Soul Cursed Protector

Over half of another year had now passed, summer again was coming to an end as winter was now taking its place. The leaves on the trees were a light brown instead of a dark green, and falling off the branches onto the ground below. Instead of bright rays of light warming bodies, dark gray clouds filled the skies and covered the sun. Gusts of bone chilling winds swept through the air, causing Gawain and the others to put the furs they had carried with them, from their experience on Everard, back over their bodies to keep warm. Not only that, but the areas they had crossed before was covered with snow, causing traveling back the way they came to be somewhat of a challenge. The rolling hills had become dangerous for the horses to climb, so they had to devise other means around those paths. Getting back to Drasal with the last piece of the Reaper Blade was going to be a very slow process.

“We have been out in this dreary weather for months now.” Ulrich grumbled. “How much longer until we are home, old man?” Gawain was working hard on getting a fire going to keep them all from freezing to death from the coming night, and did not answer Ulrich right away. “I’m talking to you, old man.”

“Back off, Ulrich.” Leon hissed. “Can’t you see he’s busy?” “I wasn’t talking to you, Leon.” Ulrich barked.

“Well I’m talking to you.” Leon snapped back. “Why don’t you both shut up.” Ellyn shouted.

It seemed as though the cold weather was almost enough to make the young ones tear each other apart, until Gawain had enough of the bickering. “That is quiet enough out of the three of you.” he shouted angrily. “Leon, go hunt some food for tonight. Ellyn, gather wood to keep the fire burning.” he demanded. “And Ulrich, we have three months of traveling left until we are home. Does those words make you happy?”

“No, it doesn’t.” Ulrich snarled. He stomped off in a different direction than Ellyn and Leon had gone in.

Thirty minutes had gone by now, and Ellyn was back with the firewood, while Leon had returned with several rabbits that he had killed with his bow. Gawain nodded in approval and took the rabbits, then stacked the wood near the fire. “The two of you did well, this will last us through the night.” he smiled.

“Where’s Ulrich?” Leon asked, looking around the campsite.

“Not sure.” Gawain shrugged, before grabbing a rabbit. “Don’t really care at the moment either.” he took out his knife and began to skin and gut the rabbits.

“I will go and find, Ulrich.” Ellyn sighed. “Then so shall I.” Leon insisted.

“Its quiet alright, I can handle myself.” Ellyn said. “Besides, Sir Gawain needs help preparing the rabbits for cooking.”

“Do you even know these lands?” Leon questioned.

“I do, but you do not.” Ellyn grumbled. “I’m not the one that was unconscious when we camped out here last.” she smiled and walked away.

“She just wants some alone time with, Ulrich.” he mumbled under his breath, walking over to join Gawain at the campfire.

“Women are a mystery.” Gawain said, grabbing another rabbit to skin. “Whatever.” Leon muttered, jamming his knife into the belly of one of the rabbits.

“They have the power to make us do things we never thought possible.” Gawain smirked. “Like Ellyn does to Ulrich.” Leon snarled.

“Exactly.” Gawain chuckled.

“That won’t happen to me.” Leon said, holding his head high.

All Gawain could do was laugh at his young student, even if he didn’t mean to do so. “We shall see Leon, we shall see.”

Ellyn pressed on in her search for Ulrich, but she hardly knew what to say when she found him. Her search took her to a clearing, where off in the distance a hill could be seen. As she drew near, Ellyn could see a shadowy figure standing atop that snow covered hill. When she walked closer, it was clear the figure that stood there, was none other than Ulrich.

“What are you doing this far away from camp, Ulrich?” Ellyn asked, cautiously approaching

him.

“Did the old man send you?” Ulrich snarled.

“No, I came of my own free will. Gawain has the fire going, and Leon killed some rabbits for us to eat. You should come back with me, night will be upon us soon.”

“I’m not worried, a good knight is always prepared.” Ulrich reached into his bag that he had carried with him at all times, pulling out a small torch and flint. Ulrich laid the torch on the ground and struck the flint, causing small sparks to fall, lighting the torch. He stood back up with the torch in hand and looked back at Ellyn with a smile on his face. “See.”

“Are you always prepared for everything?” she chuckled lightly.

“I’m not prepared for everything.” Ulrich frowned. “To be honest, I wasn’t ready for all that has happened on this journey.” he turned away from her, looking off in the darkness. “Headmaster Caine wanted me to tag along on this journey for a reason. He claimed it would help me find my true self, it would help my heart decide what it truly wanted.”

“What does you heart desire?” Ellyn inquired. “Vengeance.” he answered.

“Vengeance for what?”

“Vengeance for my father, my mother, and my sister.” “What happened to them?”

“Killed by knights from a neighboring kingdom, men of honor, doing the work of King’s and Queens, or so they claimed when they slayed my parents. I was only seven at the time, but I managed to attack one of them with a knife. In return, he ran me through the shoulder with a sword, and that’s when my sister stepped in, stopping the foul man from killing me. My sister was good with a blade but not as skilled as the knight. Attempting to save my life, she gave the man a nasty scar right between the eyes. But that wasn’t enough, he kicked her over on top of me, running her through the back with his blade. The last words she spoke was “Do not move, pretend to be dead. And no matter what happens, remember that your family loves you, and I love you little brother.

I found solace in spending several cold nights alone with nothing but the dead bodies of my family to keep me company. I couldn’t even tell you what kept me alive for so long, luckily though

Caine found me. He took me back to the Academy at Drasal, where those of noble blood was allowed there to train and study under their masters. He lied and said I was his distant cousin, nothing else was asked and the Academy took me in. Not even the old man knows of this, that is why I shall always be loyal to Caine, no matter what the others say of him. The only thing that keeps me going to this very day, is the thought of one day killing the ones that had wronged me and my family.”

“Do you still feel the same?”Ellyn asked, trying to hide her tears from him.

“I don’t know what to feel. I want vengeance for my family, and that rage feeds me, gives me power that I cannot explain. But now-” he paused to take in a deep breath. “Now since I have been on this journey, and meet you, the feeling of rage is starting to calm within my heart.” Ulrich pounded on his chest, trying to fight the losing battle against his tears that flowed from his eyes. “These new feelings that I cannot explain are making me weak, just like I was the day my family was killed. If I let that rage die within me, I will no longer have the strength to protect the people I care for.”

Ellyn cupped Ulrich’s cheek in her hand, pulling his face towards her, “What happened to your family wasn’t your fault.” she said, wiping the tears from his face. “You are not weak, Ulrich. You’re the strongest person I know.” she smiled warmly. “But if you let the rage you feel towards the men that took your family from you take control. Then you shall never have the vengeance you seek, it will blind you into doing evil, that exceeds even the evil that was done upon you.” even though she spoke the words, deep down they were lies. Ellyn knew of the rage and hatred that Ulrich spoke of, she battled with it on a day to day basis. One day she was going to have vengeance of her own against the ones that wronged her, but not if her hate and rage win, that much was the truth.

“But that rage, that hatred, the want and need for vengeance is what keeps me pushing myself to new heights, keeps me craving the power to do what is necessary. If I fail in my task, then I will lose everyone that is dear to me all over again, my heart could not bare that twice.” Ulrich frowned.

Ellyn pulled Ulrich into a warm embrace, “Keep on the path that you feel is right, and you will

always have the power to protect the ones you care for.” she had always seen Ulrich as nothing more than a spoiled kid, that thought he could treat anyone anyway that he wanted. Since she has spent more time around him, she realized that Ulrich was like her, a lost soul looking for purpose in life. But pushes others away so not to feel the pain of loss again, afraid of not being strong enough to protect them. She refused to admit to herself that her feelings for Ulrich were growing stronger with each passing day that she spends with him.

That night had come and gone, the morning sun was slowly making its way over the hillside. The campfire that was burning hot the previous night was now nothing more than cold ash, put out by the morning snow. Gawain had already been up for a good hour getting everything put back into the saddle bags, and feed and watered the horses. He poured salt over the leftover meat, wrapped it in cloth to keep it fresh for the next time they made camp. Like the mornings before when all was done, they spurred their horses on leaving another part of their journey behind them.

Another two months had gone by, and the end of their journey together drew near. Ulrich’s demeanor had somewhat calmed, and his looks had changed. His hair was slightly longer and peach fuzz formed around his lips. Not just his looks had changed mind you, the lot of them had changed. Gawain’s hair was like Ulrich’s but longer, except more gray shown through nowadays. His goatee had turned into a full blown beard, and his new look let his age show through, in which Ulrich made sure to let him know that every chance he got. As for Ellyn, the length of her hair was down to her lower back, and her chest was more prominent. She was becoming quiet the attractive woman. Leon’s appearance had changed drastically too, his hair was longer, yes. Not only that he had a full goatee, not just peach fuzz like Ulrich, and he seemed to have a grown at least a foot taller, along with a more muscular frame. It was almost as if he aged rather quickly, which seemed to draw the ire of his friend.

“Just how old are you, Leon?” Ulrich mockingly asked.

“To be honest with you, I don’t really know.” Leon’s voice went from deep to squeaky with

every word he spoke. “My father was never one to celebrate the years passing. My mother tried but it never went as planned.”

“So you don’t know your age?” “Pretty much.” Leon laughed.

“What do years matter anyways?” Ellyn giggled.

“You’re a girl, of course you don’t want to think about that sort of thing.” Ulrich joked.

Gawain stayed far behind the bickering kids, just trying to keep his sanity. I’m getting to old for babysitting, if not for the promise to keep Leon safe, I would have left the Academy eons ago. His thoughts would soon be interrupted by the sounds of horses galloping their way. On ahead he had seen there were three men on horses riding towards them. Gawain spurred his horse on ahead, past Ellyn, Leon, and Ulrich, “Riders are coming this way.” he warned.

“How many are there?” Leon asked. “Three.” Gawain shouted back.

“That’s it?” Ulrich laughed. “Doesn’t sound like anything to be afraid of to me.”

“They wear the color of the Elite Guard.” Gawain explained. “Just three of them could take down a whole garrison of soldiers.”

“Did you say the Elite Guard?” Ellyn gasped.

“I did.” Gawain answered, not even bothering to look back.

Ellyn pulled the reins of her horse until it came to a stop, Gawain pulled the reins to make his horse stop and turn back, “Are you mad, child?” he said, riding up to her. “Those men will kill us without so much a question.”

“They wouldn’t do such a heartless thing.” Ellyn snapped. “What is going?” Ulrich and Leon asked as they rode up.

“Miss Ellyn refuses to run from the Elite Guard.” Gawain told them. “Why, I do not know.”

Leon threw his hands up in the air, “The Elite Guard is full of trained killers, we will not stand a chance if they catch us here.”

“What are you talking about?” Ellyn frowned. “The Elite Guard is not a band of trained killers, they protect the Church Of Light. Those men also protect the innocent, save the weak, they give mercy where there is none. What kind of rubbish does your so called Academy teach?” it would do no good to argue, or attempt to flee at that point, the three men were already upon them.

“Turn your horses around slowly, if you try anything funny, you shall regret it.” it was clear these men were not mere soldiers. The armor they wore was a shiny silver, with the crest of a lion carved on the breast plates, it was a way of showing they belonged to the Elite Guard. Gawain could plainly see that the one in the center was the captain of the guard, just because he was wearing a red and green cape, and the fact his helmet bore a different resemblance than the others. When Ellyn turned to face the men, the captain jumped from his horse and ran up to her. “Lady Ellyn, is that truly you?”

“It is.” Ellyn smiled warmly.

The captain knelt down before her and removed his helmet, revealing that he was instead a she. “Lady Ellyn, it is a relief to see you safe. We thought for sure you had perished at the hands of the slave traders, Princess Mina will be relieved to know of this news.”

“Rise from your knees, you know how much I hate that, Captain Shena.” Ellyn muttered. “I can’t believe that the captain of the Elite Guard is a woman.” Leon whispered to Ulrich. “Just be quiet.” Ulrich whispered back.

Shena got to her feet, glaring at the company that Ellyn kept, no doubt thinking they were the enemies. “Who are these people?” she snarled.

“Show some respect, Captain Shena.” Ellyn demanded. “These people saved my life, which is more than I can say about the guard right now.”

Captain Shena lowered her head in shame, “Forgive me, Lady Ellyn.” she looked back up at the others. “I apologize for my harsh words, thank you for keeping Lady Ellyn safe.”

Gawain humbly nodded, “No thanks are necessary. It has been a pleasure having Miss Ellyn travel with us.”

“Still you have my thanks.” Captain Shena responded with faint smile.

“Now that you know I’m alright, you can be on your way.” Ellyn snubbed her.

Captain Shena wagged her finger in Ellyn’s face, “That will not do.” she said. “You must come back to the city of Ormkirk with us.”

“I refuse.” Ellyn snobbishly replied.

“You owe it to your sister, and your parents to come back with us.” Captain Shena scolded her. “Not only that, it is your duty, and you know that I’m right.”

“You don’t know a thing about what my parents would want.” Ellyn barked.

Shena took a deep breath, “Lady Ellyn, I have served your parents for ages. They would not wish for Mina to handle the burden of the kingdom alone, would they?”

“She’s not alone, she has Rin there to help out.”

“Lady Ellyn, your brother left over four months ago.” Shena sighed. “We have not heard a word from him since then.”

“What?” Ellyn gasped. I can’t believe Rin would just up and leave Mina to handle everything on her own, that doesn’t sound like something he would do. Unless he went out in search of me. She looked back at Ulrich with a look of sadness, and broke a faint smile. I want to go with Ulrich, but my place is by my sisters side, and maybe I can even find out where Rin has ran off to in the mean time. “I’m sorry guys, but I must go with them. My sister needs me.”

“Then we shall go with you.” Ulrich said.

“We cannot go with her.” Gawain interrupted. “Our journey is over, it’s time to return home.” “Then I will go with her then.” Ulrich smiled.

“Not this time.” Ellyn frowned.

Ulrich gave a look of shock, “Why would you say that?”

Ellyn couldn’t look Ulrich in the eyes when she answered him, “As much as I would like for you to go with me, you can’t. This journey has meant a lot to you, and deep down you know that you want to return home, that way you can prove yourself.” she took a necklace from her neck, maneuvering her horse close to his. “Take this.” she took his hand, placing the necklace in it. “Keep this safe for me until next we meet. Remember, you have a personal mission to accomplish as well, that should come first.” Ellyn turned her horse around and spurred it over to where the two soldiers waited.

Captain Shena placed her helmet back over her head, and bowed before mounting her horse. “It is time we head back to Ormkirk.” she shouted, spurring her horse on. Followed by the two soldiers and Ellyn, right before they were out of sight, she stopped and waved one last time, then disappeared over the rolling hills.

It was hard watching Ellyn ride away without him, and Ulrich fought back the urge to cry out and give chase. The feeling of sadness was soon replaced with what he had come to know best, hatred. Ulrich pulled the reins of his horse, turning in the opposite direction, “Lets get out of here, there’s nothing more for us here.” he kicked the sides of his horse and off he went, Ulrich never looked back.