"There are six continents in Praediti. One for each elements and matter.-
Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Light and Darkness"
"The highest title to be earned by a knight is to be called a-
Fortem Knight-"
Chapter 9: Jury Wistal Part 2
Before a dead air could pass by, Eliana spoke once again.
"So what's that get-up?" She motioned for the Lord's cream brown cloak and the glinting black scabbard peeking out from his side. "That Jester guy has one too, the sword I mean."
"We are knights. The swords are like clothes to us, wherever we go we must carry one. It is a part of our daily apparel." The Lord explained.
Eliana gaped at Lord Wistal, baffled. "That's crazy!" She exclaimed. "You're a real knight?" She pointed. Lord Wistal responded with a slight nod. "And there's a king in this world?" She received the same response.
It's real, it is real and crazy.
Eliana admits it felt like an historical book coming to life. If she was back on earth with her normal self, she would love to be where she is now, but of course dreams are always different from reality, because right now she couldn't tell whether she was happy or terrified, everything was surreal.
"This is ridiculous." She said, "Crap, so what's my being got to do with you people?" She asked. She needed answers, badly.
"The Council decided to hold an investigation on you. You are an exceptional human being who managed to witness a Praeditian and a Demon Beast in action." The Lord explained. "Do not worry, you have the rights to be treated fairly as long as you cooperate with the court." He added.
Eliana registered the information in her head before replying. "And what if I don't cooperate?"
"Simple, another meeting will be held with the Palace whether to execute you or imprison you for life."
Her eyes widened.
"For life?" She squeaked. "Hell no! Send me home for petes sake." She was getting annoyed by the minute, the more she discovered more the more she wanted to leave. "I have my rights right? I want to go home!"
"You have your rights," Lord Wistal confirmed, "But it applies when you agree to cooperate with the court."
"What do you people want?" She finally asked.
The Lord smugly smiled which made Eliana shivered, he kept his composure so far and this was his first time showing a different reaction. "Eliana, would you like to become an ally?"
"An ally?"
"It is simple, you are a confused child-"
"Hey!" The Lord ignored her.
"Having no concrete plan for your future. Am I incorrect?"
Eliana squinted her eyes at the Lord. "So you did do your homework." She deadpanned. She was surprised but not that surprised, she already expected them to catch a few information about her.
"It was a guess." The Jury shrugged casually. "We have been trying to get in touch with the human realm for the last decades. We see your significance here as a chance to reclaim the confederation the two worlds once had."
Eliana was sparked with interest. "Confederation you say?"
The Lord continued. "You see we, praeditians, used to live in your world. That was until humans wrongly interpreted the dangers they believe we caused..." He trailed waiting for Eliana's reaction.
The girl was eagerly listening like a child hearing a bedtime story. "Continue." She urged.
"Demons were attacking the curves of the earth. And only we, the Praeditians, could withstand the attacks. The humans were protected by our people. Soon shortly after the war with demons ended, despite us Praeditians protecting your kins they turned their backs on us. Believing the demons charged against them with the likes of us Praeditians."
"But why?"
"We do not know the reason for the demon's assaults. Our ancestors lend their strengths to protect the humans. But instead of receiving gratitude after the war, they were casted to the sea. Although humans are obviously no match against us Praeditians, they chose to willingly leave earth breaking the alliance. It was unfortunate." The Lord wrapped up the story.
Eliana massaged her chin. If the Praeditians fought for their safety, how cruel were they to cast out their sacrifices? The story seemed to lack information. Realizing there was no point solving the loopholes without further information she asks, "Why did the demons attack again?"
The Lord momentarily closed his eyes before answering. "We do not know Eliana, I mentioned that before. The history of that war is still a mystery to us."
Eliana raised her eyebrows. "How long has it been since Praeditians settled here in Praediti?"
"We're in the year 2020, so... It should be..." Eliana calculated out loud, "That was approximately the period of the roman empire." She thought out loud.
The Lord watched the girl silently. He was surprised Eliana was taking this seriously despite the fact she was practically kidnapped, or borrowed for the benefit of the doubt.
"You can subtract." He voiced out.
Eliana snapped out from her thoughts. "Of course I can!" She barked. I'm not that stupid, she thought. She felt insulted by his comment.
"Tell me, have you received formal education?"
"Yes, I'm supposed to be entering college but then thanks to you guys. "She didn't bother hiding the sarcasm.
"College?" The jury asks in pure curiosity.
Eliana got the hint Praediti must have a different educational curriculum. "It's like an educational stage where you study a certain course of your interest for four years to earn a career from your chosen program." She explained. "You don't have that here?"
The Jury shook his head. "You said you were supposed to enter this educational stage." He began.
Eliana kept quiet. The Lord took her silence as a 'yes'.
"College you say?" A knowing smile stretched across the Lord's face. "We do have a school that offers four years of training. This school is the best in Praediti producing the most excellent and competent students."
The mentioned school piqued Eliana's interest. She squinted her eyes at his grim smile. "What school is this?"
As if he was waiting for the question the Lord straightened his spine before asking.
"How would you like to enroll in Fortem Academy?"