Goodbyes

The dark energy continued to swirl about her it then it slowly began retreat back into her body. Keri felt as if the power was still within her but sleeping waiting to be called upon. Keri heard mummers as the whole town was talking, no one was cheering instead they looked worried. It wasn't long before Bria and Nivini were at her side. Nivini gazed at the priest with her dark blue eyes, her silver hair covering part of her face. Bria held onto Keri crying squeezing her, she knew what type of power Keri had just received.

"We are sorry ladies, but she must come with us." The head priest stated. "She must begin her new journey as a protector of the kingdom. We are going to ask you say your goodbyes we will be leaving tomorrow, she should be able to come back and visit you once her training is completed."

"What's going on?" Kerri asked panic in her voice. Where was she going was she to be like aunt Bria and Nivini, made to live on another village? Soon she couldn't talk she couldn't even move, she suddenly felt as if she was walking with her aunt's again walking towards the house. Then she was at the house, her aunts were trying to talk to her.

"Keri... Keri!!!!" Nivini shouted then shaking her.

Keri's eyes widened suddenly her thoughts had finally caught up to her body, everything came at her in a rush. "I'm here." she answered, how long she been out of it... It felt as if seconds ago she had barely managed to gain her soul ability. Now she needed to leave her family she felt so dejected.

"Listen to me Keri, keep this with you at all times do not hand this over to anyone ever." Nivini handed Keri a copper dagger it seemed to be rusted a little on the edges and appeared very old. "It is a good luck charm it should keep you safe do not lose it."

As the dagger touched Keri's hand she felt something coming from it but she could no put her finger on it. An hour later both of her friends Trevor and Helen joined them. For the rest of the night and into the morning the two Aunt's, Keri and her friends talked about their lives in the village.

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The next day Keri awoke getting ready she was tired from staying up all night worried what was to come next for her. Her friends hurried back home while Bria pulled Keri aside.

"Keri, I don't think you heard us yesterday on the way back as we were talking." Bria said sadly. "You are being drafted into the army they will show you how to harness your abilities and send you to war. Your soul's power is very rare and extremely powerful many people do not know it. Please be careful and return to us."

Once both of her Aunts got ready they walked her back into the village silently until they bumped into the hunter that had found her. He nodded at Kerri and only said, "Good luck girl may the Great father watch over you."

As they reached the village everyone had gathered. Keri was surprised to see this many people here to see her off. Then she remembered why so many people had really gathered as a old man in a uniform it was the draft. People could either volunteer or get drafted into fighting. As for her she had already been thrown into the war she would have to see who from the village would come with her. At least she would not have been alone.

The man in uniform began reading the proclamation of the empire. This was a brief speech stating that it was very heroic to fight for ones country and yata yata. Keri never did pay attention to what was said during these speeches and today was not better as she had too much on her mind.

Soon the speech finished and then he began to ask for volunteers to see if anyone would join up to protect his country. After what seemed a long time a voice pierced the sky, "I would like to go." Said a wiry boy with light blonde hair it was Turner. Keri had recognized him from the first time they met he was the son of farmer brown and his soul was..... She had a hard time remembering she would have to ask him later again.

Most of the boys laugh looking at him as if he wouldn't be able to do much. The General on the other hand nodded and waited for anyone else to join.

"This year because of the sizable contribution given by this village we will not be asking for anyone to be drafted you should be thanking you miss Keri she will be taking those slots." Many if not all of the villagers gasped at this. That tiny girl was off to war she was not even sixteen yet but it was due to her soul. The village turned to see her as she headed to the soldier many looked at her sadly most likely thinking they would not see her again. Most people probably thought she was to study her soul arts like some people did and come back in couple of years.

Finally she reached the Turner boy and the people from the kingdoms army and church. Then turned to see her Aunts. Nivini was hard as a rock while Bria was already crying. "Goodbye." she said tears on her eyes and her them. Then she turned and left her small village where she hoped she could return to one day in the future....