The Book of Magikai: Song of the Wanderer

Chapter Two

As the Sun sets along the kingdom, Saxa and The Prince venture into a distant forest, known as the Black Foreest, where a hot spring glows in the distance. As they get closer, they feel the warm water spreading the warm scent of it's moisture in the air. Saxa inhales the fresh air as she places her sword next to a rock.

"I'll give you your privacy, Lady Saxa..." Prince Nian turns away respectfully, Saxa chuckles upon hearing him call her, 'Lady Saxa'.

"So formal, and respectful... but why call me 'Lady'? It makes me sound old..." She playfully says, while getting undressed and slowly getting into the warm water. As she washes herself, Prince Nian inspects her sword, admiring it's composition and appearance.

"This sword of yours, it's craftsmanship is exquisite. I've heard the stories about the Moon Mountain Longswords. Legend says that they were made from the heart of a fallen star." Nian says as he admires the glow of the sword. He gently touches the edge of the blade, feeling the sharpness.

"That sword is a powerful tool of my people. We call it Sho' Yari' Arnak'. We spend our lives training in combat, first learning how to use our fists. We Moon Mountain people do whatever it takes to win. Improvise, adapt... Cheat... anything, to overcome." Saxa says as she continues bathing.

"My people were trained from birth, I was no different. From the moment I could speak and walk, I was taught how to fight with and without a sword. But I was also born with... extra abilities." Saxa goes underwater, washing the suds off of her skin, and she rises back up, "The mystic sages of my village trained me in how to incorporate my magic into my fighting style, they say it was a gift from the gods. Hmm, hard to ignore that statement." She playfully smirks, as she leans forward on the edge of the Hot Spring.

"Do you believe in the Gods?" Prince Nian asks her.

"Yes... My people worshipped the gods devoutly. I remember seeing one that appeared before me when I was but a youngling. It was one of the Goddesses, her eyes were blue, and they flickered like thunder. Skin glowing in the sun, and light radiating from her aura. She looked at me, The Great Orisina, her eyes gazed on me. It was warm, like a mother looking at her child. That day... I felt a warmth, just hugging me." Saxa feels a warm chill run down her spine, as she recounts that day.

The Princes eyes widen at Saxa's revelation, "You actually saw a Goddess in person? She must've wrapped a blessing around you." He says to her.

"She could have... but I did feel something divine stir in me, almost like a fire that was dormant was waking up." Saxa says, her eyes venturing to the markings on her arms. Moments later, Saxa gets out of the Hot Spring and she puts her Armored Battledress back on, after washing off the blood off of the chestplate and the skirt of the dress.

"Let's keep moving, I hope this meeting is worth it." She says sheathing her sword, and putting on her boots.

"It will be, all I ask is that you hear her out, she could use your help, and you could use hers." Prince Nian says as they continue towards the Goldstone Mines. After traveling for over two hours on foot through the black forest, they reach a cave emiting a golden glow from inside. As they get closer, a woman dressed in red and black armored garb, with a caped hood stops them from going further.

"Halt, what is the password?" The woman asks The Prince.

"Stardust..." he replies, and the woman takes off her hood.

"Hello, my prince. Is this her?" The woman asks, looking at Saxa, who has her defined arms folded.

"Yes, this is the Warrior I've told you about. The Wanderer, Saxa Moon." Prince Nian responds.

The woman looks at Saxa, and then back at Prince Nian, her expression blank and underlying with tension. "The Queen wishes to see you, I must ask that you relinquish your weapon." She says to Saxa. Saxa hands her the Moon Mountain Longsword, and the weight causes the woman to fall over with it.

"What magic is this?" The woman asks, struggling to lift the sword. Suddenly, a woman dressed in silver armor, with a face that radiates beauty and fairness, appears behind her.

"A Moon Mountain Longsword is unable to be held by a normal Warrior, it only answers to the Moon Mountain Warrior that holds it and masters it. That is why you were trained by the Moon Mountain Masters and Sage's, is it not true?" The woman speaks with a regal authority, but it is smooth like silk.

"You seem to know much about my people..." Saxa says as she calls her sword back to her, extending her hand nonchalantly, making the sword fly over into her hand. "...I take it you're the princess?" She asks, sheathing her sword.

"I am. Princess Kate Lightstar, the leader of this rebel army. I've heard many a story about you, Saxa Moon." The Princess says, extending her hand for a handshake.

"Forgive me, but I don't shake hands with a person I don't know that well. In my culture, trust has to be earned." Saxa respectfully declines the handshake.

"Smart woman. Come with me..." Princess Kate invites Saxa to come into the caves. Saxa reluctantly follows her, with the Prince following behind her. "These Mines were once abandoned by my father... adoptive father, I should say. He discovered new Mines in the Frostbit Mountains, harvesting Stormheart metal." Princess Kate explains as she leads them through the caves.

"I know of Stormheart metal, some say it's surfacing sparks with the power of the gods, like Starmetal." Saxa says, following Princess Kate deeper into the Mines.

"Which is why we set camp here, Goldstone can counter the effects of Stormheart, which comes in handy for us." They arrive at a lift that takes them down to the lower levels. Once there, Saxa sees many tents and soldiers, working around the clock.

"Welcome to the Rebel Camp, after the King killed Our parents, he took our mother as his queen, after she betrayed our father. We we're his adopted children. We saw firsthand how tyrannical he can be, if he is left unchecked, he could take over all of Magikai." Prince Nian informs Saxa.

"After we both fought in his army, leading his troops, I've begun to question what it was all for? Was what we were doing, really just? So, I gathered a group of like minded soldiers and we formed this rebellion. Thanks to my brother gathering the resources needed for us, we built our base here, in the forgotten mines." Princess Kate adds on as she leads Saxa into the war room.

"So, you've been fighting your own father's forces for how many years?" Saxa asks.

"Five years, and they don't know I'm doing this. Thanks to my brother feeding me information from the inside, and me faking my death in battle." Princess Kate reveals.

"So why ask for my help? I could just get into the kingdom myself, let King Damon Lightsun come to me, once I step foot in his house..." Saxa replies to her.

"You could, but standing between you is my father's army, his personal guard... and my mother. I know they slaughtered your people, you want revenge, I want to save my kingdom. We can help each other, get what we want." Kate says to her, laying out all of her cards on the table.

"And if I refuse?" Saxa asks.

"You can go, if you wish... but just know that you stand a better chance with us, then fighting alone." Prince Nian says. Saxa thinks about the siblings words. She has trained for many years, and ventured long days and months for one purpose; vengeance for her slain kin. But maybe, just maybe... she can have assistance and leverage that she has not had before.

"Alright... I'm in... but, I want you to know this; if you cross me, I will kill you." Saxa warns Kate.

"You have my word... I'll have your back, Moon Mountain Warrior. You just have mine." Princess Kate assures her. Saxa shakes Kate's hand, albeit with carefulness as she still doesn't trust her fully.

"Welcome to the Resistance, Saxa Moon." Princess Kate says to Saxa Moon.

Author's note: So, Saxa has gained a new ally and is ready to begin the fight against the Empire! What will happen? Can the Prince and the Princess be trusted? What danger lies ahead? Stay tuned to find out! If you like this story, please vote and don't be afraid to give constructive feedback if you feel the need to, it helps me grow as a writer. Thanks for reading and I will see you in the next chapter!

Peace!