(Amaia)

I turn my head and watch the mysterious man in the blue and black leather uniform. He is holding our candy bag in his left hand while his right hand is extended towards me carrying a blue handkerchief.

His eyes are a rich shade of cobalt blue. His face remains impassive, with no emotions detectable, as if carved from the toughest, greyest stone.

The front hair is elegantly pulled back into a half ponytail while his hands are covered in half glovelettes. A massive scythe is strapped to his back and I find myself imagining him using it.

Every detail about him stands out.

"Thank you!" I answer with gratitude and accept the handkerchief. My fingers barely brush against his gloved ones.

He stiffly nods before looking away while I wipe the mess I have made on my black shirt.

Scented, his handkerchief is scented. Warm notes of the essence of a forest it carries.

Quickly I finish my kulfi and clean myself with his handkerchief.

"Come, let’s find the others." Alnitak takes my hand, guiding me ahead through the crowd of people. He has gotten himself a mince bread stick and is gnawing on it.

While the other sentinel stays behind us, Saiph takes wide steps and moves ahead of us. Only then do I notice how massive the scythe he is carrying is, like a grim reaper’s. His whole persona resembles one.

"I haven’t seen him before. Is he a new sentinel or your personal bodyguard?" I quietly ask Alnitak, placing my hand in front of my mouth.

"Saiph?" He asks in surprise and points towards him. I nod my head.

"Nah! He is our mother’s personal bodyguard. But whenever we go out in public, he usually accompanies us," he explains and takes a bite out of the breadstick. "Alnilam allowed us to come if we would let Saiph meet us here. Mama sent him straight here."

It makes sense now as to why I haven’t seen him before.

"I see."

"He is a beast in fighting techniques. I think only Alnilam can challenge him fully," Alnitak informs me. It shows from the way he moves and glances around like an alert hawk.

"I can imagine."

We cross from the food section to the jewellery stalls. Gold, silver, gemstone-studded jewellery is laid out in baskets, trays, and bowls. Some of the stalls have hung them on ropes and hooks, displaying the stunning pieces.

I never had jewellery except for the necklace around my neck. Tarian never bothered and my only love was my weapon.

"Come have a look? What do you like in jewellery?" Alnitak points towards a stall where different kinds of jewellery glitter, ranging from rings, necklaces, hairpins, earrings and whatnot.

The kind-looking lady who owns the stall ushers us. "I have some special pieces from the old world. Would you like to have a look?"

"I don’t wear jewellery," I murmur to Alnitak and he rubs his hand behind my back.

"Let’s change that. Shall we?" But I just shake my head.

"Maybe some other time," I say quietly, not wanting to offend him. He gently squeezes my waist.

"I understand, bazaar can be a little overwhelming. Why don’t you go ahead and find the others and I will catch up?"

"Alright."

His gaze shifts from me to Saiph. "Take Amaia to others, I will come along."

Saiph’s hawk-like gaze finds me. He watches me as if staring at a rabbit. I hold his gaze, not wanting to be intimidated by such a huge guy. His eyes drift back to Alnitak.

"I am not supposed to be leaving you alone. You and your brother have already separated." His throaty voice holds authority and I can understand he is not some ordinary guard.

"It will barely take me five minutes. Faeln can stay with me." Alnitak points to the sentinel flanking us.

Saiph gives a single nod to Faeln before letting his eyes find me. "Come, let’s go."

"Be quick," I say to Alnitak and he gives me a cheeky smile.

I follow the burly man as he parts the crowd while keeping me right behind him. All kinds of people can be found here and I see a shift in the bazaar as we enter a part where stuff from the old world is being sold.

I see someone holding a cellphone, as they used to call it; now they are just relics of the old world.

Someone tries to brush past me but Saiph blocks him with his body. His arm protectively comes around me, without touching my body, ensuring I am safe.

"You good?" He asks, in that gravelly voice of his.

"Yes!" I answer, feeling safe and protected with him.

He parts the crowd with his left hand while keeping the right around me and steering me forward. My eyes catch a stall where stationery is being sold along with miniature decorations and wind chimes.

"Can I have a look over there?" I request Saiph, pointing to the stall. His gaze follows my finger and he gives me one swift nod.

The vendors call out to passersby to try their merchandise. We approach the stall and Saiph stands behind me like a black panther guarding a kitten. That’s how much of a difference there is between us.

The girl who owns the stall welcomes me. "Hey! I have a variety of stuff. What would you like?"

"Hello! I actually have a list in mind." So I begin to select from the collection she has and by the time I am done, I think I have bought something for all of my friends.

"That would be ten gold coins and twenty silver coins." She hands me the paper bag with all the wrapped stuff in it.

Saiph takes it from her before I can. His huge arm can easily crush someone’s head. That’s how large his biceps are.

I take out my pouch bag and pay the girl.

"Thank you!" I offer my gratitude and she happily smiles.

I wander around some more with Saiph like this huge shadow clinging to my side. I need new clothes, which the academy has provided but I want some comfy ones. So I spend about five gold coins to buy the clothes I like.

"Amaia!" Kacir’s cheerful voice comes from up ahead and I turn my head to find him waving. Mintaka and Rahria are beside him.

Relief finds me as I wave back and head towards my friends with Saiph remaining just behind me, like my personal bodyguard.