“Oh, who’s there? Who’s there?” Ponpon asked but I didn’t answer. I could feel though that his head wriggled at the handle of my poniard.
It was that stranger from the forest alright. My sister seemed to be right with her foresight lately, I supposed.
I acted calm and normal, trying not to think what he had done to me in the forest early this morning. I turned my head to look in front of me and nonchalantly drank the fruit wine that was in the glass I held in one hand. It was a gesture that I was ignoring him—if he got what I mean. I did not want to linger or analyze why I feel something whenever he is around. I did not want to read something between the lines… er… in his eyes, rather. I did not want to feel anything at all, especially for this strange Aryan.
But it didn’t seem to get what I wanted to relay to him. He sauntered closer to me, and he sat down just beside me on the bench, looking up at the lights above us.
I stole a glance at him. There was a hint of a smile in his beautifully crafted lips and green eyes.
I did notice he wore different clothes tonight. Yesterday, it was some kind of shiny leathery black cloth that hugged his excellent physique. But now, it was more formal like the occasion demanded. And to my dismay, he looked even handsomer tonight with his hair down. It looked like a beautiful flame under the lights.
I didn’t like what I feel because I was already admiring this man whom I didn’t know of and about.
I sipped from my sparkling glass again, still without the intent to speak with this stranger.
“I never thought I’d see you here again, Xerra,” he said suddenly.
In the corner of my eye, I saw him look at me. As the gentle breeze blew, his out of this world unique spicy sent reached to my nostrils. Never had I smelled someone like him. It was kind of… stimulating my senses.
Okay, that was weird again.
I just swallowed the wine. The sweet warm liquid caressed my throat gently. I turned slowly to look at him, meeting his gaze. Right, he was also looking at me, straight in the eye. There was something there that I couldn’t fathom though. It was something that tugged my heart, which was mystifying. I slowly blinked and showed my blank expression at first. Then, I quirked my mouth and rolled my eyes upward.
“That’s a mutual thought, stranger… Just that I never hoped to see you again.”
But how come I just lied in front of this stranger? It was not like me at all. Why was I trying to hide my real feelings from him? Was I afraid that he’d know that I was longing to see his face again even though I wanted to ignore that feeling? But why was I interested in seeing him again even though the chances were so slim? Why did it rouse in me the feeling that wanted to know him better. And yet, logically, I shouldn’t. I shouldn’t trust someone who just appeared in the forest, which was my turf.
“How about I give you something to remind you that you indeed met me tonight?” And from his pants’ front pocket, he pulled out something.
It was a very rare kind of flower called guabula. One that could only be found in the north of Aryan. It had small three petals and a tube-like star in the middle of it, and it smelled so sweet. Addictive. The flower itself would turn into different colors by each passing day. Tonight, it was violet, and it just matched my lavender gown. I knew that it would take two months before it would dry up and die.
My eyes went up to meet his immediately. He couldn’t be one of the Furezos! Instinctively, I probed his thoughts. However, it was blocked by something… or by him. I couldn’t probe deeper than what he could let me.
Just how much did he know about me? It was just so unfair.
I stared into his eyes, deeply. He smiled at me charmingly than any other Aryan had smiled in my direction since I entered the puberty stage. Because in reality, I always thought that my sister is more beautiful than I am. Plus, she is pure-blooded Aryan. No one in his right mind would get entangled with me in an intimate relationship knowing that I’m just half-breed.
The beautiful and mysterious stranger leaned closer to me. “I know what powers you have, Xerra. But I’m sorry that I’ll keep myself… private… for the time being,” he said it softly in my ear.
I swallowed as his warm breath touched my ear, sending delicious feelings throughout my being.
He placed the guabula on my lap without touching my dress. Why did I suddenly long to be touched by his fingertips, by his hands? Why all of a sudden?
I swallowed a lump in my throat again. My heart was beating so fast because of his nearness and the way he made me feel. His scent did not help at all. It seemed that he awakened something from deep within myself that I’d never felt or known before. It was something of pure instinct… something…
I mentally shook my head. I did not want to continue it. But, yes.
It was something sexual that he awakened deep within myself.
Ah, it was really weird! I wish it would go away right now. I did not want him to notice it or even guess how I feel. It was not only embarrassing but it was uncomfortable, as I felt my core instantaneously go damp.
Our eyes held each other for some time. He abruptly got up and smiled as he looked down at me. It was as if he was thinking twice before he could decide whether to leave me or stay with me longer.
Or was it just my imagination?
“There you are…” Daraton suddenly stopped midsentence when a hand was gestured toward him. He nodded in understanding when his eyes strayed in my direction.
I smiled at Daraton and glanced at the stranger once again. It was clear that Daraton and he were closer than I could imagine.
“I promise that this is not the last time we’ll see each other, Xerra,” the stranger said to me instead and left without looking back.
The celebration was held at the palace ground that very same night. Foods and drinks were served in a matter of less than thirty dots. It would last until midday. And before that was over, the prisoners of Uzob were all freed and joined this rare celebration. It must have been a very historic day for everyone in the Aryan world.But before that, Miryeob and my sister Shahrae, together with Kaiyahv, had a priceless reunion. It filled my heart with warmth and joy as they embraced each other. I smiled watching this happy moment for our family. I watched them with a smile on my face. They were talking animatedly like they really had a lot to talk about. Well, I thought that was true since it had been a long time since they had been separated from each other. Thinking that my sister’s father was already dead, there was indeed a lot to catch up. The whole evening would not suffice it, I’m sure.Rugien embraced me from behind, watching the scene that I was focused on. The King
“Free all the prisoners in Uzob. The only thing they did wrong was go against the impostor king. That means they’re all innocents,” Rugien said. He then informed them where Uzob was located.They nodded. They were about to go when Rugien halted them. “One other thing.” He glanced at me first before he continued. “Frith’s body.”“We’re going to take care of it,” Bullox said. “Right now, he’s going to be washed clean by a couple of our fellow warriors before he’s going to be sent to his family. That’s the least we can do for him at the moment.”However, Rugien shook his head. “No. Frith can still be brought back to life. Will talk to Healer Ulf regarding this matter.”I snorted. “Huh? Are you saying that he still has the chance to be alive even after his life source is sucked by the Creyer?” I asked Rugien about that unbelievable suggestion.He turned to me and all eyes were on him now. “The old palace healer has found something in their research, Xerra.
It was then that Rugien and I grabbed it at the same time that it was taken away from Isoog like his strength diminished. Together, we thrust the staff through his chest and to his heart. Blinding light erupted from within and it seemed that he just melted into a mist, into nothingness, only to appear the real King.I knew it the moment his green eyes were settled on Rugien. The Grand Crown Prince could tell it, too, that it was his real father.“Father!” He embraced the older man.The two males looked happy with this reunion. Well, who wouldn’t? I looked at the staff that was now solely in my hand. I couldn’t feel its surging power now. But I didn’t care. All is well now. My eyes met Zelian’s who stepped closer to us. He bowed to the two royalties and so did the others, including the Furezos and the remaining elite warriors. It looked like there was less than half of their number that was still alive.“Zelian! It’s been a long time since I last saw you,” the
As the General told me his real name, he attacked me with a whip that he manifested. I barely realized that the name of his brother’s staff was Creyer, which was taken from his name after all. The impostor loved his brother dearly—it was crystal clear to see. It was quite admirable. I could understand since I had a precious sister that I loved so much.Anyway, it was good I was fast enough to dodge his attack. My poniard blocked it the second time, which was caught by it. In turn, I pulled it and slashed it. His hold was broken. I quickly bluffed a thrust but attempted to slash his leg. He was quick to dodge both times it was amazing. He was amazing. I gave him that. However, he just got motionless all of a sudden.I whipped around to look behind me to see who it was. Of course, it was Frith. He used his favorite weapon, the needle, which made the General paralyzed. I smiled, satisfied, at the unmoving Crey.I then paid attention to Rugien and the King who are stil
“Or you’re going to break my neck? Is that it?” I sarcastically told him but my hand was still tightly holding my weapon. I refused to be threatened by him despite of the current situation.Rugien suddenly made a more-than-a-superbeing move. He stood right in front of us in less than a split dot. His face was grim that I’d never seen before. His eyes burned with fire as he looked at the General of the Elite Aryan Army.“Ah, my son!” The King followed as well after a dot passed by.I looked at his Creyer. With this distance, I could probe into the King’s mind. However, it was blocked somehow. He looked at me with a mocking and evil grin. He shook his head unaffectedly.“I know your ability, Xerra. However, you cannot use it against me.” He paused. “Even you, Rugien. No matter how powerful you are.” He turned to the Grand Crown Prince.Rugien reached out to my mind, I realized. I let him probe into mine. Now he knew what I discovered. His face went grimme
The Furezos spread out quickly and with agility that I’d never witnessed before. I realized that they indeed worked hard to be able to defend themselves and to protect their land against the King, although it was unsuccessful until now. The King and General Isoog just got out from the flying capsules, which obviously warped from the palace to get here quietly and quickly.I ducked when a flying sword was aimed at my direction. I quickly ran to take cover behind a tree. The leipods or simply called as follow-the-enemy flying weapons were deployed all over us to automatically track and attack us. They were as big as an Aryan hand with a triangular shape and steel gray color. They flew without sound, hence perfect for surprise attacks as well. Once it sees and locks in on its target, it won’t stop until the target is terminated.“Execute all the rogue warriors and the rebels!” I heard the King’s command.I swallowed and looked at my poniard that was in my hand.