Chapter 2

Chapter 2

It was annoying, to say the least. The guards had surrounded him when he had left to fetch some firewood for the stove. “Now then, hand over the Champion and your family won’t get hurt.” The captain of the guards said, smiling victoriously. Shane scowled at the man and clenched his fist.

“Never.” Shane punched the ground and it shook, a crack spreading out and throwing the men off balance. “Stay away from us, or else.” Shane growled, heading back home.

“What’s wrong daddy?” Marie asked, noticing that he was angry the second he walked into the house.

“Nothing that you need to worry about sweetie.” Alice gave him a knowing look, but didn’t say anything. “Anyway, where are you headed Alice?”

“I’m on my way to Creos. There’s a Tower there that I want to investigate.”

“Who’s Tower?”

“Maikoa’s.”

“But you’re already one of her Champions. What business could you have with her other Tower?” Anya asked, curious. Maybe she’s going to claim this one too.

“Maikoa has asked me to investigate there. I can’t say more on the subject without putting you in danger.”

“I understand. Would you like to travel with us then?”

“What?”

“We’re heading there to see if we can find better jobs.”

“I have to think about it.” Alice replied, wondering just why the girl was being so kind to her. Anya took Marie to get her ready for bed, leaving Shane and Alice alone.

“You don’t have to come with us if you don’t want to. Anya just thinks that you would like the company.”

“I would...but you’ll be put in danger just from being with me. You already know this, don’t you?”

“The guards came to try to ‘convince’ me to hand you over.”

“How admirable.” Alice drawled sarcastically. “It’s probably best that you and your family leave this kingdom. The castle guards will probably try something.”

“I know, and I’ll kill them if they try to hurt my family.” Shane growled, causing Alice to chuckle.

“So scary. They are very well protected.”

“You are too.”

“Huh?”

“You’re our friend now, so you’re now part of the family. I’ll protect you too, if you need it.” Marie’s scream startled the two and Shane and Alice ran to the back of the house. Anya was lying on the ground and Marie was missing. “What happened?”

“They...took Marie.”

“Who?”

“The...guards.” Shane growled and picked Anya up.

“I’ll take you to a doctor and then go rescue her.”

“No. Leave this to me.”

“Alice...save my daughter...please.”

“I will.” Alice reassured the girl before leaving the house. The brunette whistled and a black pegasus flew towards her and landed in front of her. “Hey girl. We’ve got a kid to save.” Circe stomped her hoof and Alice climbed on. “To the castle.” The pegasus took off and within minutes, they were over the castle gates. Circe dropped her master off at the gates and flew away. The guards pointed their spears at Alice warily. “You wanted to see me?”

“Oh, so you’re the Champion? The king wanted to see you. Right this way.” One of the guards led Alice into the castle, leaving her in the throne room...but not alone. Guards filled the large room, pointing their spears and swords at the teen.

“Ah, so you’re the Champion of the fire goddess? I was expecting someone with more...pizazz than a mere teenager.”

“Sorry to disappoint you. Where is Marie?” The pudgy man snapped his fingers and Marie was dragged in by two guards. A dagger was pressed against her throat and she stopped struggling. “Let her go. I won’t ask again.”

“Join my legion and the girl will be returned to her home.” Alice glared at the man and sighed. “I see that you understand the situation.”

“Close your eyes.” Alice unsheathed her swords and cut through the guards surrounding her in seconds.

“Stop her!” Flames covered the blades and Alice tore through the king’s personal legion like they were child’s play, leaving nobody conscious but the king and Marie. Alice held her sword at his throat and scowled.

“Scum like you deserves death, but I won’t kill you. You’re not worth the blood you’ll shed.” Alice sheathed her cutlasses and approached the guards holding Marie. The two men let her go and backed up against the wall. “Come here.” Marie opened her eyes and ran to Alice. “You were a brave little girl. Let’s get you home now.” Marie nodded into Alice’s shoulder as the girl scooped her up. The guards that had come for reinforcement let Alice through, terrified of her, and the king scowled.

“Damn Champion! I’ll have someone clear a Tower and come after you!” Alice stopped walking and turned a cold glare onto the despicable man.

“I didn’t clear a Tower. I was chosen directly by Maikoa. That means that nobody, no matter whose Champion they are and whose Tower they clear, will be as strong as me. Only someone directly chosen will be my equal, and nobody willing to work for you for revenge will be chosen.” Alice turned around and left the castle. Her black pegasus landed and she climbed on with Marie.

“Mommy! Daddy!” Marie ran to her parents as soon as Alice put her down.

“A pegasus?”

“How else do you think I’ve been getting around?” Alice remarked to Shane, who gave her a smile and hugged his daughter.

“Thank you. I’ve prepared everything worth taking with us. We’ll be leaving tonight...and never returning.”

“Wise move. Shall we go?” Anya tossed Alice a backpack and smiled at her.

“Welcome to the family.” Alice’s eyes widened in shock before she smiled happily.

“Thank you.” Circe allowed Alice to put Marie on her back and the group quickly slunk out of the city, heading towards what they thought was a safe haven and leaving behind an enraged royal.