"No coward soul is mine,
No trembler in the world's storm-troubled sphere,
I see Heaven's glories shine,
And Faith shines equal arming me from Fear."
No Coward Soul Is Mine - Poem by Emily Jane Brontë
3
*New Powers
Lilly thought she ought to be worried and nervous about the decisions of the enchanted council about Xana. But somehow, she wasn't. She was unusually calm and relaxed. The knot in her heart eased up a little. She accepted the fact that her daughter had an angel guard at her door. Who followed her around like a shadow. She couldn't take Xana anywhere without him following close by, keeping an eye on Xana's every move and gesture. He never talked or smiled, only watched with an intense gaze. She also accepted the constant visits of Calum Bennet, the higher warlock. He was such a nice man. Lilly actually liked having him around to ask him about all the things she wanted to understand about her daughter and what made her so special. He was always more than glad to answer. His excitement about Xana was unlimited. He kept records of every action she took and recorded all her progress. Lilly couldn't help but wonder what he was expecting to find. After all, Xana was still a baby. Even her glow had started to fade and only came back when she was upset. Calum told Lilly once that. "Xana's powers could emerge at any time, and we must be ready for that." and he was right. When Xana turned one, she grew wings, big, white, feathered wings. Similar to the angels' wings. Fairies grew their wings at the age of six. And their wings are smaller than the angels' and colorful and also not feathery. The angel guard informed Uriel, who came immediately to check on Xana. Calum was excited, like a six-year-old going to Disneyland for the first time. He kept admiring her wings all the time.
Uriel informed Lilly and Pairo that Xana's flying lessons should begin. "She should learn how to control and use her wings at a young age." He told them with his steady, confident voice after he saw the look of doubt in their eyes. The lessons were something magical to watch. Uriel would spread his huge wings, blocking the sunlight. Showing Xana how to spread hers and flap them swiftly till she elevated and flown around Uriel, who would catch her before she fell to the ground and put her gently on the grass to start over again. It took some time for Xana to learn how to land on her feet, but she was eager to learn. She kept trying and didn't stop until she got it right. Lilly and Pairo would stand and watch their daughter learn from her mentor for hours.
Whenever doubt and fear would creep into Lilly's heart, she remembered the way Cassiel held Xana in his hands. How he lifted her close to his face and smiled at her. The memory of that scene kept her calm, it assured her that everything was going to be all right. The angels were guarding her baby.
Soon enough, Xana developed new powers. Moving objects around with a beam of her light just by pointing at them. And with a little concentration, she was able to blow up rocks with the same beam. This time, it was Calum's responsibility to teach her the proper use of that magic. He would spend hours with her in the forest showing her how to focus her energy, blue and red sparks coming out from his fingertips while silver ones emitted from Xana's. Both aiming at rocks, sometimes moving them and other times destroying them. Aldora was there as well, watching and guiding Xana around. She would tell her stories about fairies and warlocks and angels. She acted as a loving, caring grandmother. Lilly was glad for that. Aldora always loved kids. Fenris Oakstaff, also visited Xana often, keeping an eye on her progress. Xana loved him. She would run to meet him, spreading her tiny arms so he would carry her. At his last visit, she flew to him. She loved Calum as well. She was always happy to see him, always eager to show him what she could do. Lilly and Pairo felt the same about them. Fenris and Pairo looked like old friends, always chatting and laughing together. But Xana never liked Lionar the same way. The elf guard was sent by King Elion. He was so stiff. He never smiled, only watched her closely without interacting with her at all. She never ran to meet him the way she did with Fenris and Calum. She loved running and hiding from him and watching him get frustrated when he couldn't find her.
By the age of four, Fenris said one day. "It's time she meets new creatures. She must know what else is out there and be prepared for it." He decided to show himself as a wolf for the first time in front of her. Lilly held her tight between her arms and Pairo stood beside her with a weary smile. They figured that Xana would be terrified. All the animals of Incantia were deep in the forest and she hadn't met any of them so close, like she was about to.
Fenris stood at a safe distance from them and said with his deep warm voice. "Xana, I will show you now what I really am. Don't be afraid." And he started to change. His fingernails turned to black, pointed claws. His teeth turned into huge white fangs and his ears got furry and pointed. In a moment, his transformation was complete and an extra-large gray wolf was standing before them. To their astonishment, Xana jumped off her mother's arms and ran towards Fenris with a huge smile on her lovely face. She hugged his oversized leg. He lowered his head, and she started petting his head and ruffling his long fur. Calum laughed loudly and clapped his hands. "God bless that child. She wasn't even afraid, not one bit". Pairo and Lilly looked at each other and smiled. Their daughter had done something marvelous. Even mature fairies had trouble seeing werewolves' change. It was a scary thing to watch, and here was a four-year-old who was relaxed, as if she had found a stray kitten. Fenris agreed with Pairo before he left that he would bring Michael with him, his youngest son. He was one year older than Xana. They should start training together now and Xana must learn all the wolves' ways of fighting. Lionar also informed Pairo that King Elion will send his son Alston for the training and teaching Xana the elves' ways in the battles. That was part of their agreement at the council meeting when Xana was born.
On Fenris's next visit he brought his son Michael with him. A five-year-old adorable little boy. He looked just like Fenris. Bright brown eyes, wavy brown hair touching his bare shoulders, and a wide warm friendly smile. Xana liked him on the spot. She hadn't had any real friends her age before. All the fairies were actually afraid of letting their children play with her. Especially under the constant watch of an angel, warlock, and elf guards, besides Aldora and her parents. She didn't really have anyone to play with. Michael was the first friend she ever had. For Michael, it was the same. He liked Xana as well. Having five older brothers only made him yearn for a sister. Since their first meeting together they became inseparable. They would go together with Calum into the forest, where Xana was getting her lessons. Michael would watch Xana blow up rocks with wide eyes and a slightly open mouth. Both Pairo and Lilly were glad for their friendship.
On the other hand, Lionar brought Alston. King's Elion only child. He had dark green eyes and silver sleek hair. It was so bright, Xana wanted to touch it, but he pulled away with an annoyed look on his face. He wasn't nice or warm like Michael. But Xana liked everybody, so she liked him. Not the way she liked Michael, but she didn't resent him. The three of them were to take their lessons and training together. Calum was the magic teacher who taught them all they needed to know about warlocks' magic. He taught Xana how to use her light to move objects, and also Alston, who could control the elements. That was the elves' powers. Michael didn't have any of these powers, so he would just watch the two of them practice, which he didn't mind. It was fascinating for him to watch such magic. Aldora taught them the history of the enchanted world, the enchanted creatures, and the enchanted legends. They would meet in her tower for the lessons and reading. Xana read most of the books. She liked reading more than the boys did.
Lionar taught them the elves' ways in battle and fighting. They weren't allowed real weapons until the age of fifteen. They trained with wooden swords and knives and daggers and bows. Xana preferred the swords; Alston preferred the bow and arrows, and Michael chose the daggers and knives. Fenris taught them the werewolves' fighting ways. Which meant fighting with bare hands and engaging physically with your enemy. Alston hated those lessons, especially when he was about to fight Michael. He preferred to keep a distance between him and his opponent. He even hated it more after Michael had turned twelve and had changed for the first time. That was the time for them now to fight a werewolf in wolf form. Xana loved it. She won most times and was able to drop Michael on the ground and kneel on top of him. Alson, of course, was highly annoyed by the physical contact. He would say. "I like my enemies at a distance with an arrow through the heart." Xana would laugh at him and say. "Not all enemies can be killed through their heart. You have to decapitate most demons and vampires. Don't you ever read, Alston?" That always made Michael giggle, but that didn't change Alston's mind. He always refrained from any physical contact.
And finally, Uriel, who taught Xana how to use her light powers and how to fly, he gave Alston flying lessons as well. And again, Michael would watch both of them hovering around him. Michael always admired Xana's wings and he would tease Alston about how her wings were bigger than his.
***
They took these lessons for ten years. They grew up together, became friends and partners. Xana learned so much from them.
Alston told her all about the elves. He even took her to Alavara, the land of elves, a few times. Which she found beautiful. It was like Incantia, with its marvelous nature. The forests and the palace of King Elion. Which was made out of silver that shimmered under the moonlight, and was blindingly bright under the sunlight. Everything in Alavara had a leaf shape carved on it, even the crowns of the King and queen. She didn't like King Elion and Queen Mariona, Alston's parents. They weren't very nice to her whenever she visited them. She thought they were cold and stiff. "No wonder Alston is such a tight dude." Michael had told her once, and she laughed so hard at that, but told Michael not to say that in front of Alston. She loved the waterfalls of Alavara. She even jumped in them a few times, which made Alston mad. She told him. "You don't know how to have fun, Al." "Our idea of fun is clearly different. And it is Alston, Xana. Al, is what you call a common mundane. I'm a royal elf." He told her while stepping away from her while she was trying to dry her hair by squeezing her long locks tightly between her palms and shaking her wings to get the water out of their feathers. He hated getting wet. "I could always push you; you know. Maybe then you will like it and understand what we are talking about." Michael told Alston in a teasing tone while stepping towards him, hands reaching out to grab Alston. Alston stepped away from him and shot him an angry look. "Stop it, you two. When will you ever grow up and stop these arguments?" Xana told them both, stepping forward to stand between the two boys to separate them. "We should head back to Incantia, anyway. Calum said that Uriel needs the three of us in the tower." She told the boys and spun around towards the portal. It wasn't so far from the waterfalls. She made her wings disappear. Something she learned to do when she was six, when Alston kept pulling their feathers. Uriel was impressed. Only angels could show or hide their wings magically like that. Fairies and elves couldn't. Which was another thing Michael teased Alston about. The two boys followed her. Alston kept a safe distance between him and Michael so he wouldn't be able to push him into the waterfall. The portal was guarded by two elf knights, with their bows and silver armors. The three of them went through it and came out in Incantia. That side of the portal was guarded by one elf knight and a werewolf. Since there weren't any fairy knights or warriors, fairies of the Seelie Court were healers and people of peace. Xana was the first to learn how to fight and act during a battle, the first to have such magic, and the first with those angelic wings. The three of them walked through the forest towards the tower. It was noon and the sun was high in the blue sky. Something Xana was grateful for. At least her clothes will get dry faster. She walked first and the boys followed her. Michael behind her and Alston at the back. It was always that way. Alston hated when Michael would come from behind him and put bugs on his hair so he always chose to walk last behind them. Xana had grown into a beautiful teen fairy. Her hair got so long it reached the end of her back, she always left it free and wild. You never saw her with a ponytail or a bun. Her eyes the same emerald green and fair pale skin. She didn't get so tall, which annoyed her. She was tiny beside the two boys. But as always, eager to learn new things and prove that she could do anything her mentors asked her to do. Michael was growing fast, his brown hair fair and wavy, he always kept it at his shoulders. His eyes bright brown with the silver rim around his irises now. He got muscular. Something all werewolves shared. His smile is still as friendly and warm as ever. He was humorous all the time. Always finding new ways to annoy Alston. Alston was slightly shorter than Michael, which annoyed him. His hair was so long it reached the middle of his back, it got even paler as he grew. It was light silver. He always kept it behind his pointed ears or in a ponytail. He was always serious and alert. He hated goofing around. Unlike Xana and Michael, who were always trying to have fun. No matter how hard they tried he would never jump in the waterfall or roll on the ground. He kept reminding them, he was royal, and royals don't do silly things.
When they reached the tower, they headed to the library room. Xana knocked once, then went inside, and she froze. Michael almost stumbled upon her, but he was fast enough to straighten himself. He looked ahead to see what was wrong, and to his surprise, he saw King Randall talking to Uriel. The King was never nice to Xana. Whenever he came to watch her train, he would look bored and only stayed for a few moments, and always stood away from her. "I don't know why he hates me." Xana told Michael once, and he told her. "I don't think he hates you. He doesn't even know you. He is just a stiff royal old hag like Alston's parents." which made her laugh her heart out. Aldora came towards the three of them with a big smile, as she always did. Behind her was Calum. She said. "Come inside, children. Uriel has something to tell you." They walked past her and when they were beside Calum, he patted each of them on the shoulder. Except Alston. "My dear ones. It's always a pleasure to see you all." His white hair and beard were so bright in the sunlight. The three of them formed a line. Xana in the middle and the two boys on her sides, as they always did. Uriel approached them while King Randall stood behind the big wooden table in the middle of the room. The room was silent. Uriel sandals were the only thing making a faint sound on the wooden floor. Xana always thought it was funny for a warrior angel to wear sandals. But that was what all angels did. She thought they were too powerful anyway. It's not like they needed to protect their feet. But she wasn't thinking about that now. Uriel's expression made her worried. He always looked firm, but something in his eyes was different. There was caution in them, and it made her uncomfortable. She was always good at reading people, and she knew Uriel was about to say something unpleasant. He spoke then. Snapping Xana out of her thoughts. "Michael, Alston, you have come of age. That means you have the right to receive your weapons of choice. Each will also be placed in a new position among his people. Alston, you will be the first knight in King Elion's higher knights. You will receive your bow and armor in a celebration held at the palace of your father. Your training with me has ended," he said to Alston, and nodded. Alston nodded a small nod and swallowed visibly. Xana felt him tense beside her. But before she could say anything, Uriel spoke again. "Michael, you will be joining your brothers in the alpha pack. You will receive your knives at a celebration held by your family. Your training with me has ended," then he nodded, and Michael nodded back mechanically. But he was confused. Xana knew that look on his face, like how he always got confused in magic classes. Uriel spoke in a gentle tone. "Xana, you still have one year left of training before you receive your weapons and until then your lessons are the same." He nodded to Xana but she was frozen, her eyes wide and confused. She didn't nod back, instead, she looked at Michael, who looked back at her with a confused expression. Then looked at Alston, who was staring at the floor. Her voice came as a whisper, "Does that mean we won't train together again?" She swallowed and took a step forward before adding, "They won't be with me anymore." Uriel was obviously trying to be nice to her, he could see how upset she got. "You must understand. That was the plan all along. They were here as messengers to help you learn about their kinds and methods. It was part of your education. And now each of you must follow his own path among his people. The council agreed on that when you were born."
Xana didn't notice that she had grabbed Michael and Alston's hands, she held them so tight in her own, she didn't realize that she was glowing either. Her rage was growing inside her as the words "plan" and "own path" were taking over her thoughts, suffocating her with sadness and emptiness. Her voice came as a scream then. Something she never did to Uriel, she was always so respectful towards him. "You can't do this. They are my only friends. I won't give them up." She stood her ground, holding the boys' hands, staring at Uriel's yellow-green eyes in a challenging way. Calum came fast towards Xana, his hands reaching out for her in front of him, but he didn't touch her. He stood beside Uriel and cleared his throat before he spoke in a low voice. "My dear child. You will still be friends of course. Uriel didn't mean it that way. It's just …"
Xana cut him off sharply, still staring at Uriel. "It's just what? Each will go to a different place. We won't be able to see each other anymore." Calum looked defeated. He didn't know what to tell her, because she was right. Uriel spoke to her then. "First of all, you need to calm down. Your light can hurt your friends, so get it under control." Only then she realized that her hands were glowing. Both boys looked pained under her touch. She released them and took a deep breath. It took her a moment to get her light under control again. Michael put a hand on her shoulder, trying to assure her, but she waved him off. "Good. Now that you are calm, maybe you will understand that this is the law. We can't do anything about it." Uriel told her again in a calm tone. He cared for her and he hated to see her sad and angry like this. "I don't see a reason why I should follow such a cruel law." She spat her words, and without hesitation, she spun around and ran out of the room. Michael went after her, but she had already spread her wings and jumped out of the corridor window. He turned around and almost smashed into King Randall, who was muttering the word. "Disrespectful". He knew he meant Xana. He hurried back into the room. Aldora stood silently near the table, staring out the window. Calum was talking to Uriel. "We must give her time. You know how attached she is to the boys." Uriel was nodding. Alston whispered to Michael. "Where is she?"
"She jumped out of the window."
Alston smiled the faintest smile and said. "Of course she has." Michael tried to hide his smile too because Uriel had turned around to look at him.
***
Michael couldn't wait until Uriel had dismissed them. Once he was out of the tower, he went straight to the valley where Xana usually liked to go. Only she wasn't there or anywhere on the riverbank. He went to her house, but Lilly told him she hadn't come back yet. Then he went to the Green Fairy in Elond, but Misty told him she hadn't seen Xana that day. He went back to the forest and headed for the portal. He came out in the werewolves' sanctuary in London. He decided to go to his room and change his training clothes before he went out to look for Xana. The sanctuary was an old-looking mansion. It had wooden floors and high ceilings. Glass windows in every room and corridor. Everywhere you looked there were sculptures, most of them were of wolves and horses. Some were of warriors in their armors. The walls were covered with paintings. The carpets thick and old. It looked like a place from another century. For Michael, it was as good as his home. It was a home for every werewolf as well. Whenever anyone needed a place to stay or needed help, they were welcome to stay. Fenris was the head of the sanctuary. As a result, Michael spent most of his time there whenever he wasn't in Myron. He went to his room and opened the door to find Xana there, sitting on the windowsill. A shock of relief went through him. She was looking out the window when he came in. She turned her head and raised one eyebrow. "It took you long enough, Oakstaff." He closed the door and gave her half a smile, then said. "You are one hard fairy to find, Star." He crossed the room in two strides and sat near her on the windowsill. It was almost sunset, and the scarlet horizon was reflected in their eyes. "I went to look for you in the valley and your house. I even went to the Green Fairy. I never thought I'd find you here." He told her. "My mom is going to be worried," she said matter-of-factly. "What happened after I left?" she asked, twirling one of her silky dark locks between her fingers. "Not much. Calum was telling Uriel to give you some time." She looked at him then. "So they are going to do this, anyway. We are just experiments to them. Don't they care about how I feel? How we all feel?" She was utterly mad. Michael knew that tone. He told her in a teasing way, trying to joke with her. "Please, I like my room the way it is. No need to burn it down." He waved his hand, indicating the room. Xana looked at the messy room. There were piles of clothes on the bed and on the floor. A towel hanging on the bedpost and bottles of perfume were scattered on the dresser. She laughed softly and shook her head. "You call this a room? Look, I have a plan anyway. I won't just let them separate us. But I need you to back me up." He saw her eyes shine. He knew she was going to say something crazy like she always did. He raised an eyebrow and said. "Let's hear it." He lifted his leg on the windowsill, bent it and rested his chin on his knee, and looked at her. Xana jumped off the sill and started pacing. Something she always did when she was worried. She took a deep breath and said. "We can't just waste all those years of training and I can't give up on our friendship either. The whole point was to make us better warriors. Make me in particular. But I'm not the best warrior they want without you and Alston. All that training together made us a unit somehow. We know each other's moves and techniques. We fight better together. We move as one. Remember when Uriel said that our movements are synchronized?" She paused and looked at him. He only nodded slowly. She paced again and added. "We are a team, Michael. The best team they could have. They have no other choice but to keep us together," she pushed a pile of clothes off his bed and sat down. "Otherwise, I won't finish my training because there will be no point of it anyway". Her tone was defiant and final. He knew she meant what she said and there was no way anyone could make her change her mind. He got off the sill and switched the lights on. The room had gotten dark, as night had fallen. He looked at Xana trying to read her face. She looked composed and strong as usual. A challenging look all over her features. She was staring at him, waiting for him to reply. He swallowed before he spoke. "A team you said. I like the idea, but that has never happened before. In case you haven't noticed we are a fairy, a werewolf, and an elf. We are different and different enchanted creatures don't fight together. Each has their own battles." He was still standing by the light switch. She raised her eyebrows and said in an amused tone. "I'm different. I'm the only one of my kind and it's only fair that I have different things." The corner of her mouth shaped into half a smile. She always smiled like that after she achieved something hard. Michael leaned against the wall and threw his hands in the air. "Okay. Looks like you have a plan already. What do you need me to do?" She jumped off the bed and said. "That's my Mikey boy. First, we must tell Alston the plan then tell your father. Uriel listens to him and I think he would like my idea." "Do we really have to put Alston in our team?" he asked and tilted his head to the side. "You love him there's no point denying it." Xana said in her teasing tone. He moved towards her. "Hold up. I never said I loved him. He might have grown on me over the years, but I still think he can be the most obnoxious thing to have ever walked on Earth." She laughed aloud at that. "Yeah. I know he can be. But he is our friend and we won't give him up." "You're the boss, honey." He said and ruffled her hair. She put a hand through her hair and walked to the fireplace. It was a small white fireplace. She snapped her fingers and a green fire appeared. She leaned forward and said. "Alston. Meet us at the Green Fairy in an hour." She turned around and smiled at Michael, who was watching the green flames.
He said. "I always wished I could do that." And he jerked his chin towards the fire. "Howling is a good way to deliver messages, too." She said and patted his arm. "Not as cool though." He added while the green flames danced in his irises, making his silver circles glimmer. Then a sound came from the fire. "It better be good." It was Alston's voice. Then the fire died. They walked out of the room and headed to Fenris's office, where the portal was.
***
The Green Fairy was crowded, as usual. Misty's high heels clicked on the oak floors as she moved back and forth between the tables, her short black hair sticking out in every direction in spikes, her green-gray eyes exhausted. The torches on the stone walls illuminated the place, making Misty's purple wings glimmer. The tables were filled with elves, fairies, and a couple of werewolves by the bar. And one hooded figure at the end of the bar. Xana couldn't make out what he was. Xana, Alston, and Michael were sitting at a small table in the corner, under one of the square windows. Alston was facing Xana, and Michael sat beside him. He was sitting straight, folding his arms across his chest. He was silent while Xana recited the plan, only moving his head away from Michael's hand, who kept trying to touch his newly cut hair. After Xana finished, he moved his head away in annoyance for probably the fifth time from Michael's hand without even looking at him. He unfolded his arms and placed his palms carefully on the table on either side of his drink and said in his usual calm tone. "What makes you think they will agree? Uriel was final about it and not to mention the law." Xana rested her back against the chair and said in an amused tone. "Because they need me. Calum has always told me that they are counting on me and my powers. So it's either they accept my deal or I'm out." Alston's eyes went wide. "That is crazy. And for God's sake, Michael, keep your claws away from my hair!" He moved his head away yet again from Michael's reach, who grinned at him. Xana smiled at Michael and turned her gaze to Alston. "Crazy is my middle name," she moved the spoon around in her coffee, then added. "Look, are you in or not?"
Alston gave her a thoughtful look, then said. "I want to be a part of your team." "Good. It's settled then. Now, what's with the haircut? Some fashion statement or something?" She indicated his hair, which was much shorter now, only reaching behind his ears. Sleek and bright silver, as usual. He ran a hand through his hair and said. "It is a sort of rebellious act". Michael tried to suppress a laugh and failed. "You? Rebellious?" He asked Alston in an incredulous tone. But Alston ignored him. Xana leaned forward and told Alston. "You don't want to become a knight, do you? But instead of talking to your father, you cut your hair!" "Essentially." He said and took a sip of his drink. Xana knew he didn't want to talk about it. Alston never shared his true feelings. Especially with his parents. And she didn't blame him. She thought they were horrible parents. She smiled and said. "I like it. It suits you" "This way, my hair will be away from my bow and arrows on my back. The celebration is in three days. I expect you will be there." He told Xana, without looking at Michael. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. And Michael too." She said and gave Michael a look. He smirked at Alston and said. "You two are invited to my celebration, too." "Good. Now I must get back home. My mom is probably freaking out. Michael, you must talk to your father the minute you get home. I want to talk to Uriel tomorrow. There's no need to delay this." Michael nodded and drank what was left of his Wolfsbane tea, then he took off. Alston walked Xana home, which was right outside Elond. He asked Xana while looking at the stars, "Do we have to keep the wolf on our team? You know he can be very obnoxious." Xana laughed for a solid two minutes at that, while Alston watched her in puzzlement. "You two are the best friends anyone could ask for," she finally said. "Yes, Al. He is our friend. And I want him with us, and so do you." He looked at the ground, then said. "I better go now. They must be looking for me," he walked away from her and before he vanished into the forest, he turned around and called. "Xana. It is Alston." And he went into the forest. She shook her head with a smile on her face and walked toward her home.
***
Xana couldn't stop pacing along the corridor outside the library room in the tower, her hair like a curtain flinging behind her, floating as she moved. Michael was looking out the window, watching Incantia stretching ahead. The sun rays making his hair brighter. While Alston was leaning on the wall, his gaze following Xana as she paced back and forth. "How long have we been here?" she asked in frustration. "Fifteen minutes." Michael said after checking his watch, then went again to staring through the window.
"Do you think I was rude to Uriel?" Xana asked no one in particular. She closed her eyes and repeated the whole scene again in her head. Uriel, Fenris, and Calum sitting around the wooden table while she stood on the other side of the table facing them. Michael and Alston, side by side behind her. She told Uriel her deal and her idea of the team. His face was expressionless. Fenris was calm, he kept his gaze on Xana while she talked. His relaxed expression calmed her a bit. She was glad he had agreed to her plan. Michael had told her the minute he saw her this morning. "My father is on our side." Even Calum was excited. He was always excited about anything Xana did, anyway. But she couldn't help but worry. Uriel said he had to discuss this with Cassiel. She had seen him only twice in her life. Not counting the time when she was born. He attended one of her training once and the other time he was there to see King Randall. "You weren't rude. You were firm and determined." Michael said and turned around with a small smile on his face. Xana looked at Alston, wanting him to answer her question as well. He said. "I agree with Michael." "I hate waiting." Xana sat on the wooden floor under the window beside Michael. He sat down beside her. "We will always be together no matter what they decide, okay?" she only nodded without looking at him. She was staring at the floor.
The wooden doors swung open and Calum appeared. Xana and Michael jumped to their feet. Xana watching every facet of Calum's expression. He winked at her and she grinned. The color rose back to her face and she felt light as a feather. She knew what the answer was. "Come along children. Uriel has something to say to you." Calum said in his cheerful tone and went back inside the room. His red cape with golden symbols was floating behind him. Xana turned and saw that Michael and Alston caught Calum's wink as well. Both were relaxed. They went after Calum.
Uriel was standing in the middle of the room. His golden hair looked dazzling under the sun. His golden armor shining, making his green-yellow eyes glow. Even his golden sandals seemed to shine as well. But something else in the room caught Xana's eyes. Golden letters hanging in the air above Uriel's head forming the word 'Assentior' which meant I agree in Latin. Uriel caught what Xana was watching and said in his musical voice, "Cassiel's reply," and pointed at the letters. Then waved his hands, and the letters vanished. "We accepted your deal," Uriel said, emphasizing the word 'deal' and Xana felt a bit embarrassed. Her cheeks flushed. Uriel continued. "The boys will go on their missions as planned and return to keep training with you for one more year. When you come of age, you will receive your weapons and have your missions together as a team." He nodded and the three of them nodded back. Xana saw Calum and Fenris in the corner, grinning at the three of them. "You may go now. You are off training and lessons for four days until Alston and Michael's Arma Ritus are over." Uriel told them. And turned around toward Fenris. When they reached the doors, Uriel called Xana. She turned around to find him staring at her with a faint smile on his face. "The next time you have any deals, you come to me first and we can discuss it without rational behaviors." Xana flushed again, nodded, and smiled. She went out and closed the doors behind her. Michael was grinning. He patted her arm and said. "You did it, Star." "Were you doubting me, Oakstaff?" She asked, raising one eyebrow. "Naah. Never." He said and ruffled her hair.
Xana turned to Alston, who looked worried. "So, when are you planning on telling your father about this?" Before he said anything, Michael said in a surprised tone, "Wait. What? You haven't told him yet? I can't believe this." Alston snapped at him. "I cannot believe you are still wearing your training clothes from yesterday." Both Xana and Michael looked at Michael's clothes. Xana just realized he hadn't changed. She was too nervous to notice before. She turned her gaze to Alston, placed her palm on his upper arm with caution. "Do you want me to be with you when you tell him? He doesn't like me so much, but if you want me to." She said in a soft, low voice.
Alston accepted Xana's touch. "No. It is something I have to do myself," he said, and gave her a faint smile. "I will see you at the celebration," he added, and walked down the corridor. Before he turned at the end of the corridor, he turned and said. "I expect you to wear something more appropriate, Michael." and smirked at him before vanishing.