???

Her heart beat rapidly in her chest as the only sound she could hear came from her own panting breath. Her lungs burned and her legs felt weak, she stood next to a tree whos dark blue leaves swayed in the wind. She watched some fall silently to the forest floor, covered in sticks and a blanket of teal colored grass.

It was dark. The forest was like a void, blending into the grey cloudy skys that covered the entire kingdom.

She looked up to see the two moons floating in the sky, it was beautiful to be in the forest at night, she never doubted that her world was indeed a sight to behold. It may have been a dark world but it held much beauty with the bioluminesent flora and rivers that lit up in the dark like a mystical paradise.

But this place that she had grown up in, her home....it held a darkness that has festered and grown, for hundreds of years yerning to be released into the other worlds, to destroy and claim revenge.

She had to leave, leave and never return. Her home was nothing more than a prison and she was going to escape once and for all, she would leave behind everything she once knew and go to a new place.

A place she knew very little about, a place that could be very dangerous for her. But she couldn't stay she had to leave whether it be for better or worse.

She looked back behind her as she heard men draw near. Pushing herself harder she ran once again through the dense forest, trying her best to avoid tripping on any rocks or tree roots.

Each step she took caused the grass under her boots to light up in a light blue tone for a moment, before slowly turning back to its dark and dull color. Most of the floara in her world was sensitive to touch, and would often light up when brushed against or damaged.

She was at a disadvantage, she could be tracked if 'they' were close enough behind her. Not only were the tracks that she left behind a problem, but her pursuers were able to appear anywhere at any time, like teleportation, this ability they had was known as shifting.

Shifting came natural to her kind, it was used for everything including short distance traveling, shifting would allow a person to disappear and reappear in a new spot at their own will, as long as they weren't shifting into a solid object and it was within a certain distance, it had limits of course.

But she couldn't shift. She wasn't like everyone else. So instead she had to run, run for her life, for her freedom. If she didn't her fate would not be pretty.

She ran and ran until coming across a clearing with the ruins of an ancient stone building in the center of it.

Running into the ruins of the stone building, it was clear that the place hadn't been touched in hundreds of years. A tree was growing through the roof from the inside with vines covering the walls. With the tall grass and other flora growing through the cracks, the building was obviously overtaken by nature.

She walked inside hastly and her heart hammered in her chest. as she came to the center of the building, it opened up into a room without a roof, due to the weather, all the class that once covered the ceiling was now gone, leaving a metal frame.

A stone arch with ancient carvings in it stood tall in the room. Unlike the rest of the ruins, the arch stood untouched by nature and looked as stable as it would have the day it was made.

Walking up to the archway she removed her necklace and gazed at the symbols that covered the archway.

Swallowing hard she also removed a knife from her belt and looked at the white crystal that hanged from the chain of her necklace.

Shakily she drew the knife across her hand and cut it open, causing a deep red liquid to slowly seep from the wound.

Touching the crystal to her wound, it absorbed the blood and was quickly dyed black.

She watched as the crystal seemed to come to life and pulse in her hand as if it had a heartbeat of its own.

Kneeling down in front of the archway, she dusted off the dirt on the ground to reveal a small hole cut out into the ground.

She could hear footsteps of people running into the ruins, and menacing voices calling out for her.

Quickly she glanced back to see 3 men appear in the entance she came through. They looked at her and scowled angry for having to chase her so far.

Without hesitation she inserted the crystal into the crevice. A bright light lit up from it and spread through the cracks all the way up the sides of the archway, lighting up all the ancient symbols before reaching the very top and causing a bright wall of light to appear in the arch like a portal.

A gust of wind hit them out of nowhere and everyone had to shield their faces from the bright light.

Looking from behind her arm she could see nothing but white light coming from the arch.

"No!!" One of the men yelled at her.

After being partially blinded by the light.

She stared at the portal for a moment before taking a deep breath. It would be a lie to say she wasnt scared. She was terrified.

Grabbing the necklace in her good hand she quickly jumped through the portal into a new world with a unknown fate waiting for her.

The portal quickly disappeared behind her leaving nothing behind.

Kingdom of leosa

Jason woke from the heavy thud of his carriage going over a rock. The creaking of wooden wheels and tapping of the horse's hooves were the first things to grab his attention.

He quickly rubbed his eyes and blinked a few times to rid himself of his blurry eyesight.

The sight that greeted him was that of an empty carriage seat before him, the red cushion obviously worn and faded from much use and the wood carriage that engulfed him in a dim light.

He looked at the carriage door beside him, its cut out window was covered by a small red curtain to keep out the sunlight, he could hear the natural sounds of birds singing and some other horse riders passing by on the road.

The carriage rocked again as it went over another bump, they were still on a dirt road, that much was easy to tell.

He glanced outside through the curtain and could see they were aproaching a town, the land surrounding them was a vast open field of crops and farms, beyond the town he could see a castle standing tall.

He took a deep breath and could smell the salty ocean air, he sat back in his seat and sighed, his muscles were stiff after riding in the carrage for 4 days straight, he couldnt wait to get out and strech his legs.

As the carriage pulled into the town, the streets turned from dirt to cobblestone, greatly smoothing out the ride.

He could see people throughout the town working and going about their buisness, most payed no mind to the ordinary carriage. That was a good thing, he didn't want to attract attention. Keeping away from the windows, he watched through a crack in the curtains as people passed him by.

The carriage continued up the path towards the castle walls, only stopping when it arrived at the gates.

"Halt!....who goes there! Identify yourselves!" A Castle guard spoke in a commanding voice and walked up to the carriage.

Jason sighed and opend the door before stepping out. He straightend out his white coat and black pants then streched his arms and back.

The guard walked up to him and bowed. "My apologies sire, please right this way, his majesty and the prince have been awaiting your arrival. " the guard quickly led him inside the gates, and towards the entrance.

A old and a young man stood atop the steps leading to the castle doors.

The old man, dressed in royal attire with a gold crown and blue sash across his chest, gave a warm smile to jason as he approached while the younger man, dressed in royal military attire, quickly started going down the steps to greet him.

"Jason! I'm so glad you came! Its been years since I last saw you!" The young man spoke brightly and pulled Jason into a hug.

The young gentleman had messy brown hair and hazel eyes with classic handsome features, although mature he still looked more like a teenager.

Jason smiled and hugged him back before pulling away.

"Its good to see you Jake..." Jason spoke before looking up at the old man who was making his way down the steps towards them. His hair was grey and darkbrown like Jakes and wrinkles covered his face.

Jake stepped back for his father as he approached Jason with a warm smile on his face.

"How are you boy... its been a few years since we have last seen you, especially since you last visited! Im hoping your doing well and that the trip hasn't worn you out?" The old man spoke and gave jason a hug.

"Haha! Yes indeed I'm a little stiff but besides that all is good sir, it's good to see you both" Jason smiled at them both.

"Im glad you made it here safely, especally without any escorts. It's very dangerous traveling on your own." the old man sighed and shook his head.

"Your lucky you weren't attacked! Come let us go inside I'm sure you're hungry after your trip, lets talk more over a snack."

Jason nodded and followed the pince and king inside the castle doors. The castle was made of grey stone amd had many tapestries hanging with the kingdoms leviathan emblum weeved into them with gold thread , and a blue background.

The Leviathan was a fitting symbol for the kingdom of Leosa because they were well known for the massive navy force and tight control over most of the seas.

They walked down the corridor into a lounging area where chairs and a couch sat with a table between them.

As they sat down in the chairs across from eachother, a maid walked in with a tray that had tea and a few plates of cheese and other pasteries on top.

The maid placed small cups on the table and took the kettle off the tray before filling each of the cups and leaving.

Jason sat back in the lounging chair and sighed as the cusions let him sink back, releiving some of his aching muscles. The carriage was not of the best quality and had made him stiff and sore after the entirety of the trip.

The king took his cup and sat back in his chair taking a long sip of tea before letting out a refreshed sigh.

"So.." the king spoke up breaking the silence. "What brings you here? You didn't give much of a notice and came under cover it seems with the lack of guards."

Jake sat back and put his feet on the coffee table before putting his hands behind his head.

"Knowing him he probably had another suiter come knocking at his door and decided to run away under the cover of night!" Jake chuckled.

Jason mentally rolled his eyes and looked at his best friend.

"Well even if that was the case, I wouldn't have ran away, I'd probably have just sent them your way. How could I not give you a chance at love with a gold digger?" Jason smiled.

"Uhg, i don't need you sending me your rejects! Not to mention I don't need any more suitors" Jake cleared his throat.

"In fact as of recently I've been betrothed!" He exclained excitedly.

Jason arched his brow now having his interest peaked."Oh really? How come I haven't gotten a wedding invite?" Jason faked a pout.

The king spoke up taking his attention."Truthfully we haven't set a date for the wedding yet, and we thought it would be best to inform you when you arrived, I'm sure you've been quite busy recently."

Jason sighed and nodded in agreement before sitting up.

"Indeed...it's been quite hectic in my home, the load of work I have now has me running all over the place. Especially after my fathers passing..."

The room was silent as Jake and his father glanced at each other and wore solemn expressions.

"Yes well, I'm dearly sorry for your loss, I'm sure it must not have been easy for you." The king spoke softly.

He could only stare at the cup of tea and tray of food on the table, he had suddenly lost his appetite. They sat in silence for a moment.

"Your father was a great man, I'm sure he would be proud of the great young man you've grown up to be." The king continued.

"Know that your always welcome in my home jason and should the need ever arise, we shall stand by you in your time of need."

He only nodded in acknowledgment and looked up at them. The man was like a second father to him, and Jake was like a brother, they grew up together, despite jake being to scared to even associate with him for the first few years of their lives, they grew to be great friends and always had each others backs.

Jason closed his eyes and took a deep breath before trying to lighten up the mood. "As for why I'm here, I'd like to renew the old trading agreements my father made years back, and possibly would even like to add a few new things to it to show both your people and mine that our strong ties will be kept!"

Both the king and Jake looked surprised at the request, it had been 17 years since the last time the trading agreements had been changed, and this was a chance to make them even better than before.

"Of course that would be much appreciated! But...um is that really all you came here for?" Jake questioned.

And the mood dropped again. Time for the bad news. Jason glanced around the room, the only other people in there with them were two of the kings royal guards who stood by the door, the royal knights were often very close to the royal family and very loyal, willing to lay their lives down no matter the reason for the royal bloodline.

Jason looked at them both with a serious expression becore he leaned in resting his arms on his knees.

"I'm wanting information on Nezra, in the past week I've had five Nezra spys break into the castle grounds.... they are planning something I know it, And Leosa is the only thing seperating them from the mainland..." Jason spoke quitely.

The king and Jake turned serious looking at Jason. Nezra was a cross ocean kingdom that has a bad reputation, they usually tried bribing Leosa to let them into the mainland, but that would only mean war, Jason's father was one of their greatest enemies and the biggest threat to their crude empire. Often times they attacked the smaller kingdoms and territories in order to grow in power, Jasons father put a stop to their raids years ago but they still were bloodthirsty barbarians and would do anything they could to take over the continent.

"Those fools never know when to quit, they only try to be friendly with Leosa so they can get free passagway into your kingdom, you know we would never let those rouges in right? If they are sending spys, it has to be through one of the other costal kingdoms" Jake spoke, crossing his arms across his chest.

Nodding Jason looked at the window that looked out acoss the docks. Ships were covering the coastline comeing and going with goods to trade.

"Thats what I thought to but, through an interrogation I found some interesting news!" he looked back at Jake and the King.

"He said someone was helping them to get onto the mainland, someone who has some kind of control in Leosas docks and was smuggling them in."

Jake looked a bit surprised then quickly looked at the window. "Father we need to do a thorough investigation of the dockmasters, this is unacceptable!" He looked back at the King who was in deep thought.

Coming out of his thoughts the King spoke and looked up at Jason who was patiently waiting.

"We will start looking into this imediately, having spys sneaking in could spell disaster, I can assure you we won't tollarate this and will put a stop to it for the sake of both of our kingdoms!"

Jason smiled."Thank you I'm glad, this takes some burden off my shoulders and brings a little peace to mind, I only planned to stay for about three days before heading back to my kingdom"

"Well let's make your stay enjoyable while your here and make sure you have a nice visit that you can relax and enjoy!" The King exclaimed and stood from his seat, followed by Jake and Jason.

"Jake, kindly show Jason to his room while I go send a team down to the docks to start our investigation, I shall see you two again at dinner!" The King quickly turned and left the room followed by the two royal guards who were at the door.

Jake pat Jasons shoulder getting his attention. "Come on! Let's get you to your room. I'm sure you could use a good bath before dinner."

Jason smiled and they both left the lounging room before walking down the hall.

"So" Jason broke the silence. "Your getting hitched? Who's the lucky lady?"

He looked at jake who smiled brightly.

"You remember Lyla? The girl who would always tease me when we were kids?" Jake looked down the hall reminicing about the memories.

Jasons brows arched. "Lyla..." he grabbed Jakes shoulder stopping them both. "Your kidding me. Your marrying Lyla!? She practicly made your life a living hell for 7 years!"

Jake scratched his head. "Yeah I know we kinda got together a year ago and since then it seems like we became so close, and I know how cheezy it must sound to say this but like....I dont know man we just fit, we get along so well you know and its hard to even think that we once disliked each other."

They continued walking. "She never did anything that bad to me when we were kids and she told she did it because she was jealous. She even admit to having a crush on me back then!" Jake beamed happily.

Jason sighed and shook his head."dude youve been bewitched... I could never see you two getting along, in fact I don't even think you two could stay in the same room as each other before she starts trying to claw your eyes out!"

Jake laughed and stopped outside the door of a spare guest room. "Yeah well she's changed, go ahead and get cleaned up for dinner then join us in the dinning hall for dinner!"

Jake walked away and down the hall out of sight.

Sighing and shaking his head, Jason stepped into the room before shutting the wooden doors behind him. Light flowed into the room through the cracks between the blue saten curtains on the opposite side of the room.

A dresser stood against one wall with a candle lamp and mirror. The opposite side of the room had a queen sized bed covered in blue silk sheets and white pillows, next to it stood a door that led into the private bathroom.

Walking to the door he opened it to see a bathtub fully prepared and wooden bench with towels and other toiletries stacked on top.

He walked over to the bath and quickly stripped off his attire, laying it neatly onto the bench before stepping into the water.

He sat in the water and stared at the ceiling. He thought about all that was happening around him and how his best friend was soon to get married and become the king of Leosa.

He honestly wasn't sure what was going to happen, he didn't know what he was going to do about his own kingdom. He wasn't ready to be king, and he definitely didn't want to just marry whoever his councle suggested so that he could be fit to be king.

He sighed and sank into the water, he was happy that it wasn't cold, but it wasn't as great as the royal springs in his home.

Shaking the thoughts from his head he quickly cleaned off and stepped out of the tub. He then dryed his body off and dressed himself before going back into the bedroom and walking over to the dresser and mirror.

He looked into the mirror. Silver eyes stared back at him. His short and messy silver hair was ruffled and his toned skin seemd to be the only color in his face. He was young and physicaly handsome, although he looked plenty mature he had that young adult physic, most girls would flock toward him and romanticize about him, but only until they found out who he really was. He was not a man to be messed with and many saw him as anything but human. Some believed he was elven, despite the sharp looks most elves had and the pointed ears. Some thought he was a demon even, but no one ever understood that he was one of a kind.

But his species did not define who he was entirely, he had made a name for himself not based off his bloodline nor his kind. He was,

Prince Jason, of Atheria.

Jason

Stepping into the hallway after cleaning myself up, I made my way to the dinning hall.

Jake and his father were more than likely waiting for my arrival. I haven't seen them for many years and it was nice to see nothing changed. This place was like a second home, I'd spend a lot of time here with Jake when we were kids.

Looking out the windows on my left, the light from the setting sun filled my vison, casting a orange glow acoss the ocean water.

Leosa was a beautiful costal kingdom, and the most powerful of its kind. They controlled the seas and had a vast navy.

Mostly due to their control over the entrance to the great river, it was the best trade route on the mainland, reaching through many kingdoms including his own.

Ships would carry many supplies through the river and sold their goods to the territories they passed through, the river reached all across the mainland and indeed was vital to most of the smaller kingdoms economy.

And considering Leosa's capital was built right on top of the entrance of the river coming from the ocean. They grew very, very prosperous.

Leosa was also a gateway in on itself, for it kept the trade route peacful and kept invading countrys from going inland through the river.

My kingdom was also very prosperous and had the best army around, we often kept the peace and aided smaller territories if needed.

Many years ago, Leosa had become vulnerable to land attacks from the neighboring kingdoms, and their navy wasn't enough to keep them safe. With their backs turned they nearly fell at the hands of their enemys, but my great grandfather decided to step in.

Being the closest to Leosa's land boarder, we kept their enemys away and still do until this day. Both our kingdoms had great relations and we worked side by side for years.

Letting out a short sigh, I turned my attention back to where I was walking. I made a few turns until I came across an open corridor that led into the dinning room.

The scent of food filled my nostrals and I could feel a slightly unpleasent knot form in my stomach. I hadn't eatten all day and the scent of food had me watering at the mouth.

Walking into the room I could see the long wooden table, and at the end sat the King, next to him was Jake.

Guards stood at the sides of the room. They always had to be on alert with the King around, otherwise something might happen to him.

Four servents stood by the entrance to the kitchen waiting for further instructions. The food had already been set out in the middle of the table, it was no banquet but there was enough to feed a decent sized family.

I walked across the room and sat on the opposite side of Jake, right next to his father, they both smiled at my arrival, we may have not seen each other for a few years but we were still very close. Smiling back I took my seat.

The King cleared his throat as he reached for his goblet of wine and took a sip before speaking. "Please enjoy yourself to whatever you'd like, I had the cooks make a abundance of classic Leosa dishes."

He gestered to the many plates of food that consisted of many seafoods and more such as lobster, shrimp, delicious pasteries, a bowl of some Elven stew, and sweet rolls.

"I'm sure you must be famished after your trip and wanted to make this as nice as I could, I hope to let you have a relaxing stay while you're here so enjoy yourself!" He lifted his glass and nodded towards the food.

I quickly gathered food onto my plate and made sure to at least get some of the lobster, it wasn't a common meal in my home, and usually was a delicacy made during balls or weddings.

"Thank you for the kind gester I'm indeed starving, but you didn't have to go to such lengths!" I chuckled and began to dig into my food, as was Jake.

"Nonsense, having you visit and making it so you are enjoying your time here is my pleasure!" The King bellowed.

Jake swallowed his mouth full of food.

"Not to mention, we haven't seen you for a few years, and I'm sure you don't have much company at home I dont know how you could stand it, dealing with nothing but your ambassidors and councle all the time."

"Yes this is indeed a fitting time to catch up! The other issues can be resolved later! You some time off from your duties as the soon to be King" Jakes father agreed.

I could only smile. it was stessful at home without anyone that I could converse with and have some heart to heart time with.

I got along with many people in my councle but it was always formal when we spoke, and dealt with economics, business or stuff about the kingdom.

This visit was meant to be for buisness purposes but why couldnt I have a little off time while I was at it?

"Thank you. I suppose your both right, I could definitely use a small break." I took a bite out of the lobster and relished in the taste. I needed this.

"Next time you need to come longer, as a vacation, if you keep focusing on nothing but work and your royal duties, you may put yourself in a sinking hole." Jake sat back and took a drink of his wine.

Although he was right. I had to keep myslelf busy, if I let myself slack off to long I won't be able to keep my mind off the dark thoughts that would run rampid. The work may be stressful but it kept my mind from wandering into the depths. Losing the only family I had left and not having anyone around to keep me company often brought those dark thoughts around, even now I'm trying not to let myself get lost.

Just looking at my cup of wine had me mentally comparing it to blood.

I quickly shook my head to push those thoughts away, I wanted to enjoy the little time I had on this visit.

"Well besides all that. This food is outstanding please give my compliments to the cook, I'll have to fill up on as much as I can before I head back to my kingdom." I spoke up trying to get my mind off the subject of work, I'd be dammed if that was the only thing to keep me distracted on this trip.

"You always were a sucker for food, I'm sure you have 6 meals a day at your castle." Jake rolled his eyes.

"I can't help it, foods my second lover, not only is it amazing but I never have to worry about gaining weight" although it was stupid of me to worry about such a thing, I quite enjoy my toned body and so do the ladies."

"Jason, food is your only lover, you couldn't keep a girl if you tried" Jake leaned back in his chair tipping it and putting his feet on the table while his hands went behind his head.

I smirked at this and picked up my own cup of wine before taking a sip.

"Speaking of lovers, now that your with Layla I'm sure she knows about that little incident that happened in the horse stables when we were younger, right?"

Jake nearly fell out of his chair at the mention of it. He was playing a dangerous game talking about my love life.

"W-well..." Jake stuttered regaining his posture. "That's all kinda in the past."

I hummed in response and couldn't help the grin that came across my face.

"Oh all in the past huh, I just wanted to make sure, in case I see her while here and we decide to catch up, I might mention it"

Jakes eyes went wide then his face turned into a scowl.

"You wouldn't dare..."

I looked straight at him. "Well how bout this, lets fight on it, if I win O tell your fiance what you did that day, if you win you get free reign to embarrass me in front of any girls I'm with."

Jake smirked back."oh your so on. Your gonna regret this, I'm not that scrawny kid no more I'll beat you this time and I can't wait to rub it in your face!"

"Well lets go then princess." Jason stood up from his chair, quickly followed by Jake.

The king sighed and slowly stood up from his chair."Will you two take this to the courtyard, I'd rather not have my dinning room get redesigned..."

We both nodded and quickly raced out of the room to the courtyard.

It was a open space we could fight with ease and without destroying too much.

There was a only a stone pathway with a old fountain in the middle, we were surrounded by some trimmed grass and the outter edge of the courtyard was walled off by hedges and trees.

We stepped a few paces back away from each other and both pulled out our swords.

The guards that stood at the enctrance we came out of, glanced at each other then quickly regained their postures as the King walked out accompanied by his royal guard. They stood back far enough so they could observe and stay out of the way.

Jake hyped himself up and streched a few muscles. "Your gonna feel this one tomorrow."

I could only strech my arms above my head and crack my neck before lookkng back at him and smirking.

"I don't think your gonna land a single blow on me." I watched as Jake got himself into a fighting stance and held his sword out in front of him.

Jakes sword had some magic symbols carved into it. This was going to be interesting.

Holding out my own sword, I watched him carefuly, waiting for him to make the first move and lunge at me.

To my dismay however, before I could react he gave me a quick smug smile and winked.

Without having a chance to register what he was planning, Jake slashed at the air in front of him, electricity sparked from the sword and a electric shockwave blasted me back into the fountian.

I barely managed to catch myself from falling.

"Well I wasn't expecting that, playing kinda dirty dont you think?" I quickly took a fighting stance.

Jake copied my movement and took his stance again as well.

"When it comes to fighting you? Yeah I'll take whatever I can as long as it

"Means I get to beat you."

I grinned mischeviously. "You think a little magic is gonna be enough? You've never beaten me before don't get your hopes up."

Without hesitation I dashed across the stone pathway and charged at him. We clashed swords instantly and the sound resonated through the courtyard.

We clashed again and again, the sound of metal rung throughout the courtyard in this heated battle.

The sun was setting and the light we had left was our timer.

Jake reeled back and electricity sparked from his sword once again.

He stabbed his sword into the ground causing a ripple effect of electricity to travel across the ground towards me.

I managed to avoid the attack by jumping on top of the fountian. I looked up to see him send a arc of lighting in my direction.

Jumping over it and going straight for him, I brought my sword down and our blades crossed again. The ground under his feet cracked and some dirt flew into the air.

Unfortunately my sword cracked as well. Jumpping back, I landed on the ground behind him and swung in his direction aiming for the stomach.

He parried the attack by angling his sword in a awkward direction, this made it so his grip wasn't as tight.

Without warning I slid my blade across the side of his knocking it out of his hands and breaking my own sword in half.

I kicked him in the stomach and sent him flying back into the hedge just as the last rays of sunlight disappeared.

"I win!" I said cheerfuly and threw the hilt of my now worthless sword into the grass.

The king clapped his hands in aprecciation. "Bravo you win yet again lad."

Jake only groaned in defeat. I stepped over to him and offered my hand. He grabbed a hold of it and I pulled him to his feet.

"Its official Jason, your NOT human!"

Jake dusted himself off.

"Aww come on now that was a good fight, at least you lasted longer than my own men. No need to be a sore loser."

"Yeah yeah, well next time I'll beat you, and I partially won so I'm not too upset about it." He walked over and picked up his sword before sheathing it.

I arched an eyebrow."how do you figure? I'm pretty sure your the only one who went flying into the bushes." I picked a leaf out of his hair and held it up in his face in a teasing manner.

He looked at it and swatted my hand away before pointing at my discarded broken sword.

"Because unlike you my weapon doesn't break every time I fight, your blacksmith probably hates you by now."

Scratching the back of my head I looked at the broken blade. Jake's father walked up to us and put his hand on my shoulder.

"Don't worry too much about it lad. You have a immense amount of power within you, it's no supprise that normal weapons would break. The wielder needs a sword equaly as powerful as themselves." He turned me to look at him and gave one of his best smiles. "You will find your weapon one of these days and your power will increase tenfold."

I could only sigh and smile back. "I hope so, otherwise I might get killed by my own blacksmith for breaking all his weapons."

Jake streched his arms above his head and groaned behind us. "Well now that our sparrings over we shoul-"

Before he could finish his scentence, a crack of thunder rang across the sky, and a beam of light shot out of the forest's treeline, lighting up the night sky.

All three of us watched as it lit up the entire kingdom and poured into the sky.

"What in the seven kingdoms..." Jake spoke barely above a whisper. The guards stood in shock as well. No one could tell what was actually happening.

The beam of light seemed to be coming from the forest near the edge of town.

"Jake I hope you know what this is, if not we need to go check it out, being this close to the capital whatever it is could be dangerous!"

Jake looked at me shock and confusion was evident on his face. He glanced at the light then turned to the guards.

"One of you bring us horses and you take my father inside, call the rest of the royal guard in to protect him!" Jake barked the orders, and the guards quickly snapped out of their trances before doing as they're told.

The king grabbed Jake's shoulder. "Be careful I'll send a group of men after you." Jake only nodded.

The first guard quickly ushered the king inside. The second came back to us quickly, holding the reigns of two horses.

We each grabbed one of the reigns and mounted the thoroughbred's.

"Lets go, Hyah!" Jake quickly took lead as I followed him out of the castle walls gates. We rushed through the streets of town, most of the civilians who were inside now coming out to get a look at the strange phenomenon.

I glanced at the beam of light. No one knew what was going on, no one could tell what the light was or where it was coming from.

Looking away I followed closely behind Jake on the horse. I had a nagging feeling in the back of my mind. Something felt off. As soon as I saw that light, something was triggered inside of me.

As we approached the edge of town, the light began to fade and shrink down into nothing.

We raced down the dirt path leading into the forest.

"Jake do you know where we are going or where it was coming from?" I rode up next to him.

"I have an idea, the only thing out here are some old ruins of a small village, it's in the same general direction so it might be worth checking out."

I could hear the slight tone of worry in his voice. If this was a attack on his kingdom, I would need to send for my own troops.

We rode through the trees as the dirt path slowly faded. The hair on the back of my neck stood up as we came to the treeline. Ahead of us was the remains of a old stone wall.

It was only about 6 feet tall and badly damaged and eroded. Some of the giant stone bricks had even fallen off of it. Creeper vines also covered a majority of the wall with moss and grass.

The iron gate that once provided a secured entance into the village now laid unhinged and decaying on the ground.

Stopping at the wall we unmounted the horses and tied them to a old hitching post in the ground.

Jake and I exchanged looks and carefully entered the village ruins. The old stone buildings were the only thing left and even they were mostly caved in and turned to rubble.

Most of the buildings were covered in moss and vines, the entire place had been reclaimed by nature.

We carefully looked for any signs of intruders. And made sure to stay as hidden as possible, but when we came to the center of the old town we quickly hid behind cover.

In the center of the town stood a archway, the carvings in the stone glowed a erie blue color and in it was a wall of light.

Jake glaced at me from across the old deteriated road, he was hiding behind a tree. He pulled out his sword and we both watched as the wall of light shifted and a person stumbled out.

They were dressed in a dark cloak and it was hard to make out any other details in the dark.

The symbols that were glowing turned back to normal and the wall of light disappeared as if nothing happened.

I looked at Jake who was just as confused as me, but he didn't take his eyes off the stanger, they were a possible threat so we needed to tread carefully.

Looking back at the stranger I could see they were out of breath as if they had just ran a marathon.

They turned away from us to look at the archway they appeared out of.

It wasn't the strangest thing, watching a person appear out of thin air, but it also wasnt very normal. In fact it could be considered very alerting for someone to just magically appear smack dab in the capital from who knows where.

I looked around the surrounding area and noticed movment all around us.

I looked back as the stranger stared at the arch, obviously distracted thinking about something.

Out of the corner of my eye I could see the glint of something metal in one of the bushes that had moved before.

It was a reflection of light off a blade.

Jake was noticing the movement around us too now. But the stranger was completely oblivious of the danger.

On instinct I dashed out from behind my cover and ran straight for them.

"Watch out!" I tried to warn them before it was to late.

They turned to the sound of my voice clearly suprised. I easily got a glimpse of their face.

It was a girl.