Sefina smiled and reached out to touch her mother’s fingers, before morphing into her tiger form. It would be better to approach the king and queen this way, so that she would not be recognized quite yet, not until she wanted to be at least. Her mind was fleeting, the tiger almost a separate entity, nagging at her. She fought to control it, but little effort needed to be expended. She used the animal’s grace to her advantage as she appeared at the palace, and strode inside. Not even giving the guards another look as they shouted. She did not pass a care at them and would not leap…unless attacked first.

She wandered now into the court…the crowd gasping, and parting like the sea. Sefina paused as she beheld the palace, her eyes full of wonder. She paused, bowing her head, and stretching her front knees in a respective bow, waiting for the king’s reaction.

King Waylan sat on his throne gazing in wonder at the animal. Just then, the guards rushed in, surrounding Sefina, and she growled a bit, muscles tensing. “Stop!” Shouted the King. “Stand down. This is no ordinary creature. If such an animal has business with me then I would know what that business is.” At this the guards stood down, and backed away. The king motioned the tiger forward, and as she padded forward her form shifted and she was human once more…well except for the wings on her back. She knelt before the King, her head bowed.

“Your majesty, I am Sefina of the House Angelus. The last of my line here on This world. I have come to offer my service to you and your country, as it’s guardian and protector.” Her eyes never stray off of the ground as she hears the loud whispers of the court.

The king had a look a pure astonishment on his face. He had just seen one of the most beautiful animals on this world…perhaps not even of this world, shift into a beautiful woman. He nodded to her, gaze and expression resolute, “I welcome you to my court, Sefina. You are welcome here as long as you wish to stay.”

“I will be at your side always..you, your queen, and your country.” Sefina said, finally her gaze meeting that of the King. She kissed his ring as he said, “Arise, Sefina. Take your place with my guards, as I am sure you will have a chance to prove your skill soon.” He stood up, before the people and announced, “In honor of our victory against the Democratic National Army, I declare a tournament to take place tomorrow!”

Cheers erupted from the crowd but Waylan was quick to quiet them, “Any warrior may enter, but I must request the presence of Sefina. A challenge to her, a chance to prove her mettle.”

Sefina stepped up and said, “I accept your challenge your majesty. And I am humbled by your request.” She bows deeply.

Later that night, Sefina sat out on the balcony of one of the guestrooms in the castle. She had persisted on asking for something a little lower class, but the king would not take no for an answer. She concentrated a bit, and a guitar appeared in her hands. She began playing it, the tones ringing out over the courtyard. She started singing her voice floating on the breeze. She doesn’t sing words, but the melody is haunting. The chords lingered in the quiet castle. Her eyes distant, she doesn’t even notice the figure in the courtyard, listening to her melody. The figure disappeared just moments later.

There was a knock at her door. Sefina started and whirled around before heading to the door. Sefina slowly opened it and peered out. Her eyes widened when she saw who was standing at her door. She brushed herself off and said, “Your majesty, please come in…” She bowed her head respectfully as Queen Jarti entered. “To what do I owe such an honor?” Sefina added.

“I heard your song, and it seemed so..sad. I was also wondering, why after trying to capture me. That you would suddenly show up in court and offer your services to me and my husband. I…I thought you were dead, you left me no choice in the matter.”

“Your majesty, you might want to have a seat if you wish to hear what I have found out,” the queen did so and nodded before Sefina continued. “When I was growing up, I was under the impression that I was…human. After I died, I was transported to another dimension, a pocket dimension that has been used as a prison. You have heard of the House Angelus, correct?” Sefina cocked her head to the side.

“Only what was told in legend. A race of winged beings, with magic and some trained in the arts of war.”

Sefina nodded, “I am the last angel in this world. My ancestors and fellow angels were sealed away long ago in that pocket dimension. I never knew my mother until today, well today is relative. Time flows differently in that realm. They are able to watch over this world and bear witness to occasion. I was only there what seemed like a few moments but here…it was already after the battle with the D.N.A. You had reclaimed what was rightfully yours. My mother sent me back here, explaining to me that I was the earthly embodiment of Midael, the guardian angel and one of the rarest angels. With the ability to shift to our house totem, the winged white tiger.”

Jarti nodded before Sefina continued, “I am a magickal being, whether I like it or not. I also have many memories from eras past. The House Angelus also has one unique ability…”

“Reincarnation,” Jarti finished as Sefina smiled.


“Yes, reincarnation, but the penalty is that when you are born again, you have no memories until you come of age. This was my coming of age and since my birthright is as a guardian, I felt that I would be best served as your own, as well as King Waylan’s. I also felt that I needed to do something to reconcile my past actions. I bear no grudge to you for killing me…you were right, you had no choice.” Sefina wrung her hands nervously.

Jarti nodded, “I bear no ill will, I was only curious. I had heard nothing of the House Angelus for a long time and I was surprised is all. When you strode into the court, I was awestruck, such a regal animal.”

Sefina nodded, “Just imagine how I felt when millions of years of memories came flooding back to me. I hope to be of service to you and your king. To put my skills and memories to use once again.”

Jarti smiled sweetly as she stood up, “I really should go back to sleep, but you are welcome here, as was said, for as long as you like.”

“That will be forever and a day, your majesty.”

With that, Jarti exited the room and Sefina climbed into bed and fell asleep.

|<---Back a Chapter|Home^|Next Chapter--->|