Carysse pulled Chaos inside the carriage. “You’re awfully burning,” she said as she quickly brought out the herbs and oil that she brought earlier. She stooped and grabbed hold of something below the cushions. It was a good thing she had a thoughtful master. “The one you’re guarding is not any noble. He is the royal and only prince of Apharoth. It’s expected that some might attempt to endanger his life. You have to be always prepared,” Master Saber advised her once. Carysse brought out the box that her master had gathered himself. Inside were rare medicinal herbs for different kinds of poison, bandages, blades, some silver and gold coins, a wooden pounder, spoons, and small bowls for mixing. In this case, it was nature that was attempting to weaken him. She grabbed the leather skin that was hanging and poured water on one of the bowls. She took three leaves of the different herbs. She didn’t know their names but she was familiar with what would work for fever. Even Master Saber wa
When Carysse received the letter from the council that was in-charge with Zeikontour, she had a flashback when Chaos also sent a letter to announce his comeback to the village.That was more than two weeks ago. So little time has passed yet much has happened. Never did Carysse imagine that two weeks was enough to change the direction of her life. But looking back, she was somehow glad of this turn of events. She was just a mere guard, fighting everyday for the survival of the village but thanks to Chaos’ chaotic appearance, they finally got a chance to end their misery.“What does it say?” Chaos asked as he appeared from the doorway to the battlements. Recently, it was where they always found each other deep in the night. It was not surprising though. Even when they were children, they shared favorite spots.Carysse carefully folded the letter in its original form.“It will be tomorrow after the midday meal. Miss Veina Sahazii even sent her greetings saying that she is looking forward
Carysse lied when she said that she already ate her midday meal.Truth was, her stomach was feeling queasy and she didn’t want to enter the tournament with an upset stomach so she opted not to eat.She was met by Master Saber at the gate.“Do not doubt yourself, Carysse. You are strong. Have faith in your own strength,” her master emphasized.“Of course,” Carysse affirmed. “But I will be lying if I said that I am not nervous right now.”Carysse was confident in her fighting skills. Other than that, she was useless. Yet in Zeikontour, those ‘other things’ were the core.“Tell me, master, will I do all right?”“It does not matter, young one. We are humans who are naturally flawed. We are strong in one area and lacking in another. But it is in those weaknesses that miracles happen only when we conquer them. So go, be overwhelmed, feel inferior, and be worried. Whether you will do well or not, it all boils down to the meaning of why you’re doing it.”‘So I should put my life on the line i
Whoever sent the letter must die.Carysse gripped the sheathed blade in her hand as she ran past trees and jumped over giant roots.No one knew the secret location of the remnants of Thalisse other than the remnants themselves. Everyone in the village was close and knew each other very well so they knew that the handwriting also belonged to none of them.Go.Was the only command of the village elder earlier. The old man looked at Carysse with an intense look. She understood.It was kill or be killed.The letter that the falcon brought this morni
A fight almost broke out.They walked for more than an hour without talking with only the sound of the chain being pulled and their wooden sandals trekking the mountain trail. She was not deaf to his heavy breathing and too many times she called for a rest just for him, like he didn't train at the mountains of Thalisse with her. Looking back, she was thinking why she was able to strike his wrists easily. He didn't seem to fight back earlier, either. Something was wrong with him.It was at their sixth rest when she realized it.Aside from the wound on his palm which Carysse gave to him as a welcoming gift for finally showing up after two years, the problem was on his stomach. Dried lips, pale skin, and him touching his stomach from time to time when Carysse had her back on hi
''Oh, dears, we are so sor--'' The lady herder dropped her sack of bird dung. The children stopped running. In a second, the sun hid behind the clouds and the wind blew cold.Carysse smelled the danger and immediately planted herself in front of Chaos just in time to parry an arrow.''Stay right there!'' She ordered Chaos behind her as she felt him itching to move. Chaos just made a tch sound. Only the sentries had access to the bows and arrows so Carysse kept moving her eyes around the rocks but she saw no one there. And she could only think of one person who could throw an arrow from that distance.Where are you, freak Bal?With fate's guidance again, the sun peeked a little, and Carysse saw the fai
''Carysse. Carysse, wake up.'' The image of Ashki loomed over her as she opened her eyelids. ''Huh?'' Carysse tried to get up and Ashki supported her, letting her back lean on his arm as she sat. She flexed her freezing fists. She had actually slept outside in the cold night. ''I'm sorry. I know you're tired but Elder Shimar is asking for your presence,'' Ashki said. ''Okay,'' Carysse said with a nod and she stood. Ashki offered his hand and she took it. They both climbed down from the tree and Carysse hid her blush as they walked from the Kairin tree to the tent still holding hands. They had been holding hands since they were at the orphanage-- it was a normal thing as children of Thalisse who were closely knitted together but to Carysse who was a growing lady, it was enough to warm her heart, though she knew it had no meaning to Ashki. To her surprise, none other than Elder Shimar and Chaos were present. She had expected for the village leaders to be also there. The two of th
Carysse’s cheeks went red at his words. Stupid body.“Here is the plan. But first, ever heard of Gairoshi?”Ashki squinted his brows. Carysse tilted her head slightly in curiosity.“Perhaps you could begin on the history of Gairoshi, my child.”“I will answer that later, Elder Shimar. I want to clarify what Gairoshi is to…them.”Carysse knew why he hesitated. He was about to say ‘my friends.’“Gairoshi is a phrase from the old language of Apharoth. It means grit for glory,” explained Chaos. A strong wind blew outside the tent and some of the cold breeze got in. Carysse knew she felt the icy air but also felt it from her insides. It was like Gairoshi was a bad omen.“It is an ancient practice much like the gladiators in the arenas found in the outskirts of this nation. It even almost has the same rules where representatives from each tribe gather to duel, making their way to the top until one only remains. In Gairoshi, it's slightly different. Anyone can join. Everyone, whether you a