Cici Tsumis

Chapter 5

“Good form, Bianca!” a voice called out.

I scoffed. “Not as good as Katherine’s”

I put down my bow and arrow as I turned to him.

The sunshine lighting the reddish locks twined with the dark umber ones in his hair. He was taller than Katherine. And Katherine was a head taller than me.

He smiled. “Everyone has their own strengths. While you excel in swordsmanship, Katherine excels in archery.”

I squinted my eyes at him. “And what do you excel in?”

He laughed merrily. His forest green eyes glittering with mirth.

“Nathan, are you teasing Bianca again?”

Katherine emerged from the forest line; her bow clutched to her hand. She had just come back from some solo training.

If possible, his eyes glittered even more once he laid eyes on Katherine.

“I can’t help it. She is so small and funny. I wish she was my little sister.”

I glared. “I am not that younger from you.” My height, unfortunately, was not something I could control. Even at the age of fifteen, I was still the shortest.

“If she is anyone’s little sister, she is mine’s, I have known her longer. ” Katherine calmly disputed.

I rolled my eyes. “Why are you still hanging around us, Nathan? I thought you were done training us and have to focus on your own guild.”

Nathan Cross had come to our training site when I was 14. He was the heir to a ‘great guild’, said our trainer then.

He was called to help train us in where we were lacking and to teach us how to defend ourselves against someone bigger and stronger than us. He trained with us for three months before moving on with the promise that he would come around.

It’s been a year since. And now he is here.

Nathan grinned. “I’m looking for recruits around the area. I thought I’d pass by and see how you are doing…also I’m hoping you two would be interested in joining the Cross Hunter Association.”

“The Cross Hunter Association?” We both asked.

“Yes,” he said as he leaned on a nearby tree.

“Wasn’t it called Cross Hunter Guild?” I asked skeptically, crossing my arms.

Nathan chuckled. “We are still a guild. We just have the same authority as the Royal Knights now.”

Our eyes widened. To have been able to have the same authority as the Royal Knights is impressive. They are the strongest of all the island and don’t have to answer the Empress about everything.

“We, however, are more dedicated to helping others regardless of class or ethnicity. We vow to protect all people living on the Isle of Elah from harm. Hunting down fugitives…”

Nathan’s eyes furrowed. His smile went away. “Right now, we are hunting a group called the Rogues. They are becoming a big nuisance throughout the villages.”

Rogues?

“If they are becoming a big nuisance, why aren’t the Royal Knights getting involved?” Katherine asked. Her eyebrow was raised in question.

Nathan shrugged. “They haven’t come close to the Inner Kingdom. I don’t think they see them as a problem yet.”

The Inner Kingdom was in the middle of the island. If the Rogues have not come close to it, then they shouldn’t be much of a threat. Just a bunch of ruffians.

“What kind of trouble are these Rogues bringing to the people?” Katherine asked. There was a slight curiosity in her eyes. Her lips pursed.

My eyes widened. Don’t tell me she is-

Nathan cleared his throat. There was a frown on his lips as he contemplated before answering. “They have done many corrupt things. They delight in destroying property and stealing women. Whether you are interested in joining or not, I must warn you both to beware of any person having hair as dark as night and a pale complexion. For these are the generic characteristics of a Rogue.”

“Is that so?” Katherine’s head tilted. “Please tell me more.”

Nathan spoke to Katherine, answering her questions. I stood on the side and watched as they spoke, not really listening. I was watching Katherine’s facial expressions as she grew more animated with each question that she asked…

while my heart became heavy….

---

“Are you joining Nathan?”

Katherine paused in her packing. Her back was facing towards me as I stood at the doorway.

I knew the answer before she had started packing. I knew her answer before she discreetly told Nathan while I was putting my weapons away.

“Yes, I’m joining Nathan.” She replied before continuing to grab her things.

“So…you are leaving already?”

It wasn’t a question.

Katherine nodded. “Our trainer does not want to house someone who is changing occupations.”

“So…I guess this is good-bye then…”

I had tried to keep any emotion void in my statement. But I guess even I could not hide the slight tremor. For Katherine turned to look at me with sympathy in her eyes.

“I feel that it’s my calling. To help others in the villages than going to battle when called and guarding royalty. “

I nodded absently.

“I will miss you.” she said before engulfing me in a hug.

“And I you.” I declared, gripping her as well. All the while, ignoring the wetness of my eyes.

My only friend…and now she is leaving….