Category : Stories

Sub Category : Fantasy

Chapter 3: Selena


The morning was boring as usual to the young girl as she sat at a temple. Where Selena was being tutored by her court lady named Asha Kelvir. Whatever words were spilling out of the woman’s thin lips seemed to have no effect on little Selena. Asha has been trying to make Selena into a proper noble lady at request of Lady Stormbane, but Selena would rather climb down to the training grounds and spar with the squires. Least to say such attempts of conversion has proved fruitless in the past two months, but still Asha tries patiently.


“When you address a lord for example, what would you say?” Asha posed a question to see if Selena was listening. The nine year old girl was only half listening and she honestly felt like falling asleep. Asha’s cheeks warmed with frustration as her once soft amber eyes hardened. “Selena Stormbane! If you do not take my lessons seriously I'm afraid you won't have a future!”


It was an empty threat in Selena’s eyes, but the sense of drowsiness was gone now. “That is not true Lady Kelvir. I could become a fighter if i fail to become a lady. I could invest my time in marketing or perhaps even help my brother by becoming his assistant. There are more things to train for rather than being just a lady.” The nine year old told Asha with solid confidence and not a heartbeat wasted. It didn't bold well with Asha of course, but her face flushed red with fury.


“That wretched Argoth has been feeding you lies!” Says the lady with anger thick in her voice. Selena, very much like the goddess of war herself, cooly blinked once at the outburst. “Why would my own brother, who treats me fairly equal, lie to me when himself is being taught? Why couldn't i be a lady and a business girl?” Asha soon realized her error as Selena was simply speaking for herself. The child has no idea what Lord Stormbane has planned for her. What was anger had iced over to a calm composure.


“I didn't… oh child, i have no qualms about you stretching your views. But you must listen to me so that your parents will grant your wish.” Those simple sweet words were enough to spark that child-like excitement in Selena’s stormy grey eyes. Another hour went by that proved more fruitful than the past month. That was when a stir had rippled through the keep.


A few guards with swords and hatchets drawn raced past the stone doors. Sounds that both Asha and Selena were familiar with since they often hear the sounds of sword clashing against metal at the courtyard. “What's happening?” Selena asked as worry was shown on her young face. “I don't know, but i will find out.” Lady Asha responded as she gathered up her silks and began striding towards the door. Selena rose to her feet and lightly ran after the lady. Her grass green dress brushing past her knees as Selena raced down to the door.


Asha made no attempt to stop Selena so long as the child remained in her sight. “Stay close to me. I'd rather not have you harmed whatever it is.” Asha cautioned the child before they went through the doors. Selena gave a nod to acknowledge the warning. The temple is located on the eastern side of the courtyard, and it was at the base floor as well. Stone walls climbed up to the sky about thirty feet high with watchtowers crowning the ramparts that stretches an extra seven feet. The walls were at least five feet thick and the keep itself was seen at the north end of the courtyard. Rising up above the walls is the building filled with arrow slits every five feet apart.


Guards were racing across the yard towards the western gate. Selena knew what was in that direction for there is the West Tower that leads into the Twin Peaks. But it also climbed down lower than the Keep to the Nyrad Bay. It was infamous for children to go down and bathe or simply swim for the fun of it. Selena once went with Argoth and Lumin in secret down to Nyrad Bay only to surprise them by randomly grabbing Argoth's leg. A grin spread across her face as she was proud when both her older brothers screamed like a girl. Still she got scolded afterwards for swimming with the boys, but Selena never understood why.


“Hurry! Down to Nyrad Bay!” One of the guardsmen shouted to approaching men. Selena wanted to follow, but Asha placed a firm hand on the child's shoulder. It was a silent way of telling Selena to stay, but Selena was both scared and excited at the same time. Despite the grip, Selena slips past Asha and sprints to the West Tower. Only to skid to a halt when Herald, one of the guardsmen, came up on the spiral staircase while huddling over a small bundling figure. A wool blanket covered the figure so she couldn't see who it was other than it was slightly taller than her. Selena's fear that it was Argoth, but as she moved to get a better look Selena realized that was a shivering Lumin drenched and naked from the looks of it.


That only scared her more for the look on Lumin's face struck her that something horrible happened. “It's going to be okay Lord Lumin, i promise you.” Herald attempted to assure the boy as he looked around the corners before proceeding. Selena ran up to them as the wind felt like it was pushing against her. Like the gods themselves were trying to mildly stop Selena. “What happened to you Lumin?” The child called out to them, but her brother didn't even glance at her as they walked away to the keep.


Selena kept following them calling out for Lumin, but it was like talking a wall. Herald looked over at the child and wanted to say something, but he couldn't find the words. From the blanket came an outburst thick with irritation, fear, and anger mixed into a vile voice. “Get away from me! Stop calling my name and get out!” Each word was like hammering her heart out of her chest as her eyes glistening with moisture. “But Lumin… Did something happen to Argoth?”


This time Lumin turned to face his younger sister and those eyes were streaming with tears yet filled with anger. A scowl can be seen on the boy’s lips as his voice seemed to get louder. “Argoth this and Argoth that! It is always Argoth with you and it makes me sick! I am going to be lord one day not that weakling! I am-!” Herald cut Lumin off by popping the boy on the mouth. Lumin looked confused and angry. Beads of moisture stream down Selena's face as she wondered if she did something wrong. Of course Selena favored Argoth more that much was the truth.


Lumin was always a bit awkward and cold to approach without good reason. Too traditional and strict on the old ways thinking that women can't do anything a man could do. Argoth was different though. He treated her very much like an older brother should. Encouraging her to be something more than a lady, willing to spar with her and even have Ser Richard teach her swordplay. Lord Stormbane was aware of it, and he didn't object to the training either. Argoth was simply easier to approach and was always open-minded about everything.


“Lord or not you don't need to be such a selfish baby!” Selena exclaimed loudly before spinning on the ball of her heel and sprinted back towards the temple. For once she sought peace within the temple’s presence as tears continue to stream down her cheeks. Asha followed while closing the doors behind them. Basking in the sun’s embrace is the altar of Kaajin. A god who took the form of a dragon with terrifying power over the raging storms. His presence, according to the myths, angered the other gods. So the war goddess Selena took up her mighty spear named Serenity, and struck Kaajin down into these lands. Where Selena sealed the dragon god and Nimeria, god of the mountains and earth, rose a cluster of tall rock with jagged peaks. Thus formed the Mount Kaajin, though this is just a child's tale that's told to every child near Stormkeep.


Even so it made Selena wonder sometimes, but she rapidly approached the altar and hugged the dragon idol that represented Kaajin. Weeping over being emotionally hurt by her own blood no matter the truth. It was Lumin's tone and eyes that screamed of anger directed at Selena that hurt her the most. Asha approached and knelt before the altar. Together they prayed to their god. Asha prayed for good fortune over the keep and protection for Selena's life. Selena prayed that Lumin correct his errors and hoped that Argoth was safe.


To be continued. Chapter 4: Argoth will be out next week.