The Other Side

Chapter 6: The Training

I remember those eyes! But I can’t recall to where I have seen them.

He looked at everyone of us, intently looking and searching for something until he stared at me. And I can’t explain what I felt when our eyes met. It’s like seeing inside of me and I became ashamed for the things in my mind.

Not until, he took his sword from his sheath and started attacking all of us.

I was stunned.

And a glowing barrier became like a wall of protection to the powerful creatures, separating us from them.

HE attacked first the other participants in the contest, leaving them lying on the ground until he lastly attacked me.

He swiftly went to where I was standing in fear, I fell to the ground with the blow that he gave to me.

He pointed his sword on me and said, “How come that a weakling like you would want to protect me?”

Those words echoed in resonance, bringing shame to my heart.

His eyes sparkled even more while he deeply stares at me.

In amusement? I can’t read…

But what brought shock to me was his next move.

He thrust his sword to my face, cutting it. Leaving a wound that would surely scar.

I bled while lying to the ground.

The other participants became in shock of what happened, leaving them in dread.

I looked at Prince Zale but he left without gazing at me.

What he did not only caused a deep cut in my face but also a deep wound in my heart.

The servant of the Crown Prince stared at me emotionless while the other participants attended to my need.

I didn't know to where exactly I was when I woken up that day.

The cool breeze shivered me while I covered myself with the pillow beside me.

He was there.

On the time that my life is at its lowest, he was there. The time of shame and first lost to an opponent, which is Prince Zale himself, he was there.

The Crown Prince watched over me while I was sleeping.

I was startled.

How come he was like that?

And beside him was his servant, a woman, who sleeps in a couch.

He maybe like that because he doesn’t want me to escape. That once I woken up, freedom would be my best companion which he is depriving of me at that time.

The nerve…

The servant awakened.

“You’ve been sleeping for three days. And the Crown Prince ordered for your assistance since you’ll be needing medications.” The servant of the Crown Prince said whose eyes were blue but dimmed compared to the Crown Prince’s eyes.

Three days? How come I slept like that?

“You had an infection and you inherit a scar on your face because of your wound. Your fever went on and off for three whole days. You were delirious.” The servant said.

I clenched my fists in anger. In my entire life, even though I was alone and had fought various animals, I had never experienced anything like that which made me think that they had done something more to me.

With that thought, I wanted to leave. I do not want to continue what had already been started in place.

I looked to both of them, and their usual expression in face can be seen. Something that is also very odd in that place.

“Now that you have finally recovered, you need to go after me and proceed to where the other contenders are training at the moment.” Prince Zale and the servant spoke to each other once more. And I saw Prince Zale left the room without glancing at me.

What a shame. What big burden to put in my chest, seeing and witnessing this loveless place.

I followed the servant who received an order from the Prince.

THIS is where we’re gonna train?!

I saw how awful the place was, full of maggots around, worst than the forest. The other contenders can be seen fighting with the maggots that resemble the size of rabbits at Mt. Evlogia.

I clenched my fist again, still having that urge to escape that place.

The servant left without giving any instructions to me. What a pity. I need to think everything on myself. Go with what’s happening. And move on how they dishonor us, warriors.

I looked with the contenders. They seemed so tired. I felt an ache in my emotions and in my heart.

They do not have the powerful creatures with them. So is…

Eureka…

All the more that I felt a deep ache in my heart.

I bet the powerful creatures where hidden in a deep chamber.

WHAT the contenders were using to fight against the active maggots were shields and swords.

And I have there the weapons for me, waiting at the corner of the room that is still covered with ice.

Someone from the contenders looked at me. I smiled when she walked towards me, coming to approach me.

She lend her hand and said, “Elena.”

I received her hand and offered mine and said, “Esmeralda.”

“We’ve been here for three days. To tell you, I expected too much for thinking it was a noble job but it’s not. What they intend to do to us is beyond our strength. And it’s like we’re groping in fear without guidance from them.” Elena muttered in grief.

I was rattled.

If this will continue, the weariness, the hardship and us being mistreated, our lives will all likely to be put in danger!

“It’s sad to hear that Elena. What are you planning to do?” I removed the bandage from my head and the scar on it was seen.

Elena covered her mouth with her hands, trying to keep the reaction on herself.

“You don’t need to pity me.” I said to her.

“Yes. Certainly.” She answered and looked seriously at me. “What I’m planning to do is to escape this place the soonest, once I found a chance.” She said to me, winking.

I smiled, “I think we'll be friends because of that.”

I took the sword and shield prepared for me and started slashing the powerful maggots around us.

We did it like it was endless.

MOMENTS after the training, the servant went back and said, “This is now the time for lunch, Crown Prince himself requested to have the feast with you.”

I trembled in fear upon hearing that.

What could he be thinking at this time?!

We all followed the servant leading us.