Honestly, this wasn't how I pictured my day going. You'd think they've never had to corral a bunch of sheep before!
Granted, those nine sheep were let loose by none other than my best friends, Finn and Falda, and I. With Finn giving the bright idea of writing the numbers one through ten, and skipping number nine, on their backs.
Finn and Falda lived next door and were a couple years younger than me, but there was never a time I remember being without their friendship. Their family moved to Avani from Dwarren before I or the twins were born. They already had four children and needed a bigger place to raise their brood. After the twins, came two more bundles of joy before they decided to quit the baby making business. We have gotten into a lot of trouble together. This time was no different.
In hindsight this prank probably should have been left on the drawing table, but watching those women look for that ninth sheep for hours has definitely been the highlight of my week! Though, admittedly, getting caught laughing behind a bush and running for our lives has certainly not been the most pleasant of experiences.
“Falda! Lya! Keep up!” Finn shouted while leading our foolish tails through the dirty streets of Avani.
“Slow down Finn! I don't think I can keep running like this!” Falda, his twin sister shouted breathlessly from somewhere behind me.
“I didn't know dwarves could run that fast!” I yell toward Finn who was at least three yards ahead of me by now.
“Then you've never seen our da race to the dinner table every night!” Finn bellowed right before running into a tall and very recognizable man.
“Father!” I yelped before sliding to a stop in front of the man I know to be level headed and calm.
This time, however he was nothing but.
“Aalya Sirona Aeson! What in all of Idoras do you think you are doing!” he barked
Glancing at my feet, I quietly answered “we were just playing a game, father”
One look told me he did not believe my tale “Don't you dare try to lie to me! I barely walked in the door before I got an ear full from every woman in the area!”
The look in his eye told me his normally patient demeanor was long gone, but he took a deep breath and composed himself before saying “Finn, Falda, go home” before turning on his heel and leading me home. I risked a glance over my shoulder to see the twins apologetic faces before turning back around to face my doom.
By the time we reached our house, father had calmed down quite a lot and I decided to risk an apology.
His face softened and he sighed before saying softley “The time for childish games is coming to an end, your almost thirteen, it’s time you start looking towards your future, I've arranged for you to meet with Lillith”
Lilith is the head healer in the castle where my father works as commander of the king's guard. I remember meeting her for the first time when I was very young. She was my mother's apprentice at the time, and was known for being very loose-lipped. Father has never been very comfortable around her.
“Why lilith? I would rather be in the king's guard. What was the point in teaching me swordsmanship if I'm never going to use what I learned?”
Women in the guard or even the military is not an uncommon sight in Avani.
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“You are too young to join the guard, Lya, and even if you were old enough, I would rather see you follow in your mother's footsteps.”
“You wouldn't say that if I were a boy” I said defiantly.
“Now that's not fair lya, I would direct any child of mine away from such dangerous work”
“But you never even see any action! There hasn't been an attack on the king in many years!”
“And that's because I am very good at my job” he replied with a confident grin. I couldn't help but smile with him.
“Very well father, I will meet with lilith. I just hope she is not as big of a loud mouth as she used to be!”
“I guarantee you, that has not changed, Dragonfly.” he said with a chuckle.
I retired to my room after dinner and couldn't help but feel a twinge in my gut that the old nickname had brought up. Mother used to call me that when she was teaching me about herbs in our garden.
One day, I had been fascinated by a tiny colorful bug that had landed on my shoulder. “You know there is a saying that dragonflies land on people who are destined to be great heroes.” she had said wistfully. “Your grandfather used to tell me stories of great kings and their protectors. The great dragon riders of old!” We would spend hours in the garden, her telling stories and pointing out certain plants and telling me of their benefits, and me captivated and holding on to her every word.
Some nights mother and father would put me to bed and tell me the stories of the twelve dragon riders. One for each kingdom in Idoras. They were protectors of the kings and kept the peace when disagreements arose. My Father's family have always sworn they were descended from one of the first dragon riders of Avani. Father always said it was just legend, but how amazing would it be to fly on the back of a dragon and be a great hero of the people!
Before long I found myself drifting off to the happy memories of my childhood.
The next morning came way too quickly. For as long as I can remember, I have never been a morning person. Some days, Mother would bang pots and pans in my ear or drip cold water on my face, which resulted in a sour mood for the remainder of the morning.
But today has to be different. It's the first day of my future after all and I am going to put in my best effort.
Gazing into the mirror I can't help but notice the tell tale appearance of the Aeson family. Flaming Auburn hair and bright forest green eyes. In my current state, my disheveled appearance could make a grown man cry. My winding waves of hair fall past my shoulders in a wild inferno, with flyaways quite literally flying in every direction. I expertly comb it into a quick bun.
Once satisfied I dig through my closet looking for a feminine and professional outfit. My typical clothing choices were leggings, baggy shirts and muddy boots. It takes quite an effort but finally I reach the back of my closet where I find a simple tan and brown dress with long sleeves. I put it on and get ready to face my future.
Stepping out I see my dad sitting at the table reading a book. He looks up with a sad smile when he notices my dress.
“What?” I ask “do I look dreadful?”
“No, not at all dragonfly. It's just that...” he pauses before saying “that was your mother's dress.” his green eyes look sad and he's quiet for a few moments as if lost in a memory.
He clears his throat “well, are you ready to go? I have some new recruits I'm supposed to be training today but I figured I could walk you to the castle first.”
“As ready as I'll ever be” I reply with a sheepish smile.
“Off we go then” he says before turning around, hesitantly, he says “you look beautiful, Lya”
As we walk through the village we see many women getting ready for the day. Some are washing clothes on the porch and singing songs from our history. One woman sings of the great victory the alliance of Idoras had against the armies of darkness. With help from the dragons, the kingdoms forged a great alliance to push back the armies of Duhmos, the evil leader of the shadow elves. According to the song they used terrible magic to reign destruction on the world, nearly wiping out the people of Idoras, and successfully wiping out the dragons and their riders. Elves, men, and dwarves fought side by side, finally sending the army back to whence they came, bringing many years of peace in its wake.
The songs always forget to mention the many wars fought over the next thousand years. Wars starting from petty disagreements, marriage proposals, and even bastard children. Men always had a tendency to fight over the simplest things, and kings were no exception. I would say to take a page out of the kingdom of Rasasharyas page and put a woman on the throne, but queen Tifaine has probably been the cause of more wars than all the other kings combined.
My father's voice cuts through my thoughts “what do you remember of your mother's lessons?” he asks.
“Enough” I reply quickly. Neither one of us wants to think of those happy times. The more I think of it the more I realise just how much this job is going to bring about all the memories I wanted to shut out.
When we reached the tall spires of the castle, I released the breath I didn't realize I was holding.
The castle was massive. It stood there as if sung from the songs from the women in the village. I imagined dragons in the courtyard, because if those towers could exist, why not? Every stone was balanced and straight, as if those who built it were set on excellence. They were walls made to protect a king, to echo with laughter and be the shelter they needed for years to come.
“Well,” he says, “Lilith is waiting for you on the first level, would you like me to walk you there?”
“No it's alright, I'm sure I can find the way on my own.” I reply.
“Oh, ok,” he says. He awkwardly approaches me as if he's not sure what to do. I step forward and give him a big hug. He breathes a sigh of relief as if happy he made the right decision. He has been like this since mother died, unsure of the affection he gives me.
“I guess I'll see you tonight.” I say hesitantly, before taking a deep breath and turning towards the castle. It's huge. I mean I've seen it before but this time something brings forth a sense of dread, but also hope, as if my current life is ending, but a new one is about to begin.