Chapter 6 : Heading into Exile

"Chief Grace, thank you for coming."

Grace Harry—the leader of the Fire Clan turned around to face Digresh, one of the five most respected elders in the Fire Clan. Tetua is a term for people who are blessed with the power of the sky, they can predict the future.

"Chief, have you had any signs these past few days?" Asked Digresh.

"Yes, a few days ago I saw a red light in the sky and—" Grace showed her palm where a flame-shaped birthmark was imprinted on it. "This sign was throbbing in pain."

Digresh approached Grace to look at the woman's fire markings. A rune that only appeared on the bodies of the chosen ones who were assigned as the guardians of the Fire Erden. Once upon a time, guardians had the power to control fire. But, ever since the Fire Erden's power was forcibly stripped by the King, all the bodyguards were no longer able to use its power.

"Chief, Fire Erden has been reborn," Digresh said confidently.

"What? Fire Erden?"

"Yes. The Lord of the Fire Erden has awakened. Unfortunately, their awakening energy is not yet strong enough, it difficult for us to trace their whereabouts."

Grace fell silent, considering what Digresh said. If that possibility were true, then this would be the Fire Clan's greatest hope.

"We have to find him soon, Tetua, before someone else does."

Digresh nodded in understanding. "I'm going out of the forest with some soldiers to see what's happen there. The fire sign will always connected to the Erden. From the pain I'm feeling, I'm sure the Fire Erden is pretty close," Grace said.

"I'll go with you," Digresh suggested.

"Okay. We're leaving today. I can't wait to meet the Erden who will become the leader of the Fire Clan."

"Take care, Chief. We pray that you find the ruler of the Fire Erden soon." Prayers from the other Elders accompanied Grace and Digresh's departure.

"I hope this time God hears our prayers," thought Grace.

***

Alex looked around, there were only big trees and bushes. After crossing the border of the SpiegelWelt, the group turned left onto a rocky road with thick undergrowth, indicating that this road had not been touched by human hands. As soon as the sun was at the top of the head, they chose to have lunch and rest while replenishing their water supplies.

"Where are we headed?"

Marfiato stroked his long beard which had turned white with the age. He turned his attention to Alex who was sitting against one of the oak trees. "Sentariuos, a school for soldiers of choice," said Marfiato. He handed Alex a drink bottle that had been filled to the brim

"Sentariuos," repeated Alex. Spelling out the name of the school he had only heard about from the news circulating among the soldiers. "Shouldn't we be heading to the girls' school in Ramesh town?"

Marfiato shook his head slowly. "No, Princess. You don't need any manners lessons."

"Then, what do I need?" Alex asked with a sinister smile.

"Palace adviser!" One of the soldiers screamed in panic to where Marfiato was sitting.

"Why are you shouting in the face of the Princess?" Marfiato said angrily.

"Forgive me, but-" The soldier pointed at the direction of the red light in the distance.

"Fire Clan?" Marfiato muttered under his breath. He clenched his fists. It seemed that he had neglected to pay attention to the movements of the Fire Clan all along. "It's not time for Princess to meet them," he thought.

"Princess, we have to get out of here soon." Marfiato signaled the soldiers to move.

"Huh? Why?" Alex was suspicious of Marfiato's expression that suddenly hardened. "I'm still tired."

"Ken." Call Marfiato quickly. Kennard approached the place where Marfiato and Alex were sitting. "Take care of Princess Alex, don't take your eyes off her." Marfiato ordered then rushed Alex to the horse he was using.

"What's wrong? Why is Grandpa in such a hurry?" demanded Alex. She was confused to see the look of panic on the palace adviser's face.

"Princess, as soon as you arrive at a safe place. I will immediately explain anything that makes no sense to you." Marfiato explained briefly.

Marfiato rushed to lead the group. The horses are galloping at full strength, they must quickly enter the forbidden forest area before the fire clan finds Princess Alex's trail.

***

"Chief, there's no one here."

Grace dismounted as soon as she heard the soldiers' report. He touched the former fireplace which was still emitting puffs of smoke. Whoever was here a few minutes ago, they must have left in such a hurry that they left a trail of embers that had not been completely extinguished.

"They're not far," Grace muttered confidently. He glanced at Digresh who nodded in agreement.

Grace jumped on her horse saddle. "Quick, we have to catch up with them quickly."

***

A warm wind suddenly blew, accompanied by the sound of dozens of pairs of horses hooves. The resulting cloud of dust managed to make the palace soldiers take a few steps back.

"Why are you in such a hurry, advisor?"

A woman dressed in her battle uniform dismounted from the white horse she was riding, followed by dozens of people. They moved neatly, forming lines to surround the troop of palace soldiers who had been preparing to welcome them in defensive positions.

Grace—the Chief of the Fire Clan glanced at the new faces standing around Marfiato one by one. "It seems you brought someone very important with you," he said as he met the eyes of the little red haired girl who suddenly caught his attention.

"Lower your eyes before the Prinzessin des Königreichs SpiegelWelt!" Marfiato snapped angrily.

"Prinzessin des Königreichs SpiegelWelt?! What is a Crown Princess doing in a place like this? And her face looks so much like..." Grace murmured suspiciously. But then she feel on her knees, bowing to the Princess which followed by the others. "Forgive me, Princess."

Grace glanced at the Princess. For some reason it was difficult for her to take her eyes off the little girl who was looking at her with a haughty expression. Grace felt a magnet pulling her closer to the Princess. Meanwhile, the fire mark on her palm that heated up again proofing something.

"Who are you?" asked Alex. She raised her chin to show her caste in front of people who had been so presumptuous to suddenly appear before her.

"I-"

"Princess, we are quite late. Let's leave immediately." Cut Marfiato.

Alex frowned. It was unusual for Marfiato to be cold to other people.

"Ah!" Alex screamed softly. She pressed her hand against her chest as the scorching heat radiated through her body and pained her heart. Forcing the organ to beat faster until it's out of control. "Hurts."

"Princess," Kennard immediately supported Alex's body which swayed and almost fell to the ground.

"Fire Erden!" Grace muttered happily when she saw the irises as red as fire behind the Princess's pained gaze.

"Stop!" Marfiato roared. "Digresh, you hurt her!" He growled deeply when he saw a very familiar face.

Digresh—one of the Fire Clan elders who was extremely dangerous in his time was chanting the awakening spell. Forcing the body of a fire bender to release its power. An ancient spell which is very dangerous when used on an untrained fire bender.

Marfiato waved his hand to stop Digresh's movement. He sent out a whirlwind that managed to repel the red-robed man's body.

Seeing an open opportunity, Grace drove at high speed. Swinging her mace to hit the bodies of five soldiers, forcing them to step out of line so that it was easier for Grace to reach where Alex was standing. But her steps were stopped by a small hand that clearly read Grace's movements. Kennard held Grace's wrist until she froze for a few seconds before finally pulling her body backwards.

"That child," she whispered in a trembling voice. "Devil."

Kennard didn't budge. He returned Grace's gaze, while his right hand pulled Alex's body deeper, keeping him away from anyone's reach.

"Who are you?" Grace hissed carefully.

"Ha ha ha." A low, deep chuckle came from beneath Ken's robes.

Ken frowned in confusion but soon his curiosity was answered. A huge force pushed Ken's body so that it crashed far into a tree.

"Ken!" Marfiato sent a signal for one of the soldiers to help Kennard.

"Princess Alex!" Marfiato froze as soon as he saw Alex's body light up. "She's not Princess Alex!" he muttered to himself.

"Fire Clan. You guys don't change, always in a rush." Alex's eyes were closed as if she was unconscious. But her body moved slowly, approaching the flock of Fire Clan who looked at her with confused looks.

"Princess," called Marfiato. He tried to approach Alex but a fireball shot towards him. Forcing him to lose his footing and balance. Marfiato's body bounced and landed on the ground with a thud.

"Princess, wake up!" Marfiato groaned. Still trying to awaken Alex's consciousness.

Alex opened her eyes, her gaze was dark and leaden. Red irises with reflected flames that glow red from a distance. A sinister crooked smile graced her lips.

"What happened?" Grace asked. She shuddered as those red eyes stared at her.

"Ah!" Grace intended to back away but her movement was too late because Alex's hand gripped her neck faster, tightened that it was hard for Grace to breathe.

"Help." She groaned in a muffled voice.

"Erden Guards! Did you think I would forget the betrayal you committed in the past?" A cynical echo accompanied by a satisfied expression appeared on Alex's face as she tightened her fingers around Grace's neck—the leader of the Fire Clan.

"Trennungszauber." Digresh cast a spell. He spread his hands, followed by a bluish light hitting Alex's body.

But nothing has changed. Alex's face remained cold, calm with a sinister smile as if she was enjoying the game she was playing.

"Stop it, Digresh! You will provoke disaster!" Marfiato's orders.

Kennard moved forward, touching Alex's wrist. No one know what demon pushed him to do that, what is he certain of was that they must immediately stop Alex before the woman in her clutches dies.

"AKH!" Alex screamed in pain. Her grip loosened, giving Kennard the chance to pull Alex's hand off her opponent's neck.

"Ken." Alex whispered before falling to the ground, unconscious.

Digresh tried to pull Alex's body along with him but he was immediately stopped by a high wall. Marfiato had put up a shield around Alex and Kennard. Repelling those who attempted to touch the two.

"Don't try to touch her, Digresh!" Marfiato exclaimed. "You better take that woman away. I'm not sure she can last long without help." He said, reminding Grace of her limp condition and a blue face. Marfiato was sure that one of her neck bones was broken due to too much pressure.

Digresh glanced at Grace who was whimpering in pain. He sighed softly then signaled the Fire Clan soldiers to take Grace.

"Marfiato, I won't give up. The Princess is the Erden of the Fire and one day she must return to become the leader of the Fire Clan." He said before getting on the horse and turning around to join the group that had taken Grace away earlier.

Marfiato didn't budge. Everything Digresh said was true. As an Erden, Princess Alex had to take responsibility one day, becoming the leader of the Fire Clan. However, not before the 17th red moon ends. When all predictions are broken.

"Sir," the leader of the palace soldiers approached Marfiato. "Are we going to continue our journey?" he asked.

Marfiato nodded then turned to Princess Alex who was lying on Kennard's lap. "We have to leave this place immediately. I'm sure, after this there will be many people aiming for the Fire Erden."

*****

[1] Tetua = Respected old man in a flock

[2] Prinzessin des Königreichs SpiegelWelt = Princess of the SpiegelWelt Kingdom

[3] Trennungszauber = Breakup Spell