The twittering of the birds reached her ear, and the sun shone down on her through the open window, kissing her skin. She felt a comfortable warmth. The cosy warmth of her blanket that kept her warm during the night. The material was so soft and comfortable that she didn't want to get out of bed. If it were up to her, she would stay in bed all day, but she couldn't do that, especially not on this specific day. This day was special. A day she was looking forward to for quite some time.
She knew she should get up, but the bed felt too comfortable. She couldn't convince her body to move and leave the bed. Fortunately for her, she had people she could rely on. People who supported her. People who ensured she would get out of bed and not miss the best day of her life.
One of these people was currently knocking at her bedroom door. "It's time to get up, Celeste. You will miss your final trial if you keep sleeping. And we don't want that, do we?" a friendly, silvery voice spoke.
Celeste loudly groaned as she stretched out her arms. "I will be up any minute, father. Promised." Her voice sounded sleepy but also soft and angelic.
"If not, I have to pour a bucket full of water onto you. If you don't want that to happen, you should get up," Celeste's father replied friendly.
Celeste chuckled. "I will. Give me a few minutes to get dressed."
"Take your time. I will wait for you in the kitchen."
Celeste heard her father walking away. She could pull the blanket over her head and continue sleeping, but she knew better than to disobey her father. She knew he would do what he had threatened to do if she didn't get out of bed soon. She didn't want to get woken up by a bucket of water, so she had no choice but to leave the bed.
It took some effort to convince her body to get up, but she managed to do it. She pushed the blanket aside and sat down on the edge of the bed, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
She opened her eyes, noticing that everything around her was still blurry. She needed to wait a few moments for her vision to become normal again. Once her vision was clear, she got up and reeled to her wardrobe, leaning against the door. Her legs were still numb, but she was sure the numbness would fade with time.
Celeste didn't hesitate to discard her white nightgown and open her wardrobe. Her tired eyes wandered from the top shelf to the bottom; her mind took a little longer to process everything she saw. She took out blue underwear and put it on. She closed the wardrobe and stepped a few feet to the right to the other one. The wardrobe was smaller and thinner than the first and didn't contain clothes for daily life. Instead, it contained clothes Celeste would only wear on special occasions.
The left side contained dresses, and the right contained her training outfits. She took out her favourite, which was made out of thick leather. It was much lighter than it looked; it was blue and white leather armour. She put on a thin undershirt and long underpants to prevent the leather from rubbing against her skin when moving. She didn't want to hurt herself while fighting.
She put on the leather armour and walked to the mirror between her wardrobes. She picked up her hairbrush from her bedside table and combed her blonde hair, ensuring it sat perfectly. Her hair was short; it only reached her jawline, so she didn't need long to brush it.
She put the hairbrush back on the bedside table and took one last look at herself before she went to the door and left the room. Her gaze fell on the many paintings that hung on the walls as she followed the corridor that led to the staircase. She knew these pictures like the back of her hand but loved to regard them regularly. They were just too beautiful. Some showed beautiful landscapes of Tenaria; some showed areas of Umbral, and other paintings showed simple objects. Daily life objects like vases, furniture, instruments and other objects.
She could spend hours admiring these gorgeous paintings. When she was a child, she was fascinated by them. She had wanted to become a painter back then. But her childhood dream changed when she became older.
These days, she wanted nothing more than to become an Anxoyal, a fighter for justice who protected the realm from all evil. She was so close to fulfilling her dream. It was only one last trial that stood in her way. One trial that would be challenging to pass. But she was confident in herself. She had trained for years for this day. She was optimistic that she could make it.
Celeste averted her gaze from the paintings as she reached the staircase to the ground floor. She went to the kitchen, spotting her father sitting at the dining table.
"Good morning, Celeste."
Celeste lowered her head in respect. "Good morning, Father."
Her father's dark lips formed a smile; his green eyes rested on her. "How are you doing? I bet you are pretty nervous."
"Not as nervous as I was during the first trial, but..." she paused briefly. "I'm still nervous a bit."
Her father got up from the chair and walked to her, putting a hand on her left shoulder. His piercing eyes stared into hers. "You can do this. I'm sure you can. You have to believe in yourself. You have the worst behind you. You passed the dangerous trial that ended fatally for some candidates behind you. All you need to do is fight against one of the instructors. You don't have to win; you must endure and show the judges you are a capable fighter."
Celeste's blue eyes showed slight hints of insecurity. "But what if I fail? What if my opponent knocks me out with the first attack? It happened to others before, so that it can happen to me."
Her father put a hand on her cheek, caressing it. "I'm not a fighter, but I can recognise when someone has talent. You have great potential, and I don't just say that because you are my daughter. I mean it. Your mother agrees with me on that point. She suggested you for a reason. She believes in you just as I do."
Celeste smiled. "I'm glad you do."
"Your mother doesn't show it often, but she is very proud of you. You are about to become an Anxoyal. All you need to do is to give your best."
"I won't disappoint you, father."
"Remember, you are not doing this for us, Celeste. You are doing this for yourself. It is your dream, not ours. You want it to come true, and I have prayed each day that you will realise your dream," her father responded.
Celeste nodded. "You are right. I do this for me." Part of her wanted to do this to impress her parents and make them proud of her, but she mostly wanted to do this because she had dreamed of it for decades. She had wanted to become an Anxoyal for more than fifty years. She had trained for it before, and since her one-hundredth birthday, she has been allowed to train officially under the guidance of an instructor.
"Remember, even if you don't make it, we won't be disappointed in you. No matter what happens, we will always be proud of you."
Celeste smiled. "I'm glad to have such supportive parents like you. Sadly, not every parent is like you."
"You mean Marjo's parents?"
Celeste nodded. "His parents don't want him to become an Anxoyal."
"As far as I know, no member of his family has ever become an Anxoyal. Every one of them was a Keristian until the end of their lives. I can't entirely agree with them, but I understand their point of view," her father said.
"But their point of view is wrong. There is nothing bad about becoming an Anxoyal."
"Except for the partaking in conflicts and wars. I'm sure they don't want their son to lose his life in battle."
"Becoming an Anxoyal doesn't mean he will die in battle," she argued.
Her father nodded. "I agree on that point, but you know how wars are. You know how this cruel world is. Conflicts and battles are not always avoidable and they claim many lives. Marjo has potential, but he is not the greatest fighter compared to others. He is a fine warrior, but I doubt he will ever be above average."
"Not everyone can be like Superion, father."
"I know, and I didn't say he has to be as powerful as Superion, but I'm not sure if he will ever be one of the best."
"He doesn't have to be one of the best. He will receive respect if he becomes an Anxoyal and serves his kingdom. Not everyone attempts to be on the top. Some people like Marjo just want to be a part of the army. Nothing more, nothing less," Celeste replied.
Her father sighed. "You are right. Don't get me wrong, I want Marjo to fulfil his dream. I disagree with his parents, so I convinced your mother to sign his application form. I'm with him. I just wanted to tell you that I understand his parents' worries."
"I will take care of him, father. I will prevent anything from happening to him."
The look on her father's face became serious. "Life is not a bowl of cherries, my dear. Bad things happen more often than we want and usually, the good people are the ones who suffer. You cannot expect that you can protect him from everything and everyone. Sometimes, things happen we cannot prevent. I'm proud that you want to do anything to protect him, but I want to warn you that bad things can also happen to the best. Things happened in the past which not even Superion could prevent."
"I know, father. I know how cruel our world is. I experienced it first-hand... I just wanted to tell you I will do my best to improve this world."
Her father's lips formed a small smile. "You will accomplish great things. I'm sure you do."
Celeste returned his smile, saying nothing for several moments. "I should get ready," she said eventually.
Her father offered her a slice of bread. "Eat something, child. I don't want you to starve to death."
"I'm not hungry yet, but thanks, Father. I will eat something later."
"Promise me you will."
"I promise."
Her father wrapped his arms around her and hugged her one last time before letting her go. "Show them what you got, Celeste."
"I will."
Her father put a kiss on her forehead. "I wish I could watch your trial, but I have work to do. It's sad that not even the high priest is allowed to watch the trial of their daughter. Sometimes, I have the impression that Superion hates me. Every other priest was allowed a day off when their children were tested, but as the High Priest, I am not allowed to see you on your most important day. Instead, I must travel to the Blessed Island for an unimportant ceremony."
"Please, father. Spare me with your theories that Superion doesn't like you because of the colour of your skin."
"I no longer have these theories, Celeste. Superion's new wife has dark skin, just like me, so there must be another reason," he paused, "If only I would know the real reason."
A thoughtful look appeared on Celeste's face. "I wish I could tell you, but I have no idea. I don't know Superion as well as you do. I don't know him at all. All I know are the stories people tell about him. His heroic deeds and so on."
"He is a hero, that's right. But as a person..."
"You don't need to say more, father. I will make up my mind about him when I have the opportunity to meet him in person. But first, I must pass the trial and become an Anxoyal."
Her father patted her right shoulder. "You will make it. I might not be there to support you morally, but your mother will."
"They will have high expectations, won't they?"
"You are the child of one of the Nine; of course, they will. Remember, you are doing this for yourself, not to prove anything to anyone. Just be yourself, and you will pass the trial."
Celeste put a kiss on her father's cheek. "Thanks for the comforting words, father."
The high priest smiled. "No need to thank me."
"I will tell you everything once we see each other again."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Celeste glanced at her father one last time before she left the kitchen. She followed the bordering corridor and left the house quickly, making her way to the teleporter in the middle of her parent's estate garden. She stopped before the golden platform; her eyes fell on the servant next to the capsule, which was big enough to fit only one person.
It was an older man with short grey hair. His goatee was trimmed, his face was creased, and his eyes looked tired. He was one of the oldest Keristians Celeste knew, but he was still working despite his advanced age. He was much fitter than many of the younger civilians she met daily. He wore a brown leather jacket and a black pair of trousers made of silk. Celeste's parents were not tight-fisted when it came to the clothing of their servants.
"Greetings, Miss Featherwind. Where do you want to go?"
"To the Academy of the Nine, Fjed."
"Your final trial is today, isn't it?" Fjed asked.
Celeste nodded. "It is."
"I wish you good luck then, Miss."
"Thank you."
Fjed tipped something in the console to his right and then pressed a button. The capsule opened a few moments later, allowing Celeste to step in. "I'm always surprised by the so-called technology our people invent these days. Back in my days, we didn't have teleporters or other technical knick-knacks. Life can be so easy when you can appear in any place you want. You no longer need to walk for hours."
"It's not that easy, Fjed. First of all, only a few people can afford a teleporter. Second, this technology is far from being perfect. You can only use it three times a day; otherwise, it will overheat and shut down. Or worse. Also, you cannot travel wherever you want. You can only travel from teleporter to teleporter. Not to mention the amount of Alirium you need to make it work."
"Only the rich can afford it. Maybe one day, everyone can have it."
Celeste gave him a small smile. "Maybe one day, teleporters will be available for everyone."
"I'm not sure if I will live to see that day," Fjed responded.
"I hope you will."
"Anyway, are you ready, Miss?"
"I am. Start the engine."
Fjed nodded and pressed a button. A few moments later, the capsule's front door closed, and the glass walls began to vibrate. Blue light blinded Celeste and took her vision; loud ear-splitting noises pestered her, taking her hearing. She had no idea how much time had passed when she slowly regained her vision and hearing. The glass door in front of her opened a few moments later, meaning she was allowed to leave the capsule.
She felt dizzy, and her head spun, but it improved with time. She suppressed the urge to vomit, leaning against the wall to keep her balance. She was still not used to teleporting, but at least she could resist the sickness better nowadays.
She let her gaze wander once she felt well again, spotting several guards not far away from the teleporter.
"Are you okay, Miss?" a tall woman asked. Like the other guards, she wore a helmet, meaning her face could not be seen.
"I am. Thanks for asking."
"If you need anything, just tell us," another guard said.
"I'm fine for the moment. Thanks for offering." Celeste made her way to the room's exit, leaving it without hesitation. She followed the course of the thin corridor and reached a staircase, climbing it. She arrived on the ground floor, spotting several people walking through the corridor that was much wider than the previous one. Most were Anxoyals, but a few Keristians also wandered through the corridor.
Celeste couldn't help but regard the Anxoyal. She admired them so much she wanted to be like them. She could only hope she would pass the final trial and join them. Her gaze wandered from one Anxoyal to another; most of them wore impressive armour. Celeste knew that all of them had wings, but not everyone showed them. Some Anxoyal had folded their wings behind their back, but most Anxoyals didn't summon them. She knew from her mother that the Anxoyal could summon their wings whenever necessary. They could grow out of their backs within a second when needed.
Celeste had always wanted to have wings. It was a dream she had since she was a little girl. Only Anxoyals had wings. That was one of the reasons she had decided to train to become one of them, apart from wanting to protect her kingdom and her people, the Keristians. She was wondering how it would feel to have wings and how it would feel to fly. To fly through the air like a bird and no longer have to cross great distances by foot, vehicles or teleporters.
She reached the end of the corridor, coming into a large hall. She let her gaze wander, noticing that dozens of people were already in the hall. To the right, not far away from the entrance, stood a long table behind which several Keristians and Anxoyals sat. Celeste quickly figured out that the people in the six queues were waiting to announce their participation.
She stepped behind the last person in the shortest queue and let her gaze wander. She was looking for Marjo in the queue and then in the mass of gathered people. She spotted him not far away from the tables. She called his name, but he didn't turn to her, making her realise he didn't hear her. She decided to stop trying to get his attention and instead walked over to him once she had announced her presence.
She had to wait for half an hour until it was finally her turn to speak to one person responsible for the registration. "What's your name?" a male Kerisitan asked. He had short brown hair, blue eyes and light-tanned skin. He was a little taller than Celeste and wore casual clothes, including a leather vest and a solid pair of trousers.
"Celeste Featherwind."
The man raised a brow; curiosity was visible in his eyes. "Featherwind? Like High Priest Featherwind?"
Celeste nodded. "That's my dad."
"Didn't expect a famous person to show up today."
Celeste blushed a little. "Please, don't say that. I'm not famous. I'm just the child of two famous people, nothing more. And I don't want to be treated as such. I want to be recognised and remembered because of my actions and achievements and not because of the family I was born in."
The man smiled. "That's understandable. I'm Caleb, by the way."
"Nice to meet you, Caleb."
"I would love to talk much longer, but there are others behind you waiting to sign in as well," Caleb said politely.
"I understand. I will go to the others then."
"Maybe we'll meet again after the trial."
"Maybe." Celeste gave him a small smile and stepped away after Caleb noted her name on his list. She stepped away from the table and walked through the waiting crowd, reaching Marjo. She put a hand on his shoulder, startling him. The young man turned around; his eyes reflected surprise. "Gosh, Celeste. You scared me to death. Do not ever do that again."
The light-brown-skinned woman couldn't help but give her friend a shit-eating grin. "Remember, always watch your back. That's a fundamental rule you should always follow if you want to become an Anxoyal."
"I know, Cel. I memorised the rules for the second trial just like you did."
"So, why don't you follow the rules then?" Celeste replied teasingly. The cheeky tone in her voice was unmistakable.
"Well, we are not in a battle. We are in the Academy. No one will attack me from behind here," Marjo replied.
Celeste grinned. "I know; I was just joking." She took a closer look at her friend, who was wearing an outfit similar to hers. His armour was also made of leather but was purple, not blue and white like hers. "You look good, M."
Marjo smiled, putting a strand of green hair behind his ear. "Thank you."
"Are you nervous?" Celeste asked.
"I am, I think. And you?"
"I'm a little nervous as well."
"You are the best fighter I have ever seen. If you won't make it, who will? Besides, we already have the worst behind us. Remember the trial where we had to survive a week in the wilds? That was wild. By far the most dangerous trial."
"Ten contenders died during that trial. The training is brutal, and the trials are not easy either. Only the best of the best can become Anxoyals. That's what my mother always tells me when I speak about my training or the trials," Celeste replied.
"The last trial is a show match. We don't even need to win. The trial's purpose is to show our instructors the progress we have made in recent years. I'm sure both of us can pass this trial."
The blonde smiled. "You are right. We have to believe in ourselves."
Marjo was about to say something in return when someone loudly cleared their throat, intending to get everyone's attention. Celeste and her best friend turned their heads and looked in the direction the noise had come from. In front of the tables stood a man in long blue robes. He had long brown hair, yellow eyes and a handsome face.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Instructor Gavajin; I will be in charge of the final trial today. As you might already know, it's a show match. We want to see what progress you made over the years. We will then decide if you are fit to become an Anxoyal, a winged fighter for justice and the safety of the Tenerian Kingdom. If you are, we will gladly welcome you into your ranks. If not, you will have to try again in five years. Each of you will be assigned to one of the nine halls where the trials will take place. You will be tested one after the other in each hall to ensure that each candidate receives our full attention. That means each of you will have to wait until it's their turn. We won't tolerate any form of disrespect, distraction or other things that could hinder any candidate. Those who will ignore the rules will get one warning. There will be no second warning, so behave."
Instructor Gavajin briefly paused to take a breath; he looked down at his notes. "I will now announce which candidates are assigned to which hall." He started to read out the names, starting with hall one and ending with hall nine. Celeste and Marjo were lucky to be trialled in the same hall. Hall Five.
"Shall we go?" Celeste asked Marjo after Instructor Gavajin was no longer announcing names.
"I don't see why we shouldn't," Marjo replied grinningly.
"Alright, let's go."