Chapter Twenty-One - I Remember Them

Ailith followed Kuval down a corridor with Levana in close proximity not too far behind. The echo of their footsteps muffled as they strode over ivory rugs. Despite the spectacular furnishings on display from all angles, she could take her eyes off of Kuval. His armour was metal-plated, but sleek, clearly with an emphasis on mobility and speed over defence. Then again, with his magical abilities, he didn't need to worry about protection.

''So,'' he finally spoke. ''I trust that you've been well since we last met?''

''Yes, sir. Although,'' she stopped herself from continuing, feeling that what she had to say next wasn't necessary. However, she couldn't hold back when she noticed the grizzled man glance in her direction curiously. ''When I ran a bath for the first time I made it too hot and almost boiled myself alive.''

Kuval let out a hearty chuckle. It was infectious enough to cause Ailith to giggle a little while Levana cocked her head away to resist mimicking their cheerful actions.

''That's not ideal,'' Kuval said frankly. ''I apologise. I should have been more specific. I didn't think that debacle in the court accounted for a proper meeting. I was referring to our first meeting all those years ago.''

''Oh,'' Ailith almost skipped her next step. She fell silent as years of memories fought for attention. ''I don't know where to start.''

Finally, Kuval stopped walking to turn and face her. The ladies followed suit with Levana almost bumping into them before scurrying back a few steps. The windows overlooking a portion of the castle skyline hung in the back, and the light emitting from the rising sun caused the corridor to glow. ''I think I know where to start,'' he said amusedly. ''Diasorman?''

As Ailith grinned from ear to ear, Levana raised her brows. ''Diamond manipulation?'' her intrigued gaze drifted towards the warrior.

Feeling a hint of pride, Ailith lifted her hand and enjoyed the dazzled look that shrouded Levana's face when the skin over her right hand turned to diamond. The green shade reflected off the trainee's wide eyes. Their ears rang as Ailith flexed her fingers and the diamond crackled.

When she looked back at Kuval, she almost lost her breath when she saw the master smiling dotingly. ''Why that particular magic?''

Ailith's cheeks flushed. She brought her hand down, shifting it back to normal while gripping her belt nervously. ''Because you used it...and I just knew it's what I wanted to learn.''

''It's a difficult magic to master. Not many have the patience or skill.'' He complimented.

''Thank you,'' she beamed. ''It was difficult, but I was determined.''

''Who taught you?''

''That was the difficult part. I couldn't find anyone who actually knew Diasorman to teach me, so I improvised and learned myself while taking lessons from others who knew similar skills of magic.''

He quirked a brow and folded his arms behind his back. ''Tutors who could manipulate other earth minerals? That's a good bit of improvisation, even if it takes longer.''

''Yeah, it took a while, and I worried that I was wasting my time. But, I stuck to it and learnt what I could.''

Levana chose now to lean forward and insert herself into the conversation. ''So, you had multiple tutors? Why not one? That seems like a waste of coin to me.''

She gave the trainee a subdued smirk. ''They weren't licensed tutors. Just travellers and other warriors I met on my journeys who offered a price to teach me magic and how to fight.''

She replayed all those encounters back in her head. She always had a greater concern with affording to pay her teachers than learning to better control and use magic. There were times where if she couldn't pay more, a few individuals turned aggressive and physical. Not that it bothered her because it gave her the opportunity to put her skills to the test. For her, the worse moments were when she was skint and her parents helped by airmailing her money.

A pang of guilt caused a lump to form in her throat.

Kuval narrowed his eyes. ''Are you alright?''

She swallowed hard and stared at the floor, following the colourful patterns. ''I'm thinking about my Mama and Papa.''

He was quiet at first, waiting for Ailith to look back up at him. ''How are they?''

Ailith forced a hopeful smile. ''They're coping.''

An uneasy silence lingered for what felt like forever. Levana didn't know who to keep her eyes on, so she flickered them back and forth. Kuval looked as if he wanted to ask more, but the longer he stared at Ailith, the deeper he buried those questions.

Before long, Kuval sharply turned and continued walking until he came upon a flight of stairs leading downwards. A great chandelier hung above them, sparkling and illuminating the interior. He waited for Ailith to follow before trotting down, looking over his shoulder as he addressed her. ''Speaking of your journeys, you seem to have kept yourself busy. Single-handily demolishing an illegal underground fight club in Southern Vella? Pulling the wreckage of a long, lost ship out from the seabed in Tethama? These are impressive feats for one still so young.''

Ailith stared in disbelief, no doubt thrilled to hear that he knew of her exploits, though confused by how he knew.

Sensing her confusion, Levana cleared her throat to get the young warrior's attention. ''After you were...apprehended, and we got your name from the tournament sign-in, the King sent airmail across Arkhia to discover all we could about you. Just in case you had secrets in other countries we needed to know about.''

Kuval nodded in confirmation. ''How did you think Kiros knew your name or that you were Arsalan-born?''

Ailith shrugged. ''I just assumed that the King knew everyone.''

He laughed once again. ''He likes to think that.''

Not wanting to fall behind, Ailith and Levana hurried down the stairs. Kuval had already turned the corner and was walking down a new corridor, far larger than any Ailith had seen before, with huge braziers mounted on the columns lighting the way.

Ailith was so awestruck by the wondrous scenery that she almost forgot her manners. ''Thank you for your praise, sir.'' She called out to him.

He smiled and slowed down so that she could catch up. They were soon walking at the same pace with Levana staying behind and out of the way. ''I'm not just complimenting your achievements. I can tell that you've worked hard to reach where you are today. All without the assistance of proper schools or training academies.''

Something spiked in Levana's gut. ''Not that there's anything wrong with that, right?''

He chuckled. ''Not at all. Everyone learns at their own pace and in their own way.''

Relishing Kuval's approval, Ailith had an extra spring in her step. ''So, how did you become the greatest Knight to ever live?''

Although Kuval's smile remained, he kept quiet for a few seconds. He walked but didn't speak, and the longer this went on, Ailith's mood deflated. Did she overstep the line in some way? She looked at Levana, who seemed as confused as she did.

''What makes you think I'm the greatest?'' he asked quietly.

''I've heard stories about you too. I grew up hearing about them. You could fight armies by yourself, even if they were in the hundreds. You're so skilled with magic that you can match anyone, no matter their rank or power. Your strength is legendary!'' She gushed breathlessly.

Kuval's pleasant brown eyes glittered under the light. A thousand days long gone enveloped him like an embrace, soon replaced by a thousand more. Some days were friends, while others left dark shadows that dawdled.

Waiting patiently for Ailith to finish her rambling, he pointed down the end of the corridor that led to a two-way parting. ''Take the next left. I want to show you something.''

Without hesitation, Ailith raced down the corridor and followed his directions. Levana let out a grunt as she gave chase. Even if Kuval was also watching her, their guest was still her responsibility. It didn't matter. She had no hope of catching the excitable warrior. Ailith had already turned left and was in such a rush that she almost missed what Kuval had wanted her to see.

Ailith skidded to a halt and lost her breath when she witnessed what was surely the most magnificent sight she'd ever come across.

Looking down upon the teak floor of this majestic hallway were giant stone statues lined up against the wall. Expertly carved to the finest detail, with Ailith able to see every wrinkle and scar dotted along their skin. Weapons of varying size were held in the hands of some. Others flaunted magic that had Ailith wishing she could behold in the flesh.

She gazed downwards, hoping to find names written on the memorials, but was saddened to find nothing. It also baffled her briefly that the statues in this hall were only humans. The negativity and doubt didn't stay for long. Standing before symbols of honour and history left her joyfully speechless.

Out of the corner of her tearful eye, she saw Kuval and Levana approach. The trainee appeared bedazzled by the sight as well. ''Those are...''

Kuval stepped forward, glancing at the statues, giving each one a moment of his time. ''Many of these brave men and women I battled alongside with for years. Everyone liked to think we were comrades, but we were so much more. Even on those quiet days, we would be there for each other. We were family.''

Ailith's heart swelled at his tone. She followed his gaze and absorbed all their faces. ''You must miss them.''

''I remember them,'' he said quietly. ''You think I'm the greatest Knight. But that's only a subjective opinion, not the truth. The truth is that I would not be here if it weren't for them. A person can become great by their own merit, but no one becomes a legend alone.''

Ailith continued to stare at the statues. Even though they weren't alive, it felt like she could feel the magic burning from within them, filling her with energy. She noticed their symbol carved onto the shoulders of their armour. Her hand reached up and cupped her own shoulder, squeezing it gently.

''I see you're still holding onto that promise.'' Kuval said.

''I'm never letting it go.'' She flashed a smile brimming with hope.

The three stood in silence until a noise in the distance caught Ailith's attention. The hairs on the back of her neck stood as she recognised the sound of combat. Loud grunts and the clash of swords had her worried that something was amiss for a brief moment before Kuval raised his voice. ''There's quite a racket going in the courtyard today.''

''Is that a bad thing?'' Ailith inquired.

He smiled. ''No, it means they're getting stuck into their training.''

Sharply, Ailith turned to him with an overjoyed expression. ''Training?''

Seeing the spark flicker in her eyes, Levana knew what the warrior's intentions were. Deciding that now was a good time to step in, she hastily positioned herself between Ailith and Kuval. She bowed before the elder Knight and spoke civilly, thought a trace of nerves was evident in her tone. ''Master Kuval, with all due respect, I think it might be best if we return Ailith to her room. I am meant to be guarding her and if something were to happen...''

''Don't fret,'' Kuval assured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. ''If anything is to happen, I will take full responsibility. I merely felt like getting to know our guest more personally. For me, a good walk and talk is always better than being confined in a room.''

Levana nervously looked away. ''Still, I'd feel much easier if we returned to her room.''

''That may prove difficult.''

Her brows furrowed. ''Why is that?''

''Because she's already half-way to the courtyard.''

Levana grit her teeth with enough force to produce an ear-piercing screech. She turned on her heel and gasped when she saw that Ailith was out of sight. Her footsteps could be heard in the distance, growing in speed but alleviating sound.

''One job. I had one job.'' Levana whimpered as she chased after Ailith. Kuval followed, an amused grin on his face.

A/N: So, what did you all think of this chapter? I hope you enjoyed it. Be sure to tell me what you like and where I can improve. Don't forget to vote as well as it greatly supports this story. Thank you all again so much for reading. You guys all bring a smile to my face, and I hope I can do the same for you. Thank you all and take care.