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  Fiera smirked slightly. “Are you trying to make Mista jealous?” Cam shook her head and nearly grinned.

  Fiera dropped the subject. “I have been meaning to propose

  something to you. I was wondering if it would be possible if we were

  to accompany you on your journey to the realms for training. All

  four of us adore the idea.”

  Cam brightened at the thought. “I do not see why not. We

  can ask tonight.”

  “I’ve been dying to see Mirabelle. I’m sick of home. I think

  Mother and Father will let me if I tell them I’m visiting a suitor at

  Cinis Lumen. And besides, I still haven’t had my own training

  conducted yet.”

  “Do you like Lia?” Cam asked cheerfully at the mention of

  the southern realm.

  “I enjoy the company of her kind.” Fiera emptied her wine

  glass and set it down upon the table. “And now, for more dancing.”

  Fiera disappeared, and Cam was left alone once again. She felt tired

  all of a sudden, but the ball wasn’t even near its pivotal point, and

  she was still required to meet the copious amount of guests who had

  come merely to make her acquaintance.

  She scanned the sea of men and women dressed in brightly

  colored apparel and spotted Amelia next to Lord Caddell. For the

  majority of the time during the past two days, Cam avoided Amelia

  as much as possible. An unsettling feeling surged through her

  whenever she beheld her. For the past couple of days, she was

  convinced it was distrust. Now her perspective had shifted. The

  rebellion of thirteen years ago must have involved the Spirit

  Followers just as Amelia had said. They had to be real, or at least

  were. Perhaps at some point, she thought she might find it easier to

  trust Amelia. For she believed now, that Amelia had never before

  lied to her.

  Fiera was last to arrive at breakfast the next morning. Cam, her

  sisters, and Amelia had seated themselves in a private dining room for an early morning meal. “Morning,” Fiera greeted with a yawn as she plopped down into the seat parallel to Cam.

  “Your parents have informed me that the four of you would like to accompany Cam on her journey,” Amelia stated after a sip of her tea.

  “We do?” queried Adria.

  “Well I do,” Fiera remarked. She reached for the platter set in the table’s center.

  “So do I!” Mista’s hand shot up in the air.

  “No need to raise your hand,” Terra chuckled. “I suppose it will be pleasant to go with Cam, since we won’t be seeing much of her.” Adria nodded in agreement.

  “Then it’s settled. I discussed the matter with your parents earlier this morning and they agreed it would be fine for you to go, but they have requested, and I am in full support, that you should have a guide-someone who knows his way about Mirabelle. I’ve already appointed one for you, though he is away at present. You will meet him on your way to the Gnosi Realm tomorrow. He is also an excellent, experienced hunter,” Amelia told the five sisters.

  “Our departure has been prolonged?” Cam queried. Amelia nodded, explaining that it took far longer to prepare five girls for a journey north to the mountainous regions.

  “I haven’t brought enough clothing!” Mista exclaimed. Cam rolled her eyes, and Fiera laughed. “It’s not funny, Fi!”

  “I’m sure Lia can find enough clothing for your travels, and besides, the realms have plenty to provide you with,” Amelia interceded.

  Following breakfast, Terra and Adria found the library while Mista pestered Lia about clothing. Cam and Fiera chose to stroll the length of the hall in all its sunlit glory. Both walked with long strides, and Fiera flung her arms from side to side.

  “You are most fortunate to have the opportunity to leave home so soon,” Fiera informed Camaria.

  Cam nodded. “In some ways, yes. In others…” Cam trailed off, thinking of Owen.

  “Are you quite alright? You seem, I don’t know. . . distant, I suppose, like something’s bothering you.” Cam sighed and turned towards Fiera. She thought that perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to speak somewhat of her dilemma.

  “Will you keep a secret?”

  “Of course.” They halted in the vacant hall and stood facing one another. Cam clasped her hands behind her back and attempted to form her thoughts into words.

  “Fiera, am I truly related to you by blood?”

  The older girl seemed taken aback at first. “Well…no. No, you aren’t. But it doesn’t really make any difference.” Fiera paused and glanced at Cam with narrowed eyes. “How long have you known?”

  “Never mind that. Tell me all you know about me.”

  Fiera began walking again as she explained. “I was only five years from birth when Mother and Father returned from the Royalty Realm with a new baby sister. They said a poor beggar man pleaded that they give you a home. They said nothing else, and I never asked. Ever since then, you were my and Terra’s second sister.”

  “What was the beggar’s name?”

  Fiera shrugged. “Mother and Father may know, but I doubt it. That was a long time ago. And I don’t think it matters much. I mean we’re your family now.”

  “I realize that,” Cam said, mustering a smile. “Do Terra, Adria, and Mista know?”

  “Terra may remember it. Adria and Mista haven’t any inkling as far as I know. If Mista knew she would invent a lavish story about how you are the long lost princess in a far off kingdom.” Fiera replied with a grin. “How’d you find out?”

  “Amelia told me without gaining any real permission. Not that she had too but…you mustn’t tell anyone else.”

  “I won’t tell anyone, but are you okay?”

  “I’ll be alright. I’m just still trying to figure things out, I guess.”

  “There is nothing to figure out. Nothing can be learned about your previous family now, and you have us. That is worth something, and now you have one of the best positions in the nation.”

  Cam nodded, and a smile spread across her face. “Yes, you all are definitely worth something.”

  Though Cam did not feel any regret in what words she and Fiera

  had exchanged, she convinced herself, upon putting trust in Amelia, that Fiera was not her sister. Not by blood anyway. She actually felt encouraged by the conversation. Fiera was right. Just because she and the rest of the people Cam grew up with weren’t family, they mattered to Cam and they loved her. Cam could not, however, be sure of the same depth of love Lord Caddell had for her. She decided to focus on training and to not reflect upon him to any degree than what was necessary. She wondered for a brief moment how Lord Caddell could have been a beggar. She chose to not seek the answer to this question for the time being.

  The day following her enlightening conversation with Fiera, Cam and her sisters were awakened by the sun. They had packed small bags of clothing and some food the night before. Palace servants prepared horses for them to ride. “Travel north along the main road until you meet Caleb. You’ll know him when you see him,” Amelia instructed Cam. She wondered for a moment if this Caleb was the same person she encountered in the village two days prior.

  “May you be granted with the best of fortune! I would have called you Cam, but I suppose now I must call you Lady.” Lia said thumping Cam on the back. They stood by the open front door. Sunshine poured in, warming their backs.

  “Thank you, Lia, for everything. I hope to see you once more upon my return.”

  “Likewise,” Lia squeezed her arm. “Tell my homeland that I miss it! Whisper it to the very walls if you must.”

  “I’ll besureto announce it to theentire realm,” Cam replied. Lia laughed before walking off down the hall just as Amelia approached, accompanied by Lord Caddell.

  Patting Cam on
the back, Cole said, “May Elyon be with you.” She nodded. A lump formed in her throat. She could barely look at the man without feeling awkward. This man, almost a complete stranger, was said to be her father. Children, as she had learned, were supposed to love their parents, but the difficulty for her was to find it in her heart to love a man she barely knew, who gave her away. Cole was smiling broadly when he added, “It has been a pleasure having you and your sisters in our court. You have brightened up the place. You all have given us old people some delight.”

  Mista pounded down the stairs, a bag swinging from her hand. “Wait for me, Adria!” she shouted, rushing past Cam and out the door. Amelia was grinning.

  “Wewill seeyouagain soon,Cam” Coletoldher.Shenodded her goodbye. Amelia walked Cam through the front door which Peter held open.

  He closed the door behind her and leaned close. “I hope you’ll reconsider Cam,” he said quietly, his warm breath passing over her skin. She turned to him and gazed into his now soft, blue eyes. “Goodbye Peter,” was all she said. He stared at her as she strode down the stone stairs. Five horses were saddled and bridled. Cam mounted one, and they set out. “Goodbye!” called Amelia waving after them. Cam turned to return the gesture. Peter was nowhere to be seen.

  Eight

  RiahDrakon slinked into his father’s chamber in a bellow of

  restlessness. Apollyon’s eyes slipped from the window to his son. Gnosi Realm’s beautyfar belowtheviewfromhis castlewindowwas momentarily forgotten. He frowned slightly at Riah’s sudden intrusion. “By all means, make yourself comfortable. It is my invitation.” Apollyon fluttered his hand towards nothing in particular. Riah slumped onto the sofa placed at the end of his father’s bed. For a moment, the young man questioned why he had even come.

  Apollyon turned after a long moment of silent reflection and beheld his son. He asked the same question. Riah's brown eyes drooped to the floor and stared as if he had drifted off into space. He picked at his lower lip. When he felt his father's gaze resting upon him, he shifted slightly, and slowly lifted his gaze. “Restlessness: a common trait among young people who have hardly any inclinations what to do with their time. There is plenty to drink andthosetomakemerriment with,” Apollyon stated. “How is Meira?”

  “She is beginning to bore me,” Riah returned dryly. He rose and with crossed arms went to stand before the open window to gaze over the river, mountains, and valleys which pieced his homeland together. The Gnosi Realm itself was beginning to bore him as much as the women. Having lived here the entirety of his life, he ached to escape.

  Apollyon’s firm hand came to rest on his son’s shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll find another young woman both suitable and willing. You are Prince after all.” Women of both traits did indeed exist within Gnosi. Many went mad over Prince Riah, for he was amiable, handsome with pleasant features and dark curls, and also wealthy. Perhaps such will happen at your party thisevening.” Riah thought of the several hours before the party would begin. It was only early morning, and he had begun the day of his twentieth birthday in low spirits.

  “There is but one I am willing to bed now. One I would happily marry in a moment, but she does not see me in the same light.” Riah’s tone was not bitter as Apollyon had expected but dripping with disappointment. “I cannot makeit mypurpose to win her. I am bored Father. I am in desperate need of a quest of some sort.”

  “I am certain such a thing will come about. You know of my plans. We will strike this winter.”

  “That is months away. And even after your mission is completed, am I to remain the same? I will still be a prince-”

  “And an heir,” interrupted Apollyon.

  “I am not one keen on ruling common people.”

  Apollyon released an exasperated sigh, one he had been restraining since his son had barged into his chamber. “Leviathan has arrived in our quarters, correct?” Riah inquired at last in a tone that seemed more resolved than solemn.

  His father nodded. “Our most faithful comrade has been the key to our alliance with the Shadow Bearers and those of the Valley of Poison. Their queen will join us before our battle. Other servants are being secured, for both our upcoming battle as well as for our ultimate master’s further endeavors.”

  “Why is it that Leviathan is the only one among us who ever lays eyes on this so called master?”

  "Leviathan is his most faithful servant, but in time, we can become the same and eventually enter his domain."

  “After gaining his favor?”

  Apollyon nodded once more and took his turn at the sofa as a young woman entered carrying a glass tray with a heaping breakfast. Apollyon squeezed the beautiful woman’s hands before she exited the room. “She is my present pleasure. Gorgeous, isn’t she?” Riah did not take pleasure in thinking of his father’s enjoyments with his chosen women. He nodded curtly. “Remember the woman of the Medulla Realm you took years ago? Was it two or three? I recall that she was quite beautiful. A shame she could not stay with us, and that your son is kept secret.”

  Riah’s expression hardened. “Our son will be kept secret until the time in which I appoint him as my heir.”

  “Why should he not be my heir instead of yours? You said it yourself: you are not keen on ruling the common people. And besides, I have reason to believe that the boy is kept secret because of what you suspect Saffira’s thoughts will be of the situation.”

  “Saffira knows I’ve slept with more than one woman.”

  “And that is the exact reason she will not marry you.”

  The words hit its mark, and Riah backed from the window, turning suddenly on his heel and diverting their conversation to what had previously been the topic. “I want to become one of the seven warriors.”

  Apollyon’s jaw dropped slightly, and his eyes widened. A moment later, he recovered his disposition and swallowed the lump which hadformedinhisthroat. “Do not wishsuch athingsohastily, my son. The consequences may be dire-”

  Riah dropped to the sofa. “Leviathan can approve and perform the rite of passage. We can hold the trials in private quarters. Our people need not ever know.”

  Apollyon raised a hand to silence him. Riah slowed his spilling words. "Let us give it thought. Go to the temples, son and reflect on your desire. Think of what your life will become if you do indeed request to become one of the Leviathan’s warriors."

  Riah thought quietly to himself. “Life will holdmeaning and will no longer stand purposeless.” His next thoughts echoed aloud. “Six have been chosen at present, according to Leviathan.”

  “One spot left that another may earn.” Riah nodded. “The one that I will earn.” he thought with fierce determination.

  The main road leading north was well paved. Cam knew, however,

  that once they rode into the forest and mountain regions, navigating would prove more difficult. Camaria and her sisters had learned to ride at a young age. The horses given them at the time of their departure from the Royalty Realm were trained for distant traveling. Fiera rode ahead with Cam directly behind her. The other three lagged farther down the road, not wishing to rush their horses. It was much easier to ride without being tangled up in a skirt, Cam thought. She pushed persistent locks from her eyes while surveying the land.

  They had not met any passerby upon the road as not many traveled between the north and the Royalty Realm. They passed through a small village on down the river where visitors stayed at times. Mirabelle was hardly ever a place for foreigners. The Royals traded with two nations of which Cam knew little about. One was to the north and the other to the northeast.

  Men and women in fishing boats from the Imber Fel Realm sailed down the river from the Silver Sea to deliver fresh fish. Cam remembered Lia mentioning that Imber Fel was the only realm remaining that still freely aided the other portions of the nation by providing seafood. Lia had said that at one time those from the Medulla Realm came bearing supplies for building structures. Gnosi once created the nation’s laws and brought about justi
ce. Cinis Lumen hadonce been was thenation’s forcein war. A war had not occurred for several decades; not since the Shadow Bearer armies struck upon the Black Mountains of the north. Why the nation was not as unified as before, Cam did not know. Lia told her that the realms began drifting apart shortly after the great battle with the Shadow Bearers which had left Cinis Lumen nearly depleted of its soldiers. The evil that had entered the land had poisoned it and broken apart the realms.

  A day after their departure, during the time when the sun gleamed overhead, the five sisters consumed a small meal. Shortly afterward, they approached a forest. "I hope bears do not live here," Mista said, glancing between the trees anxiously. She was riding farthest behind.

  Although bears did not normally inhabit the forests in the Medulla Realm, Cam surmised that they may dwell here. “We can make friends with any bears,” said Terra laughing a little. She laughed not because she was amused but to lighten the mood, for it had shifted ever since they first laid eyes on the forest.

  This forest was strange, for sunlight did not filter in and offer as a guide. The gray and swampy green colored trees were twisted in odd shapes. If a tree were to possess a skeleton similar to a human’s these trees were what they would look like, being stripped of flesh and features.

  “Yes, because animals are less bothersome than humans,” Adria added, grinning as though she had not realized how suddenly the forest had dampened their high spirits. Cam rode at a steady pace while keeping her eyes peeled.

  “How much longer do we need to go?” groaned Mista. “Until we’reout oftheforest,” Fierastated. “Then we will set up camp.”

  “Camp? You mean I have to sleep outside?” Cam rode parallel to Fiera and noticed the roll of her eyes. Both Cam and Fiera said nothing while Terra tried to convince Mista that it wasn’t as horrible as it seemed. Cam recalled the times when she, Fiera, and Terra would lie outside under the stars far into the night. That was when Adria and Mista were too young to join them.