The courtyard of the Magi kingdom was silent, once filled with life and flowers. The fountains had backed up, black water sitting low within them. The planters of moldy stone sat dead, withered twigs and crumpled leaves in them. Everything had once been clean and flowing, green growing, the stone polished. Two somber Druids visited here now, down from a joyous three. They knew their grief had caused the rot, undoing runes they had placed long ago. Such intense emotions had upset the balance that had once been easy to maintain.

The taken life was memorialized with a statue base, for no one had the time to decide what to place there. Diana kneeled before it, blooming daisies from the ground. With a flick of a finger the stem would shoot up from the earth, sprout leaves, swell with a bud, and then burst open its pedals. They were the brightest things besides her faithful familiar Aiko, the white tiger, who sat by her side watching the whole affair. Occasionally the tiger would snort, the air pushing the fragile flowers.

Two weeks. Two weeks had passed since the assassin had taken Lulu from them. Diana was sure she grieved as much as she could. Most of the time she spent studying with her teacher. She wouldn't have been able to survive without him. Pouring over druidic texts had been the one way to stop crying. Still some pages had been stained with salty tears.

What did it mean that Blodwyn had escaped? Why had they killed her sister and not her? Why not both? All the royal family if they had the chance? Why now of all times did they want to start such a conflict?

Diana's thoughts were interrupted by flapping wings and chirping. A great red-tail hawk, Castor, landed on the stone before her, beginning to preen itself. “They're here,” said Queen Eliza, standing behind her.

Diana turned to her mother, who loomed over her. The women locked their matching brown eyes, their faces were different kinds of the same flower species. The queen was a much stronger Druid, but she looked regal and proper, even when waking up or dwelling in the mud. The loss of her daughter had shadowed the lines of her face. Growing up, Diana feared her face would form the sharp angles and edges of her mother's. The princess had never dropped the baby fat in her cheeks or body though. There was a playfulness to her bushy scarlet brows and the roundness of her nose. These were all sculpted features on her mother, and though Diana could mimic the sternness in her mother's resting expression, it never stuck. Eventually her face settled back into some sort of smile. Lately, however, the smile that formed faded upon glancing in a mirror.

Eliza smiled. “She would have loved the flowers.” The queen held out her arms, a jangle of jewelry following the gesture.

“Yes, she would. She made the most lovely roses," Diana said. It stung to use the past tense for her sister. She stood, falling into the offer of the Queen's arms. Her head rested on her mother's shoulder, taking in her flowery perfume, a rosewater base.

In the midst of their hug, she pushed some expectations from her head. That her sister was going to burst in at any moment, wrap her arms around them and squeeze her hardest. She wanted it so badly, to feel that pressure, to hear her loud giggle.

The queen broke the embrace and patted her head, stroking down her long hair. “Your father has made his decision. You are to accompany the Heroes on their journey.”

Diana took a step back. “Really? He thinks I'm ready?”

“Your teacher thinks you are more than capable of the task.”

“Are you coming too, mother?”

The Queen shook her head. “Your father and I have a kingdom to run.”

It didn't seem real that her mother would step aside for her. The two had been packing, arguing, and putting so much on her father. It was reasoned that they could go together at one point. That point was until the night before. To be gone from her family, to take such a responsibility. Her voice caught when she said, “I'll miss you.”

“I know you will, but you have a destiny to fulfill. Something only a royal Druid can do. Come on, that ship is waiting for you alone now, my dear.” She started to guide her daughter. Their familiars both followed, the hawk alighting on Eliza's shoulder.

Anxiety started to crawl all over Diana's skin like frost on a window pane. “How many are here?” she hesitated.

Eliza swallowed hard, a scowl growing on her face. “Five.”

“There's so many more alive though…” The trepidation grew worse.

“They refused, they didn't see Blodwyn alone as a real threat. The ones that did agree to come tonight are the long lived ones that actually fought against her two hundred years ago. They are powerful and fully capable of dealing with this situation.” As they walked, the Queen clasped her hands, knuckles whitening as her voice hit hills of contempt. The use of Blodwyn's name, the failures of her allies, and anything to do with the assassination made her tense.

“But surely the rest must realize that the assassin was not working alone and that someone is controlling Blodwyn.”

Eliza's throat worked as her fingers gripped. “Darling, remember your history lessons, no one was capable of controlling Blodwyn for long. A unique creature such as her holds too much power. ”

“I know, mother.” Diana felt bad for upsetting her mother, but was glad for the comparative composure.

Taking a deep breath, Eliza stopped for a moment. “There are forces at work here that remain a mystery to us, that is certain. The heroes and you must worry about stopping Blodwyn.”

Diana fell silent as they continued across the courtyard's garden. Soon they hit the stone walkways and their formal shoes clicked against the hard surface. Diana's breath caught when she saw over the castle wall, the three masts of a sailing ship. The weathered galleon was aloft, a sight she barely remembered seeing in person. It was better illustrated in the many histories written after the war.

"It's been so long since I've seen it, mother." Diana shook her head, watching the gentle swaying.

“They should have visited the palace more often. Crowds have come from all around to see the ancient thing."

“How long has it been since you were aboard?”

Eliza's smile was slim. “Too long, but it is not here for me tonight.”

"Do you miss it?" Diana asked. The ship rose higher, spot lights following it. Faintly, through Aiko's ears, she could hear the shuttering and flashes of hundreds of cameras.

“Of course, but now you can see how unstable the thing is in flight.” Eliza playfully nudged her daughter.

The levity helped alleviate some of the crippling nerves creeping about Diana's spine.

Eliza and Diana were greeted by guards and handmaidens as they entered the front castle walkway, it led to the main courtyard where the airship was docked. As they continued walking her lady's maid deftly pinned Diana's hair back. She was grateful to the woman, as the next movement of the ship was a descent that whirled wind all around the castle grounds. They had said their goodbyes earlier, a possible plan being to stowaway if the Queen didn't see sense. She inclined her head to the well disciplined woman now, confirming that she would be leaving. The lady's maid smiled, assured that the mission was her and of her safety.

“Did you study up on my adventures as a young princess?” Eliza asked, as her own maid powdered her cheeks.

“Not recently I'm afraid.” Diana frowned, feeling bad.

Eliza shook it off as they reached the grand doors to the courtyard. The guards were giving the crowd one last check. “You'll have your own journey to chronicle soon," she said.

Hearing it said again made fear surge up in Diana. How was she to fight a force that had nearly killed her grandfather? “Mother,” she said as one does staring headlong into the abyss. “I don't think I am ready to seal Blodwyn away.”

Eliza's face was steely, the same as the hawk on her shoulder. “You misunderstand something, my darling girl,” she said quietly. The guards gave the okay, but she turned towards her child, away from the door. “It is Blodwyn's fault I cannot hold my youngest daughter in my arms anymore. I want you to be the one that traps her. Before you do, drive a tree through her heart and spread her limbs to the four corners of the world!” The anger was fire in her mother's eyes. Castor cried out in agreement.

“I understand mother.” Diana bowed her head, thankful for the resolve she was given then.

Without another word, Eliza signaled for the door.

As they opened the maids departed, but the guards, one on either side, stayed close to the two royals. There were too many people for Diana to count, waves on either side, all the way out of the castle's main courtyard and down the street. Held back by enchanted velvet ropes and watchful guards, they called out for the two women, drawing their attention. The flash bulbs of cameras exploded like a thousand twinkling stars in the night. Her father snapped his fingers and a sheet of magic guarded her from the eyes of the peering reporters. King Augustus, stood in a pinstripe suit taking most of the attention. His light brown hair blew in the wind created by the airship's hover fans attached to its hull. He turned to them with a beaming smile.

Hugging his daughter and wife with an affectionate peck, he asked, “Do you wish to make a statement darlings?”

The Queen shook her head.

Diana saw five larger than life figures moving towards them, drawing flash bulbs to them like stage lights. “No,” she said quietly.

Augustus turned on his heel and snapped his fingers again, the sheet of magic moved around their new position. “My sweet ladies will not be addressing the crowd. My brave daughter is too focused on the mission to speak. You can hear her reports weekly from the ship. Pray though that their reports are few and cheerful,” he said effortlessly.

The reporters cried words of encouragement as the guards began to escort the royals towards the ship, where the crowds were much farther away from the floating vehicle.

“You can do it princess Diana!”

“We believe in you!”

“Avenge princess Luann!”

“Death to Blodwyn!”

Diana swallowed a hard lump in her throat.

The first Hero, one she saw more in drawings than photos stood in front of her. She wore a tricorne hat with a bandana atop a curly mess of bright blonde hair. A brass buttoned corset held in her chest, tight leather trousers lined her strong legs, and boots that went up to her knees. A gray parrot perched on her shoulder, flapping restlessly as she bowed with flair. “Greetings, Princess Diana! My name is Angelina, but most folks call me the Pirate,” she drolled, dimples cutting deep into cheeks freckled with blue scales.

“Caw, scourge of the great seas,” added the parrot.

Diana bowed her head back, taking the gloved hand that was swiftly offered, the grip popping a bone.

Angelina laughed. “And this is Gray, my faithful companion.” She dug in her pocket, produced a nut and held it to Gray's beak. The parrot munched away at the offered treat.

The other Heroes stood behind the Pirate, great wonders coming to life before her, sprung forth from legend. A powerful presence surrounding each one, hundreds of years held in each person, more knowledge and strength than she could imagine. She felt young, childish, her parents seemed at home among them, greeting their old friends casually. Aiko, the tiger, brushed the tips of Diana's finger reassuringly.

“Angelina, it's been too long. You still look the same as always,” said Eliza.

“Oh, you know it's great to be born a mermaid. You look youthful as ever lass.” Angelina patted the Queen’s face as they broke from an embrace.

“The benefits of Druid magic I assure you.” She smiled broadly.

“Of course.” The Pirate rolled her eyes.

“Caw, little lady want a blanket?” Gray the parrot asked. “Too cold on the boat. Too cold on the boat.”

Castor the hawk didn't like his master being insulted, he squawked. Gray ruffled his feathers in agitation. Eliza whispered a calming word to her familiar.

“I see the birds still remember each other as well,” commented Augustus. “Diana, don’t be afraid. They’re your allies now too, darling. Here, Gregore, come here man.” He beckoned for the largest Hero.

The giant man, covered in slick magically skin tight steel armor, that was over ten feet tall bowed to Diana. “Princess, it is a pleasure to meet you, as your father said, I am Gregore or the Guardian.” He smiled brightly through his dark brown beard. On his back sat a sword nearly as tall as him.

“A pleasure,” Diana nodded.

The King laughed, patting Gregore’s arm with a loud ting of metal.

The Pirate brought forth another woman wearing a conical hat with a broken off point bounced at the brim with each step of her heels which went all the way up her pale thighs. The woman's violet eyes shone bright behind her round spectacles. “I am Fia, or the Witch.” A giant frog sat on her shoulder, a tiny crown on its head. Its throat expanded at Diana. Fia dug a sharp nail into the frog's jaw. “My Sir Charles is nothing to such a powerful beast as yours.”

“Thank you, I am blessed to have one like Aiko.” The Druid pet the great cat’s head.

Fia the Witch chuckled. “He would like you to know he is not as weak as he appears,” she said, meeting eyes with the amphibian.

“Nothing of such legendary figures could be weak,” Diana said humbly.

“Don’t flatter him too much.” The frog’s throat swelled with air, sitting up straighter.

Another Hero moved around the Witch, who stayed still. The man, shirtless, graced with lean muscle, honey skin, wore a baggy set of trousers, his brown hair long and wild, shook hands at Diana. “Name's Oz, but people know me as the Rider.”

“Pleased to meet you, good Rider,” Diana said softly. The man seemed small without his chariot or steed. Thinner and less imposing in reality.

“Same here,” he said with a shrug.

The King drew her attention away from the two lingering before her. “Now, I will save you the trouble with our last hero, he doesn't speak,” said Augustus. “This is Ryul the Ranger.” He pointed to the last Hero.

The elf bowed his head. His black hair was pinned back from his forehead and his eyes were a cold steel gray. He wore a suit of ornately crafted leather armor that must have been dragon, with swirling designs stitched into the fabric. Over his mouth and nose was a mask with several scars running underneath it.

Her Father wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Now Diana, you know what is expected of you. I have no doubt you will perfect the necessary sealing magic. With these Heroes, you will seal her away in the Wood Tombs once more.” His warm smile was gone and he was infallibly stern. The grip of his hand tight into the muscle, but avoiding hurting her.

She took a deep breath, the spell and all its steps flashing through her head. So much to learn and master. “Thank you, father, I will get it right.”

“It will be a long search for Blodwyn. You must also search out the other heroes, they will join at your insistence, my dear. These Heroes are only the ones brave enough to come on such short notice after the atrocity.” His voice caught and faced her, holding both shoulders now “You will avenge her, I know you will. We will stop this war, you will stop it before it starts.”

There was silence in the air. The five looked expectantly at Diana in their own strange way, the far off crowds reverent, what they could hear, she wasn’t sure. The King’s voice was powerful, the restrained emotion clear from a mile off.

The young Druid cleared her throat. “I have studied magic for a long time and even though the spell to seal away Blodwyn is new to me, I believe I can do it. I'm glad you think I am worthy of such an honor as joining the ranks of the Heroes.”

King Augustus stepped back, fist on his chest in a salute to his daughter. “I have the utmost faith in you. My daughter is wise beyond her years, a Hero in the making!” he declared loudly.

The crowd broke out into a roar of cheers, the other Heroes saluting her as well.

“Come, come,” the King gestured.

Diana was shaking, her steps steadied by her tiger pressing against her leg. They reached just below the floating ship where an older man was surrounded by castle guards, more wary of the hovering monster above them than the fellow behind them. Diana knew the man was as powerful or stronger than a creation of technology. The Heroes were rare sights of might, but this one was familiar and made her eyes water with a mix of joy and sorrow, only one person could compare to the emotion of leaving her parents.

Diana smiled broadly. “Pilumnus, master, I am so glad to see you,” she said.

The Archdruid’s hands shook as he handed her a bundle, tears streaking down the heavy wrinkles of his face “A true Druid does not dress in such formal attire. They dress according to the forest, to nature itself. These are yours, my pupil, Weaver garments, armor from the bark of an Ironwood tree. This is yours, fine cherry wood to match that hair of yours.” His bony fingers wiped at his eyes. The brilliantly speckled owl on his shoulder hooted a somber note.

Diana held the bundle carefully though she knew from her studies that with its components could break the steel of a sword and block even elvish metal arrows. She clutched the staff tightly. “These must have taken you years to craft, master, thank you, oh gods, thank you…” Her mother and father flanked her as she wept.

The old man smiled weakly, almost small in his faint green cloak. The wisened beard that reached past his waist almost made him look elderly. “Yes, indeed it did. I was crafting one set for both you and your sister. I was going to give you yours in a year for your pilgrimage but you are ready for them now.” The faint and blurred tattoos on his hands shifted about as he patted the bundle. With a flick of his fingers he carefully cleared the tears from her cheeks.

She sniffled, taking a handkerchief from her mother. “Thank you Pilumnus, I will bring honor to your teachings,” she said when she was able to compose herself.

“I know you will.” They embraced, the old man frail against her.

She proceeded to hug both her parents tightly. Her father kissed the top of her head. “You will be missed darling,” said her mother. “I love you,” they both said a number of times.

Angelina the Pirate smiled ruefully. “It's about time we get going. Your bags are on the ship.”

“Wait,” Diana said to her parents. “I forgot something! I didn’t grab Luaan’s locket. I need it… It's on top of my dresser in my room in the music box. I didn't get it.”

With a quick smile Augustus vanished and reappeared a moment later with a golden locket. She gripped the locket firmly in her fist. She stared long at her parents, at her teacher, trying to force the memory to stay painted in her mind. It could be a long time before she saw them again.

“You'll make us proud,” said her father, holding her mother to him.

“I hope so.” She had to stop crying. These were Heroes about her. The public could see her, even if they were far away. She would be a Hero, she would avenge her sister. “I know so! I will pin Blodwyn back in the Wood Tombs!” she shouted, a bit of magical wind carrying her voice out to the crowd. Aiko roared beside her, the apex predator and her bringing a loud cheer from the public, from the Heroes. Those legendary people raised their fists to the air, the screaming of hundreds became almost deafening.

Angelina spoke loudly to her over the noise, “I have just the perfect practice for you, honey.” She grinned.

Diana blinked at the sudden statement.

“You’ll see, you’ll see,” Angelina said with a wink. “Fia, send us up!” She pointed a gloved hand to the heavens.

The Witch swirled a finger about as a sparkling rune took shape in the air. The guards and the three people Diana loved the most in the world stepped away from her as a flat sheet of magic formed underneath the young Druid and the five Heroes. Aiko spread out her paws as if on ice as the six rose up in the air on the thin glass structure. Diana felt weightless rising so rapidly, unable to fly with such ease herself. Within a moment they landed on the top deck of the ship and she saw her home for the past twenty five years of her life as small. The home to a tragedy that she had left before, but not like this. Not with an idea of when she might return. Now she was on a hunt and a hunter didn’t return until it had its prey. How long could it possibly take to restrain such a foe as Blodwyn?