The young woman took a step toward them , “ Elana , the Healer , I am called , ready to do thy bidding ,” she said , and then looking at Ilona , she used an ancient ritual of submission by getting down on her right knee . That gesture was reserved only in the presence of Royalty . She exposed the left side of her neck by bending her head to the right . With one swift movement , she smoothed her long braids aside .
Ilona was stunned and confused , “ Why are you greeting me this way ?” she asked and looked at Zoltan who appeared as puzzled as she was shrugged his shoulders , silently motioning that he had no idea . “ Thus thine birthright .” Elana smiled . “ But I am not of Royalty , and I am not even sure what being one means ,” Ilona replied .
“ Are thee not ? I say thou art , and if thee chooseth , more . Thy sign speaketh . On thee , the surest sign . Find thee heritage in time , thou will .” She began to stand .
Ilona was stunned . Royal ? She thought . How could I be ? My parents were regular people , and I only heard about the just and powerful Royals from Rua ’ s legends . I always thought they were just fairy tales to entertain kids in which the Royals were brave and protected good people . Elza said my birthright was to be a Healer . Why is Elana greeting me like I ’ m more than that ? Frantic thoughts chased each other in her mind . “ Please tell me . What is this sign ?” Ilona asked , bursting with confused emotions .
“ On thy face thou shall beareth the sign , and thou hast the aura around thee . Accept thou the sign that shall appear when thou knowest thy destiny , as our Seer foretold thee coming .”
Zoltan stared at Ilona . Elana noticed his confused look , smiled and turned to him . “ Thou hast the aura of another sort . May hap someday the sign couldst appear , but not by right of birth . Such fate is for but the Choseth .” Zoltan was obviously startled but didn ’ t ask anything .
Ema looked briefly at Elana , “ Am I a Royal too , Elana ? I have my Hun mark too , but mine is blood red , as is customary for everyone else . Ilona ’ s mark turned maroon on her wrist , and Zoltan ’ s is the same .” She smiled as she glanced at Zoltan ’ s arm .
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