The knock came before the sun even rose.
I sat up quickly, the warmth of the sheets clinging to my legs. The knock came again, sharp and sure. I scrambled to the door and opened it to find a young maid I hadn't seen before.
"Time for your first day," she said with a tight smile. "Get dressed. You're expected in the inner gardens."
She handed me a folded dress and a pair of flat shoes. My fingers were clumsy from nerves as I pulled on the clothes and combed through my hair with my fingers. There was no mirror in the room, so I had no idea how I looked. I just hoped I didn't look foolish.
The garden was glowing with morning dew when I arrived. Stone benches lined the path, and so many other girls were already standing in a line, backs straight, eyes forward. I stared at them, they look roughly about 600 girls from different villages or same village but different clans. I thought a lot of girls don't make it on the team.
I joined them, my heart drumming in my ears.
Different guards, an old lady who wore a black garment coated with beads approached us alongside King Alderon and Prince Kael. I have never seen him before but I have heard a lot about him. Every Ninth month he is expected to present a girl he would claim and marry as his wife. This has gone on for five years since he turned 19 but he never presented anyone. Who knows maybe this year would be different, there are a lot of girls here and it's only the second month anyways.
He walked past us slowly, his eyes resting on each girl for only a second until he reached me. He paused and took a longer look. His eyes traced down by body and I felt so exposed. I looked down immediately. He was probably wondering what a poor girl like me is doing here.
"You," he said. "Adira, is it?"
I nodded, surprised he knows my name.
"What village?"
"Ugezi clan from Anlow village, my prince". I responded bowing my head.
The other girls looked shocked. I don't blame them, I mean I'm shocked myself.
"Common son, let's start the process I would love to return to my chambers the soonest. You can fool around later". The king suddenly said and I gulped. What did he mean fool around?
"Okay, you know why you were here. You either registered or you were chosen. Now, this is a privilege. You being here means your family will always be taken care of and you'll too. I mean as long as you're here". The old woman speaks laughing at the end.
"There are exactly 530 ladies standing here aging from 17-25". She added looking around.
"There are five clans here. Each five clans have their roles in strengthening this Town and the surrounding kingdoms. You were all picked from roughly 50 villages. You might be the only one here from your village or you might find others as well. Note that both the rich and poor equally qualified".
She urges five guards to step forward each revealing what they were holding.
The first male guard was holding a rabbit, the second; a mirror, the third, a bowl of water, the forth; a blade and lastly the fifth a lit candle.
"You will all take turns approaching and interacting with her object. If any of it is your clan you'll receive an electric shock. You might later on express more than one clan, that's completely normal. Those that are not chosen by any of the clan, will be sent back home".
Her last statement kept replaying in my head. If I I'm not chose to be in any clan, I'll be going home to my mum and any benefit from the palace will be cut off. That means, I'll be back to living poorly and pounding yam each morning. I can't go back to that life.
One by one each girl touched each of the items presented. I watched as few of them fell almost immediately due to the shock. Those who didn't feel the surge of electricity were told to stand aside. Soon, it was my turn and I took in a deep breath. I felt the rabbit gently entangling my finger in its fur but I felt nothing.
I swallowed and approached the mirror biting my lips hoping for response. The mirror glowed but I didn't feel anything. I sigh and moved to the next, the water only vibrated. I wanted to touch it again but the girl behind me was impatient, I was holding up the line. I moved to the fourth, the blade glowed, it was a beautiful sight. I touched it and immediately I felt heat rushing down my body. Then my whole body went numb and before I knew it I felt the shock. I screamed and fell to the ground. A girl who went before me and in my clan rushed to me and helped me out. I still felt a bit dizzy from the shock but I walked with her over to the rest of my clan.
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Soon, it was over. I was so glad I had a clan. I couldn't imagine going back home with nothing.
"230 girls weren't picked by any clan. You'll be returning to your family. The rest of the guards will excort you to chambers, you're to pack and get ready to leave immediately". I looked about to where they stood. Most of the girls were crying and I felt their pain. We haven't even spent a full day here and they're already going home.
I watched the rest of the guards urge them to leave walking behind them.
"Now let's continue". The King spoke up.
"There are five clans, that has been mentioned already. There are two groups: the strong will and the pure hearts. The strong will are sub divided into two clans. The pure heart into three clans, making the total of five clans". The Prince added.
I looked up at him and our eyes locked . I broke eye contact immediately.
"The first clan, the ones that felt something with the rabbit. You're a pure heart and you belong to clan Eldoria. You can communicate with animals, turn to any animal and send animals on errands. You're to learn to harness your powers and your job is to protect the palace and everyone in this vicinity. Incase of unaware penetration from the enemies or invaders".
That seems like a very nice clan. I looked over at clan Eldoria and they were smiling and rejoicing. I would too, I mean I've always wanted to speak to the pigs in my village.
"I'll take it from here Prince Koel". The Seer chimes in. "The second clan, they can interact with objects. They can call on someone from the past and it can appear on the mirror or a clear surface. They can interact with spirits but everything is done through an object as the medium. Brindlewood clan are only to be seen out of war. They do not fight, they just gather information and interact with the dead".
Wow! The second clan even sounds much more interesting. If I had that power I'll obviously speak to my dad first. I miss him a lot.
The seer continued. "The last clan of the pure of heart is the Aetheria, they possess healing powers. They can heal wounds and sickness,mostly the ones developed from wars. They draw their strength from water. The deeper the injury, the more the water needed. As an Aetheria you should be found drinking or interacting with water. If the injury is a life or death situation, you can die or go into Coma if you're not properly hydrated. Only 10% of Aetheria join the warriors for war but do not fight themselves".
"Now let's talk about the strong will. I like to call them the strongest because they go into war like men. They're taught how to fight and can die like men on the battlefield. The first clan is the Quicksilver, they are taught how to use a sword, bows and arrow or even a pocket knife. The strongest are positioned at the front line and the rest scattered amongst the other men warriors. Their motto is killed or be killed". I swallowed, that is my clan. How did I go from being a village girl to a warrior on the battlefield? I don't want to die, I can't fight to protect myself not to talk of being in a war.
Suddenly the thoughts of being a village girl and pounding yam seemed better than being slaughtered like a chicken during a war.
"The last clan, they're the Nexus. Aqua-nexus draw power from water. Pyre-nexus make use of fire and Rumble-nexus use both thunder or sand. They all go into battles with the Quicksilver and warriors but they use their power to fight and weaken the enemy. They can use water,fire, sand as a tool to fight or for protection of our warriors. As a nexus you're to figure out which element you can control better".
"Also, every two weeks the power leaves some people. If the power leaves you, you'll be going home. Only the strongest and fittest will remain here". The seer concluded, she bowed before the king and prince before leaving.
I stared at everyone digesting the new information.
The prince walked up to us and I hid behind some taller girls. I could feel his eyes looking around, what was he looking for?
He sighs.
"Adira, from the quicksilver clan? Where are you?" He voices out. So he was actually looking for me. The girls at my front suddenly stepped aside revealing me. I swallowed.
"Walk with me". He said after starring at me for a while. I wanted to turn him down with an excuse but his face became more serious. I sigh as I followed behind him.
We walked in silence, past fountains and vines and flowers I didn't know the names of. The quiet stretched on, until he finally spoke.
"You're from Anlow village, correct?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
He tilted his head. "Why do you think you were chosen?"
I swallowed hard. "I don't know. I didn't ask."
That made him chuckle. "Honest. Most say it's fate or favor."
"I didn't ask for favor," I said, softly. "I was only trying to help my family."
He stopped walking. His gaze landed fully on me not unkind, but unreadable.
"You speak differently."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be."
We stood there for a long moment. Then he turned and said, "Come. I'll show you something."
And without waiting, he walked ahead.
Kael's POV
I didn't know why I picked her.
There were 230 girls in the garden this morning — all carefully selected, dressed properly, each one a perfect picture of obedience. Yet something about Adira pulled at my attention. Not just because she looked unsure. Not just because she didn't bow the deepest or try to impress me.
It was the honesty in her eyes.
She followed me now, quiet, her steps light like she was afraid to disturb the stones beneath her feet. I could feel her hesitation, even without turning to look.
We reached the back of the garden, where the palace trees gave way to an open cliff overlooking the valley. I often came here to think.
"This is my favorite place," I said.
She stood beside me, silent.
"You may speak."
"I've never seen a view like this," she said softly, her voice filled with awe.
"No mountains in Anlow?"
"Only trees and rivers. The mountains feel... grander."
I smiled faintly.
"How did you feel touching the blade earlier?" I asked suddenly, glancing at her.
Her body stiffened. "Heat all over my body, then my whole body shocked. It was painful also I heard a brief I see you" she whispered.
"Hearing the object you're interacting with is rare. Only brindle wood clan can."
She hesitated, then said, "Should I be worried?"
"Not at all?" I interrupted, eyes narrowing.
She nodded.
Only those that possess both the quicksilver power and brindle wood hear the relics whisper. And that blade — it hadn't spoken in over a century.
"What did it say?"
She looked down. "It said, I see you."
A chill ran through me.
"Don't tell anyone else about that," I said, voice firm. "Not even the other girls."
She looked frightened, but nodded.
I turned away to hide my expression. This girl wasn't just chosen. She was bound to something greater, something dangerous.
And I needed to find out why.
Adira's POV
I stayed by the cliff's edge, the wind tugging at my dress and hair. Kael's question lingered in my mind like a shadow — 'What did it say?' I touched the blade like every other girl , but its cold metal seemed to pulse against my skin, like it had a life of its own. When it whispered, 'I see you', I felt a strange warmth, like it recognized me.
I dared not speak of this to anyone else. The palace was full of eyes, and whispers spread like wildfire. If they knew I heard from the ancient relic, I don't know how they'll react.
Kael was different. He didn't look at me with scorn or pity. There was something calm about him, though I couldn't tell if it was kindness or suspicion.
The valley below stretched endlessly, the green trees and rivers weaving like threads on a tapestry. It reminded me of home, but also how far away I was from it.
"Why did you choose me?" I asked, barely daring to break the silence.
Kael looked at me, his dark eyes steady. "Because you're not afraid to be yourself. And because there's something in you... something I don't yet understand."
I swallowed, unsure if that was a blessing or a curse.
The sun began to dip, casting golden light over the cliffs. I wanted to run back to the safety of the village, but I stayed, knowing my life was about to change forever.
Kael's POV
Watching Adira by the cliff, I felt a strange pull — not just duty, but something deeper. She was different from the others chosen before her. There was fire beneath her quietness, a strength I couldn't explain.
When I asked about the blade, she hesitated. I saw the flicker of fear, but also a secret she carried alone. That blade wasn't just a symbol of the clan; it was tied to the kingdom's fate, and whoever was chosen by it bore a heavy burden.
I wanted to protect her, but I also knew she had to face what was coming. My heart told me to stay close, but my mind warned of dangers I couldn't control.
"How are you holding up?" I finally asked, my voice softer than I intended.
She looked at me, eyes full of uncertainty. "I don't know. Everything feels like it's shifting, like I'm no longer just Adira from the village."
I nodded. "That's the truth. But you're not alone. I'll be here, whatever comes."
The wind blew harder, and I wrapped my cloak tighter. Whatever darkness waited for her, we'd face it together.
Adira's POV
The wind tugged at my dress as Kael's words settled in my mind. Alone no more? I wanted to believe it. But how could I, when everything around me screamed danger?
My fingers still tingled from touching that blade. It felt alive heavy with stories and pain. I wanted to understand it, but the weight scared me. How could I, a poor village girl, carry such a destiny?
Kael's presence was a strange comfort. He wasn't like the others, cold and distant. He looked at me like I mattered, like I was more than just the chosen.
"Thank you," I whispered, almost afraid to believe in hope.
He smiled, a rare, gentle smile that warmed my heart.
"I'll help you whenever I can," he said.
For the first time, I dared to imagine a future beyond the fields and simple life I knew.
Kael's POV
I watched Adira, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and wonder. That blade she touched — it was no ordinary weapon. It carried the weight of generations, and I could see it unsettled her. But I also saw something stronger beneath that fear.
She was brave. Braver than most I'd met. Being chosen was a curse, yes, but also a gift. And with me by her side, she wouldn't face it alone.
"We'll need to train," I told her quietly. "Learn how to use your sword , how to protect yourself. It won't be easy, but you're not weak."
She nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. I felt a surge of protectiveness not just because she was chosen, but because she was... special.
I vowed silently: I would keep her safe. No matter the cost. I really do fancy this girl.