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    Valkyrie ? Chapter III ? Sparks


    Almost the whole village gathered as Eira departed with General Kyrill. A tearful goodbye. A last opportunity for an exchange before she would be gone forever. Goodbye, dear Eira. Your sacrifice brings honor to us all. May you live with strength and dedication.


    The tour to the Emperor''s castle would take many days. It was far to the east of the continent, but also on the northern side of the land, just like Eira''s village. Saddling their horses, Eira, Kyrill, and their little entourage crossed many forests, plains, beaches, and mountains. The lengthy and arduous journey allowed Eira to show her skill in battle, and to learn more about what was expected of her, but also about General Kyrill himself.


    In a camp under the light of the full moon, they had a lengthy conversation. There was something about General Kyrill that seriously intrigued her. Certainly, there was a spark. A little flame of love amongst the moonshine. It cannot be. For Valkyries are bound by a strict oath of chastity, and only virgins can become Valkyries.


    "Eira...", said Kyrill, trying to divert her gaze while he himself struggled to take his own eyes off her. "You truly are a unique woman. The Emperor was right once more. Your skill and beauty is unmatched."Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Eira blushed. She leaned in, getting closer to Kyrill. Fighting himself, he almost returned her approach, but his face remained hardened. With a deep gaze into her face he continued:


    "It is best if you already start to behave and to think like a Valkyrie. Yours is a life for the Emperor—the Emperor alone. You can only love him, and the Empire he guides. We will arrive soon. Do you have any questions left, Eira?"


    "No. But I have to admit that I... I''m afraid.", Eira said with a sunken head, covered in a veil of shame. She would clearly have been in the need of a hug right now. Kyrill ached. He felt with her, and desperately wanted to take her into his arms. But that was not his job. It was something else.


    "Shake it off.", Kyrill responded in a hardened yet slightly broken voice. "I can understand you. It''s natural. Great changes are awaiting you. But you can''t wait until we are at the palace. You may be no Valkyrie yet, but you must purge any kind of doubts and weaknesses out of yourself already. If you won''t, the indoctrination of the Emperor''s men will only be more difficult for you."


    Eira understood. But only now, slowly, did she begin to realize the magnitude of what awaited her. As a Valkyrie she will live in great splendor, but it is a life in a golden cage. She has heard about the indoctrination process. Once she has signed away her life to become a Valkyrie, she will have to submit to it. It is a brutal process, aimed to make sure that nothing will be left of her—nothing but an unwavering loyal soldier for the Emperor.


    Yet, Kyrill was right. Eira had to start thinking like a Valkyrie already. All those doubts inside her—she had to start clearing them out. Pulling away from Kyrill, Eira retreated into her tent and the tears began to flow. The time when these shiny jewels were allowed to come out of her wonderful eyes was coming to an end, and so she reveled in the magnificent moment where she was still allowed to say goodbye to her old life, and herself.