1 Chapter 1

The twittering of the birds reached her ear, the sun was shining down on her through the open window, kissing her skin. She felt a comfortable warmth. The comfortable warmth of her blanket that kept her warm during the night. The material was so soft and comfortable that she didn't want to get out of bed. If it was up to her, she would stay in bed all day, but she couldn't do that. Especially not on this specific day. This day was a special day. A day she was looking forward to for quite some time.

She knew she should get up but the bed just felt too comfortable. She couldn't convince her body to move and leave the bed. Fortunately for her, she had people she could rely on. People who supported her. People who made sure she would get out of bed and not miss the best day of her life.

One of these people was currently knocking at her bedroom door. "It's time to get up, Celeste. You will miss your final trial if you keep sleeping. And we don't want that, do we?" a friendly, silvery voice spoke.

Celeste groaned loudly as she stretched out her arms. "I will be up any minute, father. Promised." Her voice sounded sleepy but also soft and angelic.

"If not, I have to pour a bucket full of water onto you. If you don't want that to happen, you should get up," her father replied friendly.

Celeste chuckled. "I will. Give me a few minutes to get dressed."

"Take your time. I will wait for you in the kitchen."

Celeste heard her father walking away. She could pull the blanket over her head and continue sleeping but she knew better than disobeying her father. She knew that he would do what he had threatened to do if she wouldn't get out of bed soon. She didn't want to get woken up by a bucket of water, so she had no other choice than to leave the bed on her own. It took some effort to convince her body to get up but she managed to do it. She pushed the blanket aside and sat down on the edge of the bed, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

She opened her eyes, noticing that everything around her was still blurry. She needed to wait for a few moments for her vision to become normal again. Once her vision was clear, she got up and reeled to her wardrobe, leaning against the door. Her legs were still numb a little but she was certain the numbness will fade with time.

Celeste didn't hesitate to discard the white nightgown she wore and open her wardrobe. Her tired eyes wandered from the top shelf to the bottom, her mind took a little longer to process everything she saw. She took out blue underwear and put it on. She closed the wardrobe and stepped to the other one a few feet to the right. The wardrobe was smaller and thinner than the first one and It didn't contain daily life clothes. Instead, it contained clothes Celeste would only wear on special occasions.

The left side contained dresses, the right side contained her training outfits. She took out her most favourite which was made out of thick leather. It was much lighter than it looked like, it was coloured in blue and white. Basically, it was a leather armour. She put on a thin undershirt and long underpants to prevent the leather from rubbing against her skin when moving. She didn't want to hurt herself while fighting.

She put on the leather armour and walked to the mirror that stood between her wardrobes. She picked up her hairbrush from her bedside table and combed her blonde hair, making sure it sat perfectly. Her hair was short, it only reached to her jawline, so she didn't need long to comb it.

She put the hairbrush back on the bedside table and took one last look at herself before she went to the door and left the room. Her gaze fell on the many paintings that hung on the walls as she followed the corridor that led to the staircase. She knew these pictures like the back of her hand but she loved to regard them nevertheless. There were just too beautiful. Some of them showed beautiful landscapes of Tenaria, some showed areas of Umbral while other paintings showed simple objects. Daily life objects like vases, furniture, instruments and other objects.

Celeste still remembered the days when she had spent hours regarding these gorgeous paintings. When she had been a child, she had been fascinated by them. She had wanted to become a painter back then. But her childhood dream had changed when she had become older. She no longer wanted to become a painter or an artist in general.

These days, she wanted nothing more than to become an Anxoyal, a fighter for justice who protected the realm from all evil. She was so close to fulfilling her dream. It was only one last trial that stood in her way. One trial that would not be easy to pass. But she was confident in herself. She had trained for years for this day. She was certain that she could make it.

Celeste averted her gaze from the paintings as she reached the staircase that led to the ground floor. She went to the ground floor and made her way to the kitchen, spotting her father sitting at the dining table.

"Good morning, Celeste."

Celeste lowered her head in respect. "Good morning, father."

Her father's dark lips formed a smile, his green eyes rested on her. "How are you doing? I bet you are pretty nervous."

"Not as nervous as I was during the first trial but yeah. I'm still nervous a bit."

Her father got up from the chair and walked to her, putting a hand on her left shoulder. His piercing eyes stared into hers. "You can do this. I'm sure you can. You just have to believe in yourself. You have the worst behind you. You already passed the dangerous trial, that ended fatally for some candidates, behind you. All you need to do is fight against one of the instructors. You don't have to win, you just have to endure and show the judges that you are a capable fighter."

Celeste's blue eyes showed smalls hints of insecurity. "But what if I fail? What if my opponent knocks me out with the first attack? It happened to others before, so it can happen to me."

Her father put a hand on her cheek, caressing it. "I'm not a fighter but I can recognize when someone has talent. You have great potential and I don't just say that because you are my daughter. I really mean it. Your mother agrees with me on that point. She suggested you for a reason. She believes in you just as I do."

Celeste smiled. "I'm glad you do."

"Your mother doesn't show it often but she is really proud of you. You are about to become an Anxoyal. All you need to do is to give your best."

"I won't disappoint you, father."

"Remember, you are not doing this for us, Celeste. You are doing this for yourself. It is your dream, not ours. You want it to come true and I have prayed every day for you that you will fulfil your dream," her father responded.

Celeste nodded. "You are right. I do this for me." Part of her wanted to do this to impress her parents and make them proud of her, but mostly she wanted to do this because she had dreamed of this for decades. She had wanted to become an Anxoyal for more than fifty years. She had trained for it before and since her one-hundredth birthday, she had been allowed to officially train under the guidance of an instructor.

"Keep in mind, even if you don't make it, we won't be disappointed in you. No matter what happens, we will be proud of you and love you."

Celeste smiled. "I'm glad to have such supportive parents like you. Sadly, not every parent is like you."

"You mean Marjo's parents?"

Celeste nodded. "His parents don't want him to become an Anxoyal."

"As far as I know, no member of his family has ever become an Anxoyal. Every one of them was a Keristian until the end of their lives. I don't agree with them but I understand their point of view," her father told.

"But their point of view is wrong. There is nothing bad about becoming an Anxoyal."

"Except for the partaking in conflicts and wars. I'm sure they don't want their son to lose his life in battle."

"Becoming an Anxoyal doesn't mean that he will die in battle," she argued.

Her father nodded. "I agree on that point, but you know how wars are. You know how this cruel world is. Conflicts and battles are not always avoidable and they claim many lives. Marjo has potential but he is not the greatest fighter compared to others. He makes a fine warrior but I doubt he will be an extraordinary one."

"Not everyone can be like Superion, father."

"I know and I didn't say he has to be as powerful as Superion, but I'm not sure if he will ever be one of the best."

"He doesn't have to be one of the best. As long as he can be an Anxoyal and serve his kingdom, he will receive respect. Not everyone attempts to be on the top. Some people like Marjo just want to be a part of the army," Celeste replied.

Her father sighed. "You are right. Don't get me wrong, I want Marjo to fulfil his dream. I disagree with his parents, that's why I convinced your mother to sign his application form. I'm with him. I just wanted to tell you that I can understand the worries of his parents."

"I will take care of him, father. I will prevent anything from happening to him."

The look on her father's face became serious. "Life is not a bowl of cherries, my dear. Bad things happen more often than we want and usually, the good people are the ones who suffer. You cannot expect to be able to protect him from everything and everyone. Sometimes, things happen we cannot prevent. I'm proud that you want to do anything to protect him, but I want to warn you that bad things can also happen to the best. Things happened in the past which not even Superion could prevent."

"I know, father. I know how cruel our world is. I experienced it first hand... I just wanted to tell you that I will give my best to make this world better."

Her father's lips formed a small smile. "You will accomplish great things. I'm sure you do."

Celeste returned his smile, saying nothing for several moments. "I should get ready," she said eventually.

Her father offered her a slice of bread. "Eat something, child. I don't want you to starve to death."

"I'm not hungry yet, but thanks, father. I will eat something later."

"Promise me you will."

"I promise."

Her father wrapped his arms around her and hugged her one last time before letting her go. "Show them what you got, Celeste."

"I will."

Her father put a kiss on her forehead. "I wish I could watch your trialbut I have work to do. It's sad that not even the high priest is allowed to watch the trial of their daughter. Sometimes, I have the impression that Superion hates me. Every other priest of the Community of the Blessed was allowed to have a day off when their children were tested for whatever, but I, as the High Priest, am not allowed to see you on your most important day. Instead, I have to travel to the Blessed Island to hold an unimportant ceremony."

"Please, father. Spare me with your theories that Superion doesn't like you because of the colour of your skin."

"I no longer have these theories, Celeste. Superion's new wife has a dark skin colour just like me. I'm certain the reason why he doesn't like me is not my skin colour. It must be something else... If only I would know."

A thoughtful look appeared on Celeste's face. "I wish I could give you an answer but I have none. I don't know Superion as good as you do. In fact, I don't know him at all. All I know are the stories people tell about him. His heroic deeds and so on."

"He is a hero, that's right. But as a person..."

"You don't need to say more, father. I will make up my own mind about him if I pass the trial and become an Anxoyal."

Her father patted her right shoulder. "You will make it. I might not be there to support you morally, but your mother will."

"They will have high expectations, won't they?"

"You are the child of one of the Nine, of course, they will. Remember, you are doing this for yourself and not to prove anything to anyone. Just be yourself and you will pass the trial."

Celeste put a kiss on her father's cheek. "Thanks for the comforting words, father."

The high priest smiled "No need to thank me."

"I will tell you everything once we see each other again."

"I'm looking forward to it."

Celeste glanced at her father one last time before she left the kitchen. She followed the bordering corridor and left the house quickly, making her way to the teleporter in the middle of the garden of her parent's estate. She stopped in front of the golden platform, her eyes fell on the servant that stood next to the capsule, which was just big enough to fit one person.

It was an older man with short grey hair. His goatee was trimmed, his face was creased and his eyes looked tired. He was one of the oldest Keristians Celeste knew but he was still working despite his advanced age. He was much fitter than some of the younger civilians she had met over the years. He wore a brown leather jacket and a black pair of trousers made of silk. Celeste's parents were not tight-fisted when it came to the clothing of their servants.

"Greetings, Miss Featherwind. Where do you want to go?"

"To the Academy of the Nine, Fjed."

"Your final trial is today, isn't it?" Fjed asked.

Celeste nodded. "It is."

"I wish you good luck then, Miss."

"Thank you."

Fjed tipped something in the console to his right and then pressed a button. The capsule opened a few moments later, allowing Celeste to step in. "I'm always surprised by the so-called technology our people invent these days. Back in my days, we didn't have teleporters or other technical knick-knacks. Life can be so easy when you can just appear in any place you want. You no longer need to walk for hours."

"It's not that easy, Fjed. First of all, only a few people can afford a teleporter. Second, this technology is far from being perfect. You can only use it three times a day, otherwise, it will overheat and shut down. Or worse. Also, you cannot travel wherever you want. You can only travel from teleporter to teleporter. Not to mention the amount of Alirium you need to make it work."

"Only the rich can afford it. Maybe one day, everyone can have it."

Celeste gave him a small smile. "Maybe one day teleporters will be available for everyone."

"I'm not sure if I will live to see that day," Fjed responded.

"I hope you will."

"Anyway, are you ready, Miss?"

"I am. Start the engine."

Fjed gave a nod and pressed a button. A few moments later, the capsule's front door was closed and the glass walls began to vibrate. Blue light blinded Celeste and took her vision, loud ear-splitting noises pestered her, taking her hearing. She had no idea how much time had passed when she slowly got her vision and her hearing back. The glass door in front of her was opened a few moments eventually, meaning she was allowed to leave the capsule.

She felt dizzy, her head was spinning but it became better with time. She suppressed the urge to vomit, leaning against the wall to keep her balance. Luckily, she didn't need to vomit. She was still not used to teleporting but at least she no longer had to vomit afterwards.

She let her gaze wander once she felt well again, spotting several guards not far away from the teleporter.

"Are you okay, Miss?" a tall woman asked. She wore a helmet, meaning her face could not be seen, just like the other guards.

"I am. Thanks for asking."

"If you need anything, just tell us," said another guard.

"I'm fine for the moment. Thanks for offering." Celeste made her way to the room's exit, leaving it without hesitation. She followed the course of the thin corridor and reached a staircase, climbing it. She arrived on the ground floor, spotting several people walking through the corridor that was much wider than the previous one. Most of these people were Anxoyals but there were also a few Keristians who were wandering through the corridor.

Celeste couldn't help but regard the Anxoyal. She admired them so much, she wanted to be like them. She could only hope she would pass the final trial and join them. Her gaze wandered from one Anxoyal to another, most of them wore impressive armour. Celeste knew that all of them had wings but not everyone showed them. Some of these Anxoyal had folded their wings behind their back, but most Anxoyals in the room didn't show them. She knew from her mother that the Anxoyal could summon their wings whenever necessary. They could grow out of their backs within a second when needed.

Celeste had always wanted to have wings. It was a dream she had since she was a little girl. Only Anxoyals had wings. That was one of the reasons she had decided to train to become one of them, apart from wanting to protect her kingdom and her people, the Keristians. She was wondering how it would feel to have wings and how it would feel to fly. To be able to fly through the air like a bird. To no longer have to cross great distances by foot, vehicles or teleporters.

She made her way to the end of the corridor, coming into a large hall. She let her gaze wander, noticing that dozens of people were already in the hall. To the right, not far away from the entrance, stood a long table behind which several Keristians but also Anxoyals stood. A queue of people was in front of it. They were waiting to be able to talk to the people behind the tables. Celeste quickly figured out that the people were waiting to announce their participation.

She stepped behind the last person in the queue and let her gaze wander. She was looking for Marjo in the queue and then in the mass of gathered people. She spotted him not far away from the lectern on the opposite side of the room. She called his name but he didn't turn to her, making her realise that he didn't hear her. She decided to not continue to try getting his attention and instead walk over to him once she had announced her presence.

She had to wait for half an hour until it was finally her turn to speak to one member of the reception personal. "What's your name?" a male Kerisitan asked. He had short brown hair, blue eyes and light-tanned skin. He was a bit taller than Celeste and wore casual clothes that included a leather vest and a solid pair of trousers.

"Celeste Featherwind."

The man raised a brow, curiosity could be seen in his eyes. "Featherwind? Like High Priest Featherwind?"

Celeste nodded. "That's my dad."

"Didn't expect a famous person to show up today."

Celeste blushed a little. "Please, don't say that. I'm not famous. I'm just the child of two famous persons, nothing more. And I don't want to be treated as such. I want to be recognized and remembered because of my actions and achievements and not because of the family I was born in."

The man smiled. "That's understandable. I'm Caleb, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Caleb."

"I would love to talk much longer but there are others behind you, waiting to sign in as well," Caleb said politely.

"I understand. I will go to the other then."

"Maybe we meet again after the trial."

"Maybe." Celeste gave him a small smile and then stepped away after Calev had noted her name in his list. She walked away from the table and made her way through the crowd of waiting people, reaching Marjo. She put a hand on his shoulder, startling him. The young man turned around, his eyes were widened. "Gosh, Celeste. You scared me to death. Do not ever do that again."

The light-brown skinned woman couldn't help but give her friend a shit-eating grin. "Remember, always watch your back. That's a very important rule you should always follow if you want to be an Anxoyal."

"I know, Cel. I memorized the rules for the second trial just like you did."

"So, what don't you follow the rules then?" Celeste replied teasingly. The cheeky tone in her voice was unmistakable.

"Well, we are not in a battle. We are in the Academy. There is no one who will attack me from behind," Marjo replied.

Celeste grinned. "I know, I was just joking." She took a closer look at her friend who wore a similar outfit to hers. His armour was also made of leather but it was purple and not blue and white as hers. "You look good, M."

Marjo smiled, putting a strand of green hair behind his ear. "Thank you."

"Are you nervous?"

"A little. You?"

"Also."

"You are the best fighter I have ever seen. If you won't make it, who will? Besides, we already have the worst behind us. Remember the trial where we had to survive a week in the wilds? That was crazy. By far the most dangerous trial."

"Ten contenders died during that trial. The training is brutal and the trials are not easy either. Only the best of the best can become Anxoyals. That's what my mother always tells me when I speak about my training or the trials," Celeste replied.

"The last trial is a show match. We don't even need to win. The purpose of the trial is to show our instructors the progress we have made in recent years. I'm sure both of us can pass this trial."

The blonde smiled. "You are right. We just have to believe in ourselves."

Marjo was about to say something in return as someone loudly cleared their throat, intending to get everyone's attention. Celeste and her best friend turned their heads and looked in the direction the noise had come from. Behind the lectern stood a man in long blue robes. He had long brown hair, yellow eyes and a handsome face.

"Hello everyone. I'm Instructor Gavajin, I will be in charge of the final trial today. As you might already know it's a show match. We just want to see what progress you made over the years. We will then decide if you are fit to become an Anxoyal, a winged fighter for justice and the safety of the Tenerian Kingdom. If you are, we will gladly welcome you into your ranks. If not, you will have to try again in five years. Each of you will be assigned to one of the nine halls where the trials will take place. In each hall, only one trial will take place at the same time to guarantee that each candidate has our full attention. You will be tested one by one, which means you will have to wait patiently until it's your turn. We won't tolerate any form of disrespect, distraction or other things that could hinder any candidate. Those who will ignore the rules will get one warning. There will be no second warning, so behave."

Instructor Gavajin made a small pause to take a breath, he looked down on his lectern, most likely on his notes. "I will now announce which candidates are assigned to which hall." He started to read out the names, starting with hall one and ending with hall nine. Celeste and Marjo were lucky to be trialled in the same hall. Hall Five.

"Shall we go?" Celeste asked once Instructor Gavajin was done.

"I don't see a reason why we shouldn't," Marjo replied grinningly.

"Alright let's go!"