Story of a warrior

After the strange encounter with the minions, I knew my calling was just beginning. I continued riding until we came across a small village. Little children were running around and playing, the area was buzzing with talk, activity and excitement. Some stopped and stared. A group of boys to be particular. They all looked about Adin’s age. The thought of Adin made my heart ache. I missed him dearly but I knew it was the right thing to leave. As I continued, we stopped at an inn and I went inside, tying Czar’s reins to a wooden beam. I went inside and looked around. It was a comfortable place. Many paintings hung on the wall showing about different warriors. I knew mine was going to be up there. My dreams came crashing down when a young lady at the front spoke to me.

“Hello? Maam? Can I help you?” she questioned. I looked around to see if she was talking to someone else when I realised I was the only one there.

“Oh, yes hi. I’d like to have a 2 day night stay room at the inn here and a stall for my horse outside?” I asked her.

“How old are you?”

“14.”

“Where are your parents?” I stared down at the ground, refusing to tell the lady the truth. After 2 minutes of silence, it slowly dawned on her.

“Oh… I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

“You wouldn’t have any clue because I didn’t tell you,” I responded a bit on the sarcastic tone. She smiled at me.

“That’ll be 2 silver coins.” The way the lady said “2 silver coins” gave me the idea that she thought I was poor and can’t afford anything. I smirked and placed 4 silver coins on the table instead. The lady looked at me shocked.

“Keep the change,” I told her, and went outside to put Czar in a stall, but as I did, there was a loud commotion. I went to look and my heart beated faster.

Adin.

*******

We sat across each other at the table. It was only us in the inn, but it felt like a whole country was watching us. I had been successful in finding Annaliese, but she didn’t seem that happy. She had her arms crossed on her chest and had her body a little bit away from me. I sighed and was about to speak when she injected me with a question.

“Why did you come looking for me?”

“Excuse me?” She looked at me with a look of annoyance.

“You heard me. Why did you come looking for me?” I sighed knowing that I had no chance to dodge her question.

“Because I care for you, Annaliese. I couldn’t let you go alone and even without saying goodbye. We’ve been with each other, ever since the first day that we met. We were destined to be friends and maybe even more in the future, but if you leave, then our friendship bond may be broken forever. I love you, Annaliese.”

“Well I do too, but as a friend.” She turned her whole body away and refused to look at me. I stood up and hugged her from behind, resting my head on her shoulder. She didn’t move, but I felt her put her hands ontop of mine, and lean back and rest her head a little below my shoulder.

“Just when we were little. Remember that time when we were playing models and Jacinta had drawn us both in the exact same pose?” Annaliese asked me, looking at me. I nodded and moved my face closer to her and pressed my cheek on hers.

“Yeah I remember. Why?”

“I still have the drawing.” I looked at her wide eyed.

“You do?” She nodded and produced the small piece of paper. Jacinta was an amazing artist and it looked so real. And exactly the same pose we were staying. I smiled gently and kissed Annaliese’s cheek.

“Just like old times.”

******

I felt a feeling of warmth inside when Adin kissed my cheek. But no, I couldn’t let myself fall for him just when I’m about to make my mark. I got out of his grip and stepped away from him.

“We shouldn’t bring back the old times.” Adin looked at me confused and hurt.

“What do you mean?” I turned around and looked at him.

“I’m going to see the king, and hopefully get a position in the kings army,” I told him straight forward. Adin looked me in the eyes. They were blue and red. He was upset, hurt and angry, but I could tell that he understood but found it hard to let me go. He stood up and walked towards me, but I turned away from him.

“You need to go… now.” I heard him sigh deeply and leave, closing the door gently behind him. I knew that it was going to be hard for us, but it wad for the best. A few minutes later and someone banged hard on my front door. I stomped to the door and opened it, only to be greeted by the same boys that I saw in the morning. All four of them. The first one stepped forward. He had dark brown wavy hair, dark blue eyes and looked like he walked out of a modelling place. I simply stood there in awe and shock, until he spoke to me.

“Are you Annaliese?” he asked with such a masculine British accent. My heart started to beat faster, but I nodded.

“Yes, I am Annaliese.” The boys all smiled upon hearing and the brown haired one smirked.

“Well, Annaliese. I am Alex and these are my friends. Shawn, Lucus and Darius,” he said pointing them all out. Shawn had dirty blonde hair with green eyes and the face a mother would be proud of. Lucus has very light brown hair and green eyes as well and looked similar to Shawn. Darius had very blonde hair and the lightest pair of blue eyes and looked like he was part of an army.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you all boys. Um, how may I help you?” Shawn leaned on the door post and looked at me.

“The king has heard of your feats against killing ten of his minions. He’s impressed, Annaliese,” he said with a bit of an Italian accent injected, and winked at me. I blushed slight.

“But I’m only 14. Why would the king choose me out of all people?” Lucus bent down a little and lifted up my face to his.

“Well, pretty face, the king wants you to join his army. As my brother, Shawn said, the king is mightly impressed and knows that you will suit well for him and the army of course,” Lucuz added, letting go of my face gently. I blushed once more.

“Yes, but I am still young. Can’t the king just wait until I’m 15 or something?” I questioned. Darius stood in front of me and smirked at me.

“Well, princess. Joining the army now at a young age will benefit you. See us? We joined when we were 13, and now we are 16 to 17. And we are now strong and masculine. Plus, the king is 17 and he needs a queen. I’m sure he’ll adore you as you’re cute, beautiful and strong,” he stated. I knew something was going on, but I brushed past it.

“I’ll come and see the king, and nothing else. Understood?” The boys all nodded and agreed.

“We’ll leave tomorrow morning at the first light, Annaliese,” Alex informed, closing the door. Everything was going as planned, but why did I feel so empty?