“…Legend has it that a power will overcome us: a girl, with eyes and hair of steel. The legend proclaims that her bones are unbreakable, as if made of steel. She will be unstoppable.”
The man finished his statement and waited for The Council’s dismissal. It did not come. The Council remained quiet for a few moments. The spokesman finally turned to the man.
“You believe young Kalisani to be a danger to us?”
The man chuckled, but the sound was hollow and sad.
“I do. Like many of the young students, the girl has challenged even the best of our warriors. The difference is that she put up a good fight, and in several cases she defeated her opponent. She has never been badly injured, and her capacity for healing is amazing. She refuses to use any protection when she practices or fights. She has never broken a bone.”
A Council member raised his hand for silence. The spokesman took over.
“Kalisani’s wings give her an advantage.”
The man paused for a moment to make sure this was all that would be said.
“An advantage, yes. Is it enough of an advantage to overcome our strongest warriors? No. The fact that we do not know where these wings come from is another source of concern. Her mother refused to tell us the name or the race of the girl’s father, even when it came to her last breath. Such an inconvenience that has been. Still, a name and a race could not explain the talent and power that girl carries within her.”
“You dare insult Lady Sitara in the presence of The Council!”
“I do not insult my sister. I express my discontent with her final choices. The girl’s fate might have been different were we given more information.
“The girl’s name is Kalisani.”
The man remained quiet. The Council members spoke briefly amongst themselves then turned back to the man. The Elder rose from his seat and addressed the man himself.
“It has been decided.”
The man hung his head and spoke with great emotion.
“She has been a daughter to me. I have looked after, cared for, and loved Kalisani.”
The Elder sat down.
“The Council understands your sacrifice. You are dismissed.”
The girl stood outside, awaiting the decision of The Council. The moment the man stepped from the room she knew. Embracing the only person she had ever loved, the man she called “Father,” the girl said goodbye forever.
Kalisani was banished.