Reign of Wrath

Chapter 7

Wentraus live on the borders of kingdoms, not wanting to be ruled by sovereign and dislikes to follow the law implemented. They are rebels and they are worse than common monsters. The latter they could easily kill and their kind would back off as much as they could but the Wentraus, once they happen to kill one they shall come back thrice for vengeance.

Their typical attire of animal skins and tattooed bodies are what distinguishes them from others. They are coming in a huge amount with their broad sabers and war-painted faces. Crying loudly as their battle horn erupted even more, they were determined to attack even when she was all alone waiting for them. They did not hesitate in an unseemly unfair fight. They just don’t care.

The ones who were riding their horses get to her first and she stood up, stepping on the drips of her blood on the ground. She dodged their attacks as fast as she could then strike when there is an opportunity, her sword moving swiftly, slicing smoothly.

She didn’t have the time to rest for when she gets to kill one, another shall come after her. One after the other, she stabs and slices, punches and kicks. She can only rely on her strength and skill since she still doesn’t possess any power. If she has then this should have been easier.

When some had passed her and were to attack her watching company, she ran hastily after them, reaching them before they could get any further. Because of this, they were able to occupy more space and the distance from her company is getting lesser. She has to end it before they could get even closer.

She has only one weapon and the number of men attacking her was like a stampede. Her white dress, other than the dirt smudged on every corner, there was also blood now, not just splattered but drenched.

Her eyes settled on a particular Wentraus astride a horse. It is a woman, wearing the crown of thorns that only their leader wears. Her face is covered with cloth down to her neck. But Eleana knows it is a woman based on the woman’s figure.

She was in awe. Never had she knew that a woman has come to lead wild men like Wentraus. It was never written in their history that a woman has led that group. But now, it has. And it is beyond astonishing yet commendable.

Because of her lack of focus, she was thrown aside when a massive man came onto her like a bull and kept her still on the ground with his weight. He was about to end her with her saber but she screamed as she was able to free her hand—the one holding her sword— from his weight. She stabbed him first, more than enough before he fell next to her.

Because of her being occupied, more men had advanced to her company. She pushed the dead man’s feet on her aside and ran after the attacking lot. She did not get to stop some of them. They were able to reach their blockage of guards but were immediately eliminated by one strike of their swords.

When she looked at her father, she saw him looking so displeased. She did not handle the matter alone as what she has promised him. Her fighting is so poorly executed and she is so easily distracted.

He did not turn his attention away from her as he used to when he does not want to look at his daughter’s failure. That was actually because of a man about to attack her.

It was too late before she could avoid the impending attack. He was aiming at her left arm, determined and mad. But despite her unpreparedness and his will, the stab didn’t come.

His sword stopped mid-air.

He was pushing but it didn’t get further as if there is a force stopping him from it. His eyes widened when he saw a glimpse of her ink and just as instant, he was sent flying away from her.

It was unexpected and highly unlikely for a folk still not Ascended to have that kind of strength. And she knew many have witnessed it.

The Wentraus still did not stop. They resumed their charge to her company while she stood there, confused. The burning sensation on her arm was palpable.

Her eyes went to the Wentraus leader actually walking towards her. She is tall and slender. Her tanned skin was covered with ink the same as her comrades. The woman was unarmed and she kept still, watching until the woman has reached her.

She gripped her sword tight when the Wentraus’ leader raised her hand, removing the cloth on her face. She was taken aback when she saw the woman’s face.

It wasn’t human-like. The woman has the features of a monster. Her eyes were a bright green, the skin of her face was covered with hair, her nose entirely upturned and her elongated sharp teeth were shown from her lips.

“Nyxus,” the woman said, looking at her ink showing from her sleeve.

Did Nyxus do that to her?

The woman howled, loud and clear. The Wentraus looked at them and they eventually stopped attacking.

As she stood there, covered in blood, breathing heavily, her hair blowing with the wind and her swords dripping with the Wentraus’ blood, the woman bowed her head deep—so deep like showing her respect.

She was confused as she watched them eventually retreating.

As her people cheered for her victory, she was puzzled as to what happened. This does not seem like a victory at all.

She looked up at the skies in exhaustion and drops of rain started to pour, cleaning the blood off of her and for the fallen bodies to be buried with mud. She remained still with her eyes closed and until her heavy breathing turned steady. Everything turned numb and inaudible.

Then she realized she succeeded.

She felt relief and happiness. A surge of overwhelming feeling tingled her senses with satisfaction. She survived, fighting alone in this battle.

She turned her head to her people, still cheering for her. But the people she was hoping to be delighted with her victory have their faces downturned with disapproval.

And just like that, her victory doesn’t seem glorifying after at all.

~~~~~~~

Even when they arrived at Castille already close to evening, they were still welcomed on the castle gates with their people, throwing petals on their way. She waved at them and despite how she looks like—all bloody and dirty, they were still delighted to see her.

“They have heard of your fight with the Wentraus. The folk who arrived first cannot help but spread the news,” Jacin said to her. “You’ve done well, Eleana,” he lastly said before leaving her alone.

She doesn’t feel like she’s done well though.

She glanced at her parents in front of her and felt that the appreciation she’s having is not enough when those two do not give her the same regard. Besides, all her accomplishments are because of them. If they do not feel happy for her because of it, then what’s the point?

She thought of Alec. Would he be proud of her the same way as these people? Or think that she did not do enough just like her parents?

She had her victory in battle but the kingdom did not conduct a celebration for it. They went to their beds for the night, exhausted from their journey. By the morning, she does her routine after waking up. Her everyday life inside the castle has a routine that should be strictly followed.

Waking up, a line of servants was already on the foot of her bed, waiting for her to start the day. Once she sits up, they will immediately do their own tasks. Some would help her wash her face and the others would arrange the attire she is going to wear.

When she is done, she will go to her parents’ chambers and greet them with good morning. She would usually catch them already preparing as well. Her mother though distant towards her would always make certain to bless her for the day while her father would merely nod when he sees her.

Next, she would go to her classes. The lessons range from etiquette to theology. Then she would have her lunch and she would go spar with whoever volunteers among their men. It is only on very special occasions was she allowed to sit on the throne next to her parents.

“Are there any letters for me?” she asked while she is getting dressed.

“There is none, Your Highness.”

She looked at the window and saw the sun has already risen. Alec should have gotten back to Rikkah and he should have sent a missive to her by now. Surely, Alec’s journey wasn’t as harsh as what they had. They were attacked by countless Wentraus.

In that battle, she never knew if she would win.

She has trained, yes, excessively but the Wentraus’ number is ridiculously unfair to be put against her.

If their leader didn’t back down, she would have needed more help from her father and he won’t just feel disappointed if that happen, he would feel disgraced for trusting her so strongly.

She was donned in a grape-colored low-bodice gown. Its slashed sleeves were not as extravagant as others would prefer but it was long and draping—reaching the edge of her skirt though the front is gathered so she could use her hands freely. Meanwhile, her hair was let loose with only a circlet to adorn it.  

When she was finished, she immediately threads her way to her father. She was composed as his sentries opened the door. He was standing by the balcony with his hands on his back.

“Good morning, father,” she said, bowing her head.

“You did not slay that beast.”

He wasn’t asking. He’s so sure about it that he did not even give her the benefit of the doubt.

She felt herself weakened on her spot but she remained as collected as she could. Though when her father turned to look at her, she felt her knees shaken. It’s a good thing she’s wearing a skirt or he will see it.

“You should have said it wasn’t you who had killed it, my child. You have claimed it without hesitation and I was a fool to believe it.” He was calm but his words were enough to have her carry the weight of his utmost disappointment. “And then the matter of Wentraus. You’re brave to take the challenge but if I have known you are not so capable then I would have let our men do the work."

"I am capable," she lowly said.

"You're not,” he hissed. “If you are then you have handled all of it alone. You did not let those lowly Wentraus reach one of our guards. And you did not let them retreat just like that. You could have killed their leader when you had the chance but what did you do? You talked to her! I did not teach you to be that merciful,” he spat.

She bowed her head lower. “I will do my best next time, father.”

“Of course, you shall, or we will lose face from all the neighboring kingdoms!” He turned his back again to her, not wanting to look at how pathetic she looks like. “Go! Study and train until all of it gets inside that head of yours!”

Without a word, she walked back and out of his room. She breathed deep when the doors closed behind her. She should have thought more about lying to her father. He is a wise man, of course, he’ll figure it out but she did not expect it to be so soon.

Not looking back, she went to her mother.

Queen Indila is doing her handiwork again, together with her ladies-in-waiting. She stood there, waiting until her mother finally puts her attention on her. But a minute has passed and the woman is still not looking at her. She cannot leave without her mother's blessing so she waited.

She roamed her eyes to keep her occupied. Queen Indila does not like fancy, extravagant things so her room is as simple as it could get. However, her mother likes to display her works. Among her creations displayed in her room are woven animal figures, a painting of Castille’s landscape, and gowns and headpieces she designed on her own. Her mother has a beautiful gift of making things extraordinary just with her hands. They have the best weapons in the known world all because of Queen Indila. 

But because of her parents being powerful—her father with compulsion and her mother with fabricating—she cannot help but feel the pressure. What if when she ascends, her gift was too weak and useless? She does not want to think negatively because the gods might know but she cannot just take away her apprehension. 

They expect so much of her. For years and years of rearing, everyone saw the potential of her becoming a great monarch. It is as if they had made her fate and stuck with it. 

The reason why she feels obligated to do her best—to be the best.

Her eyes caught something and she had to look back twice if what she’s seeing is correct. Her mother never lets a man inside her room except for her father and if need be, Asrus when she's feeling sick. That is how modest and strict she is. 

But what is a man doing in there if that is so?

He is tall and standing erect. The gold plate armor clasped on him gives away that he is a soldier. But still. No soldier dare enter this part of the castle. 

Did her mother allow this?

Her question was answered when Queen Indila finally looked up at her. "That is Magnus."

Now that she has the woman's attention, she slowly went to her and kneeled down, bowing her head. Indila puts her hand on top of her head and silently spoke her blessings. All the while, Eleana is looking at the corner of her eye to watch the soldier.

"Is there something the matter, mother?" she cannot help but ask after they were finished.

"Why do you ask?"

"You have a soldier inside your room," she stated as if that is not obvious enough. "Is there something wrong for you to be needing guarding inside your room?"

Indila glanced at the man for a brief moment then breathed deep before saying, "He is not mine. He is to be your guard."

"Mine?" she asked incredulously.

She has been through with guards since she was seven. Alec had always been beside her so it was pointless to keep someone on guard. 

However, now that Alec has gone. Does she really need to have someone on the lookout for her again?

"Magnus shall be with you every day. Wherever you go, he shall be beside you. Your father has already given his permission."

"But why didn't he tell me when I went there?"

"He has different matters to talk to you about." Her mother stared her down. "Very important matters that I hope are taken care of between the two of you." 

She did not get to speak for a moment, ashamed of herself. 

"Why would I need a guard for?" she asked. 

Indila grabbed her left arm. "It's because of this," the woman whispered to her, conscious of the other ladies not far from them.

She felt her skin burned on that part. She does not know how it works but whenever she is in some kind of situation where she is feeling discomfort, the skin on her left arm burns as a result.

"I can perfectly protect myself." 

Her mother chuckled as she lets her go. "That I shall contradict." Indila looked at her in a mocking way. "Nyxus just marked you. That does not look like you are capable of protecting yourself."

"He does not look like he could protect me either."

She looked again at the soldier. He is not bulky like those she has been sparring with when she trains. So maybe what made her parents choose him is his power. 

"You are dismissed. Go study and have a productive day."

She pushed herself up and walked out. She immediately felt Magnus' presence on her back. Clasping her hand together by her stomach, she walked gracefully down the hall. They pass some of her father's court. She did not interact with them even if they look curious about whom she is with and also wanted to talk about the victory she has brought upon the kingdom.

They ascended a stair and reached another landing where there is not a single soul in sight. She turned, facing Magnus and he immediately stopped in his tracks. He's a few steps down on the stairs while she is on top, making their height look equal. 

She smirked at him before jumping high, testing how capable he is. Her whole body felt free in the air and as the gravity pulls her back, she was certain her fall on those stairs would be painful if he ever is not as quick as he should. 

Though as expected for the King and Queen's pick, Magnus was agile. He caught her swiftly. His hands tightly holding her waist and legs. Her circlet was the one that fell and it created a tinkling sound as it landed on the marbled floor. And as that light, clear ringing sound stopped, her blue eyes settled on his black ones. His face was too close that she cannot help but notice that he has sharp features with a tight jaw, high cheekbones and proud nose. 

She snapped out of her wandering mind before she could think more inappropriate thoughts. She tried to get away from his hold but he did not let her. Frowning, she looked again at him and she saw him actually smirking down at her.

#lovobogROW