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Chapter 10:

A New Journey:

*Mid morning*

Joe arrives at the stables where a carriage and two wagons are waiting. Sabashiii, Luan and Advait are loading the camping and training supplies into the wagons. Jess and the carriage driver are putting the harnesses onto the teams of horses and getting saddles onto the Royal Elite horses. Everyone is hurrying and trying to finish before Vesper and Lily show up.

"Make sure we save room for food," Snowy says. "We'll be stopping at a few shops on our way out of the Captial."

"We're keeping that in mind, Snowy," Advait says. "How much training gear do you think we need?"

"Just load various weapons and the weights," Joe says. "Perhaps some spare armor if you have it. You won't need to bring the practice dummies."

"That'll save some room," Advait replies as Luan hands him some more tents.

"You might not know, but Abigail is coming with us, too," Joe adds. "I don't know what she'll want to bring, but save some room for crates and such."

"Why do we need a healer?" Sabashiii asks.

"You'll be happy to have her during your training," Joe replies. "You all have barriers that you'll have to break through."

"Yes. We all agreed and know what we signed up for last night," Snowy states. "It won't be easy, but we accepted the challenges and responsibilities."

Lily rides up on her horse. Stopping by Jess. "Did you remember everything that you'll need on the journey, Jess?" Lily asks.

"I double checked and I believe I have everything I need," Jess replies. "Still a bit confused as to why you need me to go with you."

"Because my horse loves you and you are the best at what you do," Lily replies.

Jess looks at the Royal Stables. She smiles weakly and knows that she will miss them very much.

"How much longer until we are ready to leave?" Lily asks.

"Probably another hour," Snowy replies. "We're almost done loading the supplies and the horses are almost ready."

"That's fine," Lily looks around. "Try not to take longer than that."

"They've got things under control," Joe says. "We won't get a late start."

"I'm just thinking about their training later today. The sooner we reach our checkpoint, the longer I can push them," Lily states while glancing at everyone with a smile.

"Lily, can I ask you something? How did you learn fire and shadow magic?" Snowy asks.

"I was born with the aptitudes for fire magic, shadow magic, and hand-to-hand combat," Lily states. "Everyone has to have their aptitudes tested when they enter the Valhallan Army."

"I only know that I have an aptitude for weapons mastery," Snowy frowns. "The Linarian Army doesn't test for magic aptitudes."

Lily frowns. "Are you serious? How can people be trained to their fullest potential when only a piece of the test is completed?" Lily looks at Joe. "I guess we're making a stop at the church before we leave the city."

"Seems like we need to," Joe frowns. "Alright. Let's get everything loaded and ready as soon as possible."

*Thirty minutes later*

The caravan waits for Vesper at the Palace entrance. Snowy rushes inside to retrieve her. A few minutes later Snowy and Vesper return. Snowy secures Vesper's luggage to the back of the carriage. Vesper climbs inside carriage and the caravan starts their journey.

They split up to complete their shopping and errands faster.

***

Joe drives one of the wagons and follows the carriage to Abigail's clinic. They stop out front. Joe walks up to the door and knocks. Abigail opens the door and Joe enters.

"I am sorry for asking you to do this and for the short notice," Joe says.

"It is not proper procedure and I really don't want to participate," Abigail says.

"I understand perfectly," Joe states. "I take responsibility for everything and I'll be the one who is judged. Please don't worry and do what is needed. You can always come to me and voice your complaints."

"You will definitely hear my complaints, but I will do everything in my power to help," Abigail says. "My staff will help you load these crates and we'll be on our way."

*Fifteen minutes later*

Everything is loaded and Abigail rides in the carriage with Vesper. They stop at various shops to purchase fruits, dry goods, meat and Vesper buys gifts for the Royals of the other four kingdoms.

"I need to make one more stop," Vesper says.

"Alright," Joe replies.

They travel through the streets and stop in front of Cat Café. Vesper gets out of the carriage and waves to the people standing around. Vesper and Joe enter the cafe and people gather out front with curiosity.

"Good morning, Aru," Vesper says with a smile.

"Good morning, Vesper," Aru smiles. "I didn't think you would be back so soon. How can I help you?"

"I have to go on a journey and I won't be able to visit for a while," Vesper pets a cat who is laying on the counter. "I was wondering if you have any bulk tea that I could buy and take with me. Perhaps some desserts, too."

Aru smiles. "I can do that. No problem. If you'll just wait a few minutes."

"Of course. Take your time," Vesper replies.

Vesper casually glances over her shoulder and sees a crowd of people staring through the windows at her. She smiles to herself.

Aru returns with two large bags of tea leaves and a large box of desserts. "Can I get you anything else, Vesper?"

"No. I think that should be it," Vesper replies.

Aru writes out a receipt and Vesper signs it as a proof of sale.

Joe carries the bags and box to the wagon. The onlookers watch Vesper as she climbs back into the carriage. They leave. Joe glances back and sees several women talking. They enter the cafe. He smiles. The group heads towards the Eastern Gate, where they will meet the others.

***

Lily, Jess and the Royal Elite travel to the church on the other side of the Capital. They stop out front and Jess ties the horses to the wagon. Everyone enters the church. The interior is massive. The cathedral ceiling raises at least three stories. Lily locates a nun and asks her where they can take the aptitude test. The nun points across the lobby towards a pair of wooden doors. The group walk over, knock on the door and enter the room.

They stand in a circular room with a crystal orb sitting on a pedestal in the middle of the room. A priest walks over and greets them with a bow.

"We're here because these four need to do the aptitude test," Lily says as she gestures towards the Royal Elite.

The priest smiles and leads the groups over to the crystal ball. "One at a time please. Just place your hand on the crystal ball and it'll glow with the color of your magical aptitude, if you have one," he says.

Sabashiii steps up to the crystal ball and places his hand on it. It starts to glow brown after a few seconds.

"Good. Good," the priest says. "You have an aptitude for earth magic." Sabashiii steps away.

Advait approaches the crystal ball and places his hand on it. It glows orange.

"Very nice," the priest smiles. "You have an aptitude for lightning magic." Advait steps away.

Luan approaches the crystal ball and places her hand on it. It glows yellow.

"Ohhhh. I don't see that very often," priest sounds cheerful. "You have an aptitude for nature magic." Luan steps away.

Snowy takes a deep breath and steps up to the crystal ball. She places her hand on it. Nothing is happening. She closes her eyes and focuses. A cloud starts to swirl in the crystal ball. Colors start to appear. First green followed by red. The colors swirling together.

"Wonderful..." Lily starts.

A black streak starts to swirl with the other colors.

"Oh my," the priest exclaims. "That is quite unusual. You have an aptitude for both wind magic and fire magic." The priest looks around the room and his eyes rest on Lily. She gestures for him to continue. He looks down and tries to regain his composure. He closes his eyes. "Your third aptitude is... dark magic." Snowy steps away and rejoins the group.

"While we are here, do you want to try Jess?" Lily asks.

Jess looks uneasy. "No. I'm good thanks. I already know I have an aptitude for animals."

Lily nods and turns to the priest. "Thank you and I know that all results are confidential. Will you please put all of this on one receipt."

The priest nods and leaves the room for a few minutes. He returns and Lily signs the receipt. Everyone leaves the church and heads towards the meeting point.

***

Everyone meets up at a windmill a short distance from the city walls.

"How'd the test go?" Joe asks.

"It went well," Lily replies. "Everyone has magical aptitudes."

"Excellent," Joe smiles as he looks at each of them. "We'll explore this later. We should continue on to our first checkpoint. It is six hours from here." Joe looks at them more sternly. "While we travel, each of you will do five thousands jabs with each arm."

Everyone frowns, but nods. The caravan continues head east towards the Marysville Kingdom.

Chapter 11:

A New Journey:

*Evening*

The caravan stops in a lightly forested area to make camp. The Royal Elite are physically exhausted from their exercises, but they set up camp in a timely manner. Jess and the carriage driver unharness the horses and tend to them as they graze and wander through the grass. Vesper and Abigail busy themselves with preparing dinner. Abigail making suggestions in order to make sure everyone gets a nutritious meal. Joe collects firewood and Lily uses her fire magic to quickly light a fire. Within an hour, the camp was set up and everyone was sitting around the campfire eating their dinner.

"Everyone eat up," Lily says. "There won't be any more physical training today."

"How are you all feeling?" Vesper asks.

"I feel like my arms will fall off," Luan says. "I am not used to physical combat."

"You can't always rely on your sword," Lily states. "But that exercise will also increase your arm strength and improve your sword skills, such as thrust and lunge. What skills have you learned?"

"I have above average skills in Swordsmanship. I haven't acquired any special techniques yet," Luan replies.

"We'll also get you accustomed to using nature magic," Joe says. "It allows you to manipulate plants, which you can use to bind your opponent or to create barriers."

"How about you?" Lily turns towards Sabashiii.

"I am above average in Martial Arts and I have a moderate skill in Fortification," Sabashiii replies. "My only technique is 'Tiger Fist,' which is a flurry of punches that have a cutting effect."

"Ahhh. Fortification. That would explain why you were able to withstand my strikes. I'll just have to beat on you some more to help you strengthen that skill," Lily smiles. "Earth magic is mostly defense and will go well with your fortification skill, by controlling the sand and dirt to create barriers. It does have some offense, too. 'Rock Throw,' 'Rock Pillar'."

"I wonder if you have the potential to use 'Earthquake' or 'Fissure.' That would be helpful for large numbers of opponents." Joe says. "What is your current level?"

"I don't know for sure," Sabashiii states. "I was in the army the last time I was tested. About two years ago. I was level 65."

Lily tries to hide her frown. "No offense, Vesper, but your army is lacking in its ability to access its members on a regular basis, and they only seem to care about combat skills."

"That's why I appointed Joe to be an advisor and access the training of the Linarian Army," Vesper says defensively.

"I'm not attacking you, Vesper. I'm just making observations," Lily states. "I don't mean any disrespect to your Kingdom."

"I know you're trying to help," Vesper says.

"Advait?" Lily looks at him.

Advait looks uneasy. He glances at everyone, but stops when he sees Lily's stern gaze on him.

"I ummm... I have the Lumberjack skill," Advait says.

"Any special techniques?" Lily asks.

Advait looks at the ground. "I have 'Tree Fall," which allows me to cut through multiple trees with only one swing, regardless of how strong the wood is. I also have 'Detect,' which allows me to sense nearby danger."

"Interesting," Lily says. "Is 'Tree Fall' only effective on trees? Or can you use the technique on other things?"

"I have not tried it on other materials yet," Advait states. "I'm kinda afraid to because my axe aren't the highest of quality and I wouldn't want to damage them."

"Understandable," says Lily. "But we are going to have to test out the capabilities of this technique. As for your lightning magic. It can be used defensively to paralyze your opponents, but it is mostly for attacking. We'll work on strengthening this so that you may channel it into your weapons."

Lily turns towards Snowy. "And you?"

Snowy stares into Lily's eyes. "I have a high skill level in both Weapons Master and Strategist. For special techniques, I have 'False Swipe,' 'Piercing Blow,' and 'Split Mind'."

Joe raises his eyebrows. "'Split Mind' means that you seperated part of your brain. It is often a skill that Spellcasters use, so they may analyze and use spells subconsciously. You may have acquired it as part of your Strategist skill. Though that is odd. Perhaps I am missing something, and that part of your brain helps you analyze battles and controls your reflexes. It is an interesting thought. To evade an attack without thinking about it."

"You're thinking too hard, Prisoner. I can smell the smoke from here," Lily smiles slightly.

"Is Joe really a criminal and her prisoner?" Abigail whispers to Vesper.

"It's a funny story and I'll tell you about it another time," Vesper smiles.

"It was not funny and because of his actions, his life belongs to me," Lily says to Vesper and Abagail.

"It was an accident, but I'll let Vesper tell you, Abigail," Joe smiles.

"Shush. She will not speak of it," Lily states.

Joe smiles and raises his hands. "As you wish." He winks at Vesper.

"Alright. We had a long day and tomorrow is going to be even longer. Finish eating and Abigail, use your healing magic on these four, then they can go to bed and get plenty of rest," Lily states.

Abigail wanders around and heals the micro tears in the muscles of Advait, Snowy, Luan and Sabashiii. She rubs ointment onto their arms, shoulders and back to relieve the pain. Vesper gathers up the dirty dishes and washes them. Jess carries a plate of food back to the carriage drivers, who was keeping and eye on the horses. Lily gets up to patrol the area and gather some more firewood. After Abigail finishes healing them each of the Royal Elite head towards their tent.

Snowy hesitates, turns and motions to Joe. Pointing off to the side. Joe stands up and follows her.

"I need to ask you something," Snowy says. "Yesterday when we were walking through Central Square, you did not react to Vesper holding your arm. For some reason, she hates the statue and refuses to even acknowledge it as we walked by it. You know the reason. Will you share it with me?"

Joe looks back towards Vesper. A deep inhale and exhale. "You are a very dear friend to her and I will tell you, but you must not tell anyone. Not even Vesper. I won't always be by her side and you will have to be there for her at certain moments, when she is in need. Walk with me."

Snowy and Joe slowly walk and talk.

"Vesper Cheile is very sensitive about the past and the atrocities committed against her family during the reign of Queen Lilith," Joe states. "Her family was just ordinary Nobles at that time. One of her ancestors gained favor with Queen Lilith and she granted them the Noble status. It is unknown how long Lilith ruled the Kingdom of Anthana. Many speculated that she was immersed in Dark Magic and found a way to cheat death. The details of the past have been lost to time and/or destroyed. King Monk3ys told me that at some point, one of his ancestors decided to rebel against Queen Lilith by conspiring with a neighboring Kingdom to have her assassinated. She saw through this plan though and figured out who was behind it. Needless to say, that person was severely tortured and killed. Thus began the atrocities against Vesper's family for several generations. Each generation, Lilith would show up at their manor, kill one of the parents and several children, inorder to ensure that the family remained small and never gained power or influence. Yet they continued to work with other Kingdoms attempting to remove Queen Lilith from power. It is unknown how many of her family was killed, tortured and imprisoned by Queen Lilith. After she was defeated by The Golden Knight, Queen Lilith perished during a seize of her castle. The Noble Cheile family could finally find peace from her. The King of the invading army presented them with the Anthana Crown and pronounced them to be the new rulers of the Kingdom. It was an easy transition. Many of Lilith's followers did not accept the poor Nobles to be their new rulers. After several more years of assassination attempts and riots, a civil war broke out in the Kingdom. This caused more suffering and loss for Vesper's ancestors. As you know, the Kingdom did not stay united. The Anthana Kingdom split into the Linarian Kingdom and the Valhallan Kingdom."

"Yes, I know that part of the history of our Kingdom. I didn't know how much pain and suffering Vesper's family went through during Queen Lilith's reign. I can understand Vesper's anger and hatred a little better now," Snowy sighs. "I wish I could see Queen Lilith. I would punch her in the mouth for what she did."

"You would've died before your punch found it's target," Joe states.

"Probably, but I'm not afraid of bullies or doing what's right," Snowy replies.

Snowy and Joe return to the camp and Snowy disappears inside her tent. Joe returns to the fire unrolls his bed roll and falls asleep.

*Morning*

Everyone slowly wakes up. Vesper busies herself making breakfast. Abagail double checks on everyone to make sure they are ok. Lily walks towards the horses. She finds her horse laying on the ground. Jess is curled up with him and using him as a pillow. Lily smiles. She shakes Jess to wake her up.

"Is it morning already?" Jess asks.

"Yes and it looks like you had a good night's sleep," Lily smiles. "It seems like you love my horse as much as he loves you."

"He is a magnificent animal," Jess smiles.

"Come it is time for breakfast," Lily says.

Jess gets up and they start walking towards the camp.

"Jess, hook up horses to the carriage and to only one wagon. You can tie the remaining horses to the back of that wagon, as well as the horses of the Royal Elite. They won't be needing them today," Lily says.

"What do you mean? Are we leaving a wagon behind? We won't make much progress today if they have to walk instead of ride," Jess stares at Lily.

"We won't lose too much time, and it will be part of today's training," Lily smiles. "You'll see."

Lily and Jess return to the camp and join everyone for breakfast. When everyone is finished, they break down the camp and load it into the wagons.

"Why are all the horse tied to the back of that wagon?" Snowy asks.

"It is simple. I am giving them the day off," Lily smiles. "You four will be pulling the second wagon."

Snowy, Luan, Sabashiii and Advait stare at Lily in disbelief.

"Come on, Little Ponies. I don't want to waste daylight," Lily says while climbing onto the seat of the horseless wagon.

Everyone sighs and takes their positions at the front of the wagon.

"Yeee Hawwww. Let's get this thing rolling," Lily yells.

The caravan starts moving and continuing east.

Chapter 12:

Calling

*Evening*

The Royal Elite are silent as they set up camp. Trying to work efficiently, but it's obvious all four of them are exhausted and in pain. Vesper and Abigail busy themselves with preparing a wholesome and hot meal for everyone. When they are finished, the Royal Elite join Lily and Joe around the campfire.

"I'm exhausted," Luan groans. "Pulling the wagon all morning wasn't too bad. The afternoon training was brutal though."

"I think you two are purposely trying to torture us," Sabashiii glares at Joe. Joe just stares back at Sabashiii.

"We all agreed to be trained," Snowy states. "Get your complaints out now, then let it go."

"I know some of this is different from what you are used to, but we need to challenge you in new ways and to push you harder than you are accustomed to," Joe says. "It will not take long before your bodies become stronger and more ready for the difficulties you'll face in the future."

"We will arrive in the Marysville Kingdom Captial in a few days," Lily says. "You know it is an old Kingdom and they value knowledge and enlightenment. We will be able to better assess your abilities and levels. Then each of your training will become more specialized."

Vesper and Abigail wander over and announce that dinner was ready. They serve everyone and the group eat in silence. Even though it is only the second day of the journey, a routine has been established. When everyone finishes eating, Vesper gathers the dirty dishes and Lily helps her wash them. Abigail tends to the Advait, Snowy, Luan and Sabashiii. Healing their muscle tears and helping them with their aches and pains. Nobody stays up late. It doesn't take long before the insect songs are joined with snoring.

***

Snowy finds herself standing in the courtyard of a ruined castle. She looks around. Everything is overgrown with vines and various plants. She can't see anyone else. She sees a doorway across the courtyard. The wooden doors have long disintegrated, leaving a large opening. She walks across the courtyard and passes through the doorway. Standing inside a large room. One wall is completely destroyed and a massive rock sits inside the room. The room appears empty. Snowy walks around the rock to see the rest of the room. Her eyes notice a large chair facing the doorway. She places her hand on it and brushes away the dust. It is cold to her touch. Snowy removes her hand and sees the chair is made of black metal. She reaches up and wipes the dust off the back of the chair, just above where a person's head would be when sitting. Sharp designs appear and, in the middle... a red ruby. "This isn't a chair," Snowy thinks. She steps back to look at the whole thing. "It's a throne!" Snowy jumps as a piece of rock crumbles and falls to the floor with a thud. She looks in the direction of the sound. Something catches her eye. Snowy notices a small broken pillar. Little flashes of red seem to be coming from inside it, as the light hits it. She walks over to it and examines it closer. "It doesn't quite look like a pillar," she thinks. A gust of wind blows through the room and some of the dust blows off of it. Snowy notices the top is the same black metal. It is shaped into a point. More dust blows away in the wind, revealing a black staff with red rubies imbedded into it. Snowy reaches out to grab it, but something makes her hesitate. "It's just a relic," she thinks. She reaches for it again. Her fingers brush the staff. The rubies start to glow bright red. Snowy pulls back her hand. A strong gust of wind blows through the hole in the wall and swirls around the staff. Snowy backs away. A voice drifts on the wind. "Leave now and I will not kill you for thievery." Snowy looks around. Nobody is in the room. The wall of the room begins to crumble and fall. The side of the castle is collapsing. Snowy turns to run away, but her feet won't move. A massive stone from the ceiling falls towards her. Snowy raises her hands.

***

Snowy sits up screaming. Vesper rushes into Snowy's tent.

"What's the matter, Snowy?" Vesper asks as she sits next to her.

It takes several minute before Snowy realizes where she is. She looks over at Vesper. "It was just a nightmare, I guess. Thank you for checking on me. I'll be alright."

Vesper holds Snowy's hands and looks at her in the flickering fire light. "You wanna tell me about it?"

"It was just a nightmare, but I was standing in some ruins and it started to collapse on me. I have never seen this place before, but I was being drawn there. Almost like something was calling me," Snowy's thoughts seem to drift.

Vesper smiles weakly. "It's probably just because you are exhausted. Lay back down and get some sleep, Snowy."

Snowy nods in agreement. Vesper gets up, wishes Snowy good night and returns to her tent.

LIly emerges from the shadows. She walks over to Joe, who's laying next to the fire.

"I know you're awake," Lily says. "This is rather disturbing."

Joe sits up. "Why? What is bothering you?"

"I overheard Snowy telling Vesper about a nightmare she had. Did Snowy mention anything to you about her magic aptitude?" Lily asks.

"No," Joe replies. "She and I haven't talked too much."

"Then what did she and you talk about last night?" Lily asks.

"We talked a little bit about Queen Lilith," Joe states.

Lily can't hide her frown. She looks over towards Snowy's tent and back at Joe. "Snowy has an aptitude for three types of magic. Wind, Fire, and.... Dark."

"Ahhh. I see." Joe frowns.

"You know where we are, right?" Lily asks.

"Yes." Joe looks off into the night. "We'll pass the ruins tomorrow."

Lily looks in the same direction. "I've only seen them in passing. Snowy said that she felt like something was calling to her. Do you think there is something still there?"

"Yes. I know there's something still there," Joe closes his eyes and sighs. "I've been there myself and explored the ruins. There is still a presence there. I don't think Snowy had a nightmare. We'll have to keep an eye on her tomorrow."

"Do you think it's that serious?" Lily asks.

"I hope I'm just being too cautious, but I have a feeling," Joe states.

Lily sighs. "I trust your instincts." Lily gets up and walks towards her tent. "Goodnight, Joe."

"Goodnight, Lily. Pleasant dreams." Joe lays back down.

The rest of the night is peaceful.

*sunrise*

Everyone slowly wakes up and gather around the campfire for breakfast. The camp is packed up and stored in the wagons. Again, the horses are all tied to one wagon, the Royal Elite take their positions at the front of the second wagon. Another day of training begins.

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