A Fractured Paradise

The scent of thick iron carried upon a warm breeze. Swords clanged, muffling the cries of battle. Get back. Caeli sent five assailants back while the tip of her sword slid across the throat of the enemy beside her. Her comrades subdued those she blocked while she joined her general's side. Though his helmet shielded his face, she knew he was smiling. Like him, this is what she lived for.

Caeli craved victory; thrived on it, as did her general. Her comrades were her family. She fought with the best for their homeland. They embraced her gifts with enthusiasm, and together their kingdom would forever be safe.

It had been eight years since Queen Cassiana had informed the children of their history. Caeli, Larissa, Darius and Prince Maximus had been trained together. Caeli's mother insisted on training Caeli, Larissa and Prince Maximus on how to utilize and strengthen their abilities, while King Vitus assigned General Marcellus to train the four in battle. Caeli was stronger than the young prince in both combat and abilities.

When the four were fourteen, the kingdom's ally had been attacked and King Vitus sent his forces to assist. Against her parents' wishes, Caeli followed her orders. With gifts and skill, her comrades were on their final battle in just six short months.

As Marcellus's sword pierced the invading king, a roar of excitement erupted from the soldiers. Caeli stared at their great general. He removed his helmet, his dark braid rested upon his shoulder. "We are victorious!" He joined in the delight of his soldiers then inclined his head to Caeli. "Inform our king that we shall be returning home."

Caeli moved bloody brown hair from her lips. Taking a calm breath and quieting her thoughts, everything faded around her. Focusing, she searched for Prince Maximus's thoughts, as communication with him would require less energy. Sensing his thoughts, she forced her thoughts upon his mind.

Inform our great king that we will be returning home. We are victorious.

Bless the gods. Prince Maximus replied with his own thoughts. Your parents have been unbearable. Were there any casualties?

Would I allow our men to die? Don't insult my honor.

My father always asks. I wish he would have let me join you.

Oh, Maxy, you know you can't fight as well as me. Besides, you are the future king and must be protected until you have an heir.

Stop calling me Maxy. You know I hate it and my father made that rule up so I wouldn't die young.

I enjoy it. How is Princess Mariana?

Growing like a weed and excited to see you again. I will inform my father of your victory and oncoming return. He will want to prepare a feast.

Thank you, honorable prince. Hey, how's Rissa and Darius?

She's great. She taught Tia how to hunt so she's been able to help with finances. And he's still holed up in the temple.

Okay. I'll see you guys soon.

"Were you able to contact him?" Marcellus asked.

"Yep," Caeli nodded. "We've got a party waiting for us."

*

Larissa quieted her breaths as she focused on the sounds around her. Her fingertips brushed against the soft grass. The planet's energy flowed into her like a second strength. Each beings' energy danced within her body. I feel you. Auraka, are you with me? Will you guide me to something great?

A warm breeze rushed from behind her, in the same moment a strong energy slammed into hers. Larissa opened her eyes, rushing after the breeze. She followed each moving leaf, quieting as the wind slowed. Thank you Auraka.

Larissa readied her blade, the animal's energy overwhelming her.

She quietly moved the leaves of the bush before her, emerging from behind a lion. A bountiful hunt indeed. A wonderful coat your pelt will make. My siblings will eat well.

Larissa stalked to the side of the lion, readying her knife.

The lion growled, slashing at her. Larissa jumped back, reflectively slashing at the creature. A strong gust slammed into the lion, sending it flying into a tree.

What the hell was that? Larissa's strength waned; she stumbled for a moment. I must kill it now. Larissa forced her body forward, plunging her blade into the lion's chest.

It roared for a moment, Larissa quickly forced her energy into the beast, feeding it her senses. It quieted, its breaths slowing.

"Thank you, my friend. I promise your body will be used for wonderfully beautiful things. Your soul will go somewhere beautiful, I promise." Larissa patted the lion's mane. The kids will eat well with this hunt and this pelt will fetch a wondrous price. I could purchase new clothes for the kids. New arrowheads for Tia. This creature is such a beautiful blessing.

Blasting horns emerged from the city. Roars of celebration broke the silence.

We've won. We're coming home.

Bless the gods.

*

Caeli followed Marcellus. As they walked across the marbled floor. She couldn't help but smile. The familiar decorations on the wall brought her comfort as she could finally accept that they were home.

The two entered the throne room; a massive room with columns leading to the thrones. Behind their chairs, three pictures stood. The one furthest to Caeli's left was a painting of seven chains coming together as one against a black stained glass, to symbolize the seven Paskoins who came to Duniwa and were enslaved. The one furthest to Caeli's right was of a golden crown against red stained glass. In between them were the painting of a dove against turquoise stained glass.

King Vitus sat in his velvet red chair with his son at his side and Queen Cassiana sitting in the chair beside his. Caeli almost froze as her gaze fell upon the prince. When she left, he was just a boy in the beginning stages of puberty but, in the short year she was gone, a man had taken Prince Maximus's place. At fifteen he stood six feet tall, his brown hair had been recently cut and his jawline was firmer. What truly surprised Caeli was his body. He was lanky when she left, but now he appeared strong with protruding muscles; not as tones as the solders yet impressive for the prince. His already tanned skin appeared to have darkened.

He's been outside more often.

Caeli and Marcellus knelt and bowed before their royalty.

"Welcome home, great warriors." King Vitus warmly greeted them.

"Caeli!" Tiny footsteps echoed across the glistening floor. Small arms wrapped around her neck as Princess Mariana squeezed her.

"May I hug the princess, my lord?" Caeli kept still.

"Caeli, you may hug our daughter when you wish." Queen Cassiana chuckled.

Caeli held the young princess to her.

The day Princess Mariana was born was a day of sunshine and joy. Prince Maximus was barely eight years old and ecstatic to become a big brother. Princess Mariana was born just as the sun began to set.

Caeli had been the first to hold Princess Mariana. Her mother insisted that she'd be present to help deliver her. With a gentle touch she didn't know she was capable of possessing, Caeli cleaned Princess Mariana.

Immediately, Caeli could identify the similarities between Princess Mariana and Prince Maximus. She shared his cheekbones and the same shade of hair. She'd looked at Caeli with her mother's turquoise eyes and the two instantly bonded. That day, Caeli swore she'd protect Princess Mariana with her life. The two were practically sisters.

"You have grown so much." Caeli whispered.

"Mmmmmhmmmm." Princess Mariana pulled away. "I'll be eight soon."

"I know, silly." Caeli grinned then picked up the tiny girl. "My prince, you have grown as well."

"As did you." Prince Maximus smiled, dimples formed in the crevices of his cheeks.

"Come son, we have tasks we must complete." King Vitus clapped his hand to his son's shoulder. "We shall join you at tonight's festival. Come, Mariana, our champions need to rest."

"Bye, Caeli." Princess Mariana waved as her mother retrieved her.

Marcellus clapped Caeli on the back. "Go to your parents, young warrior." He chuckled. "Rest and prepare for the night. I am sure the king will have innumerable delights for us."

"Thank you, general." Caeli nodded. "Will Liber be present?"

"Of course, little one." Marcellus nodded. "See you tonight."

Caeli nodded. Not wanting her parents to see her covered in dirt with matted hair, she made her way to the springs. They were said to have restorative powers, though those claims were never confirmed. But they were hot and soothing; beneficial for Caeli's fatigued muscles.

Steam surrounded her as she disrobed. The springs were unusually empty for the time of day. Everyone must be preparing for the celebration. Caeli eased into the soothing water. She laid flat on her back and allowed her body to float.

Mother and father will lecture me. She began washing her hair, scrubbing shampoo into her scalp then teasing the knots with her fingers. While it was conditioned, she scrubbed her body with lavender scented body soap. But this is my home. Why would I not use my powers to assist them? Carefully, she washed the conditioner from her hair, working the last of the knots.

Caeli retrieved her favorite top from her satchel; one that she'd designed herself. A single red strap draped over her left shoulder as the hemp cloth wrapped around her breasts and ribs, leaving her midsection exposed. She stepped into her black leggings, pulled up her leather skirt and slipped on her leather boots. Retrieving her dirt-covered garments, she made her way home.

Designed as a temple, the elders ensured that their chambers were beautiful. Each pillar had been decorated with intricate signs of protection. The ceiling of the main hall depicted the history she'd been told.

"Miss, you have returned."

Caeli turned to face the familiar boy's voice. Aias's crystal eyes lit with his smile and his blonde curls bounced as he approached her. Aias became a servant to the elders and, for two years, the treated him as though he were garbage. He was orphaned at five years old, when a plague had taken many of the citizens. But he always smiled and never complained. "If not for them, I'd be a burden to my caregivers." He'd say.

"Hello, Aias. How have you been?" Caeli returned his smile.

"I'm okay. Your parents wish for you to go to their chambers." Aias replied. "May I take your possessions, miss?"

"I can take them." Caeli declined. "My sword will be too heavy for you to carry."

"Please miss?" Aias seemed shy. "Your parents insisted that you go to them as soon as you arrive."

"I will take it." Caeli insisted. "I do not want you to hurt yourself and, as a soldier, I should not allow anyone else to handle my sword. Inform mother and father that I will arrive at their room shortly."

"Yes miss." Aias nodded. "Miss Caeli?"

"Yes?"

"Welcome home. We really missed you."

"I missed you all as well." Caeli proceeded to her room. It was just as she'd left it with a stand for her sword. Her bed lay opposite a single window, her silk blanket untouched. She stated at her pillows, aching to rest in her soft bed.

Mother and father are waiting. She sighed and put away her sword. She placed her grimy clothes in a basket then finally walked to her parents' chambers. Caeli lightly knocked on the door.

"You may enter." Caeli's mother announced.

Her mother sat in her olive wood chair. She wore a yellow-tinted dress with her black hair braided into a bun. Her father gazed out their window, staring at the city. His chestnut hair had grown to his shoulders.

"Hello mother." Caeli bowed her head then straightened. "Hello father. I have missed you."

Her mother stood and eyed her. "How tall you are now." She circled her. "Do you see your daughter, Amu?"

"You mean the soldier?" He glanced over his shoulder. "So much potential she has, Aquila, and yet she wastes her life as a dog."

"Are you not happy to see me, father?" Caeli ground her teeth.

"You are the last pure child, Caeli." Amu turned to her. "The gifts bestowed upon you should not be wasted on lowly actions."

"They are not lowly, father." Caeli disagreed. "Do we not owe King Vitus our loyalty for allowing our people to stay? Should we not perform every action to protect those who welcomed us so kindly? Are you so ignorant that you would deny help to those who gave us sanctuary?"

In a flash, Amu's hand stung Caeli's cheek. She stood stoic, not feeling the full extent of the backhand. Her body was conditioned to pain far worse than what her parents were capable of.

"We owe them nothing. Those before them happily enslaved us and, given a different king, they would gladly do so again." Amu shouted. "Begone from my sight."

"Do not forget to whom your respect belongs." Aquila dug her nails into her daughter's shoulder. "I do not wish to see your face until morning." Her mother threw her into the hallway. The door slammed as Caeli pushed herself up.

Always the same. Will you never change? Caeli hoped her parents were reading her thoughts. She returned to her room and collapsed onto her bed. Wrapping herself in her blanket and, enjoying the comfort of her bed over the hard ground, she drifted into a peaceful sleep.

*

Larissa steadied Tia's hand as they carved into a stag. "Easy now, we have to be careful not to cause too much damage."

She's eleven now, a year older than I was when I began hunting with our father and training with Marcellus.

Are you going to sign me up for training?" Tia interrupted her thoughts.

"Is that something you would like to do?" Larissa tucked a stray hair behind Tia's ear, much in the way her mother had done to them.

"I want to be as strong as you someday." Tia nodded.

"Then I will inform the school tomorrow." Larissa decided.

"You don't object?" Tia seemed nervous. "I feel like I'm stealing your dream if I accomplish any military goals."

"Mother and father always encouraged us to do whatever made us happy. If it makes you happy, then do it." Larissa chuckled. "Now, begin carving. The sooner we get this meat delivered the better. And you could never steal my dreams, cause they're seeing you kids happy."

"You're such a dork." Tia chuckled then turned her attention back to the stag. "We're going to keep some of it, right? We haven't had good meat in a while."

"Well, with the war over we haven't had any more barriers on our trade routes, so people will start coming and going again." Larissa felt optimistic. "Everything will go back to normal soon."

"I believe you." Tia nodded.

*

Bonfires were stationed around the city. Music filled the air, guiding Caeli through the foyer. Filled with beautiful sculptures of previous kings and pictures depicting the long line of honor passed from father to son. King Vitus's statue settled closest to the great hall. Created when he was eighteen, the features were not much different than how the king was now. Someday Maximus's statue will be beside his father's.

Caeli was greeted to music, laughter and cheers as she entered the great hall. She squeezed through the crowd to stand beside Marcellus. Opal plates were displayed on a long table nearby.

"There you are." Marcellus handed her a chalice. "Sleep in?"

"How could I not?" Caeli chuckled, gulping down the wine. "Didn't you sleep?"

"We had things to catch up on." Liber chimed in. He wore an embroidered suit with his blonde curls greased from his face. His features hadn't changed, with his feminine frame, rose cheeks and sparkling hazel eyes. He was a slender, beautiful man and a very talented carpenter.

"How did you survive the year?" Caeli chuckled.

"Not very well, Cae." Liber sighed. "There are many beautiful men in Adyta."

"Hey." Marcellus pulled Liber to him.

"But you are my one and only." Liber gently kissed his husband. "And the children do keep me busy."

They'd been married for seventeen years. When the plague swept through the city, they adopted five children. Aias was even offered a home, which he accepted but continued to serve the elders.

"But they are wonderful children." Caeli thought of the days when she had babysat for the pair. The children had listened to everything she asked them to do and helped her with the house chores.

"Someday you will be blessed with such wonderful gifts." Marcellus clapped her on the back.

Caeli shook her head and sighed, gesturing for a refill. "Thank you." She began gulping her second cup.

"The prince certainly has grown." Marcellus gestured toward the prince, who was standing next to his father.

"He must have continued training without us." Caeli finished her drink. "He is very determined to be prepared for war."

Prince Maximus excused himself from his father's side. He approached Caeli with determination in his chestnut eyes. He held his hand out to her. "I seek your counsel."

"Yes, my prince." Caeli took his hand. He led her toward the table. She handed him a silver plate as they chose their meals.

"You truly have changed." Prince Maximus smiled. "I can't believe how tall you are or how much stronger you appear to have gotten."

"I have gotten stronger, but I see that you have too." Caeli scooped some fruit onto her plate. "Who has been training you?"

"My father has been a great instructor." Prince Maximus answered. He set his plate on the table for a moment to cup Caeli's cheek. "What did you say this time?"

"Father spoke ill of our people." Caeli pulled away, stepping ahead of Prince Maximus. "Is there a bruise?"

"Scratches." Prince Maximus answered. "Why do your parents hate my father so?"

"He is not from our world." Caeli rolled her eyes. "So we should be above them. I disagree. Adyta is my home. Your father gave the council everything. I would gladly die to protect this place."

"That day will never come." Prince Maximus shook his head.

"My prince, did you only pull me aside to ask about the marks?" Caeli asked. "You seemed as though you had something important to talk about."

"Mostly the scratches." Prince Maximus began gathering more food onto his plate. "But I wanted to know if you've seen Rissa yet. She's supposed to be here."

"I'm sure she'll be here soon." Caeli began walking toward a table. "Don't forget she's got seven kids to tend to." Caeli sat at the table.

"Prince Maximus joined her. Staff brought them new chalices and filled them.

"I suppose you're right. Prince Maximus began eating his meal. "Let's eat and enjoy the celebration."

"Agreed, honorable prince." Caeli, too, began to eat.

*

Larissa hurriedly pulled on her midnight dress. She had just gotten the youngest, Julius, to bed. The second eldest, Tia, was to be in charge for the night. Larissa felt confident that everything would be fine. She desired the celebration more than anything, her best friend was home.

Larissa and Caeli would communicate as often as they could while she was away, but telepathic communication can be draining when used consistently. "They're going to love that one, especially Prince Maximus." Tia giggled.

"I hope." Larissa sighed. "Though, it's not like it matters. I'm too busy to date anyone, let alone the prince. And who would want that kind of target on their back anyway?"

"You're too paranoid." Tia chuckled. "Adyta has always been safe. Besides, the war's over now. Hey, are you going to see Caeli there?"

"This celebration is in honor of the soldiers, I imagine she'll be there." Larissa pulled her brush through her strawberry-blonde hair.

"Do you regret not going with her?" Tia sat on Larissa's bed. "You could both be the stars tonight."

"She's not the only soldier, Tia. They all share in victory, and no, I don't regret staying here. I was needed here more than on the battlefield." Larissa hugged her sister. "You're in charge but everyone better be asleep by ten."

"You can count on me, sis." Tia nodded. "Will Darius be there?"

Larissa slipped on a pair of sandals and paused. "I'm not sure. You know he stays in Shaushka's temple most days."

"Why does he stay there all the time?" Tia huffed. "He was always with you guys."

"Well things changed when the plague..." A lump choked Larissa. "Remember when mother and father died? And you told me you wished it had been you instead?"

"Yeah." Tia whispered.

Larissa pulled her close. "Well, we didn't get sick like them, but Darius did."

"That's why he couldn't go with Caeli. He was too weak." Tia chimed in. "Like King Vitus."

"Yes, and he may have recovered physically but I don't think he has mentally." Larissa explained. "I think he stays at Shauska's temple because it's his home. His parents were the best healers in Adyta. They practically raised him there."

"He feels them there, right?" Tia whispered. "Like when you're hunting and you said you feel like dad's with you."

"Exactly." Larissa released Tia. "I better be going. You okay?"

"Have fun." Tia nodded. "I'm fine. I just miss Darius. He was a lot of fun."

"I do too, honey." Larissa sighed.

"Maybe now that Caeli's back, you guys can get back to normal." Tia smiled.

"Yeah." Larissa nodded, hoping that it could be possible. "Maybe."

Caeli, my dearest friend, did you miss me too? Can we really go back to normal?

A warm breeze followed behind her, brushing her hair to the front of her face.

Now how am I supposed to see? Do you wish to guide me to my friends, Auraka?

Larissa focused on the warm brush of the wind, letting her physical sensations fade away as she matched the speed of the wind. This was common for her, taking the energy of the wind and utilizing it to benefit her. Her father told her to never share the secret of this ability to anyone. Approaching the palace, Larissa grounded herself once more. She teased her hair, took a calming breath and followed the tiny breeze toward the dining hall.

She paused for a moment in the doorway, noticing Caeli right away. She sat to the left of the prince, in the outfit she'd designed and tasked Larissa with the honor of creating and even copying. It was her bold notion that she would do whatever she desired and, as long as she didn't hurt anyone or herself, no one could tell or show her otherwise; she was not here just to be seen.

King Vitus saw much wisdom in Caeli's views. He adapted laws against harming others, any caught in such devious acts would find themselves at the end of a blade. Caeli encouraged the people around her to embrace what made them happy. Adyta became a place where the people wished to accomplish amazingly beautiful dreams. War was only necessary when protecting Adyta and its allies; peace was always a desired goal.

So much thought over one girl. If Larissa were completely honest, she loved Caeli. As a friend or more; Larissa couldn't be sure. They had never been shy with each other, though neither had expressed serious romantic feelings toward each other.

Rissa. Prince Maximus had noticed her.

How could you not see me? This is our favorite color.

Same as your eyes.

Rissa! Caeli forgot all her composure and allowed her sixteen year old self to escape, quickly standing and rushing toward Larissa. Larissa shed her own composure, copying her friend.

"Cae!" She squealed, the two practically leaping into each other. Squeezing each other tightly and giggling. After a moment the two studied each other.

"You've grown." Caeli eyed Larissa's chest.

"And you've worked yours away." Larissa chuckled. "Glad to see war hasn't changed you."

"Told ya it wouldn't." Caeli released Larissa. "Come join us. We'll fill your plate. Where are the kids?"

"I plan on being out well after their bedtime. It is a celebration after all." Larissa answered. "And I promised mother I wouldn't allow any of the children to drink until they were fifteen."

"An honorable thing to keep, a promise from child to mother." Prince Maximus joined the conversation. "You are a radiant star tonight, Rissa."

"Thank you, Prince Maximus." Larissa bowed her head. Maxy.

"So, where have you been?" Caeli asked.

"I was teaching Tia how to properly utilize the full carcass of a stag." Larissa answered.

"Did she hunt it herself?" Prince Maximus's intrigue peaked.

"Yes, though she favors a bow, much like Darius." Larissa answered. "It was not too difficult, though nothing like the lion."

"Oh my god the lion." Prince Maximus began to chuckle.

"Lion?" Caeli seemed confused and intrigued.

"Yeah, the day the war ended I found and killed a lost lion." Larissa answered.

"Damn, glad to see you kept up with some sort of training." Caeli grinned. "We should spar soon. And what did you mean lost lion?"

"By the gods, you know the domes in Koyo?" Larissa began to chuckle.

"Yeah." Caeli nodded.

"Well, you know how they get some of their animals by trade? Well, a few weeks before I found it, King Vitus made an announcement that Koyo had a lion escape during transport. There was a reward and everything." Larissa sighed.

Caeli and Prince Maximus joined in the laughter.

"And you took it out all by yourself?" Caeli shook her head and whistled. "I really gotta spar with you." Caeli's smile turned to a devilish grin.

"I'm ready when you are." Larissa bore the same grin.

"Girls, please, no sparring tonight. We are celebrating." Prince Maximus placed a hand on each of the girl's shoulders. "Though, I could defeat you both with ease."

"So much bragging for one who has yet to slay a predatory beast." Caeli playfully teased.

"Laariissa, did you tell her that?" Prince Maximus's cheeks flushed red. "That's it, tomorrow morning we're all going on a hunt. I'll even drag Darius out of the temple."

"Sounds good to me." Caeli immediately nodded. "It's been too long since we've all been together."

"I have no objections. I could always use more materials for the shop." Larissa nodded.

"Speaking of the shop, Rissa, I would like to purchase that stag head. Could you turn it into a trophy for my father? My parents' anniversary is coming up and it would be the perfect gift." Prince Maximus explained. "I already have my mother's and it's so hard to find something that will surprise my father."

"Of course, it won't be cheap but I am confident you can afford it. Since you're requesting this as a special item I can add some extra protection measures and any extra details you desire, to a limit. I can give you a special occasion discount." Larissa rattled until Caeli covered her mouth.

"You two can discuss business tomorrow." Caeli placed a chalice in Larissa's hand. "For now, drink, eat and let's talk. It's been too long since we've all been together."

Larissa chugged her drink, enjoying the smooth wine gliding down her throat and warming her immediately.

"That's my girl." Caeli proceeded to chug her own glass.

"Don't think you can beat me." Prince Maximus chugged his own drink.

My friends, let's never part again.