There IS a map....It just doesn't show up here....oh! This is my story.....It isn't finished yet...actually it isn't close to being done......enjoy! By the way....it is paragraphed....its just that it changes it into journal form....sorry...and it doesn't have a title T-T oh! and when it says "I'll never marry that old geezer!" that little sign next to geezer is a smiley sticking its tounge out....It just doesn't show up...like the map.
*If you have any title ideas then please tell me*
pronuncation=
Cala = Cal + a
Kalliem = cali + m
Kanein = kane + in
Kearn = K + ear + n
Jisan = Ji + san
Kazan = Ka + zan
Leo = Le + o
Darran = Darin
Feorn = Fee + or + n
Beorn = Bee + or + n
Dabath = Da + bath
Akka = Akka
Kioka = Key + o + ka
Tork = Tork
Kalous = Cal + ous
New Kalous = New + Cal + ous
Rikala = Re + cal + a
Numa = Numa
Shina = Shi + na
Prologue
It was cold on that morning, when a baby girl was born. But this was not an ordinary baby girl; this was the daughter of a king and queen. She was also the sister of a prince.
She was a very unhealthy baby and could not go outside until she was ten, when the doctors said it was okay. She loved the outside world after that. All she wanted to do was stay outside.
One day on a hot afternoon, when she was twelve. She tried to run away. The girl tried to escape many times before that, each time she had failed.
This time though, she got outside of the gate and ran. Unfortunately this was when the wars started. It was that afternoon that the king of Kalous and his son were coming for a peace treaty discussion at which it was decided that the girl would marry the king’s son. But this comes later on.
On this bright afternoon the army of Kalous was marching towards the city. The girl wasn’t paying attention and got in the way of the prince’s horse. The penalty for this was jail for half-a-year but the prince was kind to her considering she was young and a woman. The prince had his captain only slash out her right eye.
She screamed in pain. Luckily, the guards were close behind her. They apologized for her and took her back to the castle where she was treated, but she had become blind in her right eye.
The girl kept continued to try to escape. Even though she was terrified of something happening again, she felt she must get free.
1
“Princess, we must go now, the dress fitter is here. A note?” The note read:
I’ll never marry that old geezer! .
“That girl!”
Out in the marketplace Cala and Kanein were planning the rest of their escape.
“Come on Cala, we have to hurry or we’ll be caught. And besides, this was your idea-”
“Okay I get it. Chill out, Kanein.”
“Anyways, where do you plan to go? A girl like you with long hair, girly features, and a girly voice.”
“Simple. I’ll just were baggy clothes, cut my hair, and act like a boy. Also, you are going to help me,” she said.
“You’ll never pull that off.”
“Yes I will. Now come on Kanein. I don’t want to marry the geezer king of Kalous just so we don’t have any more fighting. I mean yeah, Dabath is small, but it should at least have some pride. But no, they have to go and sell me for peace. I won’t stand for it!”
“Great speech but we have a real problem now.”
“Oh no.”
The guards were out searching for her.
“Have any of you seen a girl with long brown hair, a green eye, and a clear eye? She is about fifteen,” hollered one of the guards, “she is with a boy with black hair to his chin and grey eyes. He is about sixteen.”
“Cala escaped again? Why don’t you just say ‘ look for Cala’?” asked the townspeople, sounding bored.
“Fine, please look for princess Cala.”
“Okay.” They started looking around but after twenty minutes, they gave up and went back to their business.
“Geez, I can’t believe no one cares, that’s sad. Well I guess it did help me now.”
“Shhhh!!!!!! The guards are coming back; put your hood on.”
“Excuse me, have you seen Cal-” He stood there wide-eyed looking at Cala. “You are princess Cala. Oof-” he muttered as Kanein punched him.
“Come on Cala we have to keep moving or they’ll catch us.” They ran for the outer gate but the guards had already started chasing them and by the time they got to the main gate a guard had already grabbed Cala. She bit his hand, but the man still didn’t let go.”
Kanein could have out run them, but he stopped, turned around, and raced back. But before he could get near her another big man grabbed him.
“You can’t leave now my lady, your future husband has come to visit,” said the main guard.
“I won’t marry that old geezer, ever!” she yelled.
“Old geezer? Ha ha. Did you think you were going to marry the king? Ha, no my lady you are marrying the kings son, Sir Kearn.”
She stood there wide-eyed, her mouth agape in front of the whole town. Then she spoke, timidly at first and then stronger. “ I will not marry some rich pompous king or prince! No matter the age, never!
“Well too bad my lady, because you are.” Then he laughed as if he enjoyed taunting her.
“Now let me go I’ll walk back myself!”
Cala, the guards, and Kanein walked back up to the castle grimly. Cala knew they would put Kanein into the dungeon and wouldn’t leave her alone again.
2
“This castle is pathetic. I mean there is nothing worthwhile in here. I bet his daughter is going to be even uglier than this castle,” said the royal prince of Kalous. He had long black hair end piercing blue eyes.
“Your majesty, please don’t say those things. Our princess is very beautiful,” said the servant leading him to the Great Hall.
“Are you telling me what to do?”
“No, sir.”
“Good, I expect it to stay that way.”
Someone came running down the hall “Oh your majesty,” a quick bow, “Have you seen the princess?” He directed it to the servant.
“She escaped again? But her condition has been acting up lately!”
“Yes it seems so. Only this time she took Kanein with her.”
“Geez, that Kanein would do anything for her. I mean he’s loved her since day one.”
“Yes, I must go look for her. Your majesty.” Another quick bow and he scurried off.
“Your princess tries to escape a lot?”
“Oh yes, quite often actually.”
“What condition?”
“Condit-? Oh yes, since the miss was a baby she’s had a weak lung system so she is often bedridden. Even though she doesn’t like it.
“This way your majesty. It will only take a little time; she never manages to get out. Except when she was twelve,” and with that she continued down the corridor, to the Great Hall.
They waited for about ten minutes when another little man came in and told them that they had caught the princess and it would only be a few more minutes. After another ten minutes, the doors opened again and the little man told them that the princess had escaped and had taken the guards keys to free Kanein with.
“That is enough!” Shouted Kearn, “I will go to the front gate and stop them! Now take me there!” And with that he stormed out the door with the little man following after him.
3
It didn’t take long for Cala to trick the guards into leaving her alone to change. All she had to do was tell them that she didn’t like people seeing her change. Not even maids. When she was alone she climbed down the vine outside her window.
Luckily the guard outside of the prison was one of the ones that had taken a liking to her. So he would help her of his own free will. “May I please help my friend out of there?” she said nicely, batting her eyelashes.
“Sure, here you go,” and he handed her the keys.
She gave him a kiss on the cheek, “thank you.” Then she went and opened the door. “Hey, Kanein, which cell are you?”
“Five.” He whispered back
“’Kay‘, one sec.” She counted “One, two, three, four, five! They really should put numbers on these. Here we are.” Click! The lock opened. “Kanein, Hurry up, we have to go.”
“I’m not going.”
“What, why?”
“Because your condition is bad now.”
“I’m going! You can still come if you want, but no matter what I’m leaving this awful place, ”She started to run.
“Wait!”
“What?”
“I’ll go.”
“Then hurry up.”
“They are in there!” Shouted a far away guard
“We have to leave right now,” said Cala.
They ran out the back door and as they passed the stables they stopped. “Come on we have to get Dak and Kiki!” Shouted Kanein above the men chasing them.
“Okay, let’s go,” they ran into the stable and got out Kiki and Dak. “Kiki, come on girl we have to go,” so Cala mounted Kiki while Kanien talked Dak into letting him ride.
“Come on Dak, we have to go.” He jumped on Dak with no troubles luckily.
They pushed the horses as fast as they would go to the gate. But when they got there, one man was standing in front of a closed gate.
4
There she was. Kearn didn’t see her face; he just said what came naturally. “Hey why don’t you want to marry me?”
“Because you are a foul, vile human being.”
“WHAT? How dare you talk to me like that?”
“Do you even remember how three years ago you slashed my eye because I crossed your path? What kind of egotistical maniac would kill or even wound someone for that. I will never marry-ow!”
“Cala, I told you that we should have waited until your healthy. I know you love the outside world and want to see it but, your heath is most important now,” said Kanein.
“Shut up Kanein, you sound like my mother. Ow. And you know as well as I do it was today or never.”
“Excuse me. I believe you were talking about marrying me.”
“Never!”
“But I can show you the world.”
“I can see the world on my own. I don’t need a man’s help.”
“Then, what am I?” said Kanein.
“You are my best friend Kanein. One I know I can count on. Ow!”
“Careful!”
“See, I know I can count on you,” then she whispered to him, “Kanein, when I say go, steer Dak toward that pile of hay and get him to jump onto it and over the wall. I’ll tell Kiki to go to that one over there,” He nodded his head in acknowledgement.
“NOW!”
They went for it. Kiki almost didn’t make it but pulled herself up. Dak cleared it easily. He was the best jumping horse in the kingdom.
“See ya later suckers!” Shouted Cala gleefully.
“Sayonara!” Exclaimed Kanein.
With that they jumped down and galloped south, away from Kalous and Dabath and towards the ocean. Yelling happily all the way out of sight and far beyond that.
5
It took one day for Cala and Kanein to get to Tork. Tork had three main things in it. There was a school, a clock tower, and a church. Tork was also a country that disliked fighting, so when Kalous threatened to start a war they gave themselves up.
To get to the town, they had to go over a bridge and cross the river. If they hadn’t, it would have taken two or three days.
“Alright then, let’s meet here when the sun reaches the tip of the clock tower. Until then, do what ever you want,” said Cala
“Wait, where are you going?”
“Chill out. I‘ve got some business to do, just go. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay. Don‘t get in any trouble.”
When the sun reached the tip Kanein was standing in front of the clock tower, waiting for Cala. Someone tapped him on the shoulder. “Excuse me, can you tell me the time? I need to meet a friend.” It was a man. He had chin length brown hair, he was wearing a bandana, had a green eye and a clear eye, and strangely femine features. Plus he was wearing very baggy clothes.
“Sure, it is… Wait! Cala? Is that you?”
“Oh, you figured it out already? I guess I should try something else.”
“No, Cala, I really did think you were a boy. It’s just that I know what your face looks like.”
“Oh! Yay! I look like a boy!”
“Cala don’t say that aloud. There are a lot of people around here.”
“Oh yeah, your right, sorry.”
Then, suddenly a troop of armored men came marching down the street. There were about twenty of them. As they marched down the road one of them noticed Cala and Kanien talking.
“Hey, don’t you know to turn and bow when Kalous troops pass.” said the one that noticed.
“I am very sorry sir. You see we are not from here so we don’t know the rules. I’m very sorry,” said Cala. Then she bowed. “Kanein, bow.”
“Ah, yes, sorry” And he bowed too.
“Hey, you. Have I seen you before?”
“Me?” said Kanein, “I don’t believe so.”
“Huh. And what about you? You look more like a girl then a boy.”
“What!” Shouted Cala, pretending to be enraged, “Well I’m sorry that I look like this! Because I was born like this everyone thinks I’m a girl but I’m not! Anyways, what would a girl be doing traveling by herself!’
“Ha ha, I like you. How would you like to be a new soldier in the Kalous army? And your buddy, too.”
“What? I don’t think so”
“Nonsense. Hey guys what do you say to this little guy and his buddy?”
“I am not little!” She bellowed.
Several cheers erupted with all the knights and even a few townspeople.
“Cala, just do it. They won’t let you off until you agree.” whispered Kanein.
Cala sighed, “Fine, we would be honored to join you. My name is Kalliem, and this is Kanein.”
“Very well, we are meeting at the gate of the town in one hour. Meet us there.”
6
“Kalliem? Is that even a name?” said Kanein after the troops had left, “I mean really.”
“Shut up! It’s not like I wanted that to be my name. It just popped out and because of those darn troops, I didn’t have anytime to think,” said Cala angrily.
“Okay, so now I guess we go to the next town, fast.”
“No. We’re going with the Kalous army. Before you ask why, think about. We would be able to scope out every nook and cranny in that place. We could learn it’s weaknesses and it’s strengths,” She explained.
“Cala, you just might be an evil genius”
“I know. Now we have about half an hour, so you go get some food for us and I’ll go get the horses.”
“Okay, see you at the gate.”
“Ah, Kalliem, Good to see you again. Where is Kanein? Or at least I think that is his name.”
“It is, and he went to buy some food. I’ll go look for him.”
“You are strangley caring with him.”
“Well of course. I mean he is the only family I have left. My big brother. Anyways I have to look after him. He’s a bit spacey. I’ll be right back. Kiki, Dak come on we have to go and get Kanein.”
When Cala tried to get on Kiki she reared. “Woah, Kiki, Kiki, its me, its Cala. Shhh” Cala whispered as she stroked Kiki’s muzzel.
“Man you are good at that,” Said one of the other soldiers
“At what?”
“At taming animals.”
“Oh, thank you.”
“Never mind. Oh, Kanein we’re over here. Anyways I haven’t introduced myself - though you probably already know - I’m Captian Kazan.
“Captian? Kalous has a captian? I didn’t know that.”
One of the soldiers standing there said, “What? You don’t know about Captian Kazan. He is the great captain who punishes many people that are disobedient. Like once he punished a girl who ran in front of the princes’ horse on the way to Daba-. Hey what’s the matter Kalliem?”
Cala couldn’t stand listening anymore. She had covered her ears and closed her eyes, crying all the while.
“Kalliem!” That was Kanein. “Kalliem!” This time it was whispered, “Kalliem, listen to me this is how they do punishment here. You must learn to understand that.
“We aren’t home anymore. Remember the thing you said to me when we met. I believe it was ‘ Let’s escapse this place together when we are older. When we are stronger. And until that time comes we’ll do everything together.’ You said that to me.
“The funny thing is that you were only thirteen but you already planned to escape even before you met me. I agreed to go with you then and I always will. Even when you’re younger than me.
“Remember all those times we went into that garden. The garden that was green all year long. It had fifty kinds of flowers. We used to play hide-and-seek in those old trees and you were always so much better and faster then me. And you can’t forget that little pool of water we taught ourselves how to swim in or we went to plan our escape. Those were days without war. But you must realize that times are changing.”
“Yes, thank you Kanien. I shouldn’t cry over such trivial things,” then she wiped her eyes and hugged him, “and age has nothing to do with anything.”
“Kalliem, didn’t you say her was your brother? He just said you met when you were thirteen and fourteen. And where were you trying to escape from?” Said Kazan.
“Oh yes, I’m sorry. You see Kanein and I are orphans. I grew up in an orphanage, and Kanein was sent there two years ago. So we have in a way become like brothers. And I had tried many times to escape but none were successful. We actually just escaped. They were so funny when we took Kiki and Dak. They never thought we would get out, but we showed them. Right Kanein?”
“Yes they did, but luckily there was at least one horse that liked me. They all like you Kalliem.”
“Well Dak likes you because you two are so alike. Stubborn and rash. Isn’t that right Dak?”
“Very well then shall we go? By the way on our journey I would like to know about those eyes of yours” Said Captian Kazan.
“Sir, yes sir” Said Cala. Then jokingly she saluted.
7
“My God! I can’t believe the nerve of that girl! Who dares insult the prince of Kalous? And when did I cut her eye? You know what I’ll do? I’ll go and make sure the troops are okay. That will get my mind off of things. May I father?”
“You are the prince, you can do what ever you want. You can also get anyone you want. I’m sure if you spent time with her she would change her opinion.”
“Yes, father I believe you are correct. Thank you. I will be going.”
“Wait, son. Did you hear about that new guy that went off on the captain because he said he was little and looked like a girl. I heard it was quite funny. He also started crying when he heard of the girl that lost her eye because she walked in front of your horse. I believe he also escaped from an orphanage with another guy recently. You should try to meet him. I believe the name was Kalliem.
“Oh yes the Captain also said in his report that he was born blind in his right eye. Which left him with a green eye and a clear eye. I thought that was weird.”
“Sounds like an interesting guy. Perhaps I will meet him. You maid! Tell a stable boy to prepare my horse. Quickly!”
“Darn stable boy. I can’t believe how long that took. It delayed me by almost an hour,” Prince Kearn had figured that without the hour delay because of the clumsy stable boy it would take around two and a half days to get from Kalous to New Kalous. That is where all the troops were gathering so that depending on which country they tried to conquer next they could be near.
“I wonder who this new guy is. Oh well”
“Jeez, why is always hot near the mountains. Man, I started to sweat. Oh well I only have half a day left.”
“Stop right there,” Shouted a man suddenly, “give me all of your money.” He had a knife. Men like these were pitiful. Some did because they had no money to take care of their family; others did it just for more money. They were called (whatever their reason) desert thieves.
One, two, four. Four of them, I can take them. Thought Kearn. “I don’t think so. You see, I don’t give money to desert thieves.” Then he pulled out his knife. And punched the guy with the knife then stabbed two.
“That fourth one got away. You three don’t have a very faithful companion. You should also be happy that I left you alive. Even if you are scum.”
With that prince kearn got on his horse and rode away.
8
“I never thought that I would be here in my life.” Said Cala, dressed as Kalliem, she added to Kanein “I mean maybe if I ended up marrying that guy. But I knew that would never happen.”
“Kalliem is this the first time you’ve been in anywhere other than Rikala?” Asked the captain.
“Yes. My god! It’s so pretty! I didn’t know anything was like this anywhere!”
“Cala,” Kanein whispered angerly, “act like a guy.”
Then the captain said, “What do you two keep whispering to each other?”
“What? Oh, nothing. I swear.” Said Cala nervously.
“Whatever. Go claim your tent. Three to a tent.”
“Three?” Asked Kanien
“Yes, three. We need to keep space and we can’t afford two to a tent, so it’s three.” He explained.
“Yes sir.” Said Cala, “Come on Kanein before all the good tents are taken.” She then whispered to him, “Its alright, I’ll figure something out.”
“Very well let’s go.”
They had been looking for a tent for ten minutes when someone called out. “Hey you two, the little guy that looks like a girl and the big tall one.”
“What did you say?” The air seemed darker as Cala ran at the guy “What did you say!” Kanein tried to grab her but she slipped away. When she got close to the guy he picked her up before she could do anything.
“Wow you are really light. I didn’t know a guy could be as light as you.” He said.
“Just put me down, will you?” She had cooled down.
“Oh right, sorry. I don’t see the big deal, all I did was call you little.”
She mumbled so softly that you could barley hear her, “It’s personal.”
“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t know.” Once Cala looked closely at him she noticed that his skin was dark. Not like chocolate but more like dirt and honey mixed. He also was very tall, taller than Kanein (Kanein is about 5’10”). His hair was a rare red. And it was very spiky. Not to mention he had an earring.
“Why is your skin darker?” Asked Cala.
“Cala hasn’t anyone ever told you about the deserts?” Asked Kanein.
“Kanein, have you forgotten that I spent most of my life inside?” She retorted back.
“Excuse me. If I may interrupt, my skin is darker because I grew up in Akka. Akka is a city in the desert. You see, the sun is fierce there and it makes your skin darker.
“Another thing is the reason I called you over here is to say that my tent is open besides me, and you two are welcome to use it.” He continued.
“Oh, okay, thank you. And we would be delighted to share a tent with you. I’m Kalliem and this is Kanein. You are?” Said Cala.
“Jisan is my name.”
“Jisan. Okay we’ll get our stuff.”
9
“Line up!” shouted the man, “the prince is coming. Be on your best.”
“Gosh, that prince. I really don’t want to have to salute to him.” said Cala as they were getting ready to greet the prince. “I mean a pompous jerk like him shouldn’t be a prince,” complained Cala.
“Why do you hate him so much?” asked Jisan.
“Oh, it’s something personal. You wouldn’t understand.”
“Try me.”
“No. It isn’t important.”
“Fine, but I will get you to tell me.”
“Guys, stop, we have to go,” intervened Kanein.
Four guards stood at the gate to greet Kearn when he came, all the troops were in orderly lines, and the captains and generals were next to the guards.
“Welcome your majesty.” greeted Captain Kazan, “How was the trip?
“Awful as usual.” answered Kearn, “How are the new troops?”
“We haven’t gotten a chance to test them yet. You may join us.”
“I will. I want to see this strange new guy you mentioned in your report.”
“Ah, yes Kalliem. That one is very strange. I want to see what he can do too.” They stopped walking and Kazan continued saying, “attention!” He waited, “All hands salute!” Another pause, “Dismissed!
“Now, would you like to meet the strange one your majesty?” He asked Kearn.
“Yes I would.”
They walked for five minutes to the camp and Kazan asked where Kalleim or Kanein was. The man told him tent twenty-two. When they got to the tent they found only Jisan. So Kazan asked, “Where is Kalliem?”
“Kalliem? That squirt went to take a rinse off. Oh, and Kanein went with him,” he answered.
“Thank you. And show some respect, bow to the prince, face someone when talking to them, and put a shirt on.”
“Sorry,” then he turned around and gave a very sarcastic bow.
“Just continue. Well your majesty we will have to walk a bit more.”
The pool of water was sparkling clean. You could see yourself so clearly it looked like you weren’t real. The water was calm and there were bugs and flowers everywhere. Anywhere you went you smelled some fresh fragrance “Why now did you choose to bathe? You could do it late at night or early in the morning,” complained Kanein.
“Chill out Kanein. We‘ve been traveling for like five days. I‘m filthy.. Plus, I’m done, and I’ve got you as a guard,” Cala replied.
Cala was getting dressed when Kanein heard a rustling noise. He got on his guard and casually said, “Hurry up Kalliem.”
“Okay, I’m hurrying.”
“Here we are your majesty. Oh, hello Kanein. Where is Kalliem?” Said captain Kazan as he popped out of the bushes.
“Hello, Captain. He is just finishing his bath. The slowpoke,“ He answered.
“Kanein, have you ever met roalty?”
“Once.”
“Really? Who?”
“Princess Cala.”
“What! You met that brat!” Shouted Kearn.
“Prince Kearn?” Said Kanein, astonished.
“Yes, it is I.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” He bowed.
“What’s all the ruckus?” Cala came out, dress as a man luckily, drying her hair with a towel, “Captain, what brings you here?”
“The prince wanted to meet you. So I brought him. Your majesty, this is Kalliem.”
“You do seem like a rare fellow,” he said scrutinizing.
“Yes, I seem to be getting that a lot lately.” Cala was keeping her cool even though she wanted to hurt that man till he couldn’t move. “I’m sorry your majesty, we must be off. Training will begin soon.”
“Oh, I was going to go there too, I’ll go with you. What do you use?”
“I use the bow and if I have to I can use a knife.”
“And you Kanein?”
“I use the sword.” He answered.
“Well then let us go,” said Kearn cheerfully.
10
Training went well that day, even though Cala felt the urge to shoot Kearn with an arrow several times. Cala was considered best bow and arrow fighter out of all the recruits. She had the best aim and power. Kanein was equal in skill with Jisan; they were considered the best sword fighters out of the recruits. They dueled each other the entire time
After training was over Cala, Kanein, and Jisan went to sleep. Before they went to sleep Cala whispered to Kanien, “I’m going to take a bath.” She pretended to sleep for thirty minutes before she got up and left.
When she got to the fragrant pond it was freezing. After awhile she got used to it and started to wash herself off. Then she heard a rustling and went under water. Oh, no she thought the water is to clear they can still see me, plus my clothes are still out there. She slowly raised her head. Standing right there was Jisan.
He said, “Kalliem? You’re a girl?”
“Jisan let me explain. Just turn around so I can get dressed and I will.” Said Cala timidly and embarrassed. Once she got dressed she said, “Sit down Jisan, let me explain.”
“I think I get it. So you are really a princess named Cala that is being forced to marry prince Kearn. And you ran away from Dabath. Then why is Kanein with you?” asked Jisan.
“Kanein is my best friend. You see one day I was at one of my favorite gardens and I saw Kanein there crying. So I asked him what was wrong. He told me that a girl wouldn’t understand. I told him that I thought I would. So he told me that his parents sent him there to become a knight. But Kanein didn’t want to be a knight. I said too him ‘Let’s escape this place together when we are older. When we are stronger. And until that time comes we will do everything together.’
“The look on his face was really funny. Cause’ he had just realized who I was. And I repeated that again. From that moment on we were best friends. We always went to that garden to play or plan an escape. Even though we were thirteen and fourteen.
“Jisan please don’t tell anyone.” She looked at him with such pleading eyes.
Jisan what she felt like, for he had run away from his parents, the king and queen of Akka. “I won’t tell,” He said,” you should know me better by now. We have been tent-mates for two days.”
“Thank you!” She hugged him tightly.
“Now I know why you are so little, and light.”
“Yep,” She said happily, “Oh, Kanein is going to be mad at me. He is very protective.”
11
“How could you be so careless Cala?” lectured Kanein, “I really should have known this would happen.”
“Sorry. At least Jisan said he wouldn’t tell,” said Cala solemnly.
“Kanein, don’t be mad. Think about it, now she has two guards,” said Jisan trying to calm him down.
A not long ago Cala had gone to get Kanein when she was done explaining to Jisan. A few moments after that. When they were all by the pond Cala told Kanein what had happened, and as Cala had expected he had gone ballistic
“Please settle down Kanein, I hate seeing you like this,” said Cala with an innocent look an her face, “please?”
He sighed, “You’re going to be the death of me Cala. I’m sorry I overreacted. But one thing I need to clear up. We can trust you or not Jisan?”
“How many more times do I have too say it. I won’t tell; I promise. Anyways, why are you so protective Kanein?” Asked Jisan.
“Well, that’s because…” he was blushing uncontrollably.
“Because we have been friends since that day in the garden and he knows from experience that I always get into trouble,” intervened Cala.
“Yeah. Wait! Cala you told him how we met? All of it?” said Kanein urgently.
“Yeah, so. Oh yeah you don’t want your new rival too know about the fourteen-year-old crybaby, do you?”
“Shut up Cala!”
“Ha ha, you two are hilarious. I’m really glad I met you,” laughed Jisan, “we might want to get some sleep. I heard they are bumping up training tomorrow because a prince is coming.”
“Prince? From where? Oh well, Come on Kanein,” said Cala.
“Wait Cala.”
“What?”
“You look like a girl.”
“Opps. You guys go ahead. I’ll be right there. I wonder how brother is doing. He is probably worried to death.”
12
“Leonard, will you go to New Kalous and discuss our peace treaty? The official that does it is sick again. Kalous is getting impatient. Maybe you will find something out about your sister,” the king asked his son.
“Yes, father.”
“Oh wait Leonard, don’t forget too cover your head. You know better than anyone what happens when people see your golden hair and bright green eyes,” the queen reminded her son, “If you find Cala tell her that too. Even though her hair isn’t bright, her two eyes give her away. Also tell her that I hope her condition isn’t bad.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to make you do this on your eighteenth birthday,” apologized the king.
“That is fine father. And yes mother, I will,” he answered. And with that he was off. Cala, I know why you ran, and I don’t want you to have to do that, but still. This is overboard. He thought. I need to find you or our city will have too surrendered to Kalous. I hope your okay.
“Welcome prince Leonard,” greeted captain Kazan.
“Thank you captain, but can you not suck up right know. My sister’s escape has me worried and I‘m in a very bad mood for the time being,” he said politely.
“Oh sorry, my lord. Let me take you to the prince. He is just watching the new troops.”
“Very well,” they walked for ten minutes to the training grounds, “who is the best bow user?”
“Oh, his name is Kalleim. He is a very strange guy. Two different colored eyes, very short, and looks like a girl, but he is surprisingly good at the bow. There he is now, practicing. Isn’t he good,” as Leonard looked over he saw the bow hit right on the bulls-eye.
That can’t be Cala. Let’s see, she is small, has two different colored eyes, she is a girl. Not mention that I taught her the bow. Thought Leonard, “May I duel with him before I meet the prince?” Leonard asked
“Sure, I suppose. Hey Kalleim!” shouted Kazan across the field.
Kalleim turned around. Darn I still can’t see him. “Captain, is there a man named Kanein who is a troop to?” asked Leonard
“Yes actually, Kanein and Kalleim came here together. They are now friends with Jisan,” answered Kazan, “Why?”
“No reason. Can I talk to Kalleim now?”
Cala didn’t hear captain Kazan at first so he had too call her several more times. When she did hear him she turned and started too walk towards him. As she walked she thought who is that man? He looks familiar. “Yes captain?” she asked. When she got up close to him she could see that the strangely familiar man had short, golden hair like woven cloth and intense green eyes. She thought Leo? It can’t be! Why would he be here?
“Kalleim, this is prince Leonard of Dabath,” said captain Kazan, “I’ll go get prince Kearn. You two can talk.”
Once he left, she said in a hushed tone, “Leo, what are you doing here?”
“I’m here to talk about the peace treaty that isn’t complete yet, and I told you not to call me Leo. Why are you here?”
“I can’t tell you now. Go to the lake behind the tents at twilight and I’ll tell you, okay? Wait! You won’t turn me in will you?”
“No! Never! You know that I don’t want this for you Cala. Oh God, I’ve been so worried.”
“Don’t be. You know I have Kanein and now I have Jisan.”
“What? Someone else knows?”
“Kalleim good too see you. You also prince Leonard,” said prince Kearn heartily as he walked up to them.
“Yes a pleasure your majesty,” said Cala respectfully. “Prince Kearn, prince Leo. I’m afraid I must go. We only have so much training time. It was good to meet you prince Leo,” with that she walked back to her station.
“Prince Leonard did he just call you Leo? And didn’t you want to compete with him?” asked captain Kazan.
“No, that’s alright. We need to get this whole thing sorted out first. The sooner the better. Shall we go your majesty? Oh, and I would like to be called Leo from now on,” For her, I will be called Leo. Though she really learned how to handle her anger. Even in front of the man that caused it all. Thought Leo. Gosh, she is going to get herself killed. I can’t help but worry about her.
13
The meeting room was very prestigious. It was filled with the most intricate carvings, the colors were spectacular, and there was a priceless mahogany table. There were many pillars; all made out of marble and the ceiling was high from the ground.
“Well dear prince, what do you think of our meeting room?” asked prince Kearn proudly
“It is amazing your majesty. I am in awe of it,” replied Leo in utter amazement at the pure beauty of the room.
“Why thank you, please take a seat.”
“May I ask who will be joining us your majesty?”
“The two of us, captain Kazan, the two royal advisors, and our military tactician. We will be discussing the peace treaty that was made three years ago.”
“Very well,” Leo said. They waited for ten minutes until the military tactician named Darran came in. He was a shy man who wore glasses and seemed nervous at all times. Then the two royal advisors, Feorn and Beorn, who were twins, strolled in five minutes later.
“Since everyone has come in we shall start,” announced prince Kearn, “prince Leo, what has your country decided to do?”
“Well your majesty my country would like to ask for another month to find Cala. And if we cannot then we shall surrender the nation to Kalous as opposed to keeping our freedom. Will you agree?”
“What do you think Kazan? Darran? Feorn? Beorn?”
“Um, well…” Darbin started to say but was cut off by Beorn.
“Sir, my sister and I believe that it would be a fair trade. If they can’t find their princess then Kalous gets another country, and if they can, you get a -so I am told- beautiful bride.”
“I agree,” Kazan said simply.
“Um… it might be a wise decision your majesty,” said Darran nervously.
“Very well. Prince Leo, You have one month to find the princess. If not, you know what will happen,“ prince Kearn agreed, “You may stay here for the night, a servant will lead you to your room.”
“Thank you all. You are very gracious,” Leo thanked.
14
The moon reflected off of the lake as Cala, Kanein, Jisan waited for Leo to come. It was dark because of the trees but also light because of the full moon. All you could hear was the hooing of owls and the chirps of crickets.
“So Cala, your brother won’t tell right?” asked Jisan unsurely.
“No, he won’t. He isn’t like that,” Cala replied.
“Yes, Leo cares to much about Cala,” agreed Kearn.
Just then they heard a rustling noise. “Cala? Are you here?” said a hushed voice
“Leo!” Cala whispered.
“Cala! Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. What of the treaty?”
“We…have a month to turn you in or Dabath will give itself to Kalous,” he was suddenly solemn.
“We can’t do that! I guess I will just have to marry him.”
“No Cala! I don’t want this for you. We will just give up to Kalous,” Leo said urgently.
“But…”
“Cala, he is right. Neither of us want this for you,” intervened Kanein.
“Kanein, I didn’t see you there. It is good to see you again. And is this Jisan?” Leo said surprised.
“Yes, I am Jisan.”
“So, how did you come to find out about Cala’s secret?” ha asked suspiciously.
As Jisan, Cala, and Kanein explained the events that had transpired Leo sat quietly and listened intently.
“I see,” Leo said when they had finished explaining, “I know you must be tired of being asked this but, can we trust you?”
“Of course,” Then he continued to say. “Although there is something that none of you know about me and I feel it would be wrong of me to keep it from you after you are so trusting of me.”
“What is it Jisan,” asked Cala, concerned.
“I also ran away from my home. But you see, my home wasn’t just some peasant household, it was a castle…the castle of Akka.”
“Wait a minute! Jisan, are you saying that you are a prince that ran away from your kingdom just like Cala did?” asked Kanein recovering from the shock.
“Yes.”
“How old are you Jisan?”
“Sixteen.”
“I think I remember, about a year ago it was reported everywhere that prince Jisan of Akka had escaped. Your parents said you had long hair then. Everyone assumed that you had died.”
“Is this all true?” asked Cala. Saying something finally,” You…also ran? Why?”
“Because I was the only son, which means…” He faded out.
“You would be king sooner or later,“ Cala finished.
“And you couldn’t handle that, right?” asked Leo.
“I think I could have but…I was so scared. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be complaining to all of you. Cala, you would have had to marry that prince, Leo you will have to become king as well, and Kanein you were sent off into the army without your will. I have no right to say anything…”
“Shut up Jisan,” Cala said harshly, “we are friends right? So what if you complain? I complain to Kanein all the time. I get it you were scared. Why do you think that I ran?”
Jisan stood up from the rock he was sitting on and walked over to Cala. When he was standing next to her, he gave her a big bear hug. “Cala, I am so glad I met you. Any guy would be lucky to marry you. I’m just glad that it isn’t prince Kearn.”
“Thank you Jisan, but you are kind of suffocating me.”
“Oh! Sorry,” he let her go, “thank you two also.”
Leo spoke first, “Don’t worry about it. But Jisan…I think you should return home and face your fears.”
“Leo! Don’t say that!” Cala was surprised to hear Leo say something so harsh.
“He’s right Cala. I need to go home. If I don’t do this there will be no one to take the throne.”
“But-”
“Cala!”
“Kanein? Why the sudden outburst?”
“You can’t keep him from doing this, it is something that he needs to do.”
“I know…but…oh, you’re right. Jisan, I’m sorry. You do need to do this,” she admitted.
“Thank you Cala, Leo, Kanein. You are all amazing. Good-bye.”
15
“Wait Jisan!” Cala shouted as she ran after him. He had packed his bags and was planning to leave that night. But as Jisan was walking away cala thought of an idea. Jisan had stopped and waited for Cala. “I have an idea,” she said, out of breath, when she caught up with him.
“Should we wait for them before you tell me?” he asked her, pointing to Kanein and Leo who were running to catch up with Cala.
“No, I can tell them later. They will just try to stop me.”
“Okay, tell your idea then.”
“I was thinking, I can’t stay here for ever. So, could I come with you to ask for Akka’s alliance to stop Kalous in an all out war.”
“Wait! Cala, you want to start a war?” he asked in disbelief.
“Well…technically I wouldn’t start it,” she said, “I would just finish it faster.
“Cala, are you sure?”
“Yes, I could have Leo ask my parents for me, I could go with you to Akka and ask them for help, and I’m sure Kioka and Rikala will help. Oh, and Numa will most likely help. Come on Jisan, you know it is a good idea.”
As Kanein and Leo caught up Jisan said, “fine, you can.”
“I knew you would say yes!”
“Cala…why… did you run off like that?” asked Leo, out of breath.
“Let’s go back to the lake. I’ll explain there.”
When Cala finished telling Kanein and Leo about her idea she received many objections at first, but after arguing for around ten minutes Cala got her way as always.
“Cala, a war? Really?” said Kanein, still trying to get her to change her mind.
“Kanein! Enough!” Then she continued calmer, ”This is going to happen with or without you. If it doesn’t happen then we will all get conquered anyways. Why not try.
“Fine, you win,” then he whispered to himself, “like always.”
“Okay, with Kanein finally agreeing, I’ll say good-bye to you Leo. Tell mother and father that I miss them. Oh, and Leo could you go to Kioka to ask them for help also? I don’t see the point in going there just to come back.”
“Of course Cala,” he hugged her in a tight embrace, “Good-bye little sister. I really hope that this rebellion will work.
“Thank you Leo,” she said, stepping out of his embrace, “I will see you later.”
Leonard put his hood up and disappeared into the trees, back to his room, and back to Dabath.
“Okay, let’s get out of here by dawn,” Jisan said, “you better get to packing.”
16
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