Chapter 3

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.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***