Chosen Sister

by Ardyth DeBruyn

  And landed, sizzling in the grass, at Austyn’s feet.

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  Chapter Three: Sisterly Love

  The crowd around the children gasped, and Reina stared down at the medallion lying in front of them. Austyn was the Child Warrior? He was going to learn magic, become a famous warrior, and save the entire country. A mix of pain and anger surged inside Reina. Everyone would look at Austyn, pay attention to him, shower him with gifts. No one would care about her.

  “We have our child warrior,” boomed the Gold Wizard, pointing his staff at Austyn.

  Austyn turned and ducked behind her, hiding his face against her legs. Reina felt a stab of guilt. Here she was, jealous, wishing she were the Child Warrior, and he was terrified. She pushed aside her own longing for magical power and recognition and knelt at Austyn’s side to look him in the face.

  “It’s going to be all right, Austyn. Don’t worry about all those other people!”

  “But they’re staring at me,” he whispered.

  She thought of the strange electric feeling that had passed between them, right before she’d had the courage to stand up and throw the rock. “Remember when we killed the harpy?”

  Austyn nodded.

  “Remember how good it felt! Remember how we were heroes?”

  Austyn’s mouth curved upward in a tiny smile. “Yes.”

  “Well, getting the medallion means you’re going to kill more harpies and become a hero.”

  “You’re going too, right?”

  “Uhh…. “Reina stalled, doubting that anyone would want her to go with Austyn. “Let’s try this thing on you.”

  She reached and picked up the medallion. As her hands touched it, a flash of heat went through them, stinging her hand. She almost dropped it, but didn’t because Austyn watched her. The heat of the magic faded, and she examined the medallion. Gold-colored, it had a rune engraved on one side, which made her wish she could read. She flipped it over and saw a star on the other side.

  “Isn’t it pretty?” She slipped the chain over Austyn’s head, and the medallion thumped against his stomach. “You look like a warrior already!”

  Austyn beamed and threw his arms around her, and a warm feeling filled Reina. Maybe she wasn’t the Child Warrior, but she was his sister, and he loved her. Then they were pulled apart as their parents and friends rushed to surround them with congratulations. Austyn clung to Mama.

  The villagers frowned at him and gossiped. Reina’s face grew hot with anger; she didn’t like some of the things they whispered. She wanted to yell out at everyone that Austyn wasn’t a coward, that it wasn’t a mistake.

  But at the same time, he did look scared, and she worried what the Gold Wizard would do with him. Surely he couldn’t think Austyn could defeat the Red Wizard! He was just a little kid.

  Kylen leaned over and whispered in her ear, “The Gold Wizard got it wrong. Your brother’s the Child Weeper!”

  Reina turned to punch him in the stomach, but he hopped away. “And you’re the Child Cow-pie!” she yelled after him. Tears started in the corners of her eyes, but she wiped them away. She’d get him back somehow, that stupid Kylen. She’d punch him right into the dirt when he least expected it! She’d—

  “Attention, good men and women of the village,” called the Gold Wizard, interrupting Reina’s angry thoughts. “Now that the medallion has chosen the Child Warrior, we will defeat the Red Wizard very soon!”

  The villagers gave a cheer, although many still looked skeptical.

  “Now, I must talk with the proud parents about the education of the Warrior. Thank you for all your help.” The Gold Wizard waved his dismissal of the onlookers, and slowly, with many stares and much grumbling, they started walking away.

  Mama, her arm still around Austyn, turned to the Gold Wizard. “Please come to our humble home and let me give you something to eat.”

  The Gold Wizard hesitated for a second and glanced at the people still milling around, trying to eavesdrop on them. The Gold Wizard nodded. “I would be honored to visit the home of the Child Warrior.”

  They turned to go to the cottage. Reina rolled her eyes. It’s just Austyn. It’s not like the house is sacred or something.

  She glanced at Papa. He put one arm around her as they walked home. “My brave children!”

  Reina didn’t feel particularly brave. Everyone’s attention focused on Austyn. Not that she had done anything, anyway. But she appreciated Papa including her. He was the only one.

  The Gold Wizard stepped into their house, wrinkled his nose, and then made a show of brushing the seat off before he stretched himself out in Papa’s chair by the fire. Both Papa and Mama waited on him hand and foot. Papa brought him a footstool and a mug of beer; Mama made him eggs and toast. Reina kept a stern eye on him. She didn’t like his self-satisfied attitude.

  When he had eaten, Mama and Papa sat down, with Austyn on Mama’s lap, to hear what he had to say. No one paid any attention to Reina, so she stood leaning against the wall, anxious to find out what would to happen.

  “With your permission, Austyn will travel with me, and I will train him in magic and sword fighting until he is ready to face the Red Wizard.”

  Papa nodded gravely, and Mama sniffed. Reina glared at the floor. So often Austyn annoyed her, tagging after her, bugging her, getting in the way. She should be happy he was leaving. Instead, the thought of wondering where he was and what he was doing, of not knowing what might happen to him, felt like a rock in her stomach.

  “But he’s so young,” Mama whispered.

  “Don’t worry, my dear, I’ll train him very carefully. Think of all he’ll learn, the honor….”

  The more the Gold Wizard continued to reassure her parents, the less reassured Reina became. He kept talking with his fancy words while his robe glittered in the firelight. She watched her parents believing him, wanting him to like them, admiring him. Reina realized with a nasty feeling in her stomach that she didn’t trust the Gold Wizard to take proper care of Austyn.

  Her parents begged the Gold Wizard to spend the night, and since they only had two beds, they sent the children to sleep in the barn. She and Austyn lay in the straw that evening, Austyn curling up into her side.

  “Reina, where will the Gold Wizard take me? I don’t want to leave Mama and Papa! What if the harpies come?”

  Reina sighed. She couldn’t even reassure herself; how could she calm Austyn? She gazed up at the wood plank ceiling above them, wishing she could see the stars. As she held Austyn, her hand touched the medallion, and it felt warm, like a rock that had been sitting all day in the sun. Something about it comforted her. Perhaps it would take care of Austyn for her.

  “The Gold Wizard will take you to magical places where there are no harpies.” She began telling him a story as she always did, although she knew she had to be careful, since she didn’t really know where Austyn was going. “He’s going to teach you to ride a beautiful horse, and he’s going to give you a special magic sword, and you’re going to become a great warrior.”

  “Really?” The fear disappeared from Austyn’s voice. Instead, he sounded hopeful.

  “Yes, and you’ll be the greatest warrior in the land. You’ll ride across the country, and at the sight of you, the evil things will run away, the good things will grow and live, and the Red Wizard will be so scared, he’ll…. “Reina stretched for an idea. “He’ll wet his own pants!”

  Austyn giggled.

  “And then you’ll stick him with your magic sword, and the stars will dance in the sky to celebrate, and all the people will cheer and wave flags at you, and never again will anyone have to hide in the woods, because the land will have peace.”

  Austyn’s breathing slowed to a steady rhythm, and Reina realized he’d fallen asleep. She lay there for a long time, trying not to cry. This was the last night they’d sleep together, and she might not see him for years. She pictured the things she had told Austyn. Only as she drifted off, Austyn ridin
g a white battle horse turned into herself riding the horse, brandishing the sword. In her dreams, it was Reina who rode against the Red Wizard, and Reina the name the people cheered.

  Reina awoke—alone. With a gasp, she sat up, but she couldn’t hear Austyn anywhere. She jumped to her feet. What if the Gold Wizard had already taken him? What if she had missed getting to say goodbye?

  Reina dashed from the barn.

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  Chapter Four: Austyn’s Quest

  Reina rushed around the front of the house and almost cried out in relief. The Gold Wizard stood by the horse that pulled his cart, talking to the village elders. Next to him stood Mama, Papa, and Austyn.

  Mama hugged Austyn and kissed him on the cheek. As Reina arrived, she heard her mother whisper, “I love you, son.” Tears sparkled in her mother’s eyes, and Austyn looked about ready to cry himself.

  Papa tousled his hair. “Make us all proud, son.”

  A lump rose in Reina’s throat. How could she say goodbye to him? She didn’t dare hug him because she knew she’d cry, so she just smiled and waved. Austyn looked back and forth between his family and the Gold Wizard. His face crumpled, and he grabbed Mama’s legs.

  “I don’t want to go. Mama, don’t make me go!”

  Mama flushed red with embarrassment, and a small chuckle ran through the crowd that had gathered. Reina glared at them. She could imagine the gossip spreading. Mama pried Austyn off her leg.

  “You have to go, sweetie,” she said. “It’s your destiny. You’ll like it….”

  Reina resisted rolling her eyes at the comment. Austyn, bawling harder than ever, ran away from Mama and clutched onto Reina instead. Instinctively, she put her arms around him.

  “Don’t let him take me; don’t let him, Reina!”

  “It’s going to be all right.” She smoothed down his curls. “The Gold Wizard tells nice stories, remember?”

  Austyn wiped his tears on her dress and looked up at her. “But I’m too scared to go alone. What if the harpies come again?”

  “Well, the Gold Wizard has lots of magic, remember?” Reina’s worry grew. What if Austyn was right? What if the Gold Wizard couldn’t take proper care of him? She glanced at the wizard and noticed him frowning.

  “Now, now, that’s enough,” he said, waggling his finger at them. “Time to get going, Young Warrior. We’ve got a long ways to go and a lot for you to learn.”

  Reina felt Austyn’s breath catch in his chest—he remained glued to her side. Her worry turned into anger. No one but her even thought about how dangerous this would be for Austyn. She was the one who always looked out for him, who knew what he needed. Even her parents were ready to just shove him off on some strange wizard. Well, she wasn’t.

  “I’m going with him.” The words popped out of her mouth before she could think them through, but she didn’t care. Someone needed to look out for Austyn.

  “Now, little girl—”

  Reina stood up taller and glared at the Gold Wizard. “Austyn asked me to come with him, and since he’s the Child Warrior, his request should be honored.” She ignored the gasps of the crowd and kept her eyes fixed on the Gold Wizard. His fingers played with his beard, and his bushy white eyebrows drew together as he frowned at her. “Austyn wants me along, so I’m going. And that’s final.” She nudged Austyn, hoping he’d back her up if he actually wanted her along.

  “I’m not going anywhere without Reina,” he said in a small, tearful voice.

  Reina hoped it would be enough. She glanced at her parents. Papa looked worried, and Mama still blushed with embarrassment. She found herself annoyed at them for not sticking up for her. She fixed her gaze again on the Gold Wizard, hoping to persuade him. “Austyn’s used to me taking care of him, and he’s really young. You’ll need help looking after him for a bit until he gets more confident. If I’m with him, he’ll be more comfortable sooner too. And I’m a really good cook. I could make the meals…. “She trailed off, unable to think of more good arguments.

  Austyn wrapped his warm, sticky fingers into hers, a comforting assurance that she was doing what was best for him. Of course, if Mama and Papa could come, that would be even better. However, Reina guessed that for some complicated adult reason, the Gold Wizard wouldn’t like that idea.

  The Gold Wizard’s expression softened a little, but his voice remained firm. “Will you do exactly what I say, when I tell you?”

  Reina nodded. While she didn’t like the idea, he was a wizard and an adult. She hoped he would turn out reliable.

  “Then, if the Child Warrior insists, I will allow you to travel with us, so long as you obey me.”

  “Reina’s a good girl,” her father said.

  Joy filled Reina; Papa supported her.

  Mama bustled over to them. “Now, you both must do exactly as the Gold Wizard tells you.” She straightened Austyn’s bunched clothing. “Be respectful.” Then she put a hand on Reina’s shoulder. “And make sure Austyn stays out of trouble.”

  Reina gave her a hug and then lifted Austyn up into the back of the Gold Wizard’s cart. She scrambled up beside him, and the two of them sat in the back, careful not to squish the mysterious wrapped objects next to them.

  The Gold Wizard’s robes shimmered in the bright sunlight as he swung into the driver seat of the cart. He clucked at the horse, and it started forward. Mama and Papa waved.

  “Goodbye!” called Austyn, waving back.

  The other children ran alongside the cart for a few paces, calling out their goodbyes.

  “Goodbye, Straw-hair! Don’t let a harpy eat you!” called Kylen.

  “Don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone, Cow-pie!” Reina shouted back.

  And then they rode out of the little village where Reina had lived her whole life. The road cut through green and brown farm fields, the scenery still the familiar countryside, but it felt different. They were leaving. Reina gazed at the simple thatched huts as they grew smaller. Would she ever see them all again?

  She glanced at her brother. Leaning against her, he gazed in wonder at the fields going by, a smile on his face. “We’re going to have an adventure, right?” he asked. “Just like you told me last night, only better, ‘cause you’re here too.”

  She didn’t have the heart to share her worries. She smiled back. “That’s right.” Then she launched into one of her stories for him, although she couldn’t really believe in them at the moment. Leaving home hurt too much. As the day wore on, Austyn nodded off, and the rhythm of the cart lulled Reina to sleep as well.

  Reina woke with a stiff neck when the cart bumped over a particularly nasty rut in the road. Austyn, sprawled out on the straw, dozed on. Holding the side of the cart, Reina stood up to stretch her legs, then scrambled across the bundles to the seat where the Gold Wizard perched. He glanced back at her, frowned, and looked back at the road. Reina settled behind and to one side of him, where the back of the cart met the headboard.

  “Where’re we going?”

  “Little girl, there’s no need to worry about such things.” While his tone was kind enough, Reina didn’t like its patronizing quality.

  “I’m not worried, but I still want to know.” She wracked her brain for a good reason. “Austyn will want to know, and I can’t reassure him if I don’t know.”

  The Gold Wizard cleared his throat. “I was reluctant to take you along for precisely this sort of thing. The boy cannot become a warrior hero if you keep coddling him.”

  Well, he didn’t object when Austyn cried in front of the entire town. Her face burned hot with indignation. “Austyn is only six. He’s not old enough to be a warrior anything. You can’t yank him away from his whole family and not tell him where he’s going. It’s … it’s … not fair.”

  The Gold Wizard blushed and kept his eyes on the road. “Um, well … er, I don’t suppose it would hurt to explain. There’s a prophecy, and your brother must fulfill the pieces of it. It mentions both the medallion and a sword, the Swo
rd of Chivalry. Anyway, I’ve discovered the sword is in a cave to the northeast of here, at the source of the Stream of Eternal Pouring, and so we’re going to find it. On the way, I will teach Austyn how to use his magic, as he will need it to retrieve the sword. Once we have both the sword and the medallion, Austyn can use them to destroy the Red Wizard.”

  “But Austyn’s so young,” she objected. “Why can’t you wait until he’s older?”

  The Gold Wizard puffed up his chest. “Little girl, the time and place of prophecies are not to be questioned and are beyond—”

  Austyn moaned and sat up. His hair stuck up at funny angles and had bits of straw in it. Reina suppressed a giggle. He looked as un-hero-like as anything she could imagine.

  “Reina, I’m hungry,” he said, rubbing his eyes.

  “Ask the Gold Wizard for food then,” she retorted. “I don’t have anything.” Immediately she regretted her rudeness. Austyn hadn’t asked to be the Child Warrior, and probably if he could, he would let her be the Chosen One. Once again, she pushed away her jealousy.

  “Just a few minutes more,” the Gold Wizard said, scratching under his beard. “And then we’ll camp for the evening.”

  By the time the Gold Wizard stopped the cart, Reina was also starving. The Gold Wizard selected a small grove of trees and climbed down to tend the horse.

  “Get me a pile of dry wood, and we’ll have a meal going in no time.”

  Reina pulled Austyn into the trees. “You find the kindling, and I’ll get the big pieces of wood, just like at home.”

  Austyn nodded and started working, and soon they had a good pile ready for a fire. The Gold Wizard had unharnessed and tethered the horse, and he worked on lighting the fire while Reina unloaded the food from the cart. She handed an apple she found to Austyn—the Gold Wizard was too busy to notice. He blew over some moss as he knocked steel against a stone. He seemed to have no luck at getting a fire—it went out every time he actually got a small flame.

  “Drat,” he mumbled as the moss again crumbled into ashes without bursting into flame.