I was reading up in my room before breakfast when I saw someone riding up towards our home. I quickly threw on my boots and clambered downstairs.
"Eveline, where are you-" I heard my mother start to ask as I quickly went outside to meet our guest.
It had been almost a fortnight since Papa had sent a letter to the King asking permission for me to join the Guardian program and to ask for a test to prove I had enough Angel blood to take the Nephilium classes as was custom. It had taken a lot of arguing with my mother for me to get my wish for him to at least try. My father wasn't like most men who would have told my mother and she would have no say in the matter; he was one to ask her opinion and try to communicate.
The rider stopped a few feet in front of me turning his horse sideways. He looked tired and worn from a long ride, but what got my attention most is he was wearing a royal blue padded gambeson and black riding breeches and boots with his sword strapped his side. He had short kept peppered hair with a tall larger build.
"Is Sir Roaland about, lass?" he asked as he dismounted.
After a man retired from being a Guardian, he was given the title of Sir.
"Aye, sire," I said excitedly. "May I take your horse to the stables before I fetch him for ye?"
I wasn't sure if the man was a Guardian and I didn't want to embarrass myself with calling him by the wrong title.
He smiled tiredly offering me the reigns. I walked forward tentatively as to not spook his weary mount. He followed me as I led his horse to the stables.
"You must be, Eveline I presume?" he asked as I helped his horse into the last stall two away from my Caspian and began taking off his mare's tack.
"Aye, sire," I said.
My heart thrummed with anticipation. Was he here with news of if I had been accepted into the Guardian program?
I brushed her down hoping he would say more, but when he didn't I knew he was waiting to give the news to my father first.
"Are you hungry, sire?" I asked once I was done.
"Aye."
I led him back towards our home and into our dining hall.
"Eveline-" started my mother until she saw our guest."Welcome to our home, Swordsmaster."
I snapped my head back to see him smile.
"I will tend to him. Go fetch your father from the north fields."
I turned on my heel without another word and ran as fast as my feet could carry me. This was good news indeed! The Swordsmaster himself had come! He was in charge of overseeing the whole Guardian program. If he had come perhaps I would get to live out my dream after all.
I found my father in the northern most field planting. He stopped the mule as he saw me running and wiped his brow. All the serfs stopped as well.
"What brings you in such a hurry, Eve?" he asked worried.
"The Swordsmaster has just arrived."
"Net," he asked turning to one of Serfs that was closest to him. "Can you take this over? I'm needed at the house."
"Aye, my lord," he said without missing a beat.
Net was around eighteen and one of the hardest workers of his age. My father really liked him and often had him take on tasks that put him in charge.
With that, my father and I headed back towards the house at a brisk walk.
"The Swordsmaster you say?" he asked curiously. "Are you sure?"
"That's what mama called him."
He didn't say more as we walked into the dining hall. The Swordsmaster had a steaming bowl of oatmeal in front of him as well as a tankard of water.
"Roaland!" he bellowed and stood in haste.
Father crossed the room and they grasped forearms smiling contagiously.
"You're maid is a good cook! Worth three days on the road," he said sitting back down.
"I must admit, I'm quite surprised to see you," said my father. "I would have expected a messenger."
He smiled sitting back down.
"It is not everyday that my best friend at arms daughter has a letter sent to the King to ask for him to grant her acceptance into the program," he said casually and then added in a quieter tone, "I'm sorry to hear about your loss of Vincent."
My father nodded solemnly and I felt my heart feel with a fleeting pang of loss. It was only less than a year ago we loss my twin brother from a chill. I knew the only reason I was being given this chance now was because Vincent wasn't here, but I did feel guilty that I was excited to chase my dream.
We sat with him while he ate and my father and him chatted about their memories from serving together, but I was day dreaming of being a Guardian. My father clearing his throat brought me back to the present.
"Sorry, father," I said.
He chuckled. "Are you ready for your test to show Swordsmaster Octavian you can take the Nephilium classes? That is the reason the King is considering you."
"A...aye."
My heart beat faltered for a moment before picking up. I forgot that I had to have enough of my father's blood flowing through me to take the Nephilium classes- three extra ones that were only for us to teach us to hone our special abilities, but it was also the only way he knew would sway the King to allow me to go."
Octavian had moved over beside me in my haze and had a small dagger in his hand.
"Do you wish to or would you like me to do it, lass?" he asked gently.
I had to make a small cut and see how quickly it healed. Nothing too deep, but a small one so that if I had an angel gene it would heal right away. Deep cuts took overnight usually.
"I can," I said mustering as much strength as I could.
I took the dagger from his outstretched hand and after a moments hesitation, drew the razor sharp edge across my right palm. The slim line bled for a moment, but then repaired itself almost instantaneously. I let out a sigh of relief. I had enough of my father's blood to become a Guardian. I wouldn't have to be a proper Lady as my mother wished.
"A southpaw I see," he mused looking at my father. "Is that the same hand she uses for her sword as well?"
"Yes- trust me I've tried to get her to use her right. She's using a long sword so its just the stance that's off."
Octavian laughed. "This shall be interesting indeed! The first lady Guardian in a thousand years and she is a southpaw. Nothing wrong with that at all."
He took back his dagger before kneeling in front of me.
"Keep up your training, lass," he said sternly. "All eyes will be on you once you enter into my care. I will see you in a year. I expect great things from you."
With that he stood, shook hands with my father and left. I was smiling ear to ear. I was going to get my dream.