Short Story # 2 Signs of Greatness - A Tale of Gràís D’hè MàcBhàtàr

Gràís D’hè's laughter echoed through the halls of the Palace at Rhadon as she darted around a corner, her waist-length coppery-brown hair streaming behind her. Wearing her usual leather trousers and vest, she pushed herself faster. Her tutors, struggling to keep up, panted in exasperation. "Princess Gràís, please!" one of them called out, nearly out of breath. "You must return to your lessons!"

But Gràís was having none of it. "Lessons are boring!" she called back over her shoulder, a mischievous grin lighting up her ten-year old face.

Before she could dash into another room, a pair of strong, familiar arms caught her around the waist. Gràís squealed in surprise as she was lifted off her feet and spun around to face her mother, High Queen Aryndra.

"And just what are you doing, little one?" Aryndra asked, raising an amused eyebrow.

Gràís wrinkled her nose. "Lessons are boring," she repeated, her tone carrying the unshakable conviction of youth.

Aryndra sighed, though her eyes twinkled with mirth. "Well, boring or not, you must return to them."

Gràís pouted, her lower lip jutting out dramatically. "But, Mother..."

Aryndra couldn't help but laugh at her daughter's exaggerated expression. "How about his? One hour, just you and me, and then you go back to your lessons. Deal?"

Gràís's pout vanished in an instant, replaced by a bright smile. "Deal!"

Taking her daughter's hand, Aryndra led her to a small training room off the main hall. Inside, she selected a pair of short practice swords, knowing her daughter's preference for dual-wielding, and handed them to Gràís. Then, with a smile that promised excitement, Aryndra picked up a longer practice sword for herself.

"Alright, little warrior," Aryndra said, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "One hour of sparring."

Gràís let out a joyful yell and leaped forward, her small swords flashing as she attacked with all the energy of a child.

An hour later, Antor entered the training room, drawn by the sound of clashing swords and his daughter's rich laughter. He paused in the doorway, taking int he scene before him with a mixture of amusement and pride. Gràís, her face flushed with exertion, was engaged in battle with Aryndra, and from where Antor stood, it looked like she might even be winning, although Aryndra was good at encouraging more effort from their daughter. But Antor had to acknowledge how well his young daughter wielded the pair of short swords.

"So this is why she's not in class," Antor said, chuckling as he approached.

Aryndra, slightly winded but clearly enjoying herself, glanced at her husband with a sheepish smile. "Our daughter wanted some more fun," she admitted, lowering her sword as Gràís tried to catch her breath. In a lower voice, Aryndra whispered, "I figured a tired Gràís might be more docile for her tutors."

Antor chuckled, shaking his head with a warm smile. "You're probably right, but you do spoil her," he teased, though his tone held no reproach. He was always happy to see his daughter and wife so joyful. After so many years of strife, all Antor wanted now was peace and happiness. Stepping forward, he picked up a practice sword from the rack. "Well, since we're all here, let's make this a really family event."

A short time later, both Antor and Aryndra dropped off a more subdued Gràís in class. She might not pay much more attention, but at least she wouldn't be running through the palace halls causing mayhem for the next couple of hours.

After classes finally ended, a very bored Gràís wandered outside. She hated being indoors, especially on a beautiful day when the sun was high in the sky. Like her mother, Gràís loved being among growing things. If she wasn't in the training room, the next place you'd likely find her was in the grove and garden behind the palace - the one her father had commissioned for her Elven mother. Aryndra was often there herself, tending the flowers, trees, and wildlife that flocked to it. The Half-Elven part of Gràís always drew her to this grove.

Today, she wandered through the spiral paths, surrounded by trees and hedgerows, taking her time. The sparring from earlier still made her limbs feel heavy, but she was outside, free of lessons and boring tutors. She felt the sun's warmth and the living energy that permeated the place.

As Gràís reached the center of the grove, a radiant light filled the space, and a being appeared. Humanoid, but so much more. Gràís halted mid-step, staring in wonder. Despite the unknown, she felt no fear. There was no threat from this entity. The being had fiery red hair, a shade that felt familiar, reminding her of something from long, long ago, though she couldn't recall exactly what. The hair felt familiar, but the alabaster skin tone did not. As the seconds passed, the entity became more solid, still surrounded by a halo of light that couldn't diminish the blazing green eyes that shone with wisdom and power. Around her neck hung a delicate chain holding a four-legged cross, appearing to be made from rushes. What it represented was unknown to the young princess. The light emanating from the figure felt like standing in the warmest ray of sunlight, and Gràís felt an overwhelming sense of healing, creativity, and inspiration flowing from the figure.

Unbeknownst to the princess, an observer watched from around the corner. A figure of power, strength, and wisdom, Marlinus appeared middle-aged, with a thick white beard lining his jaw. Gràís had always thought of him as ancient. Watching, Marlinus thought that the Princess was correct - he was ancient - but in his many thousands of years, he had never witnessed anything like this.

Since her birth, he had known that Gràís D’hè was important and special, but this was something else entirely. He recognized the figure was a higher being, one of his ancient ancestors - a member of a race that once played a critical role in defeating or containing the forces of destruction in newly formed universes.

As Marlinus watched, the being spoke to Gràís D’hè in a gentle yet commanding voice. He could hear the words, ones well known to him. The glowing, beautiful woman spoke in a rich, melodic voice that sounded like the most intricate and beautiful symphony. She smiled upon the princess, saying, "Your Highness, I am most pleased to see you growing up so strong."

"Who are you?" asked the young princess.

"That is not important at the moment. In another life, you will know me very well indeed."

"That doesn't make any sense. What other life?"

"You, my young princess, are very important. You are, or rather will be, the Chosen One. You are destined to face an ancient evil that will arise thousands of years in the future."

"But I won't be around then," Gràís replied obstinately.

"Not this version of you, perhaps. And you might not be around for the battles this realm will face. But further into the future, billions of years from now, in another universe, that is when your battle will take place. There you will lead the forces of light against this immense darkness. The lessons you learn in this life will be important and ones that will always be with you."

Although young, Gràís D'hè felt the gravity of the message, even if she couldn't fully comprehend it. "You are not making much sense, you know," the young princess tilted her head to the side as if studying the being, "but I think I like you."

The being laughed, a rich, rolling laugh, her green eyes sparkling brighter. "Ah, little one, you have so much ahead of you. You and I will come to know one another well, even in this lifetime." The being reached out to caress the princess's face. "But our true connection will occur far in the future."

"Okay. I'm not sure what any of that means, but I do look forward to meeting you later," Gràís smiled. "You are pretty, and I like the look of you, especially your colourful hair. It's so bright and alive."

"Thank you, young princess," the being nodded. "I feel you will have an ongoing affinity for this colour of hair."

"It reminds me of something, but I'm not sure what. It just feels so familiar."

"You will remember in time, little one. And you will meet that familiarity again in later lives." The tall being leaned over slightly, placing a hand upon the princess's head. Her light extended outward, enveloping Gràís D'hè in a brilliant rainbow of energy, leaving her mark upon her cells, a mark that would guide and protect her throughout her many lives.

Marlinus continued to watch, awed and silent as the rainbow surrounded his young princess. This was a moment of great significance, and he knew it. He knew very well the prophecy spoken by the Queen at the birth of the princess, and now he wondered if it was beginning to unfold and how long it would take. In that moment, he foresaw a var long life ahead. Closing his eyes, images of hundreds of young girls flashed through his mind, all requiring training, all headstrong, and he foresaw that the youthful exuberance and stubborn pride of Gràís would continue into every life she would have. She was and always would be a person of amazing potential if one overly stubborn. But now he knew his path: to prepare Gràís for the lives she would have to lead, lives in which he would always have to be present.

As the being faded from view, Marlinus stepped forward, and Gràís D'hè turned toward him, her eyes wide with awe. "Did you see her too, Marlinus?" she asked in a quiet, almost reverent tone.

I did, young princess," he replied, his voice a deep rumble. "That was a very special visitor."

Gràís nodded slowly. "She said I'm important... and that I'll fight evil in another life. Is that true?"

Marlinus crouched down so he was at eye level with the princess, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Yes, Gràís. You are very important. And you will have many lives where you will do great things. But for now, let's focus on this life and what you need to learn. There will be time for the rest when the time comes."

The young princess gazed up at him with wide eyes, processing his words. Finally, she nodded, a serious expression settling on her face. "Okay, Marlinus. I'll do my best."

Marlinus smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I know you will, little one. I know you will." He held out his hand. "Come. We must speak with your parents."

The princess hesitated for a second, but the warm smile that parted Marlinus's white beard reassured her. "Worry not, your Highness. There is no trouble here. But your parents should know about the being you encountered."

As they walked back to the palace, Marlinus led her through the hallways, the echoes of their footsteps mingling with the soft glow of the mid afternoon sun filtering through stained glass windows. They reached the council chamber, where he knew the King and Queen would be at this time of day. The chamber, with its high vaulted ceilings and walls adorned with tapestries depicting the history of Llamda, felt both majestic and solemn.

They entered, and around a large oval table sat a group of men and women, their expressions turning curious as the door opened. At the head of the table were the High King and Queen. This was the Royal council of Llamda - fifteen councilors in all, representing each kingdom that had sworn allegiance to Llamda. The council was not just a boy of nobility, but a responsibility shared by both nobles and commoners to advise the two royals. Marlinus knew that one day, that number would grow.

Aryndra, the Queen, looked up as they entered and half-rose from her seat. "Has something happened?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Marlinus noticed the look of worry on her face and hastened to alleviate it. "There is no harm done. But something of great import has occurred with the Princess. Perhaps it would be best to continue this in private."

Antor and Aryndra exchanged a glance, a shared understanding passing between them. They sensed what this might be about. The princess was not just their daughter but beholden to the Empire. Aryndra straightened, her voice calm but firm. "There is no need for privacy unless my daughter wishes to speak with us alone first." She looked directly at Gràís, who, despite her youth, was often more mature than her years, at least when she wasn't being a wild child. Gràís had known for some time now that much of her life would never be private. With a slight shake of her head, she indicated that it was fine to share this in council.

The King and Queen smiled warmly at their daughter before turning their attention to Marlinus. "Speak. Tell us what has occurred."

"The Princess has been visited by a higher being."

A hush fell over the room. Higher beings had not been seen for centuries, and even then, they were scarce. That one would visit the Princess was surprising to many, even though they all knew of the prophecy.

"And what did this being do or say?" Antor asked, his voice steady but tinged with concern.

Marlinus chose his words carefully. "She spoke to the Princess about her destiny. She spoke of an evil that will emerge over a thousand years hence and will continue to plague the Empire for eons after. She revealed that Gràís D'hè will one day be the champion to face it - billions of years in the future, in another universe. The being hinted at great calamities that will befall many people between now and then, and that on one's life will remain unchanged. I believe she also shared a blessing with the Princess, for I saw her place her hands upon her Highness's head, and a rainbow of energy surrounded her. This being and the Princess are linked in some fashion. And I have a strong sense that I will be involved in much of the Princess's lives going forward."

Antor's brow furrowed. "Anything more specific?"

Marlinus shook his head solemnly. "No, Your Majesty. These beings rarely provide specifics. They have all but faded from the mortal plane in this Universe. Once, their numbers were vast, and they moved from universe to universe, fighting to defeat or contain the forces of destruction. In this universe, their numbers dwindled, and I believe they were unable to fully achieve their goal. The shadow evil that caused the unrest decades ago is the same evil they were created to fight. Now, it seems, the task has fallen to us, and ultimately to he her Highness."

The news struck Antor and Aryndra deeply. Pride in their daughter's destiny mixed with a profound sorrow over the heavy burden placed upon her. Antor's usually calm expression hardened in concern. "Why now?" he asked, his deep voice resonating with the weight of his emotions. "She is so young."

Aryndra's eyes welled with tears, her voice trembling as she spoke, echoing her husbands question. "Why now, Marlinus? Why did this have to happen so soon?"

Antor placed a protective arm around Aryndra, his gaze fixed on Marlinus, seeking answers. "Could they not have waited until she was older? Until she was more equipped to fully understand?"

Marlinus, though deeply empathetic, could only offer a solemn shake of his head. He was saddened as well, having served the royal family for years and watched the young Princess grow from a babe. He had sensed greatness within her, the power, and had witnessed how exceptional she was. With a deep sigh, he replied, "These beings act on their own timeline, beyond our control. They see far beyond our understanding, into the currents of time and fate. And I sensed something, I am not sure I completely understand, but my senses tell me this being is preparing the Princess, and I got the sense of a long journey ahead of the higher being, as if she was going to be leaving." He sighed deeply, "so much I still do not know. All we can do now is prepare her, guide her, and trust in the path set before her." He smiled ruefully, "and to remember that right now she is still a child and needs time to have fun."

Antor, still grappling with the news, asked, "But do you not descend from these beings? Could you not intercede?"

"No, Your Majesty. They will not listen. While I may descend from one of these beings, my father was fully mortal. And though I may have inherited the longevity of my mother, these beings are still far beyond my understanding. I can but play my part."

Hearing this, Antor and Aryndra exchanged a look of shared resolve, their emotions a mixture of love, fear, and determination. They knew Marlinus was right - there was no way to change what had already been set in motion. But they also knew they must do everything in their power to protect and prepare their daughter for the immense journey that lay ahead, even if it broke their hearts to do so.

Despite their concerns, there was a moment when Gràís D'hè, now standing beside her parents, reached out to comfort them. She didn't fully understand the weight of the prophecy, but her small gesture - a soft touch and brave smile - hinted at the strength within her. It was a strength that would grow and become the foundation of the champion she was destined to be.

Marlinus cleared his throat, and in a strong, sure voice, said, "The Princess will face challenges and perils beyond imagining. But within her lies the strength to become a champion - a force against the great evil that will one day threaten all existence." He looked at Antor, Aryndra, and finally at Gràís D'hè. "And I have been given to know that I will be present for her in every life she has. How that is possible, I do not yet know, but I will be there."

As his words echoed in the chamber, Gràís seemed to absorb their meaning. Her wild, untamed spirit would need to be honed, her youthful energy channeled into the destiny that awaited her. Yet, despite the weight of this prophecy, Marlinus's words conveyed a sense of hope - hope that Gràís D’hè MàcBhàtàr would rise to meet her fate when the time came.

Antor and Aryndra turned to her, pulling their daughter into their arms, holding her tightly as they tired to process all that had transpired. Their minds raced with thoughts of the future and the trials their beloved child would face. But for now, in this moment, they held her close, knowing that the journey ahead would be long and fraught with danger.