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“You cannot protect everyone, Seren.”
“No, but I cantry. And that should be enough.”
Ryuu’s shoulders deflate, a frown scarring his otherwise unblemished face. “There are things in this world… I wish… I wish that I could keep you far away from, but I know that it would be futile.” A slight quirk of his lips shows a brief display of humor in his otherwise somber demeanor. “You have your mother’s stubborn nature, after all.”
“An annoyance she has come to regret, I assure you. But not to worry, I still remind her of it daily.”
A smile that mirrors my own spreads across his face. “As is your duty.”
His expression turns serious once again. “Whatever may come to pass, I expect you to keep yourself safe. Demand it, in fact. Don’t make rash or impulsive decisions. Be smart about your actions and the trust you give to people around you.”
“I will, you have my word.” A sliver of elation rushes through me at his quiet acceptance.
Ryuu nods his head once more before taking a step back. Any previous emotion shown on his face retreats behind the distant captain’s facade.
“Let us begin.”
CHAPTER 4
Ipass through the thick, sludgy brown fields, my only good pair of black boots now drenched in mud, and head toward the stables.
The fairly large-sized wooden structure is held up partially by its extra supported wooden beams, added by Ryuu himself, but mostly by sheer luck and hope. Hope that it will not fall apart at its seams due to rot and old age.
Once inside, I look around to find all seven stables are occupied. The horses all belong to the Caligo guards who are stationed near this side of the kingdom and wall.
My smile stretches across my face when I spot an old friend.
Blaze.
Walking up to the colossal dark horse, I take slow, measured steps. Though we are both old friends, her tricky temperament assures unwelcome visitors a swift punishment. Her glossy black fur shines even in the darkest of rooms, making the other horses pale in comparison.
“Hello, old friend,” I whisper.
Blaze hesitantly steps forward, her nostrils flared. “It’s just me, girl.” Stepping closer to her, I slow my movements further and reach a hand out. She shakes her long dark mane beforestepping closer, sniffing my hand and nudging it, looking for any treats.
I chuckle, pleased that she remembers our little secret, and rub a hand over her silky mane as I move closer to her.
“Not today, girl. I didn’t realize you’d be here.”
Blaze had become a prominent addition to the guard’s arsenal once they realized her potential. Her raw power and strength surpassed the other horses, making her stand out. But it was her lack of fear when near the walls closest to the dark forest that made the guards choose her over the rest.
What once was a sickly young filly, ignored and thought of as nothing but a waste, is now the leader of her herd and paramount to the guard’s duties.
Our training together ensured her place among the guards, and in return, I found a long-lasting friendship, now bound through years of merciless practice and preparation. Our determination and unyielding spirits gave way for a better path for her future while also giving me hope for mine.
“Tomorrow, I promise.”
I lean my forehead against hers, closing my eyes, and soak up the serenity and calm of being around these beautiful beasts.
I’m so absorbed in the tranquility that I almost miss the thud of boots across the dirt floors as someone enters the stables. My body grows stiff as I wait to see who it is.
“Ah, there she is, my favorite mulch partner.”
My tense body relaxes hearing Jarek’s jovial voice.
Jarek has a soft roguish look that many fall for. His soldier’s build and light blue eyes are the cause of many brawls. “How is the beautiful Ren today? Break any hearts yet?”
I roll my eyes at his bestowed childhood nickname.
