Bond of Blood

Dried leaves crumbled to pieces under the running feet of the two young women. They kept looking back and looking ahead in turns. “Wait, Lia!” the older among them said “Let’s go by this route. It will be harder for them” she pointed at a narrow path slightly to their right. It was practically hidden to those who didn’t know where to look. Pause of a heartbeat later the girl named Lia nodded at her older sister. Lia trusted her sister the most. Besides without the luxury of their powers they had to rely on natural elements for stealth. Their pursuers wouldn’t know this part of the forest as well as them. “Let’s hope so” Niyala, the older one said , privy as she was to her sibling’s thoughts “She has done a thorough job of knowing all our defences so far” “At least our people are safe “Lia muttered, hurrying down their new path. “Whatever their fate it will be ours too now” Niyala said firmly. Glancing at her sister she added “You didn’t have to do it Lia” “I am not watching you die Nia. We grew up together, we lived together and whatever is coming for us, we will face it together” she stopped walking and pulled her sister to face her “Promise me you won’t try to save me” “Lia, that’s an impossible promise to make. Our parents…” Nia began “’Want us both alive. Want us protecting each other” Lia said firmly. “You are my little sister and the best future our kingdom could have. By protecting you, I am protecting our kingdom too” “Stop underselling yourself and I won’t argue this point anymore.” Lia took hold of her sister’s hands “Together till the very end” she pressed them. Nia smiled slightly and kissed her younger sibling’s forehead. Just then a crunching noise came from their left. The women went on alert and moved a few steps back. A jet-black leopard emerged from the dark forest on their left. It had brilliant blue eyes and stared intently at its prey. As if it was debating what to do. Few tensed moments later it bowed its head and spoke in a female voice. “Princesses, you must hurry. Ciarda’s hunters are efficient and will catch up” the leopard started walking ahead of them. “Scolara, forgive me but we cannot trust you” Lia said “Ciarda has been very thorough in her invasion. How do we know you are, well, you”? The leopard turned and gave what looked like a smile “Smart of you princess Liana. I can prove it to you. You may use your powers on me” Lia glanced at her sister who nodded without taking her eyes of the leopard. Lia closed her eyes and concentrated on the leopard. Mind and thoughts could be subject to manipulation, if one knew the right kind of magic. The heart though is a different matter. It’s core of a person, a direct link to their soul. To sully it is impossible. She saw Scolara’s heart and it was true. “She is Scolara” Lia smiled with relief “Sorry for doubting you, dear friend” “No apologies needed. These are dire times. Let’s hurry and preferably in silence” Scolara scampered ahead “Professor Galan is waiting”