Chapter Thirty-Two - To Be a Knight?

A firm knock sounded on the door of Ailith's room.

The blonde warrior sat on her bed, legs folded with half a dozen books settled on her lap and being used as a holder for the story she was currently invested in. A quick glance outside of the window revealed that night had come and gone without her realising. The morning sun spied on her through the castle's rooftop monuments and architecture.

Jumping out of bed and rubbing her heavy eyes, she rushed over to the door. Upon opening it, her smile grew as she saw a familiar face. ''Levana! How are you?''

''Rested and recuperated,'' the trainee answered. ''You don't seem so surprised to see me?''

''I had a feeling guard duty would be you today,'' she raised her hand and started counting with her fingers. ''Yesterday was back to Vlad. The night before that was Gildorf. I remembered that pattern from last time, so it only made sense that I would be seeing you again.''

''I suppose that does make...'' Levana dragged her words as she glanced over Ailith's shoulder, noticing the pile of books scattered on her bed. ''Where did you get those books from?''

''Oh, Nass-...Princess Nassandra let me borrow some from the library.''

Levana slowly nodded, narrowing her eyes, fixing a curious stare Ailith's way. ''I see...and how was your time with her Highness?''

Ailith grinned. ''It went well...I think. She seemed nervous.''

''You spent time with the Princess and she was the nervous one?''

''I was nervous too. But, we just started talking and...well, that's it. We just started talking. She didn't make me feel pressured into acting like someone else, so I didn't want to make her feel that she needed to do the same. Everything felt easy.'' She paused, threading her fingers together. ''Should I have acted differently?''

Levana shrugged. ''I'm not sure how you could have acted. My family are acquaintances to the royal family, so you must believe me when I say what a rarity it is for someone to have the honour of spending time with the Princess.''

A cluster of thoughts entered Ailith's mind as the two women stood in silence. She could still feel the nervousness emitted from Nassandra. At first, she considered the possibility that she was doing something wrong to offend the Princess. However, it soon became apparent to the warrior that Nassandra was a bottle of nerves that was afraid to break.

''Speaking of my family,'' Levana said, dragging Ailith out of her thoughts. ''After I informed them of recent events, they asked for me to visit so that they could personally congratulate me on my first mission.''

''Oh? That's good.'' Ailith smiled.

''I also mentioned you, saying what a great help you were.'' She sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. ''Now, they wish to meet you as well.''

Ailith flinched. ''Is that allowed?''

''As I said, my family are acquaintances to the royal family. They know people in high places and can pull strings if need be.''

Hesitating for only the smallest moment, Ailith's smile widened until any sense of doubt was quashed under her excitement at being in the outside world once again. ''Let's go!''

~X~

Ailith flung her arm over her eyes, staring up at a clear blue-sky. While she hardly noticed the sweltering heat in the castle, only after a few minutes after she and Levana strolled into the Central District of the Kingdom, they began to bake under the sun. The landscape before them shimmered. Even with a simple short-sleeved shirt and pants, sweat patches started to form.

She turned to Levana, spotting the beads of sweat pouring down the trainee's face. ''Did you want to get changed?''

Wiping her forehead with the back of her hand, Levana adjusted her armour. ''There is no need. It's an honour to wear this armour. I will not discard it even if the sun is beating on me like a Krilleg with leg cramp.''

Ailith chuckled. ''If you say so.'' Her mind wandered back to the armour she wore for her one and only mission so far. She had to return it, obviously. Though that didn't stop her from dreaming about the next time she would be called to action and get to wear the symbol of her heroes once again. Pride swelled in her chest.

Drifting her gaze back down to earth, she admired the cityscape. She almost forgot that this was technically still her home. The scenery felt a world apart from what she was accustomed to.

Each home sat not too far from one another, giving each enough space while providing enough from for whole families. Parks and gardens flourished with a shade of green that seemed otherworldly and unreal. Even the people that riddled the streets wore attire stitched to the finest level. Some eyed Ailith glibly from top to bottom. Her senses danced as the dozens of bars and open restaurants offered a plethora exquisite culinary smells. To Ailith's amazement, there was still a sense of order despite everything seeming to move around her.

Finally, she was able to tear her eyes away and turn to Levana. ''I never got to thank you for praising me to the King before. You didn't have to do that.''

Levana pursed her lips. ''It wouldn't have felt right to take the credit for your heroics.''

''We worked together for it.''

The trainee released an inoffensive scoff and shook her head. ''No, you and Commander Emlyn worked together. I cowered under the pressure and had to be saved by a gangster we were supposed to interrogate.''

Ailith could hear the flicker of hurt in Levana's tone as she spoke. Bounding in front of Levana, she forced the trainee to stop in her tracks. ''Trust me, as someone who's wanted nothing more than to be a Knight since I can remember, it's hard work to get there. You deserve it. You trained for this. You wouldn't be where you are if that wasn't the case!''

An uncertain nod was the only response. As her eyes fell to the cobblestone beneath their feet, she timidly brushed her hands over her withdrawn sword and shield.

Weary of what would be said next, Levana tilted her head, gesturing to a structure in the distance. ''Welcome to my home.''

Ailith twisted her body and followed Levana's gaze. ''Is it behind that mansion?''

''It is the mansion.''

Ailith's jaw dropped. Twice the size of her family's inn, she admired the craft of the building. Large, octagon windows lined the home in a fairly symmetrical pattern from one floor to the next. An extension linked by a covered patio circled around the house. Not a single red brick was out of place, and the bronze mahogany that decorated the house made Ailith feel informal just looking at it.

Stepping aside to let Levana take the lead, they walked over to the entrance of the house. Ailith arched her back the closer they got, her eyes locking with the birds perched on the edge of the rooftop. She sighed with relief as they took comfort in the cool shade while Levana knocked on the door.

A few seconds passed before the door was opened, allowing Levana and Ailith to enter. Floating by the door was a Drasa, bowing its head. Compared to Fethawi, this Drasa's wooden exterior was a darker shade of brown with faint scratches marked across its arms. ''Greetings, Lady Levana. Welcome home.''

Ailith extended her arm. ''Hi, I'm Ailith.''

The Drasa stared at her arm and then back up at her face. ''Noted. Welcome.''

Feeling that would be the best response she would get, Ailith fixed her eyes on the rest of the interior and felt her breath snatched from her. The wooden floors were swathed with long red and gold rugs, leading to a spacious hall filled with tapestries, antique furniture and other ornaments. A spiral staircase led to the unseen second floor in the middle of the hall. In the far corner, partially hidden by an open door lay an interior garden, nourished by a small fountain sprouting water of different colours.

Taken aback was an understatement. Even the castle paled in comparison. However, Ailith expected a home belonging to the royal family to be sensational. This felt...almost too much.

Descending the stairs were two individuals, a man and a woman dressed in glamorous attire. The man gently pressed his thumb and forefinger to his earring. To Ailith, it seemed as if he were conversing with himself. His strides down the stairs were slower compared to the woman, who quickly reached the ground floor and rushed to hug Levana.

''It's so good to see you, my pumpkin.'' She said, tightening her embrace even with Levana's armour making things difficult. Her neatly braided hair flung over her daughter's shoulder.

Levana quickly returned the hug before pulling away. ''How are you, mother?''

''I am well, better now that you're here. It's nice to be around family who don't bring their work home with them.'' The older woman sighed, darting her eyes to the side, gesturing to the man on the stairs. Her eyes slowly began to water, and her smile grew the longer she gazed at Levana in her armour. ''Look at you, I'm so proud.''

''Mother...'' Levana whispered, hoping her cheeks weren't as red as the carpet.

Ailith watched amusedly. The image of her mama planted itself in her mind, causing her to swallow the lump in her throat.

The sound was enough to veer the attention of Levana's mother towards the warrior. A pair of beautiful dark brown eyes latched onto Ailith curiously. ''Oh, Levana, who is your friend?''

''This is Ailith,'' Levana introduced. ''She helped on the mission I was assigned to. Ailith, this is my mother, Lady Sheelah Elpida.''

Caught between a curtsy and a bow, Ailith emitted a friendly smile despite the fumble. ''It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.''

Sheelah folded her hands together, looking at Ailith with frank amusement. ''I must say, when my daughter explained what a vital part you played in fighting rabid Ayek Beetles, I had already envisioned the kind of woman you were in my mind. You're not at all what I expected.''

''Yeah, I get that a lot,'' Ailith replied light-heartedly.

Her head snapped to the back as the voice of Levana's father grew louder. Moderate rambles transformed into brassy orders.

Ailith's eyes zoomed in on the earring dangling from his right ear. The chain hooked through the lobule appeared ordinary, but the small spherical orb attached to it glowed. Through the transparent shell, Ailith could see midnight blue liquid splashing inside. The man's finger occasionally brushed over the earring as he barked more stern words to his unseen responder.

''Is he using that earring to talk with someone?'' Ailith asked.

Sheelah threw her a questioning look, and then shifted her stare to her daughter.

Levana grimaced. ''Uh, Ailith is...um...'' she stammered while Ailith stood puzzled, feeling the older woman's inquisitive narrowing on her. ''Her background is...not familiar with...she's...''

''Levana!''

A deep but cheerful voice cut through the awkward moment, causing Levana to sigh with relief while everyone turned towards the voice. The man approached the group with a welcoming grin, revealing pearl-white teeth that glinted in the light. He closed the distance between himself and Levana quickly, throwing his arms around her armour-clad back.

''Forgive me, good business never allows one a moment of respite.'' He said, stepping back to unclip his earring and tuck it away in his pocket. The glow had long vanished.

Sheelah cleared her throat, earning her husband's attention. ''We have a guest with us.''

He whipped around to see Ailith staring at him. He opened his arms in an exaggerated manner before lowering himself into a respectable bow. ''Where are my manners? I am Sir Cecil Elpida, at your service, my lady.''

''Ailith Natia, sir.'' She replied, bowing as well.

''Ah, so you're the one Levana told us about?'' He said with a surprised tone while straightening himself. He raised his hand in the air, clicking his fingers. At the action, the Drasa edged closer. ''Get our guest a drink. Sparkling June O' Iaslune, that will do.''

''At once, Sir Cecil.'' Their servant responded obediently and glided out of the room before Ailith could protest.

''You don't have to-,''

Cecil waved his hand to silence her. ''Please, it's on us. Have you ever had O' Iaslune before?''

''I've never even heard of it.''

''The drink or the country?'' He erupted in a fit of laughter. Next to him, Sheelah rolled her eyes and Levana palmed her blushing face, peeking through the gaps between her fingers to watch Ailith. While Cecil's jest seemed in good spirit, Ailith tensed. Eventually, he calmed from his hysterics. ''That was a poor joke. But, in all seriousness, you'll be thanking me for the drink with the scorching weather outside.''

''T-thank you,'' Ailith stuttered and licked her dry lips.

''I'm not familiar with the family name. What line of business is your family in?''

''My Mama and Papa own an inn on the outer rim of the Kingdom. On the North-East side.''

Cecil mused. ''I can't say I've visited those parts often. What's the inn called?''

''It doesn't have a name. They thought about calling it 'The Prancing Pony.' But that was apparently already taken.''

Hesitation flashed across Cecil's face before he returned to displaying his overly friendly persona. ''I'm sure that it's a fine establishment, regardless of the name.''

''Ailith knows Diasormon!'' Levana suddenly announced. Her parent's eyes bolted open and focused on their guest. She glanced over at Ailith and gave her a sly wink.

Feeling her spirits lifted, Ailith opened her hands and dazzled her hosts by shrouding her skin in diamond. The crinkling sound of the element forming enveloped the quiet hall.

Astounded by her display, Cecil clapped twice. ''Kuval Neiklot better watch his back. You'll be replacing him in no time.''

Ailith's heart stopped. The diamond around her hands disappeared instantly. ''What? No, that's not what I-,''

''I don't mean to be harsh,'' he interjected with a chuckle. '' Knights come and go. We trade the old for the young. It's just the natural order of things. Am I right?''

'No!' Ailith screamed in her head, stopping the word from escaping her mouth at the last second. In her dreams, fighting with the Knights, she pictured Kuval standing by her side.

After her prolonged silence, Cecil continued. ''If I thought that way after King Niru's death, I wouldn't be where I am today.''

''You knew King Niru?'' she asked.

''I was on his council. I didn't last long though. An attack by raiders left me with a scar right down my back,'' he reached over his shoulder, tracing a line upwards. ''Doctors said I was lucky to walk again after that. I retired from my duties in the castle but kept ties with the royal family. Sheelah and I have helped organise official events and festivals sanctioned by the royal family. From King Niru to his son. Though, I haven't had much of a chance to speak with the Princess. She doesn't strike me as a bold speaker like the rest in her family.''

Ailith kept her lips sealed, afraid that she would say something she would regret or might get Levana in trouble.

Just then, the Drasa returned bearing a silver tray with a glass containing a golden beverage. Smooth and enticing, Ailith took the glass gratefully. ''Thank you.''

A chuckle escaped Sheelah. ''I'm sorry, I've never seen anyone thank a Drasa before.''

Once again, holding her tongue, Ailith decided to down her drink. Her lips tingled the moment the liquid touched. The sensation warmed her throat and sent chills rushing throughout her body. It pained her to move the glass away and reveal that she had downed half of it in one gulp.

''Told you,'' Cecil said and then placed a tender hand on Levana's shoulder. ''That's what makes our daughter's endeavour so special. She is the first in our family to become a Knight of the Kingdom. After a year of dedicated training at the academy.''

Ailith would have spat out her drink, but the taste was too intoxicating to waste. ''I heard that to graduate it would require two years of training?''

''They actually upped it to three years a while ago, but that's beside the point.'' He flapped his hand dismissively. ''Levana was doing so well, we thought it was pointless for her to wait another year. So, with our help, she graduated early.''

Ailith's jaw clenched. Shifting her gaze to Levana, she noticed that the trainee's face had fallen to the floor, refusing to look her in the eye. ''That doesn't seem fair to the other trainees.''

''It happens all the time,'' Cecil stated, much to Ailith's shock. ''Some graduate without setting foot in the academy. But, not our Levana! She was going to get the proper training. There's nothing wrong with a parent helping their child put their foot in the door, is there?''

''Only if you slam that door in other people's faces!'' She retorted. The small flare that Ailith ignited was enough to cause the hall to go silent.

Sliding into the middle, Levana forced a smile. ''I've upgraded my shield. Do you want to talk about that?'' she pleaded, holding up her weapon as a bead of sweat rolled down her head. This one wasn't from the heat outside.

A noise from outside caught their attention. Dozens of voices could be heard, escalating from low rumbles to violent cries. Ailith and the family marched over to the door. The Drasa waiting for them opened it, casual as ever.

Standing in the doorway, they looked towards the other side of the street, noticing a growing mob of people circling a small group. The group consisted of only four people, waving a flag that displayed a symbol Ailith had seen before. A white sword painted across a black canvas, pointing towards the sky. They stood their ground, unwavering to the mob's growing hostility and vicious taunts.

''Get out of here!''

''No one wants you here!''

''Someone arrest them!''

One of the protestors, a man with long, messy hair and dirt splodges over his skin stepped forward and raised his fist high in the air. ''While you sit in your homes, pampered with coin to spare, there are people out on the streets starving to death.''

''Who cares?'' one heckler shouted. ''If it's coins you need, get jobs like the rest of us.''

''Thank you for the suggestion! I hadn't thought of that!'' The protestor replied sarcastically. In a flash, his serious demeanour returned. ''You don't seriously believe it's that easy? Jobs favour those who use magic in physical ways and remove any opportunity for the rest of us to make end's meet. All we want is a fair and peaceful resolution to-,''

He felt a gust of wind slap him across the cheek. A spear crashed into the cobblestones an inch from his tattered boots. Everything and everyone stopped, staring at the weapon, confused by its sudden appearance. A glimmer of electricity surged from the spearhead, snaking its way up the weapon. Before anyone could blink, sparks exploded and the four protestors jerked erratically as they were overwhelmed.

Ailith leant forward, ready to jump in to help them when the electrical surged took a humanoid form. The white sparks darkened in colour and shaped into a solid mass. Limbs sprouted and rattling metallic armour could be seen. A hand appeared, grasped the spear and pulled it from the ground. The protestor's torment finally ceased and they collapsed in a heap, groaning with pain. The electrical figure, face obscured by a jagged helmet that glinted with sparks, loomed over the semi-conscious dissenters. On their shoulder, the Knight's symbol sparkled.

A group of Knights arrived. They shackled the protestors and began to drag them away, as one turned to the crowd. ''Fear not, we will take these White Sword terrorists into custody.''

The Knights were showered with praise from the crowd.

Before disappearing completely, the longhaired protestor bellowed to the world. ''Is that all the Knights are good for now? Only protecting those who can afford it? Where's the honour? Where's the justice? Where are the real Knights?''

Pale-faced, Ailith trembled at the display. ''That was the White Sword?''

''Unfortunately,'' Cecil remarked, clapping his hand on her shoulder. ''We're sorry you had to witness that. Thank the Gods that the Knights are here. Am I right?''

She stared at the flag discarded on the ground, stomped on by people as they dispersed from the crowd, either intentionally or unknowingly. It hardly seemed like the imposing threat she had been warned about when imprisoned in the castle. The only symbol that seemed to carry any real weight or power was the one displayed on the armour of the Kingdom's protectors.

''Yeah...''

A/N: Hello guys, girls and everyone else. What did you think of this chapter? A bit of a long one, but there's a lot I wanted to get across in this chapter that will come into play. I hope that you enjoyed it. Don't be afraid to comment and remember to vote on that little star to help support this story. Until next time, take care.