War for Uyrilia
Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Ithad been two weeks since they had taken off running from Esok and Liliana andJace had asked as many questions as they could, relearning everything abouttheir home and family. By the time theyreached the first village along the wayaround the harbor they had been brought up to speed on everything and everyonethey needed to know and they had both had flashes of memories as they were toldstories and in their dreams.

“TrevetoluaMakustajat.” Said a soft voice. The three turned and found themselves face toface with an elf. She stood five footnine with crystal blue eyes and flaxen blond hair that flowed around herstunning features. She gave a soft smileas they stared at her. “Nimin onEsyae.” At their blank looks, she gave asoft giggle before she spoke again. “Iam sorry; I did not realize you did not know our language. You must come from a far land since manyhumans along the borders know some greetings.”

“Youcould say that.” Alexander nodded. “My name is Alexander, this is Lily and Jace. It is our pleasure to make youracquaintance.” He bowed his headfollowed a split second later by both Liliana and Jace.

“Thepleasure is mine, Alexander. My name isEsyae.” Alexander nodded with a smallsmile. “What brings you three to thisland?”

“Weare passing through. You see we gotturned around and wound up very far from our home.” The elf nodded. “Could we ask for shelter to rest and food togain our strength before we continue?”

“Yes,of course.” Esyae nodded. “Follow me, I will show you where you canstay.” She led them through thebrilliant little streets towards an elegant building. “This is the inn. You will replace accommodations to rest as wellas plenty of nourishment to gain your strength for your coming travels.”

“Wethank you, Esyae.” Again, Alexanderbowed, followed by the twins. Esyae gavea curt bow before she left them be. “Alright, come on. Let’s get somefood and sleep before we keep moving.”

“What’sthis town called?” Liliana asked as shetook in all the sights around her.

“Thisis Ashesera. It’s a village inValonde. We’re going to stay here for aday or two before he head for Calqua. It’s the last place I heard Arthur might be.” The twins nodded before the three went tobed.

Thatnight Liliana and Jace were tossing and turning, groaning and moaning beforethey both sat up in a cold sweat. Theylooked at each other before they heard yelling and screaming from thestreets. They jumped to their feet, asAlexander started awake. The tree ran tothe window looking down at elves running around holding weapons calling toothers. “What’s going on?” Liliana wondered.

“Idon’t know but I think we should replace out.” Alexander said as he grabbed his boots and left only returning a fewminutes later looking worried. “Get yourstuff we need to go. Kalman is workinghis way through the forest on his way here.” The two hurriedly grabbed their things and started running down thestairs with Alexander as they looked for a way through the village toescape. “This way.” He said as he led down a side street just abang was heard at the other end of the village. The three ran as fast as they could into the forest, disappearing fromsight.

__

Alexanderwas trying to keep Liliana and Jace going through the dense forest but they hadbeen going in circles for three days and they were out of food and water, theywere exhausted and could not keep their bodies moving. Jace was first to drop followed by Lilianaand finally Alexander. All threeunconscious.

Liliana sat up quickly with a gasp. The door to the little cabin opened and a manwalked in and stopped to stare at her. She furrowed her brow as he came closer. “I remember…”

“I listed the spell while you were sleeping.” He smiled. “Alexander told me everything. I’m so glad you’re safe.” Hepulled her into a tight hug.

“Thank you uncle.” She said softly. “Can I see dad?”

“He’s not here.” The two looked at the doorway and found Christoph. “It’s been years since I’ve seen you. You grow more beautiful every day.” He walked closer. “But you still shouldn’t be here.”

“Not like we really had a choice. Kalman was chasing us. The only place safe would be with ourfamily. Where’s dad?” Jace asked as he slowly sat up holding hishead.

The two looked at each other before Jace sat up andlooked over. “Let’s talk outside, sinceJace has decided to join us.” Theirgrandfather said. Once outside theyreunited with Alexander and waited to hear what happened to their fathers. “So the three of you managed to cause anotheruproar.” He said as he watched Alexanderwalk over to his friends.

“It was the only safe place we could think of, LordChristoph.” Alexander explained.

“Don’t play fancy with me boy.” Christoph smiled at the young man. “I know your father taught you well in manorsand skills. You’re a smart boy I knowyou wouldn’t have brought them here unless you had to.”

“So what exactly is going on here? Kalman said some stuff that made it soundreally bad.” Jace looked between hisuncle and grandfather, waiting for them to answer.

“It startedlittle over six months ago.” Arthur started. “Zinnia and Kalman managed to get through the defenses. Your father had used all his power to savewho he could, he didn’t have the power to fight back when our mother foundhim. She took control of his mind andthe kingdom. We barely escaped.” He looked at Alexander, “Your father was helping us formulate a planto get my brother back. He went to acity to talk to a man he thought could help. The guard took him.”

“We have to get them back.” Liliana said.

Her grandfather shook his head. “You need to hide.”

“Where? You sentus away and now the crazy Witch has control. Where do you purpose we run off to next to hide like children?” Her anger was growing. “We’re not children anymore.” The two men stood, looking at her.

Christoph walked up and put his hands on either arm,giving a small smile. “No you’re notchildren anymore. I know you’re strongbut at this point you would be sucked dry of your powers and killed. Zinnia then would be able to control not justUyrilia but worlds across galaxies.”

“You’re too precious to lose, not just for the poweryou two hold but for who you are to us. Your mother died to protect you. We would do the same because we love all three of you. But that would give her more power.” Arthur explained.

“Ican’t sit back while dad’s in trouble. And what about Max?” She lookedbetween the two. “We deserve to helprescue our fathers. They don’t knowanything about us. For all they knowwe’ve been trained since we were hidden to use our powers and they have no ideaexactly how strong we are since there’s no one with our power. We could help and get Maximus and our dadout.” She explained but she could seethe doubt in her grandfather’s eyes as he was about to turn her down.

“Itcould work.” They heard Arthur’s voicefrom behind them. “She’s right; theydon’t know anything about them. Theycould have their full power by now for all they know. All we really need to do is teach them a fewspells and refresh their skills with weapons and it should be enough.” Christoph started shaking his head as Arthurlooked at the dejected teens. “At leastgive them a chance. They made it herewith no knowledge or skills haven’t they?”

Christoph sighed, contemplating what to do with thethree teens. “You will have one month toprove you’re powerful enough to help. ItI deem you unfit you will go into hiding once more, without a fight.” He waited for the three to nod inagreement. “Good. And since you’re all for it, Arthur, you’rein charge of training them.” He smirkedand left the four alone to begin the lessons.

“Okay,you three. This isn’t going to beeasy. Follow me and we’ll start.” He led them back into the little cabin togather what they needed and to start their first lesson.

___

The month flew by and Arthur couldn’t believe howfast they were learning, nor the power even Alexander was showing. “I don’t care what he says, I’m going to getMax and my dad.” Liliana told the othertwo teens.

“We’re with you.” Jace agreed. He and Alexander hadtalked about what they would do; they knew exactly what they had to do in orderto save their fathers.

Witha deep breath, he walked out into the clearing making the three stop playingaround and look at him expectantly. Hegave them a stern look before walking past them and into the cabin where Arthurwas sitting, reading a book. “I thoughtyou were supposed to advise them.”

“Idid.” Arthur answered without lookingup. “They have been advised and taughtas far as they can manage with the power they have. Which is nearly as close to the amount I hadwhen my powers were first unleashed.” Helooked up at his father who stood by the window watching the teens. “They have learned everything they couldpossibly need to know and then some. They’ve proven by far that they are not only capable but determined tobe a part of this plan.” Christoph gaveone quick nod. “What do you think? Have they proven themselves to you?”

Christophgave a slight smirk before he walked back out of the cabin making a smilingArthur follow him, stopping at the door to conceal his expression beforefollowing his father to meet the teens. “I’ve heard about your abilities and I’ve seen your skills. I’ve made my decision.” He started making the three lookworried. “I remember you three doingwhat you wanted, running around getting into whatever trouble you couldreplace. Seeing how you’ve fit yourselvesright back where you started I have no choice but to let you be part ofthis.” The three cheered and smiledhappily. “However.” He cut them off. “You will follow what we say and follow theplan to the letter. Got it?” The three nodded quickly before he gave asmile. “You’ve done more than I thoughtyou could. You are your parents’children.”

“Alright,get your stuff together and we’ll get moving to meet with the crowd.” Arthur told them and watched them run off tograb their bags they had accumulated over the last two months. “They really need this chance. They need to be able to see who they are andthe others need to see that they are still here.” Christoph just nodded. “Now we need to worry about enemies, and thecourts with their stuck up manors.” Hescoffed making Christoph smile at his son hate of the etiquettes of highcourts.

“Wellit’s a good thing you’re neither king nor heir.” Was all he said before he left his son toroll his eyes before gathering the three chatting teens.

__

“Whoa.” Alexander paused looking around.

“Lords and ladies, I present to you Princess Lilianaand Prince Jace.” The room burst withmurmurs. “Please, please.” He called out, silencing the room. “We are planning a movement that will bringus our King.” He paused. “Who will stand and bring the crown back tothe rightful person?”

The room was silent before a young man theyrecognized stepped forward. “I will aideyou.” He said as he bowed. A small smile tugged at Liliana’s lips as shelooked at the young man she had seen back in school. The young man she had played with so longago. The two brothers who helped themescaped stepped to either side and bowed.

An old man said, “I will lend what aide I can but Icannot go with you.” Suddenly the entireroom bowed.

“That is all we could ever ask Duke Gideon.” Christoph smiled, “Prince Robert, would youand your brothers join us on our journey?”

“We are for you to command.” Robert said as he raised his head, lockinghis crystal blue eyes with her golden brown ones.

“We will leave in two hours time.” Arthur announced. The inn cleared slowly as to not call noticeas they disappeared into the night.

“Alright,let’s get going.” Arthur said to their group. “I have a buddy who’s sailing down the Qlups Sea and is willing to riskbringing us aboard and smuggle us into Vrahl.” He explained as he led the way through the streets. He pulled the hoodof his cloak up making the others follow suit as they broke into two groups,one following Christoph and the other following Arthur towards a large ship atdock. Arthur walked up with Jace,Liliana and Alexander behind him.

“Thisdoesn’t look that friendly of a place.” Alexander whispered but saw Arthur shake his head in response.

“Kitashtaprissini kaiken tieden.” Arthur said to a tall figure with elegant features,jade colored eyes and bronze blonde hair that flowed down to the middle of hisback. His sharp eyes looked over thefour figures a minute before he smirked.

“Itis not good manor to insult an elven prince.” Arthur chuckled as they clasped hands. “It is good to see you, old friend.”

“Andyou as well, Symkalr.” Arthur glancedbehind him. “I believe you rememberthese three troublemakers.” Just as theelf’s eyes turned on them, Jace saw a flash of a memory of the man. He remembered the man coming to visit hisfather. Jace and Liliana started arguingand Alexander tried to jump in on Jace’s side only to make things worse. As Arthur and their mother tried to calmthem, they started pushing and shoving, knocking into a server who sent apitcher of wine toppling into Symkalr lap. The elf prince did not seem to replace it amusing although Arthur and theirfather found it hysterical.

Symkalr’shard eyes seemed to soften as he looked at the three. “I remember the last time they were aroundthey had a pitcher of wine poured in my lap. I recall their father as well as yourself found it hysterical.” He turned his gaze back to Arthur who hadstarted laughing. Symkalr slowly smirkedbefore he turned. “Come I have rooms setaside for you and the others. We will beleaving in a few hours so you have some time to get settled and gather what youneed from the village.” Arthur noddedand started towards the ship only to be stopped. “Just keep these three away from pitchers ofwine.” Arthur nodded and laughed as hecontinued onto the ship where they were taken to their rooms.

Severalhours after exploring the ship, Liliana was sitting on a bench looking out atthe ocean while everyone wandered the market and talked to others. She sighed; she just wanted things to benormal she wanted to be with her father, she wanted to be happy. She wished she were never born with herpowers, it would mean her mother would not have been killed, she and Jace wouldhave lived happily with both their mother and father, and they would have beenraised as prince and princess. Theywould not have to hide or fight every time they turned around. She was glad to have Maximus care for them asthey grew up and to have him teach them all he could about their home andthemselves but it would not change the fact that things would have been betterif none of it ever happened.

Someonesat beside her making her turn to look at them. It was a tall man with close cut jet-black hair. He wore fine clothing of a noble and he justsat beside her with a deep sigh before turning to look at her with graphitegrey eyes. “Oh, I’m sorry. Was this seat taken?”

“No.” She said softly before looking back out atthe ocean.

“Julian’sthe name.”

“Lily.”

“Troubled?” He asked making her turn to face him again,unsure what to say. “You look likeyou’re feeling troubled.” She gave asoft sigh and looked away. “I know I’mjust a stranger but perhaps you’d like to talk about it?”

“Ifeel lost. I wish I wasn’t born as me,it would have saved lives and given others a chance at a normal life. I just…”

“Whatif I could make it all better?” He askedmaking her look at him. His eyes seemedto draw her in, she could not look away. “I can make it all go away.” Hesaid softly and she felt her body relax. “Would you like that?” Shenodded. “Come with me and it will all bebetter.” He stood up and watched herfollow. He led her to the water’s edgeand as he stopped at the edge of the dock, he offered her his hand. She slowly reached out to take it but someonepulled her back.

Witha gasp, she looked around to replace Robert pulling her back as Ryan pulled hissword. “What…?”

“He’san Enchatador.” Robert said as he helpedher stand up right.

Shetried to take her weight but her body would not listen. “Why am I so drained?” She whispered as Robert gently set her on theground and pulled his own sword.

“Goback to your own realm or replace out what I do to Enchatador who try to takepeople around me.” Julian glared at thetwo princes before he stepped off the dock and was gone. Robert turned and knelt beside Liliana againas Ryan stood to her other side.

“Ican’t move, I feel so tired.” Shewhispered as she felt like she was falling asleep talking.

“Stayawake.” Robert said as he pulled herinto his arms and walked away from the ocean to set her down by the forest onthe outskirts of town. “Enchatador takepeople to their realm and feed on their lives. They slowly drain them until there is nothing left. It’s worse for those who have powers. As they drain the life, they pull the powersand use it to keep the person alive so they can pull more and more life. It’s said to be excruciating and the morepower you have the more painful it is.” Robert explained as he sat next to her. “Ryan, grab some water.” Hisbrother nodded and ran off to do as told.

“SoI guess you just saved my life.” Shelooked at him and gave him a soft smile. “Thanks.”

“Noproblem.” He said as he glanced backwhere his brother had gone. “Feelingbetter?”

“Yes. My energy is coming back. I still feel tired but not like before.”

Robertnodded as Ryan ran back with a water skin. Robert took the skin and gently helped her sit up to take a drink beforelaying her back against the tree again. “You should feel better soon.”

“Thanks.” She said as she sat up on her own. “I’m feeling much better.”

Roberthelped her stand up making her give him an appreciative smile. “You have to take it easy for a while but noharm done. Just be careful.”

“Hey,can we… keep this between us?” Robertnodded with a small smirk as Ryan smiled and nodded. “Thanks.” She said taking her weight.

“Webetter get back to the ship. We shouldbe heading out soon.” Ryan toldthem. The two nodded and together theywalked to the ship to meet with the others and start their long journey torescue her father and the man who was like an uncle to her. She could not believe that only a few weeksago she had been saying how much she hated him and how he walked around as ifhe ruled the school. She gave a smallsmile as she watched Robert walk away. He was not that bad after all.

___

Lilianasighed and left the boys carrying on in the mess hall. She stepped out onto the deck looking outover the vast water. She had neverimagined she would have stumbled into a world long forgotten and on her way torescue her father from an evil queen. She shook her head as she rested her arms on the rail and her chin onher arms. the breeze was light andgentle, the sound of the waves and smell of the sea setting her at ease untilshe heard footsteps making her glance over to see the young man named MarcEckhaus. He was a bulky young man ofsixteen, but he only stood about five foot eight with hazel eyes and clean cutraven black hair. He smirked as hestepped closer to her.

“Hadenough of the loud noise?” She asked ashe stopped beside her.

“Wellwho would enjoy listening to the obnoxious sounds when they could stand outhere with you?” He said making herglance at him quickly. “A princessshould be in the company of a true prince not wandering about a ship byherself.” He reached out to grab her armbut she backed away.

“Yeahwell I’m just going to bed.” She toldhim and started for one of the walkways to the left that lead to therooms. She was halfway down the walkwaywhen she felt a tight grip on her arm that yanked and pulled her tight againstsomething hard. As she looked up, shefound it was the large chest of Marc. “What the hell?” She struggled tofree herself, pulling away but he held her tight and at some point during thestruggle, he had backed her up against the wall. “Let go of me!” She yelled as she tried to swing her fistsbut they did little damage if any at All.

“Comenow princess, your brother will have the throne as he is the male heir, I cangive you a throne as my queen when I become the king of Kothus.” He mused before he smashed his lips againsthers. She squirmed and turned, breakingthe kiss.

“Help! Someone!” She hollered but he only laughed at her. “Let go of me! Help!” She tried again.

“They’reall too busy eating, drinking and being merry.” He chuckled. He bent to pull herto him and kiss her again but a hard knock to the side of his head sent himseveral steps back. He stumbled andnearly fell before he caught sight of his elder, half brother, Robert kneelingbeside the collapsed Liliana. Robertlooked at her with clear blue eyes, assessing if she had been hurt before hisblue eyes hardened and he stood to face his brother.

“Whatthe hell do you think you were doing?” He asked Marc. “You think you canjust force yourself on any woman but one of these days you’re going to get yourass handed to you. Where are the manorsmother instilled into each of us? Younever treat a lady, let alone a princess as such.” He said and watched as Marc rolled his eyes.

“Shewanted-.”

“Youfinish that sentence and I will break your jaw.” Robert warned. Marc took a step forward to challenge him,Robert was smaller than he was and frail looking compared to his large build,he could easily win. Nevertheless,something in the way Robert shifted his weight made the younger brotherstop. “Go back to your room beforeMother is told of this.” Marc mumbled ashe made his way to his room down the dark walkway. Robert turned back to Liliana who had gottenback to her feet but still stood with her back against the wall. “You okay?”

“I’m fine.” Was all she said before she turned and ran into her room, slamming thedoor behind her. Robert sighed. Why was it he had to follow his brother andfix all the trouble he and their mother caused. What had he done to deservethis punishment? He wondered as heretreated to his own room for the night, thinking about the smart girl from hisschool. He had had this need to protecther from danger. He had seen her and theothers attacked on earth, had seen Julian pulling her to his realm and just nowwith his brother. It was as if his bodymoved before his brain processed what was going on. He could not shake her honey colored eyesfrom his mind.