The next day Tigra showed up bright and early. I was barely awake when she barged into my room; the door slamming against the wall as it swung open.
“Wow.” I sat up startled.
“You can’t be sleeping in now you’re a knight-in-training Alex.” She came to stand right next to my bed.
I just stared at her, my heart jumping at the sight of her. Was what mum told me yesterday really true, that I loved her? Dumah would most probably kill me on the spot if he knew, maybe he’d even get the king to do it for him.
It didn’t matter how I felt I swore I would become her Guardian, then I could protect her with my life, no matter the cost.
I got up. “I’m ready.” I smiled.
“Really,” smirked Tigra. “You’ll be going on your first mission in your shorts.”
“Ah!” I went all flustered. “No…”
Tigra laughed. “You can be so silly sometimes.” She definitely seemed in a better mood today. “I’ll be waiting outside.” She smiled and left my room.
I looked to the right seeing my uniform. It might have only been for a knight-in-training, but it was a sign I was actually making progress.
I put on the uniform, the trousers, and the T-shirt. One of the sleeves was covering Larana, which she did not like and in second the sleeve was shredded to pieces.
“Larana.” I shook my head. I hadn’t been able to wear any sleeves on that arm since I got her, she liked being on show. I got some weird looks for it, but I heard rumours dad had the same problem when he was her master.
I placed the bronze shoulder pad on my left shoulder. I looked at it imagining it changing through the ranks, until it was silver and gold. I felt excited and overjoyed, soon I would be the best.
“Well done master,” cheered Larana manifesting and flying around me.
“Thank you Larana,” I smiled. “And for helping me against that flame spirit.”
“I was not going to let him hurt you again,” responded Larana. “But you did well to handle that much of my power, you have much more potential than your dad.” I felt encouraged by her compliment. “Come on, let’s show your uniform off to your mum.”
“Yeah.” I quickly perked up as I left my room, to find mum, dad, Athena, Tigra and strangely Gual waiting for me.
“Very nice,” commented Athena.
“Knight-in-training, not bad,” said Tigra.
“Oh, look at my handsome boy.” Mum had the biggest grin on her face.
“Looks good on you,” nodded dad.
“His majesty would like you to start your mission at once,” interrupted Gual.
“Who do you serve?” Tigra glanced at him.
“You, your highness,” he responded quickly.
“Then we will leave when we are ready,” said Tigra bluntly.
“Yes, your highness,” he bowed his head.
“Is Gual coming?” I questioned.
“You did not request me for the mission, so I leave Tigra’s safety in your hands Fang,” answered Gual. “I will only escort you to the twin lions bridge.”
“You protect me,” snorted Tigra jokingly.
“I can protect you,” I snapped.
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“We’ll see,” she taunted.
“Time we left.” I moved the subject on, it was time I focused on the mission at hand. I needed to complete this successfully to prove my further worth as a warrior to Cathopia, to prove I could protect Tigra.
“Here.” Mum picked up a pack that had been sitting on the table. “Food and first aid kit, you never know what might happen.” I could see even though she held pride in her expression, her voice was filled with worry.
“Mum, I’ll be fine,” I smiled, taking the pack. “I have Larana and Tigra.”
“Good luck.” She put on a smile, giving me a hug.
I pulled away as dad spoke next. “Don’t forget your training and trust in that ability of yours, it will save your life more than you could ever imagine.”
“Right.” I nodded, leaving with Tigra and Gual.
“Remember Fang, this is only an intelligence mission,” mentioned Gual. “Analyse everything you see and record the information. If you find any survivors bring them back with you.”
“Understood.” I nodded.
We left the castle and headed for the south exit, which was where the twin lions bridges were. I remembered it was named after two of the legendary hero’s talismans spirits. A talisman that came with two winged lions, said to be sealed within two swords.
“Master Lance.” I was surprised to see my master waiting for us at the first bridge. “I didn’t request you on the mission.”
“I am only here to give you encouragement for your first mission Fang,” responded Master Lance.
“Master Lance,” I smiled.
“We both know what you are truly capable of, the fight with the beast in the orchard proved that. It is now the time to show everyone what a runt of a Feles can do,” encouraged Master Lance.
“Thank you,” I bowed acknowledging his words.
“Come on Fang,” said Tigra. “The sooner we go the better.”
“I agree.” I nodded. “Hopefully, we will be back in a few days.” I bowed to Master Lance, then to Gual. “See you guys later.” I heading off with Tigra by my side.
We crossed the twin lions bridges in silence. I felt nervous, my first mission, unsupervised with… I glanced at her, with Tigra. What if I messed up or something? Would Tigra get hurt if I were not strong enough to protect her? But then again, she was more skilled than she let on.
As we crossed the bridge it was packed with so many different kinds of Animalia, after all our city was the biggest in this country. There were all kinds of Lupus coming along with their wolf pack members, Avis flying high above the bridge, Araneae with their creepy eight legs, Rattus, never saw much of them in the city and even Vulpes with that cunning look in their eyes.
I found it so peaceful, it didn’t matter who or what they were, they all walked amongst one another to see our grand city.
There were two guards placed at each end of the pair of bridges, even between Solus, they were stood at attention as we passed. Bowing slightly at the sight of Tigra, showing their respect to her. I was just a simple knight-in-training, nothing worth even acknowledging, not yet anyway.
As we left the twin lions bridges and Cathopia all together, we stood in the forest lining the shores of the city. There was a single track road leading far into the distance.
I brought out a map from my pocket, opening it up to reveal the six location I had been told to investigate.
“We’ll head to the furthest and work our way back,” I informed. “It is one of the most recent to be attacked, if we’re lucky that site will have survivors.”
“Sounds like a good plan,” agreed Tigra.
“Right then, this way.” I began walking ahead. I would follow the path for some time, then follow one of the side paths, which were according to the information given in the report was quite overgrown and hidden.
“Didn’t know you could read a map,” wondered Tigra, coming closer to have a look.
“Dad taught me,” I gulped, my heart pounding. I found it frustrating, I didn’t use to get this emotional with her so close.
“Are you okay?” she gave me a weird look. “I know, you’re nervous about your first mission but you can do this.”
“Yeah, that’s it,” I laughed. “Totally nervous.”
“Everything will be fine Alex,” she smiled encouragingly.
“Thanks, Tigra.” I acted like her encouragement helped.
“You’re welcome,” she seemed pleased with herself, did she really think it helped? “So, what else did you learn from the report on the attacks.”
“Apparently the first caravan to be attacked in the Ursus community was a nobleman’s caravan. They were coming to Cathopia to ask for permission to set up camp nearby as their own village had been destroyed.”
“How sad,” commented Tigra.
“That’s why we need to investigate and find out what is happening, for their safety,” I said determined for this to succeed.
“Finally showing your true self,” she said. I looked away. “Alex.”
“Using Larana’s powers like I did,” I began. “Who knows what I am capable of doing.”
“Amazing things,” responded Tigra.
“How can you be so certain of that?” I asked.
“Remember you are going to be my Guardian one day,” she patted me on the back. “And don’t you forget it.”
“I won’t,” I coughed. Mind saying that, I knew she would never let me forget. I would keep my promise and protect her from Dumah, from anyone who wished her harm.