Cici Tsumis

Chapter 2

“The current Empress has announced a new royal decree. They are establishing a program in support to training a new generation of female warriors. Any young lady from ages 13 to 16 can enroll. Class and background are of no import as long as they declare loyalty to the royal crown.”

“Female warriors?” I questioned, instantly intrigued.

“Yes, they want to bring a whole new generation of warriors like Athena and Artemis.”

Athena and Artemis?! I thought excitedly. Artemis was an expert archer and healer. Athena learned swordsmanship and battle strategy with her older brother, Ares, The Great General.

Athena fought tooth and nail to prove that she was much of a warrior like her older brother, Ares. And proved it she did through The War Against the Tides.

The War Against the Tides was a war that took place on the northern shores of Isle of Elah and in the waters. We were at war with Dove Lorraine, the only other existing island with a living civilization that exists around us. They got greedy and wanted to take over the Isle of Elah.

Both Artemis and Athena contributed to that war, and it was the war that got them their nicknames, Artemis the Archer Maiden, and Athena the Wise Commander. She got called the Wise Commander because she led Isle of Elah to victory when her brother was too injured to go on. Artemis was greatly respected as an Archer Maiden because she saved many with her bow and arrow and her herbs. Ares also acknowledged her skill for she healed him of his injuries.

“Will Artemis and Athena train these young maidens?” I asked.

My tutor rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “They did not say…though they might make an appearance once in a awhile. I have my sources from the Inner Kingdom say that Artemis and Athena have pupils already. Young pupils about your age…”

About my age? I pondered in thought and daydreamed. Oh, how great it would be to fight alongside by side with the greatest female warriors that have ever existed.

I imagined myself wielding my sword in battle. The honor it must feel to be a great warrior. The glory to feel that you helped a great cause!

A voice whispered in the back of my mind. Well why not apply yourself then? You already know how to wield a sword. Might as well do something with great purpose for your life. You’re almost 13….

My eyes widened. I gasped subtly. Wait! I am almost 13! I will turn 13 in a few weeks!

” When is the deadline?” I asked in anticipation.

My tutor pursed his lips. “Young lady, do you really think Duke Regin would let his only heir go and become a warrior? He would without a doubt refuse without a second thought! Now let us get on with our history lesson.”

I glared. I did not know why I was scolded. He was the one who brought it up. I did not even know about the decree until today.

And, what’s the point of learning stuff like archery and swordsmanship if it’s not used for something useful?

Later in my sleep, I kept turning and turning.

Would father let me go? Or would he put his foot down like my tutor says? …. Would he miss me? Would he care if I went? Why should he? I am not his heir because I’m not going to inherit anything…

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The day I was to turn 13 was coming closer and closer and I had yet told father about my request.

Would he ask why? If so, how should I answer? Would he even care to wonder? Would he call me an idiotic girl?

I moved around my dinner with my utensil as I thought.

“Young lady it is not ladylike to play with your food.” Mother reprimanded me. Her eyes narrowed in disapproval.

I flinched. “Forgive me mother. I do not have much of an appetite. May I be excused?”

“You may.” Father answered before mother could lecture me about wasting food. He didn’t even spare me a glance.

I got up and walked out the door that led out of the dining room. I would have walked further but mother’s voice stopped me a second before I could turn a corner.

“You spoil that girl too much Duke!”

Duke? She has always called him Dear, never Duke.

I stalked back closer to the entryway, hoping to hear father’s response to that.

“You wouldn’t believe the absurd thing that spouted out of that girl’s mouth earlier this afternoon!”

I blushed, remembering my blunder from that evening.

In my stupor, I had asked if father cares about us, his family, other than the feeling of obligation. I must be out of my mind. I know better than to bring up such things to mother.

“Makes one think if all this education was a good idea. it is not ladylike, its-“

“Quiet down, Clara. I have no patience for your shrill spouting.”

And like that, Clara quieted at her husband’s command.

“Are we going to have a banquet for Bianca? It is her 13th birthday.” she asked softly.

My eyes widened.

Usually, every young girl at the age of 13 is introduced onto society through a banquet.

“13 already? hm…” Yes, father, I’m turning 13. Could you make an effort to remember that? I scowled.

“No, I see no point …”

I smiled bitterly. Of course, there is no point since you do not see me as your heir.

I ran to my room and curled up in my bed.

I hated it. I hated being underestimated and looked down on just because I’m a female.

I glared at the ceiling of the room.

Well, I will show him. I will show him that I am worthy enough to be his heir. And I will prove it by being the number one female warrior of all time!

And with that determined thought, I fell asleep…