"Come on, Tess", my sister Ruby let her sword sink and smoothed back her brown curled hair. "You will never know what you can achieve if you don't try hard enough. Go again!" She raised her blade again and opened the fight. I tried to stand by and parry her attacks. But even as Ruby took the fight not so serious, I was not able to defeat her or even keep my defensive strong.

"Stop! I need a break!", I exclaimed out of breath. Ruby let go of me immediately.
"Don't worry. Someday you can do it. You... need to train harder, you must have patience." She smiled lightly.
"Ruby, I CAN'T. I'm not like you, I'm not adept at fighting. This is pointless." I soughed.
"Maybe you're just a late bloomer", Ruby looked me in the eye, trying to calm me down.
"You're telling me this for 7 years!" I looked at her doubtfully. "Ruby, this is useless. I am worse at fighting against humans, animals, even plants! I'm a walking disaster! Face it, Ruby, I am not an Eratrix!" Frustrated, I threw my sword to the ground and left the practice room.
"Tess..." Ruby followed me slowly, but then stopped and stood standing in the doorway, discerning that I will not listen to her.

I walked into the garden and sat down on the grass, want to be alone. I knew Ruby does not mean it unkindly. I was just discontented and frustrated. Ruby and I have been training for years, but the only one who made progress was Ruby. Someday she will be an Eratrix, a warrioress fighting for peace and safety of the folk.

All people in this world are born with the so-called era-gene. It causes that anyone has quick responsiveness, good metabolism and so on, all genetic predispositions to become a good warrior. The laws of nature dictate that every single person is born with this gene. The only exceptions are the members of the royal family. They do not own the era-gene, but their genetic code allows them to force magic. Unfortunately, fifteen years ago, all royals were murdered. At first King Rondul and Queen Leopia, then their relatives, even the furthest members of the royal family. Nobody is left, the magic gene is completely eradicated. Since magic does not exist anymore, dark forces had encroached on the ecosystem. Animals and plants had become evil. They attack humans as soon as they see or perceive them. The more time passes, the worse it gets.
I guess we got lucky to be folk of warriors, so we can stand up to the threat. Well, but for me. I do not know what is wrong with me. That I am just not good at fighting. For years, I riddle why. What is my real purpose? Or is there nothing that plans something with my life? Does fate exist? Is it predetermined for what reason we are born? Or a better question: are we even destined to be born for some reason?

A hand on my shoulder frightened me. I leapt up, startled, but then let out a relieved breath. It was just Ruby.

"Hey Tess...", Ruby paused and foraged for words. "I..."
"You'll never know what this feels like!" I interrupted her. She looked at me sadly and nodded. Her dark green eyes seemed trying to excuse.

"You're right. I won't. Since I was a young child, I knew what I'll become. A combatant. I was keen to learn how to fight, defeat my enemies, no matter who or what they will be. I can't comprehend what it's like not to have such dreams of the future. Be not born within a family of warriors. Fighting is my life, my passion. So let me ask you one question." She paused and eyed me. "What is your passion, Antessa?"

I felt tears run down my face and whispered desperately: "I don't know."

A short first chapter of my new novel. What do you think about it?
If you like the story please do not forget to vote and comment. ♡︎