A Good Name For A Good Sword

The next day, right after breakfast, Kalina entered the archives once again.

Good morning, Kal. - Syria suddenly appeared in front of her, leaving her shocked.

¡God, Syria! She had to enjoy surprising people like that. Shaking her head, Kalina replied:

"Good morning, Syria." Then, suddenly remembering the wrapping in her hands, she showed it to her friend. "I didn't have a chance to bring it yesterday. Look, I got this for you at Kandam Sacra."

¡Thanks, Kal! You didn't have to. I mean, I really appreciate it. - Syria said with her gestures.

"I thought of you when I saw it. I think it will match beautifully with your eyes and your hair."

Without waiting, Syria opened the package. The fine fabric of a scarf was revealed into her hands. It was a beautiful confection with golden threads and white silk. With a pretty flower pattern around the edge.

Syria's eyes showed pleasant surprise and Kalina smiled.

It's beautiful...-She manifested:-Thank you, I will treasure it.

"Please use it, I know it will look perfect on you."

I will, Kal. I had never seen anything like this.-

Kalina hoped so. Syria always had worn her dark spy suits. Kalina knew the reason. She hoped Syria could relax a little when it came to her face. The beautiful scarf had a mechanism to be hung from the ears and cover the entire face below the level of the eyes. It was a light and fresh fabric Syria could use in spring and summer.

"The merchant explained that it is a piece worn by the noble women of a southern tribe."

It's wonderful… ¡Thanks again! -From the way her eyes curved, Syria was smiling. With the discovery, Kalina felt that her day had started on the right foot.

Two hours later Kalina was lamenting her fate. Studying had never been her thing. Yes, she was extremely lazy to study documents and inform herself.

¡Let's do this! Kalina said to herself and resumed her reading. She only had about three days to finish preparing, and she couldn't waste her time. She still had to choose her weapons and combat equipment; however, that was a much more pleasant activity. She was pleasantly thinking about her collection of daggers when Syria appeared next to her.

Brother said that tomorrow you both will be visiting the palace.- Syria stated while putting an enormous scroll on the table: - Examine it later. It's the Imperial Palace's map. - Kalina looked at the scroll with bored eyes. - Aladar's.- Syria added after a pause of her hands. - I thought it might be helpful to you.

Kalina looked at her in disbelief. Syria was definitely the best at doing her job. How on earth had she gotten those plans? Kalina couldn't even imagine.

"Tomorrow I will be presented to her Highness, the first princess." She said as she accepted the scroll. "Thank you, Syria."

You are informed about the princess, I suppose. -Syria began, giving her conversation a very appropriate turn.

Indeed, Kalina was aware of the Princess's situation. She was the first daughter of Emperor Arturius III Corvus. Her mother, who had been of unknown origins, had died during her birth. At first, the little princess had been treasured by the monarch. Then, the emperor married the future empress of Sacra Terra: Duchess Chelsea. Four children had been born from this union, among them the crown prince, who was currently seventeen years old. 

On the other hand, the presence of the first princess faded over the years. At some point, strange rumors began to spread concerning the rarely-seen firstborn. ¿Had she lost the favor of the emperor? Or ¿had she secluded herself for some other reason? 

Judging from the information Kalina had gotten, she couldn't decide the answer. The empress was not interested in the first princess that was a fact. For his part, the emperor seemed to ignore his firstborn, at least apparently.

However, Kalina couldn't continue thinking because the sudden sensation of a daydream came over her. She was going to see a piece of her future, so she prepared herself for it and merely nodded towards Syria in response to her question.

The vision hit her hard, this time tremendously vivid with sounds and even smells:

The warrior stood above her like a tower. His blade was clashing against Kalina's favorite sword. Once again, those burning eyes were on her as if they were exploring her very soul. And there was a tempting aroma coming from him. He was a temptation… but he was also a thumping threat. It was a certainty that all her senses were dictating.

"The one that always slashes…" She responded.

"It's a good name for a good sword." Answered the male warrior whose face Kalina could not define well despite being a few centimeters from him. Then he pressed on the push of his sword. In response, Kalina tried to push him away. However, she realized immediately that it was impossible for her. He was stronger. ¿How? The feeling of being inferior in strength was foreign and terrifying. In a split second, she decided on a maneuver to unbalance the opponent.

The vision left her at that precise moment, and Kalina had to grab the table to keep from losing her balance. The next thing she saw was Syria's worried face.

¿Are you OK? - Asking this, Syria approached.

"I'm fine" Lies. Her heart seemed to be beating a thousand strikes per second. "I think… I need to take a break…" Saying this, Kalina managed to smile. 

For her part, Syria raised a golden eyebrow and looked for a few seconds. 

"Come on. I invite you to lunch." 

This time, her friend laughed silently.

I'm going to miss you, Kal. -After expressing this, Syria sighed and crossed her arms. - I wish you didn't have to be gone for so long...

"I'll be back before you know it."

And I can always pay you a surprise visit… - Syria smiled mischievously.

"Of course you can." And saying this, Kalina smiled back at her friend.

While Kalina went to get their lunches, she meditated on her vision. "The one that always slashes". It was her favorite sword and was the first thing she had packed for her future mission. Then, the memory of her opponent's scent washed over her. It could be defined as a mixture of wood and citrus. At the thought, a strange sensation sank from her chest to her stomach.

¡Good heavens! Fire eyes, ¿who are you?