Chapter 11 Tension

A dozen armed men surrounded me, their horses were neighing nearby.

Armed with fire, I was terrified. Their spears and swords, I tried freezing them but there were too many of them. I almost succeeded, until I felt immense pain.

I crumpled to the ground, hearing some cheers. "Seems like we're going to be the talk around town now, that's one of the three Kalkaras."

Finally remounting, they rode off after retrieving their fallen comrades.

No, I can't die here! I need..to get to the ...ridge. In a long while, I knew these mountains will soon have predators who would want an easy kill of me. Suddenly I heard a noise, then a voice.

"Oh hey now..." a man in a black armor looked down at me. I looked up even more scared, he just looked like one of those who just killed me.

Resisting, come on, I can do this.

He whips out something shiny, silver!

"You want this? Come, I have lots and I'll tend your wounds. There are two more back where I am who are just like you.

Two more? I thought they already left?

"Come on..." He held out his hand, unterrified the fact I could freeze and kill him. There was something about this man that I can't...I look at the silver. Tempted, i reluctantly allowed to be transported back somewhere in the mountains where I saw dozens of Wargals. Creatures who were dumb, but in soldier uniform. He must have been planning something big. Decided, he told me everything. I felt the sense of idea, punishing those who tried to kill me.

After some brutal weeks, I was nearly recovered, however the knight who saved me told me to stay behind when the plans were set in motion. Wanted to help, he ordered only the other two kalkaras can go hunt. Equally, I'll get the same silvers. Just that my job was completely different and also my powers were limited. As I was indebted to him, I obeyed.

That is until I heard the news, there were those cloaked figures, who killed both of the Kalkara's after 2 successful assassination attempts. It struck me hard, and my blood boiled with anger.

A war soon broke out shortly after.

I could hear screams of horses and men. Wargals screaming, men shouting and swords clashing. Then there was a moment of silence, I faintly heard clashes of swords.

I felt a terrible wave of something strong. He spoke in my mind, what sounded like in a raspy voice, "Your first order...final one from me, Lord Moragrath of Rain and Night ...is to kill those who defeated me in this war..."

Ooo

Will saw as the Kalkara screeched in a high pitched tone, all the bulletproof windows in the front door lobby, up to the second floor's windows blew and shattered. Will breathed and asked, "Flames...of fire."

An arrow appeared as he drew, the more he drew the more stronger the flame at the time got. The Kalkara broke the stare and turned in horror where she saw the strong flames of fire. He lets go and it lightly glances off as was pawed off course. The fire soon started catching on the matted hair.

She screeched and ran outside into the middle of the road which was basically surrounded with special vehicles. Trying to rub the harmful substance off her, it only caught onto the body. Loud, goose bump chilling screams pierced through the streets.

Alyss watched from the side, "Wow, and the thought they had to deal two of these... that skin on them is tough to nearly anything but..fire just like the legend."

Daniela stood frozen the falls to the ground which Will quickly retracted his bow and rushed over, placing her head on his thighs, "Hey Daniela, you okay? Hello?" Will looked down, concerned.

Her eyes fluttered open, "Will...? Hey... I saw everything. A man in a knight armor, the war with things called wargals...that Kalkara? She was injured before, nearly dead almost killed by dozen of armored knights. Like a vision."

Will nodded, "Yes yes...wait what? Wargals? Did I hear you say that?"

Daniela smiles weakly, "Tired...but yes... I think it was that Kalkara's past, i saw everything she saw. Felt it...the warmth, hatred and coldness of the bitter end. There was also a man who helped her stay alive..uh...Lord Mozzarella? No...that's not it...that's a type of cheese....something about rain and nighttime."

Will laughed, despite the terrifying figure Horace had defeated, "Lord Moragrath of the Rain and Night, terrifying man I say."

She nodded, "I could feel it..."

While armed men came rushing in, Alyss almost went with them when she saw Will and Daniela. Slightly chastened, she took a couple steps back and returned to one of the vans.

Ooo

"We have reports what seems to be a bomb attack of Yales Tower, branch of the Loviez Corporation has 2 levels of windows shattered. There was a report of no injuries, emergency responders had already evacuated this tower already. We'll keep you posted folks!" Director Cortex tuned off the TV on screen.

"Well done, you didn't manage to burn the tower down, I am quite impressed." He said.

Will nodded, "Practice is it."

Sarah looked from the notes, "No, really. It's amazing."

Will sighed, feeling they are going to go over him with more than the praise needed.

"It's fine, trust me. Ranger's job to uphold Araluen's law...most circumstances." Will brings to drive some of the praise off.

"Right right.." He shifts his glasses. "Well overall great job." Summing it up, realizes that Will isn't used to this. Then in a low voice, "Don't be surprised if you find gifts showing up."

Confused, Will was directed to another question.

"Where's Alyss? Isn't she with you?" Sarah asked slightly concerned.

Will shrugs, "She said she had something to do..."

Sarah bit her lower lip lightly, an old habit, "I see.. really.."

Ooo

"Hey hey hey!" Louise shouted at Will, "Why did you two have to move from the dormitory?"

Will stutters, which Louise then turned her attention to Alyss who was walking nearby. "Heyy 'lyss! Come over here!"

She took a glance in this direction and walked away in the opposite direction, Louise popped a piece of candy into her mouth, "I wonder what's with her..."

Will looked after the figure walking away, "...Yeah...what is it..."

Jennifer popped a gum bubble, destroying the moment, "Yeah..wait don't tell me you two got the boot because you two were living together?"

Revised, their plan was just that, the best way to describe the situation with little fuss.

Will looks at her, replies with a sad tone, "Yeah....we might be able to get back but that depends on many reasons however."

"Oh...I was just preparing-" Louise rambled off then suddenly covered her mouth, slightly red faced.

Will raised an eyebrow at her, "Preparing..?"

"N-nothing!" She said quickly and runs off, "I got class!"

Jennifer laughed, "Right...one thing Louise you numbskull!"

Louise turned her head looking over her shoulder, "What?"

"It's afterschool!"

Will puts his face in his hand, "You know, I know I liar when I see and talk to one... but even the densest person could tell she was lying..."

"Really? Now tell me if this is true." Jennifer challenged. "I am Jennifer Shelton, have 2 sisters and 2 brothers, one of the most powerful people in the world, has homes and citizenship over 45 different countries, ability to speak in 4 different languages fluently."

Will nodded closing his eyes, suddenly Daniela appeared beside them, "I bet Will can figure out this one easily." Which Jennifer, recoiled in surprise at the usual solid and cold Daniela.

"Wuut..?"

In computer precision pulling all his training of investigation, Will repeated, "You are Jennifer Shelton, has two sisters, IN a family of one of the most powerful in the world, you have homes in 45 different countries but not that many citizenship, ability to speak in 5 languages fluently."

Jennifer looked at Will open-mouthed, "WHAT?"

Daniela broke a smile, "Told ya."

Then Jennifer recovered, "Hold on, you're wrong. I don't speak 5 languages fluently!" she laughs triumphantly suddenly shot down with Will's next statement.

"Ohhh really? I wonder what are you saying right now..." Will gave a light nudge and walked away pulling out his Mandola and starting a tune unheard of before, singing between blows. Leaving Jennifer red faced and Daniela in a helpless fit of laughter.

"Oh Greybeard Halt..."

Ooo

"A RESORT!?" the whole class exploded.

The teacher nodded, "This certain homeroom number is going. It's gone up to this section now."

Toby puts his arms around Will's neck surprising him, "Oof!"

"Ohhh this is going to be soooo great!" He exclaims.

"Resort? What is that?" Will asked trying to release the grip of Toby.

"Resort? What is a resort you ask? Come on...." Toby laughed then seeing a serious face he stopped smiling, "Oh, you really don't know... its...like a vacation spot? Hotel...resting place, chill out. Away from school and everything." Toby explains with the least clarification.

Brash walks up to Will overhearing his question, "What a resort is basically a resting spot, really a good place. Has top quality baths , events and things. Dream place."

Toby stood behind Will slightly fearfully who smiles at Brash, "Thanks." Which he nodded and turned back to talk to Ned and Connor.

"You know, that's exactly what I just said thank you very much!" Toby muttered loudly which Brash turned his head around and gave him a glare.

"W-which is not a problem! Not at all!" he amended.

Sighing, "S-since when did you come with good terms with that guy, wasn't he picking on you before?"

"Well..since the fire I suppose?" Will said, looking around the classroom which buzzed with excitement.

"Fire..fire..oh right.." The thought of that terrible day dawns to him, however his definition of terrible wasn't described as some other people might have. "My things and precious notes were burned in that stupid fire."

"Oh I think there are more valuable things than just papers with graphite on them." Will said importantly.

"Well for your information Will, it took me another month and a half to re-write that just before the primary exams too!" Toby said defensively.

Shayna leaned her chair on the two legs, "Oh really? Come on..."

"Heyy! Really, even my colored pens were-"

"No one cares about your pens." Shayna cuts in, Mr. Corwell cleared his throat, "So that's it for class today..."

Ooo

Will met Alyss who brushed past him, which Will asked, "Is something wrong?"

Alyss stopped mid-way, "Nothing."

"Come on, it's really obvious. Are you mad because I went on that little assignment? It isn't much worse than Araluen." Will asked.

Alyss turned around quickly, "I said, nothing!" then walked away. Now this really worried Will, "What in the world..?"

Alyss mutters out of earshot of Will, "Stupid."

Ooo

"Okay Will, we have the place of the resort you and Alyss are going to in a couple weeks' time." The secretary of Sarah who Will found was really a nice person , told him.

"Thanks Ms. Sahere." Will said gratefully.

"Anytime, also I told you to call me by my first name, Delina."

"Oh...right sorry, Delina...got it." Will said awkwardly.

After he hung up, he sighs and sat down, "Alyss has been acting weird, I wonder what is wrong with her..."

"Try talking to her." Nicole, one of the girl's archery team members.

Will stared up where Nicole stood before him, "What?"

"She seems troubled, talk to her. Ask her what's wrong."

Will looked at her as if she was crazy, "Well... I tried."

"Not hard enough." She states which slightly angers Will.

"Yeah? I don't know."

Nicole sighed, "I suppose it's not much of your strong point."

Right. Will thought.

"But if that's done...try to make her happy?" She suggests before walking away. "Don't forget, our final competition game is coming up soon."

Will nodded, "Got it."

Ooo

Will for the past few days, tried his best doing what he could to make Alyss break a smile. All attempts were futile. It seemed to make Alyss more annoyed. Daniela saw this and basically cheered Will back up. "You got to try your best! You are the only one who could make her smile." Daniela encourages.

Will nodded slowly, "Well, I think so too but I've tried everything I know. Even some suggestions but they don't seem to be affecting her the slightest bit."

Daniela looks at Will, joking, "Well this must be the toughest battle yet huh?"

Will grins at her, "I guess the most hardest one and who'd thought it come in this form?"

"How about we go to that ice cream shop down they opened a few days ago? Chill down and plan another way to make her smile." Daniela suggested conversationally.

Will thought about it, "Sure why not, I don't think I have anything planned today."

Unnoticed in the background, Alyss watched as both of them walked out the door together, overhearing the suggestion which Will seemingly accepted gladly.

Make me happy..huh. Alyss thought to herself. I am perfectly happy.

Ooo

Both of them walked to the shop, which they opened door with a ding of the bell. A woman over the counter looked up and brightened, "Welcome! What can we do for you today? Some special occasion perhaps? To go or stay?"

Daniela looked at the endless list of things to choose from, Will looked at it and didn't even recognize even more than 10 ingredients in the name.

"I'll take the strawberry-mango with some of that topping over there" Daniela orders, pointing to the box.

The woman smiles and nodded, "And how about you young man?"

Will looked up and then down at the paper, "Uh...what do you recommend?"

The woman looked right back at him then jumping to the gun, "Well, you could always try out our personal special, the SourSweet. It consists with lemony goodness mixed in milk chocolate. A drizzle of tangerine sprinkes and vanilla-mint chocolate ice cream...two scoops. It gives the sweet and the sour it's exquisite taste."

Appalled, Will nodded, "Sure...?"

Smiling even more, she went into the back of the store, which then an old man looked at the two of them, "Hey Linda, we got two youngsters here."

"Yes I know, helping them out." the woman called Linda replied.

The old man leans on the counter and speaks, "Hey boy, you buyin' for your girlfriend over there? Back in my day, you gotta be the gentl'men to win the girls he'rts yan'know" giving Will a wink which Will bluntly denies it. Telling him he got it all wrong.

"Oh ho ho, hey Linda! Give them a discount will ya? On the house, I feel it for that young man over there." The old man staggered off to the back.

The woman came back and produced the two orders, "Sorry, he's a bit on the winded up side."

She rang the total and with discount. Which much to Will's surprise, was included.

As the exited the store, Will wondered, "She still counted that discount."

Lapping happily at the free ice cream, "Who knew?"

Will decided to give the ice cream a taste, he licked it. Which ignited his taste buds with a sensation he's never tasted in his life.

"My Horace would of loved this! Sour and sweet just like what she said. Amazing!" Will exclaims.

Daniela perks up and leans over stealing a lick, "mm-mmm you are right! This is really good!" Will scurries away from her, "Hey! This is mine, keep in mind I paid for that you know."

Huffing, she turns away continuing her way on the sidewalk, "Alright alright." Which Will fall shortly into her steps but a few steps behind her in case she have another go in trying to taste the ice cream.

By the time they approached the park, they finished their delicious snack.

"Remember, this place where it all kind of started?" Daniela looked at the park. Which Will didn't agree or disagree.

"It is cold, I wonder if it's beginning to fall into winter yet." Will noted.

Daniela laughed, "We still have a long way to go in autumn before winter. If you have any hopes of lots of snow...well hope you're ready for plenty of it."

Will sighed, "That is going to cause some problems."

She jumps around, "That won't happen in a long while, come on we're almost home."

They reached the grand mansion of where they are currently living, and where Daniela lives too.

Will nodded and head to his room, "I think we got that homework still and I still need to practice my shooting."

"You practice every day! Come on, take a break." Daniela said annoyed as Alyss walked by who suddenly stopped.

"He never stops practicing." With one phrase, Alyss turned the opposite direction facing away from the two.

Will looked after her, prepared to called out. Which then he hears Daniela mutter, "Why does she have to be so cold."

Something triggered in his mind but wasn't sure what it was. Neither after a long while, Alyss saying that seemed judge Will, or point out Will needs his practice and doesn't have the time to rest every day.

"Yeah, she's right however. I'll see you at dinner." Will slightly bowed and strode away quickly.

"Right..."

Regarding the thought and Alyss, she began thinking about Will. She knew that there was something between them but couldn't help being more attracted to the guy she disliked the most.

"Why is this so irritating?" Daniela asked no one in particular.