The Forgotten Queen

Raise The Shield

A group gathered under cover of the night dressed in dark cloaks with hoodies. These groups gather in the east and west, south and north.

One from each group stepped forward and lifted their hand at the exact moment. Each of them muttered an ancient spell, and members of the group hummed along with their leader.

Far to the center of the country, within the Temple Palace, Edward entered the Temple area. He strolled down the altar, heading towards the podium.

His eyes closed, sensing the groups on the border. His eyes snapped open. Standing before the podium and placed his hand on the marble stone. His lips muttered a spell to support the others.

A light beamed from the podium up to the tip of the roof up to the sky.

The night sky began to rumble and hum as the ground shook. A force field passed through the mud, grazing under the palm of the leaders as it grew. The force field grew towards the lights, creating a blanket over the land below.

Once the force from all four corners of the borders met in the center. The light from the Temple Palace spread, covering the viewed night sky and awing the people who noticed the sky.

"Grandpa! Look at the sky!" a child said, running from the window to their Grandpa, who rocked in his chair.

"Hmm... I thought the shield would be lifted, but here we see the clans came together and lifted the shield." Grandpa said.

"Why did they lift it?" the child asked.

"To protect the nation..."

That night the shield lifted, and the nation grew a sense that their kingdom was in danger. Maybe even their Guardian.

The following morning, a statement was released by the council. The information ensured the people of the shield to protect from the war between Veritas and Amun. A small kingdom between these kingdoms needs to be safe. Business of trade would have rules and needs guidance through the shield.

They ensure the people that their Guardian Isla Trivia is safe and in good health. There was no need to worry.

However, the people of Aurora could not help but worry for their Guardian. They knew if another Guardian passed away without reaching their powers and connecting to the spirit world, their abilities would strain. Especially for the founding clans; Blaise, Nix, Ivar, and Jared.

As the nation wondered, the council tried to keep the peace. The council was still hesitant about the shield, but they were more informed about Isla's schedule.

After a week of a coma, Isla was under watchful eyes as she recovered before Duke Jared added new training instead of learning the sword.

Isla was confused about everyone's behavior around her. She was happy to know the shield lifted and the day King Vincent's planned attack passed. She felt she protected her people to a certain extent.

However, she could not shake the feeling of need to ensure the safety of the people. Also, with every glance over her shoulders, there would be someone or two watching her.

Luckily, she had Sara to annoy her and keep her company when Edward taught her more and more of her lessons. Also, she had Aiden, who joked around and acted better than anyone.

They kept her smiling and moving forward toward her destiny.

For five years, peace continued with the kingdom of Aurora. Hearing news of wars between Veritas and Amun, Amun wins, then Veritas wins. Until the last battle, Amun won.

The summer breeze blew through the chilling night of the Temple Palace. Lights all around were lit brightly as exciting music echoed through the hallways.

Chatter and laughter beamed through the ballroom as people dressed elegantly in the newest suits and dresses. They drank the most refined wine and feasted on the best meal.

A group of young noble ladies gathered around. They giggled and blushed at the young knight. He smirked devilishly, causing squeals and more chatter from the ladies.

"Sir Aiden, do return safe and sound," a lady said behind her fan. Her friend hummed in agreement with her statement, nodding along.

"Ladies, there is no need to worry yourselves. I am a man with my talents, and it is an honor to serve my kingdom in the journey," he said, and they were all awed by his bravery.

Aiden grew more handsome, stealing a person's breath with one glance. At age twenty, he has several honors and praises for his skills. His perfect pearl white teeth, mysterious crimson blood-red eyes catch the ladies' interest, and silk raven black hair.

As Aiden entertained the young noble ladies, Isla had entertained the council. "Are you certain about taking a small party to the Black Mist?" the nobleman said.

"Edward has practical reasoning for the small company. We must avoid attention," Isla said with a warm smile. "Also, I have a loyal and worthy company."

Isla grew not only by age and beauty but in mind and physical skills. She has been learning combat, sword, and archery for five years.

Since the kidnap attempt, the council could not stress much about Isla's safety, causing her annoyance. She thought that her tell of the shield would gain their respect, but they still looked down at her.

Isla hoped after this journey, then they would respect her.

"Besides, I am part of the party..." Edward said, stepping into the conversation.

"What would happen if they use shadow dust again?" Duke Ivar asked, walking to the conversation. "We still don't know where they are sourcing it or who is stealing it."

"We have other methods of protection," Isla said. "After all, it is your responsibility to find out..."

The nobles chuckled under their breaths.

"Business aside, we gathered to celebrate Her Grace's birthday," Edward said, raising his glass and glancing at Isla. "Celebrating her achievements and her journey to making the kingdom proud."

"To Her Grace!" They cheered, lifting their glass before taking a sip.

Tonight was Isla's birthday celebration and farewell party. Tomorrow would mark her journey to the Black Mist to obtain her Guardian powers. She was excited and nervous as Edward informed her what would await her when she entered the Black Mist.

Isla would be traveling with Sara, Edward, and Aiden. It's a small party but the most trustworthy company, and Isla would never want to change them for anyone else.

"Let's continue to the celebration," Edward said and placed his hand on Isla's shoulder. "If you would excuse us, we need to socialize with others."

The nobles bowed as Edward and Isla walked away, giving them some time to themselves.

"Thank you for stepping in," Isla said under her breath. "Never thought I would spend my birthday talking about my mission."

"No need to concern yourself about the mission. Try to enjoy yourself," Edward said, chuckling.

Isla glanced at Edward with a smile.

"Let's do more 'socializing' and joy the night," she said.

The entire night, Isla and Edward reassured the guest about their mission. There was no other mention of Isla's birthday as everyone was excited about Guardian's powers.

Finally, Isla stepped out to the balcony and took the last view of the city at night. She sat on the stone balcony and took in the summer air.

"And why is the life of the party out here?" Aiden asked as he walked out.

Isla turned to Aiden, then gazed back at the city. "It's not like they will miss me," Isla said.

"But it's your birthday," he said.

She shrugged her shoulders. "My birthday celebration is at nights nobles and councils gather with the families in the Temple Palace. They talk about business, politics, and religion. And they speak to me. It is time for them to question my process..."

"How much fun?" she sighed under her breath.

Aiden stared at Isla as she looked out in the distance. She neither looked happy nor bored.

"I know it's not my place to ask, but... What happened to your parents?" he asked.

Isla lowered her gaze and smiled tightly, then glanced over at Aiden. "They are in the village with my siblings. I hear that I have a baby sister," she smiled.

"Oh, that's good. Have you seen your sister?"

She shook her head 'no' and turned her head away from him. "When I became Guardian, my parents had removed me from their family list, and I had to take the Guardian name. Of course, they did not leave me in one go..."

"My mother stayed with me for a year as my father and siblings visited. The following year it was a letter exchange before I knew it... No more letters," she said.

"Then how did you know of your sister?"

"The last letter I received from my family..."

Aiden remained silent, feeling terrible for asking about her family. He knew chosen Guardians would have to leave their families, but he never knew it would turn like this.

He sighed loudly and stared out to the night. "I never knew my father, but I remember my mother being kind and caring. All I have to remember her by is the pendant," he said as he slipped out his golden eagle pendant.

"What happened to her?" Isla asked, looking at the pendant.

"The plague..."

"Oh..."

Aiden chuckled as he slipped his pendant back under his shirt. They lifted their gaze, staring into each other's eyes. "Do you accept gifts?" Aiden asked.

"What?"

Aiden turned his gaze away from Isla. He pulled a coal-black hairpin with sparkling blue crystals decorated in a butterfly. Isla's eyes widened and sparkled after seeing it.

"I'm not taking a no to the gift," he said, stepping forward and placing the hairpin in Isla's hair. "Also, we know too much of each other."

He laughed, stepping back and staring at the hairpin in her hair, then gazed into Isla's eyes. He realized she had a wide, warm smile. She giggled gleefully and leaned in for an embrace.

"Thank you..." she whispered.

Aiden hesitantly wrapped his arms around Isla. This was the first time they ever hugged, and he felt the warmth between them, despite the summer night warmth.

He liked their embrace.

A loud throat-clearing snapped them out from their trace. Both Aiden and Isla jumped away from each other's embrace and looked away.

"Am I ruining something?" Edward asked, narrowing his gaze at Aiden.

Aiden smirked and shrugged his shoulders, then glanced over at Isla. "I must return. My presence must be terribly missed," Aiden said before walking away.

Edward and Aiden glanced at each other as Aiden passed Edward. Once Aiden was gone, Edward walked towards Isla.

"Is everything okay?" Edward asked.

"Yes, everything is well," Isla said, smiling.

Edward hesitated.

"I think you can call it a night. You have a busy morning tomorrow," he smiled back at her. "I will assist you in saying your farewell to your guests."

"My guests?" Isla muttered under her breath. Her eyebrow lifted, then walking towards Edward. "Can't I just announce my departure?"

He chuckled, placing his hand on Isla's head and gently rubbing her hair. "That sounds like a good idea, but you need to follow formal class," he said.

Isla rolled her eyes, walking past Edward and his hand fell off Isla's head. Edward followed Isla as she headed into the ballroom. As Edward suggested, Isla spoke with the essential guests to say her farewell.

Once Isla completed that night. She returned to her chambers, where Sara helped Isla get ready for bed.

"This is the first time leaving the country. I'm so excited!" Sara said, squealing and removing hairpins from Isla's hair until she noticed one unfamiliar hairpin. "What's this?" she asked.

Isla looked at the reflection, seeing the hairpin Aiden gifted her in Sara's hand. Isla smiled, lifting her hand to take the hairpin. "Sir Aiden gifted this for my birthday," she said.

She took hold of the hairpin, feeling the smooth metal and crystals. She loved the simple and elegant workmanship.

"I gifted you a cake, and he gifted you with a hairpin!" Sara gasped, then pouted her lips and unbraiding Isla's hair. She stared at Isla's reflection. "I'll beat him next time!"

Isla laughed as she studied the work in her hands.

"Tomorrow would be the beginning of our first adventure. I cannot wait..."