Siriana training again! You don't understand that that is not your place, you are a princess of Druikstall, your place is not among the soldiers. What am I going to do with you and Einar?! You are children, you don't understand how the world works yet, these are not games, you have a duty to the druid people. If he were not one of the greatest warriors and the son of a great friend, I would have already banished Einar for disobeying my orders! – Apsel shouted, very angry, the veins in his neck were throbbing and hands were trembling.
"I'm not a girl," said Siriana between clenched teeth. She was standing in front of her father's throne. The throne room was large, it was a strong room built of stone many years ago by powerful druids, with a large, vaulted ceiling that was enchanted to reflect the sky of Druikstall and not feel trapped under constructions. That night on the ceiling you could clearly see the stars and a large silver moon. The throne room was empty, it was just her father and her. Her father always made sure to be alone with her when he scolded her, her voice echoed off the stone and wood walls.
His father was the king of the druids, he had white hair from age and dark skin, as was the characteristic of the druids, but his fathers was as dark as the moonless night, which reflected the great power that he had. It is said that the first druids were elementals who chose a mortal life, and when they crossed the veil of the earth to reach the terrestrial plane, they obtained very dark skin and white, almost gray eyes from seeing the light of the sun directly. That is why it is said that the darker the druid's skin, the greater his power.
Siriana, you have not yet reached adulthood, you do not know what you are talking about, and your decisions can have fatal consequences, not only for you – Apsel said, breathing to calm himself.
It won't be long before I go through the ritual of the elements and am considered an adult, and then you won't be able to tell me what I can and can't do – said Siriana angrily, looking at her father.
Swords and bows are not for you! If you want to be strong, find another way! – Her father shouted, his voice echoing off the walls. You are a druid princess, not a simple warrior, you should be wiser! – And with those words her father sat on the throne with one hand on his head.
Siriana didn't know what to respond, so she just stared at the ground.
We druids must be wiser than others, our role is to guide the people, not dominate them. – Apsel finally said.
But we are also the most powerful, shouldn't we use that power? – Siriana asked.
Not if what is going to be achieved is an unnecessary war, we do not use power for violence – Apsel said, staring at her.
You say that we are a strong and wise people, but what wisdom can you have if you gave my brother as a thing to the king of Esra! And for what? To avoid a war? You should have fought, you should have fought for your son! – Siriana shouted with tears of rage in her eyes.
You were too young to understand what was happening, you were only eight years old, when the time is right you will know the truth. – Apsel said almost whispering.
When?! – Siriana shouted
When you stop acting like an irresponsible and immature girl! – Apsel shouted.
I hate you! – Siriana shouted, and she ran out of the throne room.
The grass felt soft and moist under the soles of her feet, the afternoon heat still remained on the ground, which gave off a pleasant aroma of humidity; something that managed to calm the anger and sadness that Siriana felt.
She was lying on a large elder tree, that tree was her refuge when she wanted to isolate herself from others. Behind a hill, next to some rocks, was this large tree, with many branches that reached the clouds; and a trunk so wide that, if you hug it, your hands would not be able to touch each other.
"Heart full of hate, words full of hate," she thought over and over again. Words her father said when she yelled hurtful things at him. I didn't mean that, I'm sorry dad, I don't hate you. She thought as tears slid down her cheeks.
The soft breeze made her hair fly, caressing her face, calming her. She felt how the earth pulsed, and how the wind whispered words of calm to her, the great elder rocked its branches and caressed her with its leaves.
Thank you, Cisse, – Siriana whispered.
Through the refrain of her eye, Siriana saw how sprouts of leaves and small branches began to emerge from the bark of the trunk, intertwining with each other, leaves and flowers emerged that joined the branches forming a figure, little by little this figure took shape, the shape of a body that then opened to let something out.
Why are you so sad Siriana? – Cisse asked coming out of the trunk of the elder tree. Did you have an argument with your father again?
How do you know? – Siriana asked, wiping the tears from her eyes.
I am an ancient elemental of the forest; I know many things. – Cisse said sitting next to him.
The thing is that you like to listen to other people's conversations – said Siriana, a little more animated, Cisse's presence always calmed her and gave her joy.
It didn't take much effort, even the elementals in the mountains heard you, and they are many miles away. – Cisse said laughing. Don't worry Siriana, your father knows that you don't mean what you told him.
You really believe that? – Siriana asked, raising her head and looking at Cisse. Cisse was a forest elemental in the form of a woman, she had soft, pink skin like petals, and brown hair like roots, mixed with thin, green leaves, her clothes were made with dried leaves and flowers that formed a beautiful long dress.
Of course - said Cisse - and you must believe me, I have lived for thousands of years, since the creation of the earth. I have see you born, just as I saw all your ancestors born, and the ancestors of your ancestors.
But not everyone could see you, right? – Siriana asked.
Of course not, unless I wanted it, that's how it is with elementals, they can only see us if we want them to. Except in some cases like yours, when they have the gift of vision, they can always see us, whether we want it or not – said Cisse.
Are there many with the gift of vision like me? – Siriana asked.
No, before there were many, now only you, they are disappearing. That's why you can't mention it to anyone, your parents already told you, it must be a secret, yours and the elementals'; we must protect you. – Cisse said, stroking her hair.
I feel very alone. – Siriana said, hugging her legs.
You especially should know that you are never alone, now go to your parents who are worried – Cisse said giving her a kiss on her forehead and standing up.
Thank you, Cisse, – said Siriana – are you going to be here tomorrow? In two moons it's my element ritual and I'll be gone for a while, I'm scared, and I'd like your advice.
Whenever you need me I will appear, but you know that the ritual of the elements is something you must do alone, but yes, tomorrow I will be here next to the elder tree waiting for you.
See you tomorrow – said Siriana, and she started running. She knew she should return home, but her father's words still echoed in her head.
She ran aimlessly away from the big tree, but without going home, she was ashamed of what had happened. Feeling the breeze on her face and arms always helped her clear her mind. Her hair flew in the wind as she ran over the hills, and clarity came to her mind with each step on the wet earth.
Maybe my father is right – she thought as she ran – maybe I should forget about fighting.
The grass was getting taller, reaching her knees, but the color was strange, almost yellowish, it looked sick, dead.
I've run a long way - thought Siriana, acknowledging where she was.
The yellowish grass reached the edge of the ocean, in some places there was no grass, only sand; which made this place seem more desolate.
She walked through the grass, feeling the tips of the leaves in the palms of her hands, taking in everything around her.
Something caught her attention on the ground, she crouched down and saw a piece of cloth buried in the sand. Out of curiosity she began to dig, and after a moment she was able to pull out a large flag, with the image of a manticore in the center.
Tears began to flow from her eyes.
She looked up and little by little she saw the vestiges of those old battles.
The druids, honoring her ancient promise, did not use their powers; not even to protect themselves or their people... something that Siriana had never understood.
It was here – thought Siriana, filled with anger and pain – it is this place where they took my brother after many battles and many deaths of druids. Crumpling the flag, she threw it to the ground.
I won't forget what happened here – she thought as she headed to her house.