Season after season, I honed my power until I could easily manipulate large amounts of water with ease. Time flew by. I stopped seeing Sreda so often but still visited her cave from time to time. Percifal always came with me and never breathed a word about it to our parents. We were lucky we were never caught. I made sure to only use my power when I was with Sreda, or alone. That was until one spring when Percifal was readying to leave for Solis, where Noctis De Celestia was being held. It was the first time he was to travel to another kingdom. King Zaeden had requested that he and our father join him and the queen so Percifal could learn firsthand what life was like outside of Aquila. Percifal had been excelling as a soldier, and our father was talking about retiring from his position as constable soon. Percifal was likely going to be our father’s replacement.
During the last supper before Percifal and our father were to set off for the kingdom of fire, Percifal and one of his fellow soldiers, who was also his childhood friend, sat beside each other making jests about some sort of nonsense I didn’t catch. We were the last three left at the table.
I tried not to feel sad that my brother would be gone for so many sunrises but failed. I had already decided I’d visit Sreda in his absence. I didn’t dare tell him that little piece of information.
I swallowed the last of my food and huffed. “You’re leaving in the morn’ and you aren’t even paying me any attention, Percifal. Percifal!” I kicked his shin to get his attention.
“Ow! You’ll be fine. You’re so needy. I have other duties, you know?” It was true. At fifteen, he barely had much time for his little sister.
I bit my lip and looked down at the table so he couldn’t see the hurt in my eyes. True, I had Secily and my powers to keep me distracted while he’d be away, but I couldn’t help but feel apprehensive. We’d never been so far away from each other.
His friend, Thaimis, came to his defense. “Yeah, soldiers have no wish to hang out with little girls who do little girl things.”
Percifal smirked.
“I’m over a decade now. I’m no little girl, and I don’t do little girl things.” I stuck my tongue out at him.
Thaimis picked up his goblet and held it to his lips while retorting, “If you say so… little girl.”
Anger washed over me. I stared at his goblet as he took a sip of the wine we’d been served with dinner. Suddenly, the wine sloshed up over the edge of the goblet and all over his face and grey tunic.
He sputtered and wiped at the plum coloured stain blossoming his chest. “Awe, for Celestia’s sake!”
A small smile happened upon my lips before I masked my expression.
Percifal shot me a dark look.
I shrugged and took a sip of my own wine.
I never liked Thaimis, striking as he was with his sea-blue eyes and dark brown hair. He was a pompous jerk, always teasing me and acting like he was Celestia’s gift to the world.
“I suppose I best clean myself up. You have yourself a joyous journey, Percifal. Chel, don’t worry, I’ll be here if you need a man to keep you company.” He said, puffing out his chest.
I glared after him.
“You shouldn’t have done that.” Percifal scolded me like a parent once Thaimis was out of earshot.
“Yeah, well he shouldn’t have acted like such a jerk.”
“Chel—”
“Don’t worry. It won’t happen again.” I rolled my eyes.
“Good. I expect you to behave and stay safe while I’m away.”
“Yes, Brother.”
“Come on, Chel. My time away will go fast. I’ll be back before you know it.” He reached across the table and playfully pinched my cheek.
I pulled away and rubbed my cheek. “I suppose. When you get back, we must visit Sreda.”
“You don’t even need her anymore,” he argued.
“Yes, I do—she’s my friend.”
He couldn’t argue with that. “Okay, fine, but I need to go now. I still have some stuff to pack, and it’ll be an early rise for me tomorrow.”
“Okay. Wake me up before you leave. I’d like to say goodbye.”
“Of course,” he said without sparing me another glance.
Our father had already gone to prepare his own things. I went and found Mother, who was listening to the gossip of a few of her peers who were currently residing at court.
I truly was excited for Percifal to be taking the journey to Solis. I just wished I could have gone with him. I held no important status though. I was the daughter of the queen’s friend. Not related by blood or by marriage to the crown. Nothing was special about me—except that Celestia had chosen to gift me with the power of one of her elements. It was a secret I was beginning to regret having to keep between myself, Percifal and Sreda. I hoped one day the world would know the power that resided within me.
When Percifal returned, he was full of stories about Solis and Noctis De Celestia. Apparently it was quite different from our own kingdom.
“The air is warm and dry so high up on those rusty-coloured cliffs,” he told me and Mother over tea the day after his return.
“I’ve heard this,” Mother said, taking a sip of the warm liquid before placing it down and folding her hands in her lap. “So tell me about Noctis. How was the celebration?”
“It was every bit as grand as our own. The grand hall was decorated in black and gold.” He paused and then added, “I sat with the most peculiar girl. She was Princess Adelaide’s cousin. She found a bug in her dessert and freaked out about it. It was rather unnecessary, if you ask me. She made a huge scene.”
I made a face. “That’s disgusting.”
“Not proper behavior for a royal,” Mother observed.
“No, I believe her family was very embarrassed. I tried to tell her it was no big deal, but that only made matters worse.”
“Was she pretty?” I asked, wiggling my brows at him.
“She was indeed.” He nudged me in the ribs, causing me to giggle.
“Alright, enough gossip,” Mother interjected. “I’m glad you had a good time. We’re happy to have you home. Listen, I want you to do me a favor.” We waited for her to continue. “Would you please teach your sister to spar?”
My eyes lit up, and I turned to Percifal.
“Really, Mother? Girls don’t need to learn such skills. Is this your idea?”
I was about to argue that there were women soldiers, but Mother answered first. “Actually, yes it is—and your father’s. We talked about it before you left. It’s always good to know how to defend one’s self. Even I have a bit of training.”
“You do?” I gasped. I had no idea.
“Yes, of course. You never know if you might find yourself in danger someday. I would rather you be equipped incase that should ever happen.”
My heart leapt at her words. I never thought I’d get to learn to protect myself with a weapon other than my power.
“Alright, Mother. If that’s your wish, then I will teach Chel how to use a sword,” Percifal agreed.
“Good. I have a meeting with Queen Thea. I shall see you two at supper.”
I beamed at Percifal. “Shall we get started?”
“I don’t see why not.” He pushed up out of his chair. “Get changed into something more suitable. I’ll meet you at the training grounds.”
I didn’t own anything suitable to fight in, so I borrowed a loose tunic and trousers from my brother’s wardrobe. Satisfied with how well I could move in the clothing, I sought Percifal out. I found him practicing with an invisible opponent. Seeing me, he passed me one of the wooden swords he’d brought out.
A lunge to one side, a thrust to the other; I fought tirelessly to parry Percifal’s strikes. He smacked me a few times with his wooden practice sword. I was sure I’d find myself as bruised as a fragile fruit in the morning. Sweat dripped down my forehead from exertion; the spring sun beaming down on us didn’t help.
“Come on, Chel. Keep up with my blows.”
“I’m tr
ying,” I ground out through my teeth, taking another hit to the arm.
“Not hard enough.” He laughed, as though this were nothing for him.
“I’m tired.”
“Do you think an attacker would care if you’re tired?”
“Rrrrr!” I growled as I came hard at him with frustration.
The move only got me disarmed and smacked in the ass with his wooden sword. I heard someone laugh from behind.
“I see you’re taking on girls now.” Thaimis came up to the fence surrounding the practice ring.
“Shut up!” I spat.
“Whoa! Someone’s a sore loser.”
I gave Thaimis a look that made him put up his hands in surrender. I threw my wooden sword and shield to the ground and stormed off.
“Same time tomorrow!” Percifal called after me cheerfully.
I didn’t answer. I needed to cool off—my body and my temper. He was so hard on me considering it was my first time holding a sword and shield. He was right, though. A true attacker wouldn’t care if I was tired or unprepared. I’d be back the next day, no matter how sore I was.
Day after day, I practiced with Percifal. I could tell he enjoyed teaching me. Eventually my fighting skills improved, and blocking attacks became like a second nature. When Percifal was satisfied I could fend off another fighter, he said my training was finished. I couldn’t have asked for a better trainer. My brother was good at what he did, and I was proud when King Zaeden did indeed promote him to constable shortly after his sixteenth birthday. It was a joyous occasion, which was announced at the first Noctis De Celestia I was able to attend. Unfortunately, this meant Percifal had even less time for me.
Two more springs after Percifal was made constable, I discovered King Zaeden’s plan to send my brother to Ambedar. He was to learn how to sail a ship off the coast of the fishing and trading village outside of Aquila. The cliff enclosed shoreline of Aquila made it too difficult for ships to get in and out. Ambedar was the closest village one could set sail from. Apparently, the king thought it was essential for Percifal to learn this skill.
The thought of sailing across the open sea gave me a thrill I hadn’t felt since I’d learned of my powers. I had to accompany my brother on his journey, no matter what. I was tired of being cooped up at the palace, and what better way to utilize my powers than at sea? So far, they’d proved useless. Though, Sreda ensured me Celestia must’ve given them to me for a reason. Perhaps this was the reason. Maybe I was supposed to protect my brother from the temperamental waters.
“I’m coming with you tomorrow,” I informed Percifal the night before he was to leave for Ambedar.
“No, Chel. I’m sorry, but it’s too dangerous.”
“How can you say that? You know I can breathe underwater.”
He shook his head in dismissal. “Just—no. Don’t argue with me. This is soldier business. King Zaeden wouldn’t approve, neither would our parents. They don’t know about your special ability.”
“Pah! That’s a lame excuse. You’re only going to learn how to sail; you’re not going on some voyage across the sea.” I clenched my fists but kept them by the sides of my silky indigo skirts.
“Maybe next time.” He pushed me aside and entered his bedchamber, closing the door behind him before I had a chance to argue any further.
I stood alone in the hallway for a few moments, my lips pressed together tightly, before I turned and stalked off to my own bedchamber. I would be going with him, whether he liked it or not.
Chapter 4
I made sure to keep my distance as Percifal and Thaimis rode along the narrow path that led to Ambedar. My grey mare, Vallah, pulled at the reins, tossing her head up in the air. She didn’t understand why I wouldn’t let her keep up with the others.
I heard Percifal laugh at something Thaimis had said just as Vallah stepped on a branch, making a loud CRACK! Just as I feared, the men had heard. Both stopped their horses and drew their swords.
“Did you hear that?” Percifal asked his friend.
“Of course I did. Someone’s following us.”
They both turned to look over their shoulders. I held my breath.
“Aye! Who goes there?” shouted Thaimis, gripping the hilt of his longsword.
Great, I thought, knowing I had no choice but to give myself up now.
I edged Vallah forward. “It’s only I. I followed you.”
“Chelela?” Percifal squinted and shielded his eyes from the sun as I drew nearer.
“How dare you follow us?” Thaimis added with more drama than necessary.
I ignored him and spoke plainly to Percifal. “I know you didn’t want me to come, and I’m sorry, but I’m here now. You may as well let me come.”
“Well, there’s no time to take you back now, so I guess you get your wish. But you will face punishment upon return to Aquila,” Percifal said, reminding me of our father with his tone of authority.
“I understand,” I replied with a bowed head. I would accept whatever punishment I must if it meant I could sail the sea. It would be worth it.
I followed quietly behind as the other two shared in each other’s conversation. They mostly guessed at why King Zaeden could be investing in Percifal’s sailing abilities. I was pleased they’d forgotten about me for the time being. I was enjoying the peaceful scenery.
As the sun began descending behind the horizon, casting an orange glow on the land, we reached a wooden sign with the word “Ambedar” carved into it. If that wasn’t enough, the faint scent of fish was carried in on the light breeze that caressed my unbound hair. A few people strolled along the roadway that led to the shore. I smiled at an old couple walking hand-in-hand. Ambedar was a simple little town, and its people loved it.
“We should make haste if we are to board a ship before darkness falls,” my brother advised.
We kicked out horses into a trot and headed for the harbour.
Voices rose up as I halted Vallah behind Percifal and Thaimis. I peered between them and saw two men having some kind of argument.
“But she’s my ship!” The man who must have been half-way to his sixth decade protested.
“I don’t care! If you cannot pay your fees, you must give up your ship!” the other man hollered back with a shake of his head. He looked to be at least a full decade younger than the other man.
The older man’s face turned a bright shade of red. I thought he might strike the other, but then his shoulders sagged and his head dropped.
“You’re a good fellow, Admiral Ruess. I’m sor—”
“Hold on a moment,” Percifal interrupted them. He’d gotten off his horse and now approached the two men.
I frowned at Thaimis in question. He held the reins of Percifal’s mount. He looked back at Percifal as though I weren’t even there. Useless.
“Admiral Ruess, is it?” Percifal continued.
“Aye, sir,” the older man said.
“Ah, good. I have found you. My name is Percifal Lacrima. Constable Lacrima, actually. King Zaeden has asked that I learn to sail a ship, and well—that ship is the very one you own. I’ll be paying you a large sum for your trouble, of course.”
All of us onlookers gawked at the transaction.
“I—uh—I—” The admiral began to stutter a response.
“I’m sorry you were uninformed of this. Please accept my apology and my silver.” Percifal gave him a wink as he handed over a small, leather pouch.
“I—Of course! Excuse my rudeness. I-d love to teach you to sail my ship!” He cracked a grin and handed half of the silver coins from the leather pouch to the fee collector with a glare.
The fee collector jingled the coins in his hand before giving the admiral a curt nod and walking away with the stiff back of someone who had authority.
“Good. Now that that’s taken care of—” Percifal started.
“You saved my Blue Angel!” Admiral Ruess cried, clasping Percifal’s arms.
“Your who?”
; “The Blue Angel, my ship. By the goddess, I don’t know why you did it, but thank you! I owe you a great favour… besides teaching you to sail. Is that really why you’re here?”
“Actually, yes. King Zaeden has asked that I learn to sail. You do know how to sail don’t you?”
The admiral almost fell over as he bellowed with laughter. “Do I know how to sail? You’re a jester, Constable Lacrima.”
“Good, it’s settled then. Please meet my fellow soldier and friend, Thaimis.” Percifal beckoned us forward and the admiral shook hands with Thaimis.
I dismounted and handed my reins to Thaimis. Percifal put his hand on my back, coaxing me forward. “And this is my sister, Chelela.”
“My, what have we here?” The admiral took my hand and gave it a soft peck. His blue eyes, which were so clear they reminded me of ice, met my own. “The sea is no place for a lady.”
“I’m no ordinary lady, Admiral. I happen to love the water and wish to sail the sea.” I held my chin high. I had come too far to be left behind now.
“She’s got spunk in her! I already like you—Chelela is it?”
“Yes, but please call me Chel… like a seashell.”
“You got it, Chel,” he smiled before turning back to Percifal. “If you wish to sail today then we must board The Blue Angel now.”
“Do you think it will be alright to sail now that the sun’s set?” Percifal questioned, indicating the darkening sky.
Admiral Ruess ran his hand through his salt and pepper hair. “The weather’s been mild this spring, so aye, we’ll be alright. We’ll spend the night aboard and I’ll take you back t’morrow. I daresay, there’s more room on my ship than in my cabin anyways.”
“What should we do with our horses?” Thaimis asked, holding up three sets of reins, and looking annoyed that we’d left him to play stable boy.
“There’s a stable just down the road, that way,” Admiral Ruess said, pointing. “They’ll keep horses for a small amount of coin.”
The Elemental Diaries - Complete Series Page 26
