FLAMES OF DESTINY
I couldn’t help but wonder why my life was spared as I stood there, peering through the raging inferno and gasping for breath thick with ash. Before my head could even think, my feet already knew what to do: run! As I moved deeper into the unknown, the eyes that had drawn me in began slowly fading away. Not knowing if my family, friends, or other loved ones were still alive. I knew much had changed in the time I was gone, but to return to this...this was the stuff of nightmares.
In essence, it was a nightmare.
I ran as far as I could through the forest, though I had no idea where to go. The only light came from the burning village behind me. I stumbled over a tree branch, hitting my head on a nearby rock. Dizzy and disoriented, I scanned the area to identify my location.
Were my eyes playing a prank on me? Or were those three eyes staring back? They grew closer, revealing two figures approaching me. I didn’t like their presence; their ominous smiles spread from ear to ear in the moonlight. Frightened and numb, one of the men grabbed my legs and dragged me through the damp mud and crisp leaves. His broad, calloused hands closed around my throat, cutting off my air. Unlike after the fire, this felt different. This felt like the end.
I closed my eyes and accepted my fate. But when I opened them again, I wasn’t in the dark and cold forest. I was in my bed, in my house, in my village.
My eyes scurried across the room, searching for familiar faces. As my eyes adjusted, I saw my mother crouched over the stove, cooking some concoction. The morning sun pierced my skin through the window, marking the beginning of the Summer Solstice and preparations for the Ambawanda ritual that would take place tomorrow.
Held during the Summer Solstice Festival, the rituals are a joyous time for the people of Bruderde Valley. Though no easy feat for Awasilis Iaros, the adored King of Bruderde Valley. Respected yet feared as the six-winged hawk, husband to Queen Lisa Iaros, the most revered healer in all the lands, and father to five children: Maxwell, Adelynn, Cjessro, Rhys, and the youngest, Evadia Iaros—that strange girl with erratic brunette hair who didn’t like her role as Princess but was the last hope for her people.
That would be me. I’m Evadia Iaros, daughter of the six-winged hawk.
As my mother boiled water, I arose from my slumber, noting that none of my siblings or my father were in our temporary homestead. We always stayed in the village during the Summer Solstice Festival. Though my brothers, Maxwell, Cjessro, and Rhys, weren’t keen on living among the common folk, my mother and I loved the quaint town. I had a posse here, and I would sneak out from the high towers of the castle to join them on their adventures. I hadn’t been caught, thanks to my chauffeur, Tyler Stout—a tall, brooding twenty-six-year-old whom I had a crush on and who had been assigned to me since I was sixteen.
Although I suspected he informed my father of everything I did, knowing he would always be loyal to the crown and protect the royal court.
At twenty-one, I didn’t need Tyler watching my every move as much, though he still would. I hurried to get ready to meet my friends. As I exited the hut, Tyler was there waiting for me. We walked silently to the stables and were greeted by enthusiastic neighs from the horses.
“Good morning, my majestic, hoofed killer,” I greeted.
MJ nibbled on my hair, letting me know he was hungry. I fed him some apples I had snagged from the breakfast table earlier. We had our own language, MJ and me. Maccabee Jago—MJ for short—was a stoat crimson red long-haired horse gifted to me by my father on my tenth birthday. He was a mere pup then, but now he had grown up, still defiant with some commands, but I trusted no other steed more than him.
He lifted his head and bellowed a loud neigh, satisfied with his snack and ready to start the day.
I mounted MJ and rode out of the stables, with Tyler riding close behind. We rode through town, watching the villagers set up for the festival and preparing for the ceremony. Many children greeted us and gifted us flowers and sweets. Tyler’s face showed he was not amused. We continued up the hill and saw people crowding around in a commotion.
Two men were brawling in the center, a fight to the death based on the weapons at hand.
My childhood friend Zane Ellis, a five-foot-eight, rosy-skinned, muscular man with stern hazel eyes, wavy brown hair, and an upbeat demeanor, was among the crowd, along with Moreno Nashe. Moreno, bald with a messy brown mustache, several silver rings, and an odd scar on his head, was devious yet loving.
They were older than me and too engrossed in the fight to notice me. I nudged Moreno and smacked Zane on the back of his head. “Oi, my little koi,” Moreno greeted me with a bear hug.
He had called me that since we were kids. I loved the nickname; Koi fish symbolized strength, perseverance, courage, good luck, and peace. The village knew me as such; I even had an emblem of a koi fish on the nape of my neck.
“Where is everyone?” I asked, surprised that Juli Potts and Rivers Barrett weren’t already here. They were usually sticklers for time. It was strange that Keyhan Lasse wasn’t here either, but I knew his new role might keep him busy. Moreno and Zane exchanged looks before answering.
“Juli and Rivers are helping the elders prepare for your ceremony,” Zane emphasized. “And Key-an...” Zane started, but Moreno elbowed him. They were like brothers, always picking on each other. Moreno’s parents took in Zane after his mother died in childbirth, and they had been inseparable since.
The roar of the crowd brought me back to the present. “And Keyhan?” I pried. They glanced at each other, then at the men brawling in the center.
“Evadia, my little koi, before you get involved, you should know the boy’s father is a wanted man. To spare his life, the boy challenged Keyhan,” Moreno explained. I was furious, but Moreno was right. This was the law. But what kind of person, princess, and future ruler would I be if I didn’t advocate for change and show mercy?
Soon I would bear the mark of Ambawanda to protect and free my people, not just from this cruel world but from themselves. As much as I wanted to defy my duties, I knew I had to go through the trials because I was the kingdom’s last hope. I would do anything for my people, even lay down my life.
Things had to change, and it had to start with me.
Tomorrow would be the ceremony and all the trials I would face. Though I wanted to know what had become of the boy and his father, it was getting late. Tyler and I made our way back to the temporary homestead. As we approached, I saw that my brothers returned from their fishing trip with our father. Maxwell, Cjessro, and Rhys were laden with baskets of fresh fish, their faces flushed with the satisfaction of a good catch. My father, King Awasilis Iaros, stood tall and regal, his presence commanding respect. His eyes met mine briefly, a flicker of warmth hidden behind his stern exterior.
Adelynn, my only sister, returned shortly after, carrying buckets of water with surprising ease. Her golden hair gleamed in the sunlight, and she smiled at me, a hint of mischief in her eyes. She was always the cheerful one, balancing out the seriousness that often surrounded our family.
“Dinner is ready,” my mother called, and we all gathered around the large wooden table outside our hut. The aroma of freshly cooked fish and bread filled the air, mingling with the scent of wildflowers and the distant sea breeze. As we sat down to eat, the atmosphere was warm and familial. Laughter and chatter filled the air as we shared stories of our morning adventures. But I couldn’t shake the tension that had been building inside me since I awoke.
Eventually, the conversation turned to the upcoming rituals. My father’s voice grew serious, and the light-hearted mood evaporated.
“Evadia, you must be ready for the Ambawanda trials,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “The time is near, and you must prove yourself worthy.”
I felt a surge of defiance rise within me. “Father, I understand the importance of the rituals, but why must I be the one to bear this burden? Can’t Maxwell or Cjessro take on this role?”
My father’s eyes narrowed. “You are the youngest, Evadia, but you are also the strongest. The kingdom needs you. Your brothers have their duties, and so do you.”
“But I don’t want this!” I exclaimed, standing up from the table. “I never asked for this responsibility. I never wanted to be a part of this world of politics and rituals. I want to live my life, to explore and find my own path.”
My father’s face hardened. “Your path is set, Evadia. You are a princess, and with that title comes duty and sacrifice. You will undergo the trials, and you will succeed. For the sake of our people.”
Tears of frustration filled my eyes. “Why can’t you see that I’m not ready? That I don’t want this life?”
My mother reached out, placing a gentle hand on my arm. “Evadia, we all have our roles to play. I understand your feelings, but your father is right. You have a strength within you that none of us possess. Embrace it, and you will find your way.”
I looked around at my family, seeing the concern and determination in their faces. They believed in me, even if I didn’t believe in myself. But the weight of their expectations felt suffocating.
Without another word, I turned and ran from the table, needing to clear my head. Tyler, who had been standing nearby, followed me without question. We rode out into the forest, the wind whipping through my hair and the world blurring around me.
As the trees closed in, I let out a scream of frustration, the sound echoing through the woods. Tyler remained silent, giving me the space I needed. Eventually, I slowed MJ to a stop, dismounting and collapsing to the ground.
Tyler dismounted as well, standing nearby but not intruding. I appreciated his presence, his silent support. After a while, I spoke, my voice barely above a whisper.
“I don’t know if I can do this, Tyler. I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”
He knelt beside me, his eyes meeting mine. “You are stronger than you realize, Evadia. You have a fire within you, a determination that will see you through. Trust yourself, and trust those who believe in you.”
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. Maybe he was right. Maybe I did have the strength to face whatever lay ahead. I just needed to find it within myself.
We rode back to the village, the sun setting on the horizon. As we approached, I saw my family waiting for me, their faces filled with concern and hope. I knew the road ahead would be difficult, but I was ready to face it. For my people, for my family, and for myself. The trials would be my test, and I would not fail.
