Mike's Writing Challenge Week #3-Athena:The Atharian Princess

Athena was raised to be a princess in the vast lands of Atharia. The masters had taught her skills the commoners did not possess. Fear was not tolerated amongst the hierarchy. When she was just 7 her mother unfurled the turbin she wore on her head exposing the sacred jewel she was born with. Athena was told it would bring her great power and she must learn to control it focusing on the good in her people.

It was imperative she not let others know of her abilities until she became of age. To divulge the secret would only weaken her. Evil preys on goodness and innocence desiring power only for the sake of domination. Greed devouring without consequence. It could quite literally kill her. Athena knew not to question her mother the Queen for she was known far and wide for her wisdom and foresight.

One of Athena's mentors was nearly the same age. Their favorite game was hide and seek. Only in this version Athena could never move. The only way she could win the game was to correctly locate her friend Jama through telepathy. Each game grew more difficult as Jama became acutely aware of Athena's growing powers. Each time they played Jama would up the ante. Once she tried to fool Athena by holding her breath under water, still Athena found her.

As time passed the two girls grew older more beautiful. They were like sisters never leaving each other's company. The Queen Mother noticed and in her great wisdom knew that one day this friendship could become tumultuous. She said nothing to her sweet Princess knowing such information would change her fate.

The Queen made a decision to order another mentor for Athena. She looked exactly like the Jama and this was to become Athena's greatest challenge. Yama was procured from another tribe who ruled its people through fear and intimidation thus removing their free will.

Testing the young Princess the Queen lead Athena to believe nothing had changed that Yama was as always, her friend and Sister. Yet the sacred bond the two girls shared felt fractured leaving Athena to doubt herself. For the first time in her life she felt guarded.

After dinner one night the girls took their honey mead out to the gardens. The moonlight shown brilliantly forming looming shadows. Beautifully terrifying the light was irresistible as they floated from one fragrance to the next. Athena was hypnotized by the graceful splendor of the approaching nightfall. A firefly beckoned her to follow.

Within seconds she was being pulled under into a bog she could not escape. Athena stared at Yama waiting for her to call for help. To throw her scarf but she did nothing. Athena was gone. Deep into the bog she sank. Being certain she was dead. Her mind drifted to a horrible place where ugly horrid creatures used cruel tools cutting the jewel from her forehead. She fought back with such a mighty force that her abductors were stunned. As her voice permeated their thoughts she regained her strength.

Was this a dream? Her strength was gone her vulnerability felt noticeably obvious. Jama was holding her hand smiling. Athena knew her beloved friend was back. She now knew never to trust anyone, but herself.

All text owned by @mother2chicks