The Chaos Wars

Chapter 13: Sloppy!

Jamie sighed as she landed on Zuy’s shore. It had been an emotional parting and she had tried to be strong, but it was still hard.

“I don’t want to leave, but I know it is not going to be long” Jamie had said, trying to be brave.

“Our paths will cross again very soon” Eric had said kissing her passionately. Eric had made it very clear earlier that he missed her, especially their kisses.

“And I will be strong enough to join the fight. I swear I will be able to protect you and my friends!” Jamie had said with a strong determination.

“Hmm we shall assess the situation when we see you again. But you must understand that protecting you is what we live for” Richard had said cupping her face and kissing her.

“I thought your job was to make me happy?” She had said a little breathless after her mates kisses.

Richard had growled before saying “Our job is to make sure you remain unharmed!”

“Then you know how I feel about you too, don’t you?” Jamie had said and Eric chuckled.

After more kisses and talking, Jamie had called upon a Sea Mare and rode off. Jamie had wept on the tip over, but the determination of becoming strong enough to fight spurred her on.

“I will become strong enough to protect my Mates!” She had kept repeating like some sort of mantra.

“Thank the Chaos you are back! Do you have any idea how worried we have been?” Jamie heard Lux say as she found herself in a hug.

“I am sorry...I had to go to the Dragons and..” Jamie started to explain

“To get a soul burning!  Fluff kept us informed” Dion said also hugging her.

“I didn’t mean to worry you! Then Richard and Eric turned up...I kind of had to calm them down. I supposed the Queen is pissed, ins’t she?” Jamie said

“Surprisingly not, I think the Dragons have been in contact. However, she does want to see you” Dion said.

“When?” Jamie asked as she thanked the sea mare.

“Now, I was sent to get you. She sensed you coming through the barrier” Dion said.

“Well, best not keep her her waiting!” Jamie said as she followed Dion to the Throne room.

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“Ahh Jasmine, I glad to see that you have returned” Queen Gaia said as Jamie bowed. The Queen was sat in a Throne that was made of wood and carved in beautiful detail. Each of the elements were represented and the Throne looked incredibly old. Jamie could see in her mind’s eye a low a copper glow.

“Please call me Jamie. I must apologise for my Mate’s behaviour, he was upset and ..” Jamie began to say

“Please do the concern yourself, no damage was done. It is presumed that the Moon Child would come with powerful mates” Gaia said

“If there was any damage to the barrier, I would be more then happy to help” Jamie said as Fluff came in and instantly made his way up to the throne. Without thinking, he jumped on the Queen’s lap and settled himself down. The Queen started to pet him.

“Like you could!” Hagan Firewell said

“I think you find that Jamie has more then enough power to mend the barrier”  Dion snapped

“Hagar is not questioning her power, more her control” Queen Gaia said

“Wildness is in her nature..” Dion began to argue

“Even so, she is sloppy! A dream parasite should never have gotten so big!” Hagan said 

“He is right Dion, we been lucky so far. The fact is I am not always in control of my magic and I rely to much on my power”  Jamie said

“I see the girl has a sensible head on her shoulders” Gaia said approvingly 

“Well that is good, because from tomorrow you will be training with the Weavers”   Arnav Wavewalker Declared

“The Weavers?” Jamie said excitedly 

“Yes the Dragons have commanded that is so and I for one don’t argue with Dragons” Queen Gaia said

“I suggest you get some rest tonight, training begins at first light” Hagan grumped.

“I will and thank you” Jamie said 

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Jamie was up at first light and with the help of Fluff managed to get to the training area. She could sense that there was at least 6 other people. She was near enough to the Commanding officer to be able to smell him, an unusual mixture of amber and burnt wood.

“Morning scum! My name is Jarrow Firesmith and I am here to see what you scum are really made of. You may think you are good enough to join the Weavers, chaos even your Mummy’s  and Daddy’s may have, but  you are going to have to prove to me you are! This week will be all about stamina, but the old Guards like to call it the Cull!”Jarrow shouted and then laughed. When he finished he Continued “So the first task is to find the target and bring it back here. If you don’t find the target, you will be sent packing! Any questions?”

Now Jamie knew very early on in her training at the Elemental Guards, that you never ever asked questions. 

“How are we suppose to know who the target is and won’t non-sighted people be at a disadvantage?” A male voice said from the crowd

“How will you know the target is Scum? That is not my problem! Who do you think I am? Your nurse maid? As for the sighted nonsense, do you think the Weavers or your Enemies care about your sense of fairness? Now I suggest you all get going!” Jarrow Firesmith roared.

There was a stunned silence and a few of the candidates walked round trying to sense clues. Suddenly Amaethon appeared by Jamie’s side with a rope in his mouth.

“Quickly tie this round your middle, I can guide you as I can guide you” Amaethon mindlinked

“Isn’t that cheating?” Jamie answered 

“Was there any rules mentioned?” Amaethon Mind-linked

“No, just we had to find the target ” Jamie Said out loud 

“Oh great, there is a nut job in this group! She honestly think she can speak to animals!” She heard a girl say.

“Leave her Annabell, Dawson has found a  path” Another girl said as Jamie footsteps walking away.

“Ha! I very much doubt it” Amaethon said gleefully.

“Dam it I am the last one here, I told you this was foolish Teiken“ Jamie heard a young man’s voice say when she was tying the rope in the middle.

“Hello? Are you OK?” Jamie said 

“hello? Who is that?” The young man said 

“My name is Jamie and this is my Dog Amaethon” Jamie said kindly. Amaethon barked in a friendly manner. Amaethon then guided her over to the man.

“Oh my name is William and this is my parrot Teiken” William said. Jamie heard a bird squark and land on her shoulder. 

“You are a beautiful, friendly thing aren’t you?” Jamie cooed 

“Greetings Jamie, it is nice to meet you!” Teiken mind linked.

“Please come with us, you can follow and we can find Teiken together” Jamie said

“I would only slow you down! You heard what Sargent Firesmith said!” William said sadly.

It was at this point Jamie figured it out and burst out laughing.

“Are you alright? Shouldn’t you be getting a move on?” William said surprised.

“Why? When I have the target right here on my shoulder and I am where I suppose to be!” Jamie said

Suddenly she heard a slow clapping sound.

“Told you she was clever” Hagan who had been hiding said 

“What gave it away?”  Jarrow asked as he stopped clapping. His voice was full of amusement.

“First was your smell” Jamie said

“My smell?” William said sounding offended

“Yes you have the same smell as Jarrow Firesmith. This means you are either related or are in the same regiment. If you were related, then you would know not to ask questions!” Jamie said

“I would know that if I was in the same regiment” William countered

“Yes, but  you have  been told to do it in order to instil more fear into the candidates” Jamie said

“She has got you there William” Jarrow said with a chuckle

“Then William used the Sargent’s rank - something Sargent Firesmith did not mention. Only a plant would know that! A plant would also actively  encourage to leave him behind and to hurry up. The last clue was this lovely Parrot’s name -  Teiken. This is old Arcane magic word for target” Jamie said 

“You can tell she is the Trickster Queen, even blind her observation skills are better then most. You are correct of course and congratulations you made it to the next stage. Have the rest of the day to catch up on your sleep” Hagan said clearly impressed. He had obviously underestimated the Moon Child.

“What about the others?” Jamie asked

“Oh they be back in a few hours! Come I will show you the volcanic thermal pools the fire regiment uses” William said with a chuckle.

“Sounds amazing” Jamie said with a smirk wondering what tomorrow would bring.