Spring of Discovery (Celestia Chronicles Book 1/Seasons Arc: Book 1)

Chapter 6: Elemental Power: Seasonal

As they sat around the campfire Jade could not turn her

attention away from the young man named Talon. His abilities were

clearly that of the dragon-warrior race, a race of shapeshifters who could turn into dragons

and utilize their powers. But she remembered hearing a few years

ago about how the dragon-warriors were wiped out when sky city of

Draconica fell to the ground. She could tell that this man had

experienced much turmoil in his past, but knew better than to ask.

Instead, she turned her attention to Saje.

"You mentioned something about the elemental power of the

season?"

"Ah yes," replied Saje. "As I'd mentioned, the four guardians

will emerge at the start of each season and you will be granted their

power. The earth guardian chose Springtime because that's when life

on earth renews. The fire guardian chose Summer because the heat

of the season fuels our inner flame. The wind guardian chose Fall

because the leaves fly with us into the unknown. The water guardian

chose winter so that the falling snow can wash away all doubt for a

new year."

"That's poetic," remarked Jade, smiling slightly.

"It was left by the guardians as a message about controlling

their power, so rebirth must have something to do with a strong

will..."

Talon broke his silence. "A strong will is necessary for

reevaluating your life and moving past your mistakes or

shortcomings. It is necessary for personal rebirth."

"Yeah, I suppose so," said Saje, gazing up at the spire.

"So who is this girl anyway?" demanded Talon.

"She's our Chosen One."

"You really think some girl who came out of nowhere can

really fill that role?" Jade blushed as she sensed Talon's doubt about her

own power and significance, and she couldn't help but feel the same.

"You're just mad because she beat you," retorted Saje.

"She cheated with her earth power!" said Talon hastily.

"And turning into a dragon was fair?" asked Saje with a

smirk.

"I'll take you on again," said Jade. "No powers from either of

us, just swords. Unless you're afraid to lose to some girl who came

out of nowhere," she added with a sly grin.

"Just don't come crying to me when I hurt you," said Talon

eagerly.

Saje stood up and touched both of their swords with his hand,

making them glow blue. "This spell makes it so that the swords will

pass through the human body but nothing else. The swords will turn

red when one of you lands a blow that would otherwise be fatal. I

will be watching closely to ensure no cheating from either

side. Good luck and may the better swordsman win."

Talon quickly swung his sword at Jade, who dodged out of

the way and swung back, forcing Talon to backward. He took a

defensive stance and eyed her closely, then ducked behind some

rocks. Jade approached rock and listened carefully for any indication

of an attack. She heard a small thud to her right but sensed it was a

distraction. She then quickly blocked an attack from her left. She

knocked the sword from Talon's hand and held the sword to is throat.

"Yield," she demanded.

"No," Talon replied, "The battle is not won until a killing

blow is struck. With what you're up against mercy is not a trait you

foes will have."

Jade held the sword to his throat and considered it. She knew

this was a simple sparring duel but to strike an opponent who was

defenseless went against everything she believed in. Talon took

advantage of her hesitation and threw dirt in her eyes. She could hear

him grab his sword and lunge for her as she swung her sword and—

"Jade wins!" announced Saje.

Jade removed the dirt from her face and saw that her sword,

now glowing red, was sticking straight through Talon's left chest.

She had stabbed him through the heart while his sword, glowing

blue, was merely protruding from her left arm.

They both sheathed their swords and Saje walked over.

"What do you think of her now, Talon?" prodded Saje.

"Where did she learn to fight like that?" Talon exclaimed,

awestruck. "She even discerned the difference between a rock and

my own footsteps. I have to admit you are the second swordsman to

ever best me."

"Who was the first?" asked Jade.

"General Gremdar of Fort Balstar."

"Makes sense. My father did teach me everything I know."

"Talon," said Saje, "I would like for you to accompany us on

our journey."

"Sure," he replied, "I've got noting better to do."

Jade smiled at the idea of a new traveling companion but her

happiness disappeared at the thought of what Talon had said. He was

right; if she was the Chosen One then she would have to fight, and

possibly, even kill.