Lucian and Adeline after a long journey finally made it to Damascus. A kingdom that was once in ruins but had become a paradise for merchants and slave traders.
It was the home of Elora who had hidden the sword of Raul somewhere in the kingdom. It is recent to which Lucian found out about the sword being hidden in the kingdom.
Adeline hid her hair in the fur coat and walked side by side with Lucian to avoid being separated.
After the ambush of the kingdom, it became a desolate wasteland but now stands as a vibrant and prosperous trading hub. Lush green fields stretched as far as the eyes could see.
Dotted with bustling market stalls and magnificent merchant ships docked at the harbors.
Adeline
(Amazed)
"I can't believe a place like this existed, it's beautiful, no one would believe it was once a wasteland".
Lucian
(Chuckled)
"Yes, but that is what Father does, makes things anew, just so he could get all the glory even though he did nothing when they needed him"
Adeline
(Confused)
"Who is this father you talking about"
Lucian
(Indifferent)
"The one you all call The supreme, Tsk, let's go you have a job to do remember"
Adeline shrugged her shoulders and followed Lucian; he didn't waste time by taking the lead. Adeline was wondering how she could find the sword in the crowded Kingdom.
Lucian
(Stern)
"We must find a place to lay, for tomorrow, the kingdom will be stormed with merchants from all corners of the realm to showcase their wares.
The ships on the sea caught the attention of Adeline, who couldn't stop wondering how people could ride in them.
"What is that?" she asked, tapping on Lucian's arm. "What?" Lucian responded harshly.
"The sea, there is something on it, people are trying to board it"
"You mean you don't know what ships are?"
"S-ships, what is that?"
He shook his head, "it's quite unfortunate for me to be hanging around her" he whispered to himself.
"It's nothing, a bunch of big fishes which can love on the surface of the sea and lend a hand to people so they can cross the sea, is that good enough" he lied to her.
Adeline
(Excited)
"Fish, woo, I want one, how can I get a big fish"
Lucian
(Annoyed)
"When you find the sword then we talk about the big fish, let's go"
They continued and searched for places they could put their heads. A merchant with a charismatic figure suddenly approached them, staring intensely at Lucian.
, "Where are you two going? If you two are not busy, why don't you join us?" The merchant offered.
"No, thank you for the offer but my daughter and I need to rest. We have been on a journey for a long time, " Lucian said with a stern look on his beautiful face.
The merchant had no option but to leave them be. Fortunately, they were able to find a good place to rest.
Kingdom of Amira
Edmond was seated on the throne once his father's who was still on his sick bed. With a frown on his face, he remembered the conversation he had with the genies.
Flashback…
The genies were present, waiting at the Kingdom Hall for Edmond to appear and so he did.
Edmond was not given the chance to speak, when the first genie spoke "There is a great misfortune cast down on a kingdom you sworn to protect".
Edmond
(Confused)
"A kingdom, sworn to protect"
First Genie
(Fiercely)
"You mustn't help them, let them atone for the sins of their King. Do not fight their war or else the same fate shall befall you"
Edmond
(Questioned)
"Which kingdom? Let me know, for I decide whether to help or not"
Second Genie
"There is no need for you to know, in a few days you will hear the news of a kingdom fallen, and this time around you won't be contributing to their downfall"
Edmond laughed softly "That is all you ever do, make demands and expect us to follow, you ungrateful people, oh I forgot you are not humans"
The third genie was not pleased with what he heard and so laid down a few words
Third Genie
(Cursed)
"For insulting our presence, you will bare a son who has a weak heart and if you decide to fight for the kingdom, the person destined to protect him, will never cross paths with him and he will die a painful death"
Edmond
(Angry)
"How dare you"
A crack from the cloud shook the earth, Edmond fret as to what the genies said. Has he been cursed? Is this a sign?" he asked himself as he stared into the sky.
The three genies disappeared before Edmond could get his answer.
Flashback ends.
Edmond
(Angry)
"No, I won't accept my fate, my son will be the ruler of Amira, he can't be weak. My brothers may fight my son and me for the throne so he can't be weak.
He did say he had a protector, who could that be, is he someone in that kingdom, but there were no survivors. I must not fail in finding my son's protector".
He took his leave to his father's chambers.
Kingdom of Damascus
The sun cast a warm glow over the Gen Kingdom, it was the day merchants from all corners of the realm gathered to sell and showcase their wealth.
The air was filled with the scent of exotic spices, the sound of lovely chatter, and the clinking of gold corns. Lucian and Adeline came out to watch the kingdom celebrate.
They had no king but an advisor from the kingdom of Amira.
Lucian
(Smiled)
"Today is a new day and beautiful too, but Adeline you must be careful, the people here are mostly from the kingdom of Amira. Cover your head and never speak to anyone who is not me".
She nodded in response. "Now find my sword and bring it to me, you have just today, so you better get started before dark calls" he ordered her.
She had no idea where to look or start, she also didn't know the exact word she was supposed to find and so all she did was to look around, amazed about everything around her.
She walked past many houses, unfortunately for her it was the first time seeing a furnished house. She and her parents lived in a hut so she had no opportunity to learn.
A few steps away from the castle, suddenly she heard a voice. She turned in the direction of where the sound was.
She ignored the sound since there was nothing behind her. The voice called again and this time, it mentioned her name.
Adeline
(annoyed and yelled)
"Who are you? Reveal yourself !!"
No response, she was very upset and decided to walk toward the direction of the sound. It was from the castle.
There were knights around but she wondered why there were any if there was no king. She tiptoed and dodged the knights.
She followed the sound to a room which suddenly stopped. It was an old room suited for a woman.
Dust danced in the sunlight that streamed through the cracked window, illuminating the forgotten corners of the abandoned room. The air surrounding the room was heavy sigh a sense of mystery and anticipation.
Adeline
( surprised)
"Woo this place is not bad, but I need to find the sword"
She was about to leave when something shining blocked her eyes from seeing a way.
Adeline
(crying out)
"My eyes, no I can't see"
She tried to grab onto something but nothing and so she fell on her knees.
"I should not have come here, bad luck, I can't see, Lucian will have no choice but to abandon me" he cried out.
The voice suddenly called her name again "ADELINE"
She rubbed her eyes and turned to look around, she was able to open her eyes again and saw something she had never seen before.
She drew closer to an opened closet and brushed away the layers of dust, which revealed the hilt of a sword, shimmering with an otherworldly glow.
"What kind of sword is this," she said to herself. With her hands trembling with excitement, she gently took the sword from the closet, and instantly the room bathed in a brilliant golden light, emanating from the blade.
Her hands trembled as she held onto the sword. The sword hummed with power, pulsating with electrical energy and she could feel it in her very core.
She had drawn attention to her as she heard footsteps. Suddenly the voice spoke again
"Lightning Thunder"
"So you were the one calling my name, guess what, lightning Thunder will be your name, let's go find our master"….
She passed through a secret door which she mistakenly found by destroying the weak wall.
Adeline rushed into the room, with Lucian peacefully sleeping.
Adeline
(excited)
"I found the sword" she woke Lucian up.
"What?" Lucian blocked his eyes as the sword illuminated a shining light.
"Hey get that thing off my face, too bright"
"Huh, bu…" paused and hid the sword behind her. It was quite heavy but for some reason, she felt comfortable holding the sword.
"There is no way I can grab this sword, hmm, you sneaky bastard Raul" he yelled startling Adeline.
Heavenly Realm….
Meanwhile, Raul was continuing having a sword fight with his son, and he wasn't alone. Kirrinoth was consistently testing his son and giving him challenge upon challenge.
He suddenly rubbed his ears and shook his head.
Young Raul
(Concerned)
"Father is something wrong, you suddenly stopped"
Raul
(Suspicious)
"Hmm, I had a feeling someone was talking bad about me somewhere"
Young Raul
(Laughed)
"I believe you are getting old"
Raul
(Scoffed)
"We don't get old after a certain age, we are guardians we need to protect, how can we when we are old and weak"
"I felt something earlier, it was my sword, who has it now, I can't tell anyone now" he whispered to himself and smiled at his son and they continued their sword fight.
Mortal / Earthly Realm…
A few days passed and Lucian had failed to grab the sword. Adeline tried to help but he never allowed it.
The training started, with Adeline constantly doing physical work, running, carrying heavy wood on her shoulders, bathing in cold water, being blind founded, fighting a wooden puppet, and all kinds of physical training.
He told her it was to make her muscles stronger and firm. He had fierce fist fight with her and unfortunately, she lost every time.
It was time for the sword training. He took her to a spacious training ground enveloped in a mystical aura.
The sunset filtered through the leaves of ancient trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
Adeline was determined this time around to fight with all her might.
Lucian got ready with a wooden sword and his voice carried a mix of authority and wisdom.
Lucian
(serious)
"Focus, Adeline. Keep your stance steady and your eyes sharp".
Adeline took a deep breath, her grip tightening around the hilt of the sword. She squared her shoulders, determination etched in her features.
LILY
(nods)
"Yes, Master Lucian, alright Lightning Thunder here we go. We are ready."
Lucian stepped closer, his sword in hand. With a swift motion, he struck at Adeline who parried the attack with a combination of grace and agility. The clash of steel filled the air.
Lucian
(voice commanding)
Remember, Adeline, a sword is an extension of your will. Feel its weight, anticipate its movements.
Adeline muscles strained as she blocked and countered each of Lucian's Attacks. Sweat beads on her forehead, but she refused to back down.
The sword fight went on for days with Adeline losing to Lucian until one faithful day.
Adeline managed to land a swift strike on Lucian, making him lose his balance and his wooden sword broke into two.
Lucian
(voice encouraging)
Good, not bad, your reflexes are improving. Now, let your instincts guide you and I need a new sword.
Adeline movements became more fluid, her strikes gaining precision and strength. She unleashed a series of attacks, her sword slicing through the air with determination.
With years of practice, Adeline had become a formidable swordswoman.
Lucian
(smiling)
You have become a formidable swordswoman, little Adeline, you have beaten me once or twice so yes you have done well. But you have more to learn.
Adeline
(smiling)
"Of course, I had the best teacher, and it's five times, I meant winning a sword fight with you. Stop calling me little, lightning thunder and I am no longer children".
Adeline now a full-grown woman, held her sword on her shoulder and watched the kingdom as she stood on the high mountain.
RAUL: Raul
LUCIAN: Adeline
Both Raul and Adeline turned to face the one person they loved the most and smiled wholeheartedly at them.
********