The Legend of Kathleen Everton

The horse trotted briskly through the endless hilly meadows outside of Moorefield, the girl on the back of the animal giving a yawn. The stirrups jingled and the saddlebags made a flapping noise against the saddle. The world was dead quiet. It had been hours since she'd first set out. Her mind went back to the few precious moments she'd had with her parents before she set off on her journey.

Hours earlier...

Kathleen awoke, pulling the covers off of her and sitting up. She'd tried to get some sleep before her journey, but the truth of the matter was that she'd hardly slept at all. Getting out of bed, she began to dress, pulling on some trousers, and then after that an undershirt, and then some leather clothing, and then after that her sword and belt, and then her leather knee-high boots. Taking care to not wake the rest of the house, including her aunt Allison, she slipped down to the stables and began to saddle and bridle her horse. Just then she heard a voice which startled her and she nearly dropped the bridle in shock had it not been her father who had spoken.

'You're leaving, aren't you?' he asked.

'Yes,' she replied, not leaving any room for argument or pleading as she finished saddling up her gelding and led him out of the stable. She finished packing the saddlebags, all the while saying, 'Please don't try and talk me out of it.'

'I know marrying that man isn't your heart's desire, and I know all your life you've wanted to know who you are,' he replied, leaning against the fence, watching his daughter finish her preparations.

'Then what am I?'

'You are an Everton. But more than that, you're the last Spirit Warrior.' She frowned.

'But they're just legend.'

'No, Kathleen. They are more than that. They are an elite fighting force, one dedicated to protecting the realm. You are to bring them together and in turn they are to train you to take on the greatest evil that this world has ever known - your father.'

'But you're my father. How can that be?'

'I'm not your real father. Your real father is not an Everton. He is a descendant of House Dragonfire, the old and ancient evil that the stories speak of.'

'But I thought the first Spirit Warrior defeated them.'

'Aye, she did. And they have never been back to their full strength. Your father is of that house, and he seeks to take back what is rightfully his from the Everton family, primarily your grandfather. Your grandfather, Maxwell, is my friend. He brought you to me and your mother when you were but an infant. He is in close contact with the Spirit Warriors. When you leave this house, go west and then east, and then find the freer peoples of this world who tell strange tales, and when you find them, go straight on north until you find the Kingdom of the Setting Sun.'

'Relsin,' she breathed in wonder. 'It's been years since that was a kingdom. Why go there?'

'Because for centuries, it has been spoken of as a place to find your destiny, and the Spirit Warriors, both past and present, have gone to that place to be bestowed upon them their destiny. And now you shall do the same.' He untied her horse from the fence post and she mounted up on the animal. He looped the reins over the horse's neck and gave them to her. 'Remember the directions I have given you. Go west, then east and then north after you find the free peoples near the eastern shores of Arragonia.' She nodded.

'I love you father. May you stay safe - always. And give Mother my love. Thank you for all of this.'

'You're welcome, my child. Stay safe, and stay strong.' The animal reared, giving a loud whinny, then she spurred her steed on, over the green, moonlit ridge that led to her home and away over the meadows, while Robert watched, sending a silent prayer to the higher powers.

Protect my daughter. Watch over her. Strengthen her sword and her heart to be good and just.