Black Soldier
The next day, I woke up bright and early. I dressed, and fed the horses. After checking the map and ensuring that we were on the right road, I started moving. The others weren't awake yet, so I let them sleep in. 'After all, ' I reasoned, ' they did have quite a shock last night.'
After a while on the road, I stopped. We had reached the Hidden's territory. Chris emerged from his cabin, yawning tiredly. " When did you wake up?" he asked. Then he looked around. " Where are we?" he asked, walking up to me.
"Good morning to you too. " I replied. " We're in the Hidden's territory. " I said.
"Good mornin-" Aisha started, stretching. She stopped mid-way of her stretch and dropped her arms to her side. " Wow. Where in the world are we?" she asked.
Before I could reply, my twin walked out of her cabin. Not wishing to hear the same question being repeated again, I stopped her before she could speak. "Welcome to the Hidden territory." I gestured to our surroundings.
"The Hidden's territory was huge. The girls really ruled over here. Our territory was 2 times smaller than theirs. To some people's eyes, this large territory looked like nothing. It looked like an empty, wasted land. The Hiddens themselves had created a magical illusion to deceive those who's hearts were not pure. Which is quite admirable, I suppose. We had asked them to make one for us, the Black Soldiers too." I started.
"Those who knew the Hidden's and were searching for them however, saw an elegant group of girls, those who commanded respect and made sure they got it. They were powerful beyond words, and were unique in their own ways."
"Each had their own talent and passion. Some were good archers, some good cooks, some good explorers, some good at fights, and the list goes on and on. Each new Hidden contributes a different talent and different knowledge to the rest of them. Their main power however, is the power to create magic. The Hiddens excel at using their magic powers. Being a neutral party, they have learned all the ancient magic that has been passed down generation to generation. From enchanting a person to dance, to conjuring a great feast out of thin air, to all sorts of self-defense. Their power, if fell into the wrong hands, had the potential to destroy the entire universe. Like I said, massively powerful. A tip; don't even dream of making them mad." I explained to my friends.
They took in all this news readily, which surprised me. But I suppose they must have gotten used to having history lessons throughout their little "adventure". I had told my good friend, one of the Hiddens, that we would be coming earlier. I had sent her a pigeon. She had written back, promising to meet us there and bring us to her elders. I looked around to find her, and spotted a girl in the crowd, waving at me excitedly.
I waved back. Once she got out from the crowd, she rushed to me with a hug. " Ian! Its so good to see you again! How are you?" she asked, beaming. (Although the Hiddens command respect and are extremely powerful, they have excellent manners. In fact, I think they could win a prize for their hospitality. )
I hugged her back, and requested to meet with her elders. She nodded, and almost immediately straightened her face. If you looked at her now, you wouldn't have known that just a millisecond ago, she was smiling so much that her it was impossible to return her smile.
She weaved through the crowd of Hiddens, and made her way to a giant oak tree. " Come in. The elders are in here. " she said.
"Why are the elders in an oak tree? " Sirena asked. "Not to be rude or anything, but I was just wondering. " she added hastily.
The Hidden didn't mind. " None taken. " she replied. " Oak trees represent wisdom, strength and justice. At least, that's what we believe in." she explained.
We stepped in a lift. The Hidden knocked on the wooden wall thrice, and the lift started moving upwards. "Can I know why everyone here is in black? And totally covered?" Aisha asked next, as we passed other Hiddens, all similarly dressed as my friend.
"The Hiddens are a secluded community. We live in the Dark Realm, which is quite a cold place. Wearing dark colours helps to keep us warm. The other reason we are fully covered is because we try to expose as little of us as we can. As we practise magic, it is unwise to expose ourselves because if at all we get injured in a serious way, for example, loss of a limb, then we are useless to the entire Hidden community. We need every single pore on us to be able to practice magic. " she answered. "There's even an old saying here, 'An injured Hidden is a useless Hidden'." she quoted.
My companions nodded. "That's interesting." Chris commented. The "lift" stopped, and everyone got out. The inside of the tree was astounding. From the outside, all one could see was an old oak tree. But on the inside, it looked very different that you began to wonder if you are still in your world!
Hiddens bustled around us, working and chattering at the top of their voices. "Wow. What a din!" Chris exclaimed, laughing. There was a wooden counter sort of thing, where an old looking Hidden was turning pages of a book feverishly. My friend brought us to her.
"This is Via. " she said. The lady didn't look up at us. After a few seconds, my friend continued in a whisper, " She's a real bookworm. She usually doesn't look up unless its important and you shout at her. Poor thing, she's slightly deaf. " she said. Then she winked and shouted, " VIA! I'M CALLING YOU!"
"Aah! " Via startled and almost fell out of her seat. " Did you have to shout? I was going to look up. " she frowned, pushing her glasses back on her nose. "Now what is it?" she asked. Then she noticed us. " Who are they? You do know that intruders aren't allowed-"
"Argh! Grandma! That was a longgggggggggg time ago. " my friend groaned. " How many times do we have to tell you? Don't live in the past!"
"Alright, alright. Whatever. Don't come crying to me when there's a problem later on. " Via grumbled.
"We need to take my friend and his companions to our elders. Are they in?" she asked.
"Yes, yes, they're in. Just go in. You don't need me to come in. Just go like you do every day. " Via said, still looking unhappy.
"Thanks Grandma. " my friend said, placing a couple of notes in the old lady's hand. Don't forget to buy some snacks on the way back home. " she said. Before Via could reply, she pulled us in a room behind the counter.
When we entered, we saw 3 old ladies who, despite their age, looked quite fit and healthy. One of them, I think it was the oldest, was holding a staff. " Sasha. " the lady nodded. " How are you?" she asked warmly.
"I'm good, thanks Ren. " my friend replied, bowing. " I have brought some friends with me today. " she continued, gesturing to us.
" Ah yes. I had word they were coming. Did Olivia outside approve?" she asked.
"Uh, well... kinda. " my friend answered, shrugging.
" Well Sasha, I think that you should introduce them to me then. I'm kinda confused at the situation. " another lady asked, smiling at us.
My friend began the introductions. " This is Ian, a Black Soldier, Sirena, his twin, Aisha and Chris. Everyone but the Black Soldier is from Earth. " she said, pointing to each of us.
The lady with the staff nodded. " Welcome to the Hidden territory. No doubt you have had a tiring and long journey. I'm Margaren, one of the elders here. These are Elizabeth and Victoria, the other elders. " she welcomed us.
" We would be delighted if you could stay, and we will show you to your lodgings. But before that, we have to explain a few rules that we have here in the Hidden territory. " Elizabeth said.
" Rule No.1: You should NEVER, ever, call a Hidden with her full name. Names are powerful. Names are strengths, names are weaknesses. You can however, call her with the last three letters of her name. For example, Sasha is Sha. Olivia is Via. Margaren is Ren. Do you understand? Also, Black Soldiers follow this rule as well, so don't be so confused." she said.
Next Victoria, or, Ria, as I should say, took over. "Rule No.2: As you three are from Earth, this might seem quite new to you. We Hiddens are extremely busy people. Some of our cultures and traditions might be weird to you, but please respect our culture and not badmouth us. " she said.
" The other rules will be explained later on. Now, let us show you to your lodgings. " Margaren said, guiding us to the door. I looked at my companions.
"These Hiddens sure are strict. " Aisha said. " I can't wait to see what happens while we're here. " she added. The rest of us felt the same. Excited and nervous for what this place would bring. But now, as we go for lunch, I must end the story. Another story for another day.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYING OR REPRODUCING THIS STORY IN ANY FORM OR MANNER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
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