Chapter 2: 1-2: Arrival at the Duchess

It was probably the thirtieth time I had visited Duchess Nathers’ estate, and I was still appalled by its size. I mean most of it wasn't even used for anything.

My brother sat polishing his sword as we passed by a farmer’s field inside the property. The only farmer's field, used to grow the exotic vegetables the duchess was fond of. We had two miles until we reached the mansion, I estimated from past experiences. Vern’s long black hair was tied back in a ponytail, and his significantly tanned skin seemed much darker next to his light grey, nearly white shirt, tightly wrapped around his form. His blue eyes focused on the blade, a gift from the duchess. I was pretty sure the older woman had eyes on my brother, but that was mostly me speculating and also jealousy for how biased her treatment was to my hero brother.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, my dirty blonde hair lay in a thick mess on my head, and my hazel-green eyes stared tired back. My skin was lightly tanned (read not as pale as it could be) and my body lean and muscular from being forced to do most of the farming our eldest brother was supposed to do for his land. Also I guess pending time practicing with Vern had made me much more fit than I had been in the ten years before he had been chosen. 

“Earth, do you have any idea how to act at a private dinner with rulers?” Vern suddenly asked.

“Well, I don’t think a dinner with you, me, and duchy is any different to the big ones we’ve been to before, just more intimate. Besides, she’ll mostly be talking about whatever it was we were called here for.” I replied, stretching. "Just be cool, Vern."

Vern smiled, “Yeah, but you forgot about the guards.”

“They won’t be eating.” I say, leaning back.

“Yeah, but if she’s on duty, I don’t want you fighting.”

“The only reason we fight is because you rejected her. Twice.”

“First, only one of those were on me.”

“Sure, but making me tell her you won’t date her is rude.”

“She had a sword pointed at me!”

“It was wooden!”

“Wood can still hurt, Earth.”

The carriage stopped and the door opened.

“Master Vern, and guest. Welcome, my mistress awaits you in the great hall.” The same old little butler who always greeted us, spoke as we hopped out.

“Can’t they use my name? I'm your Shield, that should give me some respect.” I complain.

“That would require them to care.”

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“You know I can make ‘her’ join you as your Shield instead.”

“Please don’t Earth.” He laughed.

The inside of the mansion was lit by thousands of candles, high up on the ceiling. Twenty men had died before the duchy added a second story balcony to make lighting them easier. Since that the death rate was cut to a fourth. Really, Duchess Nathers could just import magic lights but she liked the ambiance of the candles apparently.

It took only a few seconds of us being inside for us to hear that voice.

“Vern, dear, hurry on- Duchess Nathers awaits.” The female guard spoke ignoring me. Her eyes shimmered and expanded, seeming to want to jump out of 

“Um. Thanks. Come on Earth.”

“No, Earth is here for a reason that is not the same as yours.”

“Is this true, or are you still jealous of him being my Shield?”

“Yes, but I am still jealous. The news Duchess Nathers is to share is of the prophecy. Only Chosen can hear the true details of it.”

“So why call Earth?” Asked Vern.

I agreed, “Why call me?”

“Some demon we caught a week ago claims to know him.”

Vern’s eyes turned down, “My brother knows no demons.”

That was a lie. We lived near the border of the lands for ten years. We both know demons, though I couldn’t think of one who knew me back who’d be stupid enough to get caught. Seriously, the security around here wasn't the best- despite the efforts of the captain.

“Fine.” I reply. The female guard smiles and grabs Vern’s arm continuing to the great hall.

The dungeon was around back. I stretched and started walking.

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