasia completely ignoring Charlotte who stood between them.

“Face me monster! I am your opponent.” Charlotte’s taunt went ignored as the hydra moved toward Anastasia. Charlotte quickly positioned herself between the hydra and the princess and slashed at the beast. Her sword scraped across its body as if it was plate armor. Charlotte’s eyes widened at how ineffective her attack had been. Sam had seemed to be able to slice the scales with simple slashes of his short swords. Charlotte had just attacked with her full weight and barely did anything.

Charlotte look to Anastasia. THis feeling of dread washed over her. All her bravado from a few seconds ago had drained away once she saw how in effective her attacks were. It seemed that Anastasia understood the situation better then Charlotte would have expected.

Oh, Earth mother here my call. Pierce my foe with your mighty power.

Earth lance

Anastasia placed her hand to the ground in front of her and several large spikes rose from the ground. The hydra turned its side covered in thicker scales to the spikes as they raced toward it. The first spike slammed into the hydra and the tip blunted as it crumbled against the hydra’s scales. While the spikes had not pierced the monster Anastasia still smiled. The row of spikes formed a makeshift wall between them. Charlotte was surprised Annastaisa had the battle focus to not just attack wildly. Casing a defensive spell in response to your allies actions was a hard thing for even seasoned mages to master. The lure and thrill of the attack was hard to resist.

The hydra reared its body and pushed off with its tail thrusting itself forward into the spikes. They crumbled as it crashed through them. Anastasia's smile quickly vanished. She had been crouching so she could reach the ground to cast her spell. The sudden shock of the lunging hydra had caused her to fall back. Fear gripped Charlotte as the monster now towering over the princess. Its reach was too great Annastaisa would never be able to put enough distance between herself and it before it could attack her.

The hydra raised its tail high into the air directly over Anastasia. Frozen in fear realizing she was out of options, Anastasia futilely closed her eyes and raised her arms as if they would shield her from the hydra’ club-like tail. The Heavy tail came crashing down with a loud slam. Anastasia could feel the impact reverberate through her. However, she did not feel it directly, instead she felt it through the vibrations of the earth as the tail landed just next to her.

Anastasia opened her eyes to see Charlotte standing over her. She was down on one knee, her left arm hanging limply at her side. Charlotte had placed herself in the path of the hydra’s tail, raising her sword over her head and bracing the flat side with her other hand. She used the sword's blade as a makeshift shield and diverted most of the force of the blow down into the ground next to her. Even though she only took a fraction of the blow it was still enough to dislocate her left shoulder.

“I told you, I am your opponent monster!”

Charlotte ready her sword in her still working hand and rose to her feet. The hydra at least now recognized Charlotte as a threat or at least a nuisance and stuck at her with one of its heads. Charlotte tried to time it just right and thrust her sword at the last second. The thrust connected just as the hydras mouth was opening at its widest. The sword sank deep into the soft flesh of the hydra mouth. It recoiled in pain, the second head roaring the displeasure for the other. Charlotte was unable to maintain her grip on her sword. It sank too deep and her grip was too weak.

Charlotte ready herself, raising her arm as if it held a shield. She knew the next attack would come soon. She glanced between the hydra’s tail and its uninjured head looking to see which one it would strike with. The hydra’s remaining head pulled back slightly in preparation for the attack.

Gods of the Frozen north I beseech you. Slice my target with winter’s chilling embrace.

Icicle Daggers

Icicles started spinning into existence all around Anastasia. Each one growing and solidifying before taking aim at her target. Once each was ready it flew at the Hydra. It was barely in time as the first wave of icicle daggers landed as the hydra’s head dove at Charlotte. Each icicle did not do much itself, but the volume of projectiles still caused the Hydra to flinch and stop its attack.

“I WILL NOT LET YOU HURT HER! AAAHHH!”

With her scream the daggers around Anastasia started to multiply and form faster. Each one was sent with more force and speed as they pelted the hydra. The sheer volume of daggers now slamming into the hydra meant that some found purchase between the heavy scales. Most daggers still shattered against the hard scales but those that did find a way past sunk deep into the flesh. The raw power behind each dager even started to damage the scales.

The hydra seemed unable to respond to the attack. If it attempted to launch an attack of its own it would not be able to keep its heavy scales facing the torrent of daggers being launched at it. The Hydra pulled in on itself deciding to weather the storm and wait for an opening.

Anastasia kept up her spell. Unable to stop fearing what would happen if she did before the hydra was dead. It was then she felt herself weakening. She was running out of mana. Panic shot through Anastasia. She had never run out of mana before, she had always been able to cast spells all day. While the other students' learning would start wearing out at different times of the day, she had always made it to the end of every lesson. Never even once feeling like she was reaching her limit. Anastasia cursed her weakness. Now of all times her mana decided it wanted to have a limit.

Anastasia's eyes become heavy and her vision blurred. She grit her teeth. Her willpower forces her eyes back open and focuses her vision.

“I will not die here!”

“Don’t worry Anna, you won’t.”

Finn’s voice could be heard behind her. For some reason it filled her with comfort, and she knew everything was going to be ok. She let go of her spell and the daggers that had been forming fell to the ground. Anastasia fell back into Finn’s waiting arms.

Liza flew past the pair and struck at the hydra. The hydra was curled up not moving trying to weather the barrage of daggers. This left it stationary and vulnerable. Liza’s sword was brought down through the first neck of the hydra. Slicing it cleanly through. The hydra recoiled at the pain, raising its second head and neck into the air. This was all the opening Liza needed she quickly slashed her sword again cutting the second neck as well. It fell to the floor with a satisfying thud. Liza rose and slung her sword to the side casting off the hydra’s blood from the blade.

Charlotte, finally able to relax, fell to the floor. Her face twisted in pain as her limp arm crumpled against the ground as well. Liza came over to Charlotte and began looking over her body for any life-threatening wounds in need of immediate treatment.

“No, do not worry about me. Sam was thrown over there you must go to him first” Charlotte attempted to stand and point but was unable to.

“It will be ok, Brox is going to collect Sam.” Liza said, finishing her inspection of Charlotte.

“So good news is you are not dying. Bad news is healing you is going to hurt.” Liza grabbed Charlotte’s limp left arm and raised it over her head.

“AAAAAWWWW!” Charlotte’s scream died down as her shoulders popped back in place. Liza immediately cast healing on the shoulder to fix the damage and ease the residual pain.

“Holy shit! Some warning next time.” Liza smiled at Charlotte’s lack of restraint. Normally you would never hear a noble lady speak such vulgar words.

“To be fair, I did tell you it was going to hurt.” Liza’s hand stopped glowing and she sat back giving Charlotte some room.

“You are right… Liza, you saved us both. Thank you.” Charlotte lowered her head.

“I just finished the job. You both saved each other. I am sorry I could not make it sooner.”

Liza leaned in placing her hand behind Charlotte’s neck pulling her closer. She stopped when their heads touched.

“You did an amazing job. Good work.” Liza said holding Charlotte to her.

“Liza, I know what my answer is now.”

Sometime later Anastasia awoke she was lying next to Finn. She rose and looked around checking for Charlotte and Sam. She could see Charlotte and Liza over to the side talking. Sam was off to the other side wringing out his clothes and laying them on a large rock nearby to dry.

“Good morning Anastasia. I am glad you decided to join us. I was just about to prepare your favorite meal.”

“I hope Sam is ok. He got hurt because of me.” Anastasia could not look at Finn as she spoke.

“Only his pride, and it is good for boys like him to have that happen sometimes. Keeps them humble.”

“If you say so. I am just glad he was not permanently injured.”

Anastasia looked up to Charlotte. Thinking about how Charlotte was hurt protecting her again. Finn noticed and spoke up

“She was not hurt too bad. Liza got her fixed up easy…” Finn said, waiting for Anastasia to say anything. She only hung her head more as she pulled her knees in, hugging them to her chest.

“You know you saved her right. You should be holding your head high right now.”

“I was the reason she was hurt. Hell, I am the only reason she is even out here risking her life.”

“Did you force her to stay?” Finn moved closer to Anastasia as he spoke in a quieter tone.

“Yes, she is only here because I am the princess. She should not be out here risking her life for someone like me.”

“Well, that is just dumb. Charlotte was a knight before she met you, right. She chose protecting people as her life’s work. She wants to help people. Even if sometimes that person may be a spoiled princess.” Finn nudged Anastasia in the side.

“Exactly that is all I am. A spoiled princess. I have been nothing of a burden on everyone my whole life. If I did not have the people around me, I could not last a day.” Anastasia buried her face into her arms pulling her knees closer.

“See that is what is wrong with princesses. They only talk to hear themselves. They never Listen. I said YOU SAVED her. If you had not been with her, she would have died. We would not have been able to make it in time.”

“So, what you are saying is you saved her.” Anastasia shot back

“Again, with the not listening.” Finn reached his arm out wanting to wrap it around Anastasia, but he retracted it before making contact.

“Anastasia, you cast a spell I have never seen before. I think it was Icicle daggers, but I cannot be sure.”

“What are you talking about? That is exactly what it was, and you have seen it before. Don’t patronize me” Anastasia voice rising in anger at being talked down to.

“I mean it was and it wasn’t. Icicle daggers would normally make a dozen or so Daggers. The speed they form varies by caster, but most can launch the full barrage in about 2 seconds… You on the other hand were creating maybe four to five times a normal amount, every second. To top that off you launched them several times faster than most casters can manage. There are other aspects to the spell as well like temperature and hardness of the ice. I am sure those were heightened as well.”

Anastasia looked up to Finn unsure of what to make of his explanation. She had not thought about what she was doing at the time. She just wanted to do something, and her body reacted. She knew if she did nothing Charlotte was going to die, and she could not bear the thought of that.

“Even still, I ran out of mana and I could not finish the job. I would have failed at protecting her. Without your help”

“So, what. I already told you we would have failed if not for your help. Getting help from someone does not make you weak… I think the saying goes. It makes you stronger.” Finn nudged Anastasia in the side again. As he did Charlotte and Liza approached.

“I am ready. I wish to learn what Liza has to teach me.”

“So, you have agreed to our condition.” Finn looked toward the arriving pair.

“Yes, I will renounce my status as a noble.” Charlotte stood up straighter as she said that.

“Relax, relax you will not be a noble soon. No need to act all proper.” Finn rose to face Charlotte directly.

“When we get back to the capital, I will make it official and have myself disinherited.”

Finn’s face knitted in confusion “Why would we do all that? You can just do it now.”

“We are in the middle of the marshlands. I cannot make the documents needed appear out of thin air.” Charlotte showing her confusion.

“Nobles need documents and bureaucracy. We do not, your word will be good enough for us.”

“My word! What is to stop me from taking what you know and keeping my titles.” Charlotte could not help herself from thinking as so many nobles would.

“Do you not know what ‘your word’ means? You will be what stops you.” Finn said with a cheeky smile

Charlotte looked from Finn to Liza and back to Finn as if trying to figure out what the game was. She has had a hard time reading Liza's group from the start. They performed countless deeds to protect herself and the princess. However, she knew they were hiding things from them. She then realized her mistake. She was thinking of them like scheming nobles.

Charlotte’s whole life has been an elaborate game of cat and mouse with the different powerful families around her. Everyone is constantly moving, feinting, and dodging around each other. It was why she joined the knights. They only gave her direct orders. While she could not completely escape the nobles’ games, her participation has been greatly reduced. She now mostly watches from the sidelines while those better suited for the game played it, expertly in front of her.

Liza’s group had secrets for sure, but who does not. To expect them to share everything with the person they just met would not make any sense. As commoners she also understood why they may have misgivings about getting involved with nobles. Considering the past Liza said most of them had. They are currently protecting two people that could have them killed simply for breathing the same air. That thought made Charlotte chuckle a little. Who would be able to follow through on that order even if it was given?

“Liza, Finn, please tell me what the oath is that you wish for me to state. I will, on my honor, follow through.”

Anastasia interjected, no longer able to hold her tongue. “Charlotte do you not think you should wait until we are back at the capital. It will give you time to speak to your parents and brother to get their input.”

“They already do not expect anything from me as a noble daughter. To them having me as the princess’s knight protector is more than they could have hoped for out of someone like me.”

“Charlotte…”

“As their youngest. I am seen as a bargaining chip in negotiation with other families. We have not gotten even the hint of a marriage proposal in over a year. I am already twenty-eight. Who heard of a noble lady marrying so late in life? They have already cast me aside, so I do not need to consult them on my life.”

“See she gets it. Now repeat after me. I ‘Say you stupid long noble name’ renounce all my noble titles.”

“I, Lady Charlotte Maximoff, Daughter of Count Karloff Maximoff, Knight protector of Princess Anastasia Volkov, renounce all my noble titles.”

“There now don’t you feel so much lighter without all those words weighing you down.” Finn turned and sat back down with Anastasia.

Charlotte smiled to herself. She did feel lighter, no she felt free. She no longer had any responsibility to her family. She now only had to do what she felt was right for herself and those she cared about. All she wanted was to protect Anastasia and Liza and her group would give her the ability to do that.

“Liza, when can we get started?”

A sigh escaped Liza lips “You were hurt badly just a little while ago. We can start tomorrow.”

“No, because I was hurt so badly is why I must start as soon as possible.”

“Fine but if I see you strain your injury we will stop.”

Charlotte nodded and followed Liza over to the side of the group and sat down facing each other.

“To start, can you cast any spells without the incarnation?”

“I cannot but I am most proficient with Light bolt.”

“That will do, show me.”

Charlotte nodded and raised her hand aiming at nothing in particular in the distance.

I call upon the light of heaven. Strike my foe with your light to cast away the darkness

Light Bolt

A golden light enveloped her hand as a golden ball of light formed in front of her palm. Less than a second later it shot from her hand at high speeds racing over the bogs for a while before dissipating into nothing.

“Wow, that is perfect. You did it quickly while not sacrificing any of its power.”

Charlotte smiled at the praise she received from Liza as she rested her hand back in her lap. Liza reached over and took both of Charlotte’s hands and placed them over each of her knees and turned the palms face up.

“Now I want you to try channeling Light bolt, but this time try to stop yourself just as the bolt is about to form. Then instead of forcing the mana into a bolt, turn it back on into your body.”

“Won't I hurt myself turning attack magic back on myself.”

“Not really. You are not turning a fully formed bolt back on yourself. You are turning the mana that was about to become a bolt back. It will not feel good, but it should not hurt you either.”

Charlotte attempted to do what Liza asked but as soon as she finished the incantation, she could not stop the bolt from forming and it shot into the air. Feeling discouraged Charlotte looked at Liza but only saw a soft caring expression on her face.

“Good try it again.”

The pair kept at their practice for a while.

*********

“Finn, If Charlotte learns what Liza is teaching her will she be as powerful as you all are?”

Finn shrugged “Hard to say every person is so different, and there are so many factors that play into strength.”

“I hope it will be worth it to her.” Anastasia said looking down at her feet.

“She was given a great deal, if you ask me. She is being taught a truly powerful ability and all she had to give up was a burden weighing her down.” Finn replied

“You sure do talk a big game about how useless and crooked nobles. You are only looking at the negative aspects of noble society. Take Charlotte for example. Using her position, she has done many great things in the capital. She runs a program that helps orphaned apply to the guard. She helps those children have a better life than just scraping by working on the streets or in brothels.”

“First off, I like girls that work in brothels,” Finn said, sounding offended. Anastasia could not help but roll her eyes.

“More importantly, why are those kids orphans, Anastasia?”

“Well, most are war orphans.” Anastasia said bluntly without thinking the implications through.

“So, the collateral damage of the nobles.”

“No, that is too simplistic of a view on things. There would be hostilities and war even without the nobles.”

“So, you say. But we have not even tried a world without nobles so who really knows.”

“Finn, there will always be evil in this world. Are you trying to tell me a commoner never hurt another commoner?”

“You know Anastasia, this should be a happy time. We survived a tough fight, and your friend is on a new path of her life. We should not spoil it with philosophy.”

Anastasia nodded and looked back over to Charlotte who was bouncing up and down excitedly hugging Liza. Anastasia smiled at her friend's cheery mood.

As the sun began to set Anastasia spoke up softly.

“Finn, you were the one that came to me when I passed out earlier, correct.”

“Yes, I came to get you while Liza went to cover Charlotte. Why do you ask?”

“My head was a little fuzzy, but did you call me Anna when you did?”

“I am sorry Anastasia I just misspoke in the excitement of the moment.”

“NO… it’s not that.” Anastasia’s rebuttal came out more forceful and aggressive then she meant. Overcorrecting her voice became very low “I would not mind it if you called me Anna.”

A smile appeared on Finn’s face. “What was that I didn't quite hear you.”

“You can call me Anna OK.”

“Sure, whatever you want princess.” Finn nudged his elbow into Anastasia’s side.

“UGH why are you so opposed to doing the simple things people ask?”

“HAHA I am not sure. Liza says it is my worst trait.”

“Well, she is right. I have only known you for a few days and I couldn't agree more.”

“Is that so? Well then Anna I will try a little harder.” Anastasia could see a sadness on Finn’s face she would not have expected. Unsure why it was, she quickly nudged Finn back with her shoulder.

“See that you do.”