"Enchantrian Destinies" by Alison Hanslow

Enchantrian Destinies

Part 1:An Enchantrian Birthright

         Queen Ellyra strode into the Banquet Hall of Moonshine Manor, and was surprised to see her husband, King Alexis, already sitting at the head of the long table, sipping coffee.
         "Morning sweethart," she said sleepily, sitting down next to him as he conjured a cup for her.
         "Good morning," he replied, smiling.
         They sat in silence for a short time, before Ellyra put her hand on Alexis's arm, a look of concern crossing her face. Alexis looked up at her questioningly.
         "What's wrong?" he asked.
         "I was wondering...do you think Kiara is old enough now to rule Enchantoria Vallyra? Anabelle only left me in charge until she was old enough to take on the responsibility herself, and I think it's time we stepped down," Ellyra explained, smiling weakly.
         Alexis sighed heavily.
         "I agree. It's time she claims her birthright. I say we make preparations for the Ceremony, and hold it tonight." Alexis said reassuringly.
         Ellyra smiled.
         "I'm glad you agree. I suppose we should go tell Kiara, shouldn't we?" suggested Ellyra, getting to her feet.
         Alexis nodded and rose from his seat, and they both headed towards the banquet hall doors.
         Up in her room, Kiara was going through the anicent book of Enchantrian Sorcery, learning some new spells. There was a knock at her bedroom door, and she looked up as Ellyra and Alexis entered.
         "Good morning Ellyra, Alexis," she said, smiling.
         "Good morning, Kiara," replied Ellyra, seating herself on the end of Kiara's bed. "We have some news for you."
         Kiara cocked her head slightly to one side.
         "Really? What is it?" she asked.
         "Kiara, Alexis and I have decided to step down from the throne. It's time you became Queen of Enchantoria Vallyra," Ellyra explained.
         "You're joking," Kiara said with astonishment.
         "I'm afraid not," Alexis broke in, "we've decided it's time you took over. You're old enough now, and its what your parents would want."
         Kiara was completely taken aback. She took a deep breath, the news sinking in.
         "Are you sure? Do you really think I'm ready?" she said uncertainly.
         "We're sure. We have complete faith in you," Ellyra reassured her.
         Kiara smiled, her blue eyes sparkling.
         "Ok," she said.
         Ellyra ans Alexis smiled proudly.
"I'll begin the preparations!" Alexis exclaimed, and he and Ellyra left.
         Kiara rose from her four-poster bed and put away her book. She couldn't believe that she was going to be Queen. Walking to the window, she leant against the frame, staring down on the land that would soon be hers to rule.
         All of a sudden, doubts and fears began to fill her mind. What if I'm not ready? she thought. What if no-one will listen, or I do everything wrong? I could cause serious damage to the Valley!
         Kiara shook her head violently, removing the thoughts from her mind.
         "You can't think like that," she scolded aloud, "Ellyra and Alexis have faith in you. You can do this."
         As the day passed, Kiara kept herself busy, training, riding, and generally keeping out of Ellyra and Alexis's way. She figured that they would prefer her to stay out of sight so that preparations could be made for that night.

***

         "Kiara!" Ellyra called, "come inside! You have to get ready!"
         Kiara's eyes widened with fear as she walked in to meet Ellyra and Alexis, who were both dressed in their best royal garments.
         "W-what am I going to wear?" she asked desperately, seeing their formal attire. "I can't believe I didn't bother to decide on an outfit!"
         "Settle down, Kiara!" Ellyra laughed, "come upstairs, I already found you something."
         Kiara followed her godmother up to her bedroom. In the middle of the room hovered a beautiful dress. It was long and elegant, made of flowing white material and trimmed with gold. The sleeves were long and opened up just past the elbow, gathered and puffed at the top and held in place by a gold band.
         Ellyra waved her hand, and the dress disappeared, reappearing moments later on Kiara's body. With another wave, Kiara's hair came out of its high ponytail, becoming neat and brushed, and cascading down her back like golden silk.
         "Follow me, Kiara, everyone is waiting for you," she said, gracefully leaving the room.
         Kiara followed, her heart beating fast as she reached the main balcony that looked out over the courtyard, where all the Enchantrians were gathered.
         "Good evening, thank you all for coming to this joyous occasion!" Alexis greeted, walking outside with Ellyra.
         "Tonight," Ellyra continued, "Alexis and I are stepping down from the throne. It is time for Princess Kiara to begin her reign."
         The crowd cheered, and Kiara joined her godparents. Ellyra turned to Kiara and removed her crown. Alexis also removed his, placing it on a cushion that sat on a crystal table. Kiara curtseyed slightly as Ellyra stepped forward. Ellyra lifted the crown and placed it on Kiara's bowed head.
         "Your new Queen!" she announced, gesturing Kiara to lift her head and walk forward.
         Kiara walked to the front of the balcony, bowing to all below, and smiling joyfully.
         In response, every Enchantrian bowed respectively, officially pledging allegiance to Kiara.
         "Thank you all for coming tonight," she began, "I hope that I can live up to Ellyra and Alexis in running Enchantoria Vallyra. If I should do anything that any of you do not like, please let me know, and I promise that I will do my best to change the way I rule. I hope with all my heart that you can learn to love me as you love my godparents. Now, let the banquet and ball begin!"
         The crowd below responded to Kiara's speech with utmost enthusiasm, cheering for her whole-heartedly. Kiara, Alexis and Ellyra teleported themselves to the front of the crowd, and Kiara led everyone inside, where the festivities began, and lasted long into the night.

Part 2:Royal Romance

         Queen Kiara awoke at dawn. She pushed a few locks of golden hair from her face and rose from her four-poster bed, pulling back its curtains and letting the early morning light wash over her. Only a week had passed since she had become Queen, and so far, she had succeeded in running Enchantoria Vallyra smoothly.
         Still drowsy, she teleported herself to the bathroom, where she showered and dressed in a blue tunic, black leather pants and high, brown leather boots. Now fully awake, she returned to her room and placed her weapons belt around her waist, complete with her sword in its scabbard. She left her room, but as she walked towards the stairs, heard Ellyra calling her telepathically.
         Kiara, come downstairs quickly, there's somebody I'd like you to meet.
         Kiara smiled, decided against taking the stairs, and teleported to the grounds outside.
         "Morning Ellyra," she greeted.
         "Good morning Kiara, would you like to meet your guest?" she replied.
         Kiara nodded, and turned to the visitor.
         He was handsome, and had a dark, perfectly shaped figure, his arms being well muscled and tanned. His somewhat messed, eye-level brown hair covered some of his face, and yet brought out his grey eyes. At the top of his shoulder a sword hilt was visible, with the word TRUTH written elegantly in gold down its center.          His robes were obviously that of a war-wizard from long ago, and were deep red in colour. A black cloak was fastened to his chest by a metal clasp in the shape of the Symbol of Grace (silver, with an emerald stone in the center). On his wrists sat gold bracelets, they too being of the Symbol of Grace.
         At his side stood a Gar named Grach, a small, dragon-like, winged rodent. It had a scaly body, with brown hair on the chest area, and four inch claws.
         He bowed respectively, smiling.
         "Good morning, Queen Kiara," he said politely, "I am Randal Chypher Rhal, and I am pleased to make your aquaintance."
         "Good morning, welcome to Enchantoria Vallyra," Kiara said, returning the bow and smiling.
         Ellyra then excused herself, leaving Kiara and Randal alone to talk.
         "So, tell me about yourself," Kiara requested politely, smiling.
         "I am a seeker of truth," Randal began. "A war wizard, and I can use both additive and subtractive magic. All my life, I have lived in the woods as a Good Woods Guide, and I have found that almost everything I do is somehow connected with the future," he explained.
         Kiara listened intently, her sparkling blue eyes widening.
         "Amazing...By the way, I'm holding a ball tonight, I'd be honoured if you would attened," she asked hopefully.
         Randal smiled and nodded.
         "Of course I'll come. One more thing..." he added, "do you mind if I stay here in Enchantoria Vallyra for a while?"
         "Of course you can stay here! We have plenty of room in the Manor, stay as long as you wish," Kiara exclaimed happily.
         "I was wondering..." she continued, suddenly looking quite shy, "I don't have anyone to go with...and Ellyra keeps telling me that I have to attend these parties with someone...so, would you accompany me?" she enquired bashfully.
         Randal looked a little taken aback at the question, but soon smiled, dropping his formal means of speaking.
         "Yes, I'll accompany you," he answered.
         Kiara beamed, her eyes sparkling. Randal suddenly noticed how beautiful she was. He bowed and offered her his arm, comically being a gentleman. Kiara took it, smiling up at him and giggling softly, and together, they walked back to Moonshine Manor.

***

         Randal attended the ball with Kiara that night, and accompanied her to many more occasions after that. The two became very close friends, and Randal quickly decided to move into Enchantoria Vallyra. The time came, however, for him return to the woods and visit his family and friends for a short spell.
         "Fare thee well, and be careful on your journey ok?" Kiara said sadly.
         "I will. Fare thee well," he replied, hugging her.
         Kiara hugged him back, and he turned to leave.
         "Bye!" she called after him, and he turned and waved, before disappearing into Ferntree Forest.

***

         Meanwhile, Kiara's best friend, Queen Anastasia of Fiery Waters, was being threatened by Lord Xenox, one of Kiara's most fearsome enemies.
         She backed away from him, green eyes narrowed, ready to fight. Xenox stepped forward, raising his right arm. Expecting an attack, Anastasia went into a blocking position, closing her eyes and concentrating on stopping the attack. Unbeknownst to her, Xenox had something else in mind.
         "Let darkness fill your heart and soul, and then fall under my control, to others, normal as can be, but when I call, you obey me!" he bellowed.
         A bright green spiral of light erupted from his hand, encircling Anastasia. She yelled, but her cry was strangled, and the light seeped into her body. Anastasia gasped, and she tried to fight the spell. She almost succeeded, and unfortunately for Xenox, she managed to weaken the spell somewhat. Suddenly, though, her eyes developed an evil glint, and his spell took effect.
         "Anastasia..." he snarled, "go and see Kiara. Challenge her, and bring her here so I can watch the fight."
         Anastasia bowed.
         "Of course," she replied smirking evilly and immediately teleporting to Enchantoria Vallyra.

***

         "Kiara!" Anastasia called, running across Moonshine Manor's grounds and waving.
         "Ana! Hi!" Kiara replied happily, "I haven't seen you for ages!"
         "I know, sorry, I've been so busy in Fiery Waters, I've had no time to come and see you,"
         "It's ok, I'm just glad to see you,"
         Anastasia suddenly felt Xenox sending her telepathic messages. She cringed, trying to fight them.
         *Challenge her...*
"Ana? Are you ok?" Kiara asked worriedly.
"Kiara...it's Xenox, he's trying...to control me..." Anastasia managed to say, before Xenox took over, and she became evil once more.
         Kiara gasped and stepped away from Ana.
         "It is time for us to battle, Kiara. Meet me at Lord Xenox's castle as quickly as possible, he will be there to watch us," she stated, smirking maliciously. "By the way, that's not a request...It's a challenge."
         Anastasia turned, and in a swirl of red fire, was gone.
         Kiara was dumbstruck. Anastasia's words rang through her head, only to be dispelled moments later with the sound of running feet and a joyous cry.
         "Kiara!" came the cry, ringing out across the palace grounds.
         "Randal! You're back!" Kiara called, running to meet him.
         "I am!" he laughed, hugging her tightly.
         Kiara returned his hug, smiling and laughing, but soon remembered Anastasia's challenge.
         "Randal..." she said uncertainly, stepping away from him.
         "What's wrong?" he asked, concern filling his voice.
         "It's Ana...Lord Xenox has managed to take partial control over her, and she challenged me, so I have to fight her!" Kiara explained desperately. "But you know I can't attack her Randal! She's my best friend, I just can't bring myself to do it..."
         "You have to Kiara, it's the only way. Besides, what else can you do?"
         "I could let her defeat me...I just won't attack. Maybe if she beats me, Xenox will have no further use for her, and will release her," Kiara suggested.
         "You know you can't do that Kiara. You know more than anyone that when someone evil fights, they fight to the death. She'll kill you if you don't fight back!" Randal exclaimed worriedly.
         "You're right. But there's no way I'm using my full power against her."
         "Fine. I'm coming with you though, just in case, ok?"
         "What if you get hurt?" Kiara said fearfully.
         "I'll be fine," he said reassuringly.
         "Ok. Let's go get Ana back!" she cried confidently, turning to leave.
         "Wait, there something I have to tell you before we go," Randal said.
         "Yes?" she said curiously, turning to face him.
         Randal smiled softly. He reached out and put his arms around her, pulling her close. He looked into her eyes, and ran his hand delicately down her cheek.
         "I love you."
         Kiara was slightly surprised for a moment, but her eyes softened, and she smiled up at him.
         "I love you, too."
         Randal kissed her tenderly. When they broke apart, Kiara grasped his hand and they both turned to face Ferntree Forest.
         "Lets go," she said, and teleported herself and Randal to Hacylon Castle.

Part 3:Fateful Revenge

         Kiara and Randal soon appeared on the rocky grounds of Hacylon Castle. Anastasia was already waiting for them, arms folded across her chest, looking impatient.
         "Took you long enough," she snarled.
         Kiara became serious. She walked to a position directly opposite Anastasia, about six feet away from her. She placed a hand on her sword hilt, ready to begin.
         A few moments later, Lord Xenox emerged from his castle, smirking evilly. He walked to Anastasia's side, and she turned to face him.
         "Thank you for bringing Kiara here, Anastasia," he growled. "I told you earlier that you would be battling Kiara. Unfortunately for you, I have changed my mind, and have decided that I will be the one to defeat her. This means that I have no further use for you," he revealed.
         Xenox placed his hand in front of Anastasia's chest, and started backing away. Anastasia screamed as the green energy was removed from her body. Xenox released her from the spell entirely, and she crumpled to the ground, drained of her energy.
         Lord Xenox turned to Kiara, and spotted Randal.
         "Why do you have a companion, Kiara? Afraid to fight on your own?" he mocked.
         "He is only here to watch. Don't worry, he won't interfere," Kiara replied.
         "Well...just to be sure, I had better do this!"
         A bolt of lightning shot from Xenox's right index finger. It hit Randal in the chest, throwing him backwards and knocking him unconcious.
         "Randal!" she cried in terror, watching his fall.
         Kiara attacked furiously, slashing at Xenox, rage fuelling each stroke. Xenox parried her blows, quickly conjuring his own sword from inside Hacylon Castle.
         The two enemies continued this way for half an hour, and Xenox began to tire. His parrying became slower, and Kiara caught him off guard, managing to cut across his left wrist, and gaining a major advantage.
         Kiara knew she was winning, and her attack only became more intense. Suddenly, Xenox, raised his sword above his head, attempting to strike and be on the attacking end of the battle. In his desperation to win, however, he didn't realise that lifting his arms left him open to Kiara's attacks. Seeing the opening, she brought her sword down, slicing diagonnally from his right collarbone down to his waist.
         Xenox dropped his sword and fell to his knees, clutching his wound. In her fury, Kiara attacked more viciously than originally intended, and the gash was deep and bloody. After a few minutes he collapsed onto his side, gasping for breath, his blood staining the barren ground.
         Now that the battle had ended, Kiara's anger ebbed away, and she stared as Xenox lay on the ground, bleeding profusley and wincing in pain. His breathing became continuously more shallow, and he lost conciousness. A minute later, no sound at all came from his being. Lord Xenox was dead.
         Kiara gasped, hardly believing what she had done. I hadn't meant to kill him... she thought, staring down at her sword, which was still covered in Xenox's blood.
         Randal awoke, sitting up and shaking his head to clear it. He saw Kiara standing beside the fallen Xenox, and he walked over to her.
         "Kiara? Are you alright?" he asked nervously, taking her hand.
         "I...I killed him..." she whispered, guilt edging her voice.
         Randal detected her feeling of guilt, and took her by the shoulders, making her turn to face him. He lifted her chin delicately, and looked into her eyes.
         "Kiara, he's better off dead, and you know it. You would have had to kill him eventually anyway. He was a desperate man, Kiara, and would not have thought twice about harming the people in your valley if it meant that he would succeed in killing you," Randal explained reassuringly.
         Kiara smiled slightly, and Randal wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. Kiara closed her eyes and hugged him back, until a voice made them break apart.
         "What's going on?" someone demanded.
         It was Anastasia.
         "Ana! You're alright!" Kiara exclaimed, her happiness returning.
         "Yeah, I'm fine. I just needed a little time for my strength to come back," Ana explained, smiling and brushing some red hair from her face.
         "By the way, what happened to him, and who is that?" she asked, gesturing towards Xenox, and then pointing to Randal.
         Kiara smiled and giggled at Anastasia's demand for information, and briefly explained everything that had happened that day.
         Once everything had been sorted out, Anastasia bid Kiara and Randal farewell, and left for Fiery Waters.
         "I suppose we'd better be getting back to the Manor," Kiara said.
         "Good idea," Randal agreed.
         They teleported back to Moonshine Manor to indulge in a lavish feast. A Celebration was in order, for Lord Xenox was finally gone, and for now, Kiara and Enchantoria Vallyra were safe.