Caster's

Chapter 1

It was the crack of dawn.I woke to the sound of the hummingbirds outside my chambers. And the sun shining on my face. No one in the kingdom was up at this time, which made it just early enough for me to get my lesson in with kafter. He was a fierce warrior in our kingdom's army and the head of the Warriors' son.

He met me every morning at the outskirts of our realm, in the woods. I snuck out and met him almost every day when I knew my training time did not conflict with my princess duties. My mother is unaware of my yearning for the fight or how skilled I am in battle. Only kafter is aware and my older brother as well but he is out on the hunt with my father and the other higher males elves of our realm.

It's a tradition during the week of Eru in our land. In which we have festivities all week in honor of Eru. I enjoyed some of the activities but as a she-elf, all I ever get to do is dress up and dance with the elves that wish for my hand. I wish I could go on the hunt but it's too "dangerous" for a "delicate she-elf" like me.

So I snuck out whenever I could and this morning is one of those times. I put on my warrior dress. It was a long olive green coat, with a high collar and gold detailing and buttons. Along with my brown Rider boots that reach to my knees and my brown riding pants. I had my head dress on, all Elves (especially of status) had to wear it. Mine was a gift from my brother. And I tucked my long tight curls in a neat braid.

In order for me to leave, I'd have to sneak out through the window in the cellar. Only servants went there, and they often cover for me when I'm out. I grabbed the rope I use to climb down from the window and tied it to the ledge and slipped down it.

I ran to the stables to find Illia, my horse. She was a big tan horse, with a blonde mane. She was gorgeous, one of the best runners in the kingdom and biggest too. I remember when I first got her, my father took me to the stables in the village where they sell horses. I went to look for a horse, the stable boy who was supposed to tame them was struggling with her, but she instantly responded to me. I guess I liked that she was as stubborn as I.

I mounted her and grabbed an apple from my satchel and fed her one, while I pet her. She finished it fast and before I knew it we were at the spot me and kafter trained.

When I arrived, I did not see him in his usual place where he sat and sharpened his blade. So I sat and took out my blades to sharpen myself. As I was sharpening it I heard a sound, a crack so slight it was almost nonexistent. So I knew someone was behind me and I confirmed it when I looked in the reflection of my sword and saw kafter creeping up on me.

I quickly reacted and pulled out my other twin blade. He was reaching to grab me but I slide under his arms, putting my foot out to trip him. He was falling forward but I grabbed him and put him in a choke hold with my blade pressed against his neck.

"Damn, I can never sneak up on you. What do you have enhanced hearing?" I laughed and let him go. He fell to his knees and then got up, dusting his pants off.

"No, but you're just so predictable kafter. I know your style of combat as well as I know my own."I said putting my blades away.

"Yes well, just because you know me doesn't mean you can beat me. Try beating me without those fancy blades." I laughed and took off my blade holster that held them around my waist. And he did the same for his sword.

I motioned my hand for him to attack me and he did. Lunging at me with full force I moved out the way and he stopped himself, dropping to the ground, swiping his leg on the ground to try to trip me. He succeeded but I tucked and rolled up into my stance. He threw a punch and I blocked it, another and I grabbed his arm twisting it. If he moved I could dislocate it but I didn't. Kafter used his other arm to elbow me and threw his head back, knocking me in the head. I lost my balance and tripped. He was walking toward me but I kicked him in the leg causing him to fall. He pushed himself up and I was running toward the tree next to us. I ran up the trunk and flipped over him, landing behind him. I jumped on his back putting him in a headlock.

He put his arms on his back and tried to throw me down with all his strength. But with my legs wrapped around his neck he tumbled to the floor with me. While on the ground he was once again in a tight headlock, with my thigh cutting off his airway.I grabbed his arm and held them with all my strength.

"Alright, alright." I took that as a surrender and let him go. But when I let him go and he started coughing, I turned around to get my blades. I felt a kick to my backside and I fell forward. And next thing I know his sword was pressed against the side of my neck. I put my hands up in defeat.

"I thought you said no blades or swords," I said to him.

"Yeah I lied. What did I tell you?The first rule of fighting, it's not over until the other person is dead."

But just as we were about to spar again the horn was sounded. Two times meaning that, visitors are here from outside. Most likely here to see my mother, but I always have to greet them. It's "polite" , that means I have about 20 minutes before my mom knows I left.