Royals

Chapter One

Evelyn's POV

*Twelve years ago*

The land my mother and I lived on was a miraculous sight. The grass a lush green, the trees full, all surrounded by a forest. Our home was small but gorgeous. There was more than enough room for my mother and I.

The beautiful raven-haired, emerald-eyed woman stood next to me as I shot my targets perfectly, again.

"Mommy are we done yet?"

"No honey, not yet, we still have to do hand to hand combat."

"But, I want to play in the stream."

"Okay baby ten minutes, alright?"

"Yes Mommy, thanks!"

The stream was a short walk passed the tree line of the forest. Crystal clear water ran over rocks creating small waterfalls, carried small fish, and flowed straight to the river's waterfall.

Reaching the stream I lay down with my feet in the water and my gun next to me. Looking through the treetops to the blue skies I feel at peace.

I must have fallen asleep because next I know is the village alarms blaring. Being taught at a young age I knew what the alarms meant, attack. The village was under attack and all citizens who were not warriors were to go to their safe zones. Quickly getting my shoes on and loading my gun I start running downstream towards the waterfall.

Reaching the waterfall I swiftly climb down the side to the ledge that leads to a cave hidden behind the falls.

Mother had found this safe zone while she was pregnant with me. Not long after I made my appearance into this world she began training to be a warrior for the village. As soon as I could walk steadily I was to be trained as well.

I mastered knife throwing first, my hand to hand wasn't bad either. I was the only child to be taught knife throwing, archery, gun control, stealth, speed, and hand to hand. The others only were to be taught hand to hand combat, speed, and stealth until the age of ten.

Today at the age of seven I have excelled in all categories. I was sparring with some of the highest warriors, hunting with the men, and patrolling the grounds with the adults on many occasions. Although I was allowed to do all that, there was one rule. Hide when the alarms sound, no questions asked, and stay put until someone from the village comes to get me.

The cave was always stocked. Food and water to last two people for two days. Our safe zone also included a reasonable stock of weaponry. My spare bow with arrows, my sniper, and ammo for my carry on.

After two days passed and no one had shown, I decided to go to the village to investigate.

I wish I hadn't.

When I reached the village it was gone. Buildings burned down, charred bodies of my neighbors all around me, and the warriors (including my mother) laying in the churchyard with their hearts ripped out.

I had not been the only kid to come back. All of them were searching, crying, or panicking. Gathering these children I began to form a plan.

"Guys! I know this looks bad and honestly, it is but we have been training to be warriors since we could walk! We cannot do anything with the village so go back to your safe zones, collect all food, water, and weaponry! Meet me at the tree line behind my home when finished! Any questions?"

I guess no one else knew what to do at this moment so they just went along.

We grew together. We trained, hunted, and lived in the cave together for years. Most left when they became of age to be put to work in other villages while others stayed to finish training the smaller kids. Soon everyone had moved on besides me.

*Present*

After everyone went their separate ways I began hopping from village to village.

A year passed with the same routine as I struggled to find the village that could be home. In every village I visited I would go straight to the training fields. I would study their training methods and their patrols. If the methods weren't that great I would stay for about a week and coach them. I ended up staying at a few villages that only knew how to shoot a gun or bow for a few months teaching everything else.

When I stumbled upon this village I was brought into an office for a background check and to tell them my story. The only thing that showed up on my background check was the fact my mother was dead, I didn't know who my father was, and everything I did in the passed year.

After they deemed me trustworthy I was asked if I wanted to become a warrior for the village. I simply told them I'd sleep on it. They gave me a room in the house that held all warriors and trainees without families.

The next day I told the head warrior I would like to go through evaluation to become a warrior.

The next thing I know is I am getting put in a vehicle with a bag over my head and someone explaining whats happening. They kept the bag on my head until I was sat in a chair.

"Miss, you may take the bag off now."

Taking the bag off I quickly inspect the room before turning to the man behind the desk.

"Here is the paperwork you must fill out."

"May I ask your name before I start?"

"No." He said no, rude.

"Okay then."

After completing the paper the quiet bald man scans over it before instructing me to go to the commander's office. The commander quickly gets to the point as soon as I sit.

".....Tomorrow you will be put through multiple stations to test your abilities. Any questions?" he continued with his paperwork not sparing me a glance.

"Actually I do sir. May I go through these stations now?"

His reaction to my words was laughable and I did laugh, on the inside. After he got a grip and asked a few more questions to clear up his confusion, he agreed.

Soon we were in the training fields going through the stations. First test was shooting with a handgun, easy. Second was sniper skills, again easy. Third, knives, no problem. Now I am on stealth and speed.

We make our way to the strange building in the corner of the fields.

Stopping at the door the commander finally speaks. "Inside this building there are warriors with paintball guns. If they hear you they shoot, if they see you they shoot. The men will have night vision glasses on while you will not. Here is a map of the building. It includes all furniture and the complete floor plan, the only thing it doesn't cover is the men. This test will be timed as well, ready?"

"Yes sir."

"Alright I will see you on the other side of the building. Step in and don't move 'till I say."

Closing the door behind me, my eyes immediately focus in the darkness.

"Begin!"

Here I go, I say in my head.