Irinia awoke early in the morning. The sun still had not come over the horizon so her room was still dark. She could hear light breathing coming from beside her bed. Peering over the side bed she could see Mina sleeping on a small pile of blankets on the floor. She must have stayed the night. After Croix had announced that he wanted to take Irinia with him Mina had begun to act differently. She would stay close to Irinia at all times and was talking much more than usual. Mina was going to miss her, and she would miss Mina. They have known each other for their whole lives.

  She stepped over Mina and walked over to her closet to get dressed. When she entered the closet she noticed that all of her travel clothes were laid out for her. Mina must have known what choice she would make and prepared the items for her journey.

  She undressed and slowly changed into her traveling clothes that her mother had made for her many years ago before she died. Mina had made alterations not too long ago to accommodate her growth over the years. The very thought of her mother had always made her sad in the past, but she liked to believe that she had come to understand the loss and accepted it. She tied the laces that held the cape over her shoulders and paused for a moment to look at her possessions. They would all be essentially gone, left here until she returned, if she ever returned. Irinia heard a sound and turned to see Mina standing in the doorway.

  Mina had a smile on her face, but it did not touch her eyes. “Sitting around in one place was never easy for you.”

  Irinia ran over to her and hugged her, “I will miss you, Mina.” Irinia turned and gestured towards her closet. “This is all yours.”

  “No, Princess. I cannot accept your things.”

  “Mina, I do not know if I will ever return. These things, will be far more useful to you now. Some of them have a strong meaning, so I would like for someone to take good care of them in my stead.”

  A tear streaked down Mina's cheek.

  Irinia continued, “I will write when I can and send the messages by whatever means I can find.” She hugged her friend tightly one last time, said her goodbyes, and left the room. She wound her way through the halls and corridors to the throne room. Her throat felt tight as she held back the tears.

  "Until next time," Mina called down the hall. Damn, at that last sentence she felt a tear run down her cheek before wiping it away.

  The castle was quiet today, it was as though there was nobody was there at all. She entered the throne room and froze. The castle staff, in its entirety, was in the throne room. When she entered everyone bowed or curtsied. Her father waved her over the the throne. Yelling would have been entirely useless over the din of all the people.

  She leaned in close so he could hear, “Father, what is this?”

  “It is a farewell celebration for you. I always knew that someday I would need to bid you farewell, but I had never dreamed that it would be like this or this soon..."

  “How did you know that I was going to leave with him?”

  “You have taken a liking to him. I can see it when you look at him.” Irinia quickly looked at the ground and felt her face turn red. Her father laughed. “Also, the gods seem to favor that man. They always have. Above all, you like to explore. A big open world for you to traverse would be too much to ignore.” She looked around the room and recognized everyone within the castle staff. All of those people that she had grown up with. Her brother was standing beside the archway, arms crossed. He was still angry that she would leave her life behind at the whim of a man she barely knew. He acted that way because he loved her, she knew, but he would return to himself soon after she left.

  She saw Croix round the corner in the hallway and walk toward the throne room. He was walking slowly most likely to give her more time for goodbyes. She turned and embraced her father tightly, “I will miss you.” Her eyes were beginning to well up again.

  When Croix entered the room everyone fell silent. Garan was glaring at him as he passed by. He stopped in the middle of the room and said, “I am going to hazard a guess and say that you will be joining me?” She nodded. “If you need more time just say the word. Take as much as you need. We are in no hurry.” She nodded and released her father.

  “Croix!” The king motioned his friend over to the throne. Croix acknowledged and approached the throne. They were standing together on the dais when her father leaned closer too him and said something too low for her to hear. Croix laughed and slapped the king on the back.

  “That will not be a problem, Toran. We will visit again before her training commences in full force. That I can promise you.” Croix said as he stepped down the dais steps backwards.

  When he reached Irinia he placed a hand on her shoulder, “Are you ready to go?”

  “I would like a few more minutes.”

  “Of course. I'm serious. If you would like a few more days it's fine.” She shook her head so Croix leaned against the archway leading back to the hall opposite her brother. Whom was glaring through Croix.

  "It's probably better if I get it all over with quickly."

  Irinia said her farewells to each section of people, one at a time. Once she finished she went to her father for one last embrace. At the entry she gave her brother a hug.

  He grabbed her wrist, “You don't need to go, Irinia. You can stay here with us and perhaps rule someday.”

  “That is not what I want, Garan. I'm sorry, but I want to go.” She pulled away and walked out into the hallway. Croix followed into the hallway and walked with her. Not quite beside her, but a little behind perhaps to give her some space.

  They walked together towards the city gates. She greeted the people she frequently visited, saying her goodbyes. The people in town were confused without all the context of the events in the throne room. At some point Croix went ahead to wait. When she arrived at the gate Croix called to her. “This is your chance. Once we leave the city it's harder to turn back. You are sure this is what you want?”

  “Honestly, I have no idea. I feel like I am running into the dark. I've been told that you are a trustworthy person and that I am destined for a greater life than ruling a kingdom. I just hope that I am not walking into my death.”

  “I can't promise that your not.”

  Irinia stopped walking and looked at him. He turned and looked directly into her eyes. “I promise that I will protect you to the best of my ability until you have the skills to protect yourself. While I am strong, smart, and-”

  “Yes, yes, continue.” She interrupted.

  He chuckled, but quickly became serious. “There are many evils, minions, demons, daem, and monsters that you have never heard of. If you follow my training and are able to follow orders in combat, then everything should be fine.”

  He took two steps toward the gate and held out his hand. “What do you say?”

  She thought for a moment. She looked at his eyes that seemed to go on forever. She looked back at the city, her home. Closing her eyes, she reached out and grabbed his hand. He squeezed, and they walked through the gates. He held on as they made their way through the forest and out into the fields. Once the open meadows could be seen they were outside of the city perimeter. There were no patrols here unless there was a threat of attack. He released her hand and pointed east. “We need to go in that direction, towards Orin. We have business to attend to there, and then we will continue north.”

  “What business do we have in Orin?” She had heard of that place. It was known for its huge academy and the great research performed there. Most newer spells, crafts, and weapons came from there. She had always wondered what it looked like. Only reading about it still left the feeling you were not getting the full picture of how grand it is.

  “A ceremony.”

  He started to walk out into the meadow.

  “Alright, you have my interest. What ceremony?” She walked alongside him.

  “We need to be bound to begin your training.”

  She halted and threw her arms down. “Wait, I never agreed to marry you.” She made sure to make her expression as stern as possible.

  He jumped bit at her outburst and looked up to the sky remembering something. “Oh yes, I forgot that is the term that you use for marriage around here. No, we are not going to be wed. That would make for an odd student-teacher relationship, wouldn't it? A binding is... hmm... How do I explain this...?” He paused for a moment with his hand on his head. "It's like linking our magic together. There are many benefits, especially when it comes to learning magic techniques from another person. Also, you can sever the binding at any time."

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  "How so?" She was still skeptical.

  "You'll get an item, usually something to wear. I've seen rings, necklaces, bracelet, and the like. You can use any medium really, but it's good to have something to wear so that it is harder to lose. Just take it off," he slid a ring off his finger as a small demonstration, "and the link is broken. If you really want to be done with it just destroy the medium altogether."

  She was stayed quiet a moment to think it over.

  "The gate is right there if you don't trust me on this. I do my best not to make people do things if it can be helped." He started walking to the other end of the meadow. They crossed the distance in silence. It may be a bit naive to just go with it and assume it can be undone as he says. However, her father said she could trust him, and he would not lie about something like that. So that left one more question.

  “Which route are we taking to Orin?”

  “We are going to cut straight through.”

  “You're insane. The daem were routed to the middle of the continent. They will be everywhere!”

  “I am aware of that. I was part of that effort.”

  When the war first began the daem had obtained control over most of the coastal areas. This was troublesome for several reasons. First and foremost, it made trading with coastal cities incredibly difficult which, in turn, halted most trade. For a time, it was easier to not get attacked if the cities all traded with each other along the coast. Like a big wheel of trade. Until the daem spread out faster than anyone had expected. It was then decided by several factions to attempt to push the daem into the center of the land mass. In this way they could be “contained” and kept away from the coast. Patrols from different regions constantly patrolled the perimeter of the containment zone, but typically they were of no help. The daem were simply too strong for them. She had heard tales of elite warriors who were easily able to dispatch the creatures, but the stories were never the same. Although people had witnessed the battles firsthand the legendary warriors were only thought of as myth. She stole a glance at Croix and wondered how many were actually a myth. She was walking with one of them now so they must have existed.

  They moved along at a steady pace. Well, about as steady as they could go. Irinia was not accustomed to traveling on foot for long periods of time. Occasionally she would ask to stop and rest. Croix would make her walk for a while longer before he would let them stop. Each time the length of time that he waited before they would stop would get longer.

  Croix stopped abruptly and looked into the trees around them and then looked into the sky.

  Irinia was breathing heavily and covered in more sweat than she cared for. Looking around, she saw nothing of interest before asking, “What are you looking for?”

  “The sun is setting. I would rather not have us walking through the forest in the night with daem around. You're not experienced enough for that yet so we can make camp here and sleep. We will continue in the morning and be there in time for lunch.” He smiled to her.

  That makes it official, he is crazy. Orin was days away. “Here?” She asked.

  He nodded. Irinia leaned against a tree as he collected several rocks that sat comfortably in the palm of his hand one at a time. He placed them in the shape of a five-rayed star in a small area where he had cleared away leaves and brush. The center of the star was wide enough for him to place sticks stacked against each other. He stood to look around and walked over to a nearby tree. Eying a low-laying branch he drew his blade and detached it tree with ease. Breaking the branch into smaller sections he carried them closer to the star. He knelt down and touched his fingertips to stones. He muttered a few words that she did not hear clearly and the sticks in the middle burst into flames. He placed one of the branch pieces on top of the kindling and let it catch. Blue light beamed out from each point across the ground for fifteen or twenty paces. They began to connect to each other at the ends as a blue aura rose up from the circle now surrounding them.

  Irinia looked around in wonderment. “What is all of this?”

  “Banishing Circle, “ he said it in a way that implied that everyone knew what it was.

  "What does it do?"

  "It... umm... banishes?"

  She gave him a look. Clearly not satisfied with that explanation. She moved closer to examine the stones more carefully. Seeing the curious expression on her face he elaborated. “I'm sorry. You're my first student. The five-rayed star acts as the ward and the fire is used a power source. My mana is bound to the circle which gives it shape and purpose. This shield it generates will keep us safe while you sleep tonight.”

  “While I sleep... what about you? What do you mean by the star's purpose?” She had so many questions and more questions were showing themselves at each moment.

  “I will keep watch tonight. You will need your sleep for the rest of the walk to Orin.” Croix sat against a tree, the only tree that remained within the Banishing Circle. He produced an apple from his cloak and bit into it. While he was still chewing, he continued, “As for your second question: Without its purpose the circle is just light, and light is not typically effective as a defense apparatus.” He took another bite.

  “I see... I think.” She yawned and heard her stomach rumble.

  “Did you bring any food?”

  She leaned forward and hugged her knees. She was a bit embarrassed he had heard that, but also, she had forgotten to bring anything in her haste to leave. Food was usually brought to her. “No, I did not think of it. I was hoping you had some extra.”

  “Try to remember for next time.” He tossed her a chunk of bread he pulled from his cloak. She looked away feeling like an idiot for forgetting something so obvious. "Don't worry about it. You will get used to all this in time."

  She nodded and ate the bread. Looking to her right she saw a bed of leaves which she poked through with a stick to make sure there weren't any snakes or spiders that would bite or poison her before she laid down on them. After laying there for a few moments she rolled over to her side. She thought of home, mostly her bed. Though because of the long day of walking fatigue quickly overtook her and she fell asleep.

  xxxxxxxxx

  Croix could hear that Irinia's breathing had slowed. He felt pangs of guilt for taking the girl from her family so abruptly. He had not thought that she would join him, but she did.

  He looked up at the sky through the trees and saw the bright star glowing brightly. “She is so young, and I have never taught anyone my skills before. I have no idea what I am doing.” He said to no one in particular letting his head drop. He sighed and looked back up at the star again. “But you have never sent me down the wrong path before.”

  He turned and looked down at the young woman sleeping peacefully a short distance away. He reached down to carefully moved her hair off of her face.

  “I don't think you know what you are getting yourself into, Princess. I am going to give you one more chance to go home tomorrow.” He said quietly.

  He turned back to gaze at the fire. For a soldier that would be the last thing you would want to do at night. It ruins your vision for the dark. It did not matter for him though. The night was comfortably warm with a healthy breeze blowing through the trees. It was peaceful in a way. Even with all the sentinel circling their protective field.

  They would reach Orin tomorrow midday. If she was determined to continue with this path which she has chosen for herself, he would consult the Magisters. They were the ones familiar with the Binding practices. That was not something he could do on his own safely nor reliably. Both of their lives will change forever. He was unsure of his feelings regarding the idea. Being alone was what he knew. Adding a new person to his travels completely changes his travel formula. He looked down at her again. That might not be a bad thing. At least he would not be alone anymore. So many years he had travelled alone.

  Irinia awakened just before the sun began to rise. She jumped when she saw a sentinel staring at them outside of the barrier Croix constructed. It was sitting hunched over waiting for them to lift the ward. She moved forward a little on all fours. She reached for Croix's arm but stopped when she felt his arm was raised.

  “Let's let it in.” Croix said. He was crouching and holding his bow. A bolt was already notched. He was pulling the thick string all the way back, his hand was not trembling despite holding the arrow in place for so long.

  “Why would we do that?” She sat next to him and did not take her eyes off of the sentinel.

  “So we can kill it, of course. In this world, it's one of our duties.” He nodded toward the rocks around the fire. “Kick the rocks. It will break the circle. After you do; I want you move to the side quickly. I will loose this arrow into its' eye. That is the weakest point on a sentinel's body. Do well to remember that last bit."

  Irinia did as she was told reluctantly, but without protest. She kicked her foot into the formation of rocks scattering them in different directions. A strong pulse pushed outward from the magicks contained in the pyre. The sentinel took a direct hit from the energy. Its' head snapped back, but it did not fall. When the sentinel raised its' head again an arrow appeared in its' eye dropping it to the ground dead.

  Croix stood as his bow collapsed into itself. She had seen that weapon once before. It seemed overly complex, but really strong. Larin was a port city and she was used to seeing weapons coming in and out of the city all the time as part of their trade with neighboring regions. However, she had never seen anything like his bow.

  “Where did you get your bow?” She asked as he placed it swiftly beneath his cloak.

  “It was a gift.” Croix said.

  Irinia gathered her things. “From whom?”

  “This way.” He turned and walked to the south.

  With the question being ignored she figured the bow was a sensitive topic and dropped it but instead asked, “Wait, I thought we were going to Orin. That is to the east.”

  “I know a shortcut, " he smiled while he finished gather his things.

  They walked together through the forest for some time. The trees growing more dense as they progressed. Irinia looked ahead and saw a large stone structure. From a distance it looked like a normal rock, but as they came closer she could see that there were pillars placed around it with purpose. Old symbols and runes were carved into the stone pillars.

  “What is this place?” She asked. She approached one of the pillars and moved her fingers over the symbols.

  “It is a gateway constructed by a brilliant man several millennia ago.” He pulled the vines form the face of the stone. “He was one of us, and very creative.”

  Irinia walked over to Croix's side.

  “Where is he now?”

  “Dead. Crushed by a fire golem. A sad day that was...” His sentence trailed off as his eyes lost focus. She guessed he was remembering something and she regretted approaching the subject. When she placed her hand on his back he snapped back to reality and moved away.

  He used same bead of light that she saw appear on his finger the night of the festival to draw lines onto the stone. The runes began to glow and sections of the stone rotated independently. They moved back and forth until they formed a different pattern. The runes now flowed together seamlessly. Each line engraved in the rock filled with a red light. The whole stone appeared to pulse with a heartbeat all its' own.

  Croix reached his hand out behind him. “Ready?” He asked her.

  She grasped his hand as a small red circle appeared on the stone in front of them. It quickly grew until it was large enough to fit a person through. He turned around and wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her tight. Her cheeks blushed.

  Croix laughed when he saw her. “I just don't want to lose you on the way, Princess. This is a shortcut to Orin. We will be there in a few minutes rather than days.”

  Without warning he fell backwards into the circle, pulling them both in. Irinia wrapped her arms around him tightly. Feeling the safest she had ever been.