All of the fighters were given numbers, Jade was fifty eight. She was told to remember the number and not forget it. They were then escorted to a more rural fighting ground where a large rectangular dirt arena had been roped off into six smaller sections, each marked with their own color. Jade assumed that until the numbers dwindled they would have six fights going at the same time. There were only a handful of spectators waiting around the watch the fights. Jade assumed they were either friends or family members of others who were participating. Until the real fighters started to distinguish themselves from the rest it wouldn’t be worth watching the skirmishes.

“Gather around. Hurry up and stop talking!” Master Robins had carried the small crate with him and once gain flipped it over and stood on it. He was already tall, and Jade doubted he needed the extra few inches but he seemed to enjoy being a few heads higher than everyone around him. He also wanted to make sure he could be seen plainly at all times. The crowd of fighters quieted down and gave him their full attention.

“This competition works by elimination. If you yield or you are disarmed with kill stroke you are done. Blood is acceptable, but I will not stand by for unnecessary slaughter. I know accidents happen, but if we deem it avoidable you’re gone. No second chances, no complaints. We will have a referee for each fight. These men are trained and know their skill better than any-“ his eyes flickered over Jade, “most of you.” He corrected. “I know many of you are skilled fighters in your own right and I know many of you are not. This competition is a chance not only to learn, but it’s a chance to prove yourself and win some money in the process. Some winners in the past have gone on to gain good jobs, so try not to make a fool of yourself and fight honorably. There will be no dirt throwing…” Master Robins went on to list the rules on the competition, rules that Jade were all too familiar with. Duels were common in training, matching people unequally with a lesser skilled partner was a quick way to learn where your defenses and attacks were weak. In the real world there were no rules, you fought to survive and win at all costs. It was dirty and unappealing and Jade knew a few of the men who entered this competition would have a hard time adjusting to the rules. There were plenty of good fighters in the world who could kill a man and adapt to surviving, but to have the technique and skill needed to disarm someone or force them to yield was another matter entirely. First blood would have been an even different kind of match. Jade wasn’t sure if she was grateful or disappointed. First blood matches had its advantages, but also disadvantages.

The first six pairs of numbers were called out and the fighters made their way to their designated areas. Everyone watched with interest at they took their positions and drew their weapons. Each of judges watching the individual matches yelled fight separately when the fighters were ready and the fights started. Jade quickly scanned the fights to see which would be worth watching. Two were over faster than Jade could spit. She watched the defeated men hang their heads and walk out of the roped area in shame. They looked like young farmers who had never properly held a sword. The other fights last a little longer, but no one showed any signs of real talent. Jade found that she didn’t want to watch, but rather she took the time to look around at the other fighters.

Many of them looked like villagers or hunters, Jade was positive she was the only one there who had been trained her entire life to kill and she was certainly the only woman in the competition. There were about a dozen men that Jade could see who were dressed with leathers and others who had better crafted weapons than the people around them. Jade knew that the quality of weapon didn’t always mean anything, but she made a mental note to watch those men when they stepped out for their fights. Phantom seemed bored with it all but sat patiently next to Jade and watched the activity around going on around him.

                When one fight finished the winners number was written onto a new piece of paper and another pair was sent in before the other fights finished. Jade noticed that currently they only cared about eliminating the first half of the fighters as quickly as possible. Weed out the weak. She was all too familiar with the phrase.

                “Fifty eight and twenty three.” Master Robins shouted out and Jade instantly came to attention. “White arena.” He pointed to where a match just ended and Jade stepped out. She could feel everyone’s eyes on her back. Phantom walked silently beside her and she approached the judge of the white arena. She looked at Phantom, do no move. No matter what happens. The wolf flicked and ear back and plopped his butt down in the grass immediately as if to say, fine.

                She looked at the judge who watched the wolf wearily, “He won’t move.” She assured him and ducked under the rope and into the arena. She watched for the person who was going to fight her but as the seconds passed. No one emerged. Jade glanced at the Judge, she noticed the longsword at his hip and wondered what his history with it was.

                “Twenty three!” Master Robins shouted. The other fighters looked around the group amongst themselves then finally someone stepped forward.

                “I won’t fight her, it’s not fair and everyone here knows it.” The man who stepped up said boldly. He was broad chested and only a few inches taller than Jade. He looked like he was in his late thirties and large forearms were covered in scars.

                “She entered of her own accord, if she gets hurt that’s on her.”

                The man was already shaking his head, “I’m not worried about hurting her. I’m saying it’s unfair, she’s a Protector. She doesn’t belong here and we all know it.” Many voices rose up with their agreements and Jade could almost feel the blood draining to her toes. Jade hadn’t given it much thought, but she realized they were right. Jade wasn’t so foolish as to think she was the best swordsman in the world, nor did she believe herself to be unbeatable, but she was good. Very good, trained by the best since she were a small child she could hold her own against almost anyone she had ever come across. Not only was she practiced, but she was studied and well read. Sometimes, she knew, information and technique could be just as valuable as actual practice.

                Master Robins frowned and looked at Jade then back to the crowd of fighters. Was there really no one brave or curious enough to try to go against her? Were they truly only in it for the money? Anyone with half a brain should have jumped at the chance to put themselves against her, she knew to swordsman to learn from a better was more valuable than any gold not only that but the bragging rights alone should have persuaded someone. Jade stiffened, she had no desire to fight anyone who didn’t truly want to. “I didn’t come here to flaunt my skill. I didn’t come here to mock all of you.” Jade surprised herself and everyone else with her voice. She spoke loud and clear so everyone who was listening could hear her. Anger and passion rose in her chest, she was tired of being treated so differently, both in her own land and foreign soil. “I am not a Protector. Am I well trained, would I probably beat you? Yes, absolutely, but I came here for a fight. Because this was an opportunity for me, just like it is for all of you. But I will not fight anyone who isn’t willing to fight me. I am not above any of you, and if any of you are brave enough to come forward then do so now, see how you compare, otherwise I forfeit all my fights and I will leave you to your games.”

                 The man who was originally supposed to be paired with Jade folded his arms and locked his jaw. He didn’t budge. Jade looked at the others around him, but they all looked away when they met her gaze. “Is there no one who will fight her?” Master Robins called halfheartedly; he could already see that is was a moot point. No one here had come for the experience or value of the fighting itself, everyone had come for the money and the chance for more money.

                She saw Master Robins rise and then lower, “Very well-”

                “I will fight her.” A voice rose and a man stepped forward. A dark green cloak hung over shoulders and head, it covered his face. He hadn’t been standing with the fighters, but rather with the handful of spectators who had gathered. Jade hadn’t noticed him there before. Master Robins seemed taken aback.

                “Are you registered to fight?” He asked.

                “No.” The man said simply, “But I am willing to pay for the opportunity to fight her.”

 “I cannot allow that, if you wish to fight her do it on your own time. I wish to keep this competition moving forward and cannot waste time on an unofficial fight.” Master Robins turned to Jade. “Well girl?”

                Jade sighed and looked at the other fighters. “Since no one will fight me, then I forfeit.”

                Master Robins nodded, he looked disappointed, not in Jade but in the fact that there was no one willing to go against her. “Very well.”

                Jade ducked out of the arena and motioned Phantom to come to her and Master Robins shouted the next two fighters to the ring. Jade looked for the spectator who had spoken up, had been willing to fight her. She saw his dark hood moving away from the crowd and she jogged to catch up to him. “Wait a moment,” she called. Phantom picked up his gate and cut man off, Jade joined Phantom and faced the man.

                “Yes?” he asked.

                “Why do you want to fight me?” Jade asked.

                Jade could only make out the man’s chin and lips from under his deep hood; it was covered with a dark beard that looked like it had been growing for only a couple of days. “Curiosity.” The man said and then added, “and for the experience.”

                “Then why walk away?”

                His lips turned up in a small smirk that reminded her of Prince Charles. “Are you saying you wish for the fight, even though you have forfeited from the competition?”

                “Fighting you would have never helped me advance in the competition. I would gladly fight you solely for reason that you wish to.”

                “Why? What do you gain from a random fight with a stranger?”

                “Curiosity,” Jade mocked lightly. “and experience. I come from a society that values the opportunity to cross blades with a new opponent. We learn from each other and every fight we face. Even today, had anyone been willing to fight me, I would have observed and perhaps even learned something new.

                The man was silent a moment, “I’ve never seen a Protector enter that competition before. Nor have I ever seen a Protector draw their sword for a lesser fighter unless necessary to protect themselves, their sworn, or are otherwise ordered. You say you come from a society that values the opportunity to cross blades with a new opponent? I would call you a liar. Your people walk around with their noses in the air, thinking you’ve been blessed and born above others who walk alongside you because the Great Wolves bond themselves to your kind your kind alone. I find your pride and disregard for others sickening. What makes you better than any one of those fighters back there? What makes you think you can judge others before you know them? Why should you be regarded with respect when you show no one else the same? Out of fear for our lives? Out of fear of the beast beside you?”

              Jade stiffened and gripped the hilt of her sword, a flash of anger surfaced under Jade’s skin, causing her to grow hot. Not because he had insulted her people, but because he had insulted her. “How dare you,” she spat at his boots. “You’re a hypocrite, talking about judging others before you know them, but you stand there and judge me because I’m Felkorian. I am not a Protector.” Jade felt like she would grow tired of repeating that for the rest of her life. “I cannot deny what you say about Protectors. Yes, many of them are prideful, many see themselves as better, and many won’t even fight someone if they don’t think it’s worth their skill. Pride and tradition is a disease that has grown in our culture, but it’s not the heart of who my people are. I was taught that every fight and every person can be learned from; each fight is valuable because it shows you experience and skill that would otherwise remain unknown.

                “Felkorian’s at their root are a caring people. It’s in our history to serve and it’s where Protectors first emerged. Felkor started as nothing, we were no one, we have no great crops or lands for grazing, and we have no precious metals or great forest. What we do have are wolves, stubborn blood, and harsh winters.  My people have forgotten that we started as nothing, and the only reason we became anyone was because we were willing to give our lives to protect those who needed saving.”

        Jade took a deep breath, her anger cooling, and took a small step back. Luckily there was no one else around who had witnessed her rather sudden outburst. She had never spoken about her people that way before. Jade believed all of it, knew it was true, but before she would have never dared speak anything negative about her people. But deep down Jade knew that it wasn't bitterness that drove her to be harsh, but rather love and admiration. She was proud of the Felkorian race and all they had achieved, she was honored to have Felkorian blood in her veins. But Jade feared that her people would die out, that their stubbornness would someday get them written in books as nothing more than history. Her father wanted to see Felkor thrive like it was capable of doing, and Jade wanted the same. 

        “You speak with passion, a rarity for your kind. Very well, we shall have our fight, but not here under the eyes of so many spectators. Shall we go somewhere a little quieter?”

               Jade nodded once, “That would be agreeable.”

               “Good, then follow me.” The man turned and Jade followed him a few steps behind. Phantom sniffed the air as they walked, picking up the man scent. Jade couldn’t tell what it was that Phantom smelled, but there was something catching his attention. Jade took the opportunity to observe the man as he walked. Under his cloak Jade could tell very little apart from his height, he was tall, a good head above Jade. He walked among the crowds with ease, familiarity, and patience. He didn’t push himself through crowds but rather redirected or maneuvered in such a way that he could easily slip by. By the way move so smoothly Jade assumed he had lots of practice moving quietly s to not draw attention to himself. Who are you? Jade wondered, Are you a soldier in disguise? A spy paid by the Felkorians to draw me away from the crowds? A foolish man who assumed himself a warrior? Someone hired by the prince and Thatcher? Jade shook her head slightly and cleared her mind. If there was trouble waiting for Jade she would face it as she always did. But she didn’t feel anxious, nor did Phantom give any hint of being anxious. From what he could smell and feel from the man’s emotions, he seemed sincere.

               He led them out of the tournament grounds and away from the city. Jade followed as he walked down the main road, stepping aside when horsemen or carts passed by. Finally when they were a good distance away from the crowds he stepped off into the grassy field and walked until he was almost all the way across. He stopped then and turned to Jade. She looked around, the trees were to the man’s back but the ground was relatively flat and open, there wasn’t a soul around beside the few people passing on the road. But from here she doubted anyone would take notice of them or bother them.  The man pulled his hood back from his face, unbuckled it from his shoulders, and tossed it aside. Jade took off her own cloak and did the same. She took a moment to examine her opponent.

               He was tall and well proportioned; with the cloak gone it revealed a well-built body and tanned skin. He wasn’t covered in scars or marks so Jade wasn’t sure what kind of fighting he was accustomed to. There was a sword and knife secured at his waist which with a dark leather buckle and sheath, which seemed plain an unordinary until Jade noticed the small decorated engravings in the leather, simple but intricate. He wore tall leather boots that were well worn but also well taken care of and a long soft flexible leather tunic and dark cotton under shirt that was more form fitting and ended at his wrists. Jade then studied his face and a small smirk reappeared on his face when she did. His eyes were blue like a clear winter sky; his dark hints of a beard matched his thick dark hair that was short but wild. He had a straight nose and a straighter jaw, his lips turned into a smile. Jade did her best to keep her face impassive, he couldn’t have been much older than Jade but the way he stood; shoulders straight, head tall, full of confidence told Jade more than his sword and plain but obviously expensive clothes, he came from a bloodline that had money and influence. Jade was looking at man who was used to being analyzed.

               He met Jade’s gaze easily and the smile remained on his lips as he examined Jade the same way that she had done to him. She remained still and impassive, allowing him to see her for what she was. She had nothing to hide. Her clothes were not expensive, her boots were worn and neglected from polishing, she had her hair pulled back into a simple knot and her face she knew, probably had some dirt on it. She was average height for a woman, and she didn’t have large muscles like a man, but years of training and fighting had toned her body with strength than only came from hard work and determination. But what truly mattered wasn’t how she looked or how polished she was, it was the katana that stood out on Jade’s body and she noticed his eyes lingered there a moment longer than anywhere else. He didn’t even look at Phantom.              

               “Well?” Jade asked. “Same rules as the competition?”

               He nodded, “I’m fine with that, first to yield or first to deliver a kill stroke and no unnecessary blood?” Jade nodded her agreement and the man before her pulled his blade clear of its sheath in one smooth quick stroke. It was a beautiful and well executed maneuver by itself. Though a little over practiced. Jade took a second to look at his blade it was shorter than a two handed long sword, but the hilt Jade noticed was made to accommodate both. Jade was familiar with the type of sword, it was meant to be used with a hybrid of fighting styles. Two handed for when faced with a heavier and larger sword or one handed for more speed or when close quarters forced the use of hand to hand techniques, if needed it could even be paired with a shield. Felkorian blades were of a similar style and size, Jade noticed he held it now with one hand. Jade used her left hand to tilt the Kanata’s hilt downward and placed her right hand on the hilt, turning her body slightly to one side she bent her knees slightly. Stand down and stay where you are. She kept her eyes on her opponent but made sure Phantom understood that he wasn’t to get in the way. She could see him sit just out of the corner of her eye.

               “What are you waiting for?” he asked.

               “I am ready whenever you are.” Jade nodded but didn’t pull the blade free.

               The smile was gone now, replaced with a slight frown, “Will you not draw your blade?”

               “I will draw my weapon when I see fit to do so. Now stop talking and do what we came here to do.”

               “Very well.” His right toe turned and his back heel lifted only a moment before he attacked. Jade recognized the stance and prepared, she knew her timing had to be perfect when she drew her katana as a form of attack. She watched as he perfectly twisted the blade, angling it downward. It was an attack that could cut a man’s legs out from under him, and Jade was surprised he chose it as his first attack. When Jade saw what he was going to do, she decided that she didn’t want this fight to end quickly.    

               Jade pulled the katana loose, the blade sung as it came free, alive in Jade’s hand. She used its momentum to push away his blade, but instead of pushing into another attack she allowed him to recover. Interested to see what he had to offer. He spun his wrist, directing the momentum to carry to sword back up. He took a step to the side and Jade did the same, they took three steps and Jade moved to attack. See how we would respond in his defense. She held the light katana both hands, one close to the guard the other on the end of the hilt. Years of training kicked in, and she swung straight at him. He defended, and again surprised Jade by not using his sword to take the brunt of the attack. Instead he caught her blade with his sword and pushed it minimally to redirect its angle and stepped to the side to allow gravity and Jade’s momentum to do the rest. Jade spun disengaging her sword and brought the blade up, holding it horizontally in front of her chest. His blade met hers there, and she saw the look of surprise register on his face for a split second that she had predicted his move. She pushed off from his blade and brought the katana down for a strike to the side. He defended smoothly and moved to attack, the surprise was gone and the two of them attacked relentlessly.

               Jade was thrilled, her heart beat faster as her muscles warmed up from the exertion, and her mind was fully engaged in the fight. Whoever he was, her opponent was an excellent swordsman and he demanded her attention. Jade knew this was not a person to underestimate, but then, so was she. As Jade pushed off his blade for the tenth time she stepped back and they took a moment to catch a breath as they circled again, each carefully observing the other. She could sense Phantoms tension from somewhere behind her, but she knew he would stay as he was told. Jade lifted the katana, taking a higher offense to see how her opponent would respond. He smirked slightly and lifted his own sword higher, ready to match her fighting style. Phantoms emotions burst through her focus in a moment of warning and panic. Jade turned her head and saw a unit of horsemen headed straight toward them. They were still across the field but it wouldn’t take long for them to reach Jade.

               Jade faced her opponent and moved to attack and he met her, but the games were over. Jade moved with speed that her opponent had never witnessed, the katana was light in her hands. Their swords met and Jade twisted the flexible katana. It sliced across his bicep, easily slicing the fabric and breaking skin. He hissed and moved to back away but Jade twisted the sharp edge of the katana out so the blade flattened and she pushed up with her weight. The guard on her Katana locked with his and she drove the sword out of his hands. At the same time she swiped her foot behind his left foot as he backed away. It all happened in the span of two heart beats. His sword landed somewhere in the grass and she stood over him the katana against his throat.

               “Who are you?” she demanded as the horsemen thundered closer. Before he could answer Jade bent down and grabbed his tunic. She pulled him to his feet and stood to one side, the Katana still at his throat. Phantom. Phantom turned and ran back to Jade to stand by her side, his tail was straight and his fur on end, but he remained silent, ready to attack and defend Jade at a moment notice. Horses and men surrounded her but she stood her ground as they made a circle around Jade, some had crossbows, others had spears. They all wore the colors of the royal family; two of the horses had the royal banner attached to their saddles by a pole. They aren’t Felkorians, why is unit of the royal guard here? Her question was answered a short moment later.

               Two of the horsemen pulled back from the circle and two men replaced them, a white wolf stood by one of the horses, it growled at Phantom and he returned his own snarl. “Prince Charles.” Jade said, only slightly surprised.

               “Jade.” He looked different than he had earlier; atop of a beautiful black gelding he wore a red tunic and stood out like a sore thumb. Thatcher was beside him, riding a brown gelding with three white socks. He whistled a short sharp tone at his Guardian and the white wolf backed up and grew quiet.

               “When I told you that you might find the competition interesting this isn’t what I meant.” Charles said.

               “I forfeited the completion because no one would stand against me,” Jade said defensively. Still unsure as to what her positon was, she was surrounded but no one made moves to attack.     

               “I wasn’t talking to you Jade, I am well aware of your situation.” She looked at the man beside her, the katanas’ sharp edge had nicked his throat and he was bleeding slightly, the drops started to pool on the katanas blade before they slowly dripped off. She remembered when she killed the men in the mountains how the blade had seemed to thirst for blood; it certainly spilled it easily enough. The man didn’t look at Jade he looked coolly at Prince Charles.

               “Why are you here?”

               “To make sure you didn’t get killed or do something stupid,” the prince swung his hand back and forth dismissing the question. A rock was slowly dropping in Jades stomach as the obvious pieces came together.     

               “I can handle myself.”

               Prince Charles smirked, “Oh I’m well aware of that, little brother. It’s my own skin I’m worried about, imagine what our dear mother would say if she knew I let you come out here all by yourself? And it seems just in time too, you seem to have been defeated.”

               Jade was on her knee before anyone could take another breath, the katanas’ tip was in the earth and she bowed her head, the rock was fully formed in her stomach. She felt that she would die from shame. That was twice in one day that she had shown disrespect to a member of the royal family. “Forgive me; I didn’t know who you were your highness. Had I known-”

               “-you see what you’ve done?” the younger prince ignored Jade’s apology. “Everything was fine until you showed up and ruined it. As usual.”

               “Really? Because she had a sword to your throat not five seconds ago.”

               “It was fine. We were having an honest fight between swordsmen. I would have panicked too if I saw a troop of royal guards charging towards me. Beside, this was your suggestion.”

               Prince Charles eyes rose. “It was not! I said you might find the competition interesting, I didn’t mean you should go pick a fight.”

               Jade kept her head bowed, waiting for the brothers to stop arguing. Phantom stood behind her, watchful but aware that the situation had changed, he remained quiet. “You know my opinion on the matter.” The younger said.

               “Yes, which is what worries me. What are you hoping to prove by this? I meant for you to observe so you might come to realize that you’re being ridiculously stubborn. So you that you might finally put our parents’ minds at ease. This tournament-”

               “- I know what this tournament was meant to do.” The young prince brushed his brothers comment aside. “I’m not a child, I haven’t been for quite some time and I know where I stand. My mind will not be so easily swayed…however; you may go back and tell our parents that their minds may be put to ease.”

               Jade saw the younger brothers boots turn to face her, she didn’t move. “Jade.” She wasn’t surprised that he knew her name, she also wasn’t sure which prince he was, but if he were younger than Charles he was either Peter or Reiner.

        "Reiner." Prince Charles warned. So it is Reiner. She was tempted to wish him a happy birthday but it hardly seemed appropriate at the moment.

        Reiner ignored him, "Jade." He said again and she looked up at him. “Let me see your sword.” Jade handed him the hilt and he examined the blade. He glanced at his brother for only a moment and looked back to Jade. “I am looking for someone to guard me, to stand by my side and protect my back. If you are willing to do this, will you swear to protect me from harm to the best of your ability-”

                “-Reiner ­don’t-” Jade’s eyes were locked on Prince Reiner’s but she could see Charles swing a leg over the saddle to dismount, no one else moved.

                “-will you swear to remain loyal to me and serve me well in the time of your service, will you swear to give your life to protect me-”Prince Charles stepped toward Reiner but he swung the Katana up and to Jades surprise he backed down. “-to uphold our laws and act honorably, do you swear these things on pain of death and all that you believe?”

                The world slowed, everything was silent. Jade lived the moment as if walking through water, as if she looked through a telescope and watched things unfolding from far away. Jade’s mind was empty, she wanted to feel something, to weigh the decision before her, but there was nothing, because there was no choice to make.

                “On pain of death and on the blood of my family I swear it, my sword is yours.”

                “Then rise Jade, as my protector.” He offered the hilt of the katana and Jade took it, bowing her head, and Phantom beside her dipped his head to the prince. Reiner seemed please and he turned to his brother. To Jade’s surprise Prince Charles didn’t look angry as she expected, but instead Jade thought he looked more, exasperated than anything else. He pinched the bridge of his nose and simply said.

                “You’re giving me a headache Reiner.”

                “Tell me something new,” Prince Reiner replied with a grin.

                Jade was out of place. Others could see it, Jade could feel it, and everyone knew it. She sat on a bench in the waiting hall outside the throne room. After Jade had sworn herself to Reiner they had all marched into the Capital to tell the king and queen the news. Jade had been lent a horse and had ridden in silence beside Thatcher. The two princes had led the procession and had talked in hushed whispers the entire ride. Thatcher had gone into the throne room with the princes, and a few minutes later everyone who had been inside had flooded into the waiting hall, kicked out by the king and queen. That had been an hour ago.

                Phantom sat by Jade’s right knee like a statue, he didn’t move but watched everyone in the hall carefully. Jade tried to keep her eyes from wondering but it was hard not to look. Noble ladies of the court wore elegant dresses and were adorned with expensive jewels. They fanned themselves with quick graceful strokes and spoke to each other in delicate and practiced whispers as to not be overheard unless they wanted to be. Jade swallowed hard, knowing that deep down she had the ability to act in such a way, after her parents had died her uncle and the Elder made sure she still knew how to act like nobility.

                The noblemen were also dressed elegantly though far simpler, they stood in groups apart from the woman and talked louder and with more ease, they laughed occasionally, but the mood in the hall was mostly serious and most of it was directed around Jade. It hadn’t taken long for everyone to notice her sitting out of place on the bench with a large black wolf. She had tried to wipe all the mud on her face but she knew it was pointless; she hadn’t had a proper bath or been able to brush out her hair. My mother would be ashamed to know I came to the royal palace in such a state…but father would have laughed. There was another Protector standing in the room as well, and Jade made a point not to look in her direction though they had locked eyes when she had first appeared out of the hall. The protector was tall and blonde, her hair was chopped incredibly short and the brown wolf at her side was small for a Great Wolf but Jade had sensed fearlessness in the beast when it locked eyes with Jade. Phantom didn’t even move to stand when he saw the wolf but rather watched it with a cool expression as they followed behind a nobleman to the far end of the hall.

                Servers with trays of refreshments came out of side doors. Jade was not offered a drink. She looked up at the ceiling to try and distract herself for the hundredth time; the rounded roof was painted with elaborate scenes of men fighting in the clouds. The hall was well lit; large windows lined the wall in front of Jade and large embroidered curtains hung on either side of the windows. From where Jade stood she could just barely make out glimpses of the Capital.

                The doors to the throne room were pushed open by two attending guards; they wore light polished armor and held spears in one hand. Prince Reiner and Prince Charles emerged, Thatcher followed behind, his wolf silently beside him. Prince Charles continued to walk down the hall, ignoring the nobles trying to catch his attention, Reiner also ignored the attention and paused looking around the hall. Jade stood and stepped forward, everyone moved out of her way. She approached the prince. He offered nothing but a small hint of a smile, “The king and queen will see you.” Jade swallowed, “Come with me.”

                 He turned back around and Jade followed after him, ignoring the eruption of whispers. Jade stepped onto the rug that ran down the center of the throne room, it was also red. The noise of the hall behind them was abruptly cut off when the doors closed, and the throne room became uncomfortably silent. They made no noise and they walked toward the end of the long room. Jade walked behind the prince, and looked at her surroundings. Tall marble pillars lined the room on either side, the roof was rounded like the waiting hall but there were no elaborate paintings here, only paintings of the clouds, meant to mimic a summer sky. At the end of the hall, above the thrones where the king and queen sat, the roof was made of glass, allowing the sun to bathe the royal family in a golden almost ethereal light. There was no one else in the room, guards stood at attention at each pillar like statues, Jade wasn’t even sure she saw them blink. When they reached the dais where the king and queen sat side by side in tall chairs Jade dropped to one knee at the base of the steps while the prince walked up two of them and stood to one side. From here Jade could see that Prince Reiner favored his father in almost every way but the eyes.

                “You’re majesty’s.” Jade bowed her head.

                “Rise child,” the king said, his voice not unkind. Jade did so, tentatively raising her eyes to look at them. They are so close, a few more steps and I could reach out and touch the hem of their clothes. Never in Jade’s wildest dreams had she imagined she would stand before the king and queen, much less be sworn to protect one of their sons. Have I really done that?

                “What is your name?” the kind asked.

                “Jade, your majesty,” she replied, making sure her voice was clear and her tone appropriate. Her mother would have been proud.

                “Were you so named for your eyes?” The queen asked. Jade hesitated, she had not expected these types of questions, nor has she expected to be asked the source of her name.

                “Yes your majesty.” She hoped they didn’t ask her more about her lineage, she wasn’t sure she would be able to tell them, and she had no wish the anger royalty.

                “You are Felkorian yes?” The king asked, motioning to the wolf beside Jade.

                “Yes your majesty.”

                The king held up his hand, “You may answer plainly Jade. We’ll be here all day if you bother with titles every sentence.

                “As you wish your-” Jade stopped, “As you wish.”                                      

                “Very good, now we have been speaking to our sons about this situation. Reiner tells me you are not a Protector?”

                “That is correct,” Jade clasped her hands behind her back. 

                “But you are Felkorian, and you have a wolf?”                                              

                “Clearly,” Jade responded and as soon as the word were out of her mouth she felt herself pale. One of Reiner’s eyebrows rose and he looked at Jade surprised. Jade bit the inside of her lip, her mother would not have been proud of that response.

                The king also raised an eyebrow and the queen, to Jade’s surprise, smiled. “I can see why you like her.” The king said to his son.

                “Forgive me, I did not mean to be rude.”

                “I do not punish people for speaking plainly Jade. I am the king, but I am also human, I respect your response. I am asking foolish questions and repeating myself, but I seem to be having a hard time wrapping my mind around these facts. If you are not a protector but you are a Felkorian then what are exactly? What makes you worthy to guard and protect my son? Why should I trust you to protect him over robbing him?”

                “Father.” The prince said angrily but the king held up his hand and he looked away.

                “I was trained to hold a sword since I was old enough to walk straight,” Jade told the king, “I was apprenticed as a Protector until over a year ago when I was disbanded at the age of eighteen. My bloodline have all been Protectors, but I broke that lineage solely because I was never bonded to a Great Wolf. The Elders of my people decided that I would never be a protector, that I would never leave Felkorian borders. I refused to accept their decision so I became and exile and left.  I don’t have the honor of the name Protector, I don’t have the honor of my people, and don’t even have the honor of a Great wolf. The one you see beside me today is a Dire Wolf; he bonded to me after I left my people, when I was at my most exposed and weakest. I cannot convince you to trust me my King, nor can I convince you that I am worthy to protect your son. What I can do is serve with honor and hope you may come to find that I am no less a Protector than any other who carry the name.” Jade inclined her head and took a silent breath.

                The prince looked back at his father, and the king studied Jade. The queen moved her hand to the kings and without hesitation he turned his hand to hold hers. “I like her,” the queen said to the king, smiling and Jade. Jade gave a small smile in return. “If I may be so bold?” the queen asked and the king chuckled and looked at his wife.

                “When are you not?” he asked.

                The queen smiled, pleased. “It seems to me that the issue here is not if we trust this girl, but rather do we trust our son? He has made this decision, and we have raised him to be a strong independent leader. I think it’s high time we stop babying him, heaven knows Louisa is a handful enough, and Reiner has proven himself many times and hasn’t given us reason to doubt him.”

                The king nodded his head slowly and looked at his son. “Very well, we will defer to you on this Reiner.” The prince bowed to his parents.

                “Thank you,” he said. To Jade it seemed that he was sincerely grateful for their trust.

                “Now off with you, those people in the hall will not be pleased that we’ve kept them out for so long. Go enjoy the rest of the tournament and let me have some peace.”

                “Yes of course father,” the prince smiled and stepped down the dais. “Follow me.” He said. Jade bowed to the king and queen and turned to follow the prince. He led her toward a side door off to the right which was opened by an attending guard. He walked down the hallway where another guard opened the door. Jade was led up a series of stairs and hallways but she didn’t take the time to look at her surroundings. She was keeping up with the prince who seemed to be on a mission.

                   They arrived in the private quarters of the palace, Jade could tell by the fewer amount of guards and how quiet it was, and Prince Reiner slowed down and seemed to visibly relax. He stopped in front of a large elaborately engraved wood door and knocked twice with his knuckled. A few seconds later the door swung open to reveal Prince Charles. When he saw Jade behind him he smiled, “Come on in.”

               Jade followed the prince and took a look around the room. Jade felt as though she were in an entirely separate house. There were two doors on either side of the room; a large fireplace had small fire burning, there were bookshelves full of books, a window seat with embroidered pillows and a large table with chairs which were scattered with books and papers, ink wells and quills lay scattered on a tray next to a stack of parchment paper. Thatcher was sitting by the fire in one of four large plush chairs, his wolf laid at his feet asleep. There were sword and shields adorning the empty spaces on the wall, and an elaborate tapestry of the royal family lineage.

               Welcome to my quarters Prince Charles smiled, “It’s a bit of a mess right now.”

               “It’s always a bit of a mess,” Prince Reiner moved to sit in one of the chairs and Thatcher nodded at him and looked at Jade. She stood near the door and Phantom looked around and sniffed the air.

               “Come sit down Jade, there is an open chair for you.” Prince Charles poured his brother a cup of coffee and sat down in the chair. “You’re welcome to have a cup of coffee too.” Jade tentatively stepped forward, eyeing Thatcher warily and sat down. Prince Reiner gave her a cup of coffee.

               “You look like you could use some,” He said.

               “Thank you your majesty.”

               Prince Charles snorted a laugh and swallowed his coffee, coughing as it burned down his throat. Thatcher watched him to make sure he wasn’t choking to death. “Please,” Prince Reiner said to Jade, looking her in eyes. “You are more than my sworn Jade, Thatcher has been with Charles for what…?” He looked at Thatcher.

               “Six years,” Thatcher replied.

               “Six years.” Prince Reiner repeated. “Titles are formalities can be saved for parties and large occasions. Otherwise you will call me Reiner, the mort formal I want to hear out of your mouth is ‘sir’, do you understand?”

               “Yes sir.” She smiled with a nod.

               “Good, now as for my brothers and sisters I cannot say the same unless they tell you otherwise, some are less casual that we are.”

               “You may also call me Charles, our little sister calls me Charlie but I would prefer if you didn’t catch on,” Charles said with a smile.

               “Of course,” Jade nodded understanding. She had no siblings, but she could easily imagine what it must be like. Jade sipped at the coffee, it had been sweetened with cinnamon and it revived Jade.

               “Well I can’t believe you pulled it off Reiner, but you did. What did mother and father say?” he asked his brother. 

        Reiner shrugged, and looked into the fire. Jade glanced at Thatcher who watched her silently; she looked away and took another sip of the coffee. “It was mother who convinced father in the end. She said that they should trust my decisions.”

               “She’s right.” Charles placed the empty cup down and stretched his arms above his head. Next to Reiner he looked more like a prince, Jade noticed then the dried blood on Reiner neck and the slit on his arm.

               “Sir.” Jade placed the cup down on the small table. She leaned toward Reiner and touched the ripped fabric and pulled it away from the slice. “You need to get this looked at,” she said, her cheeks flushed with shame. She had attacked the very man she was now sworn to protect.

               “I had forgotten,” Reiner admitted, he rubbed a finger across the scratch on his neck, the dried blood peeled off on his fingers and fresh blood started to well.

               “Shall I send for the physician?” Thatcher asked standing.

               “Go ahead and have him sent to Reiner’s quarters,” Charles said and Thatcher bowed his head and left, his wolf and woken when he stood and followed after him.

               “I’m sorry,” Jade apologized.

               “For what?” Charles asked grinning, “It’s about time my brother saw more of his own blood.” Jade took a napkin from the table and pressed it against Reiner’s neck, she shook her head.

               “Not on my account he shouldn’t.” Reiner looked at Jade and smiled softly.

               “If you hadn’t, I’m not sure you’d be here right now.”

               Jade took a small breath. When I swore to build my life on the sharp edge of my sword, I hadn’t meant it to be this way. Jade would be more careful in the future with how she swore her oaths. 

        "Reiner?"

        "Yes?" He asked.        

        "Happy birthday," Jade said with a straight face and Charles almost fell out of his chair laughing.