Chapter27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL8q86K7cH
3
It was noon time when the small group27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Tmc9buDMQ
spotted the city from horseback. Their travel was relatively uneventful, aside27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vg5XSaAD0
from the constant bickering of the recruits which did little to ease Vander’s27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUSqVr6yD4
troubled mind. Perhaps sensing his friend’s mood, Alex spent some time27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiliGqPZAwL
lecturing the recruits on proper etiquette for when they arrived at the city27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcPZ5wUaDW
which gave him some reprieve to think.
Veyar mentioned a war was coming, but27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5Y9BjB8MF
she didn’t say when or the parties involved. If it scared even the Goddess of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8kToOeJpF
the Dark, it must be something terrifying and that only left one possible27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW9slQPXzT
person: the Darkness, but who would be foolish enough to release her from her27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ma0Bbwq96
prison? And what did the Ma’akti have to do with it? Too many things had been27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbP9G3raTu
lost in time leaving him scratching his head. There were only a couple of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIYyCeKRha
people in the entire city who might have the answers he needed so he made a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv9RRGSgy6
mental note to visit them whenever he had the chance.
“Are we there yet?” Chicken27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYe2hjrhhQ
complained from the back of the cart.
“Almost.” Vander smiled. “If you want27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIiBotWVSc
to come up to the front, you can see the city from here.” There was a mad27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp6ZrhMAxi
scramble from the recruits sitting behind the cart. He heard Rooster shout in27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNR7A6jcPx
annoyance as his squad mates pushed him aside to make room for themselves. Vander27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP2CnfeNAC
closed his eyes then willed his spirit up and out. He found a suitable host27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VLEE0xLVQ
above them in the body of a small bird. When he opened his eyes again, he was27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNdEfueq5m
flying high above. His wing beating to keep him aloft while his lungs pumped to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pbRTwV0XP
keep him flying. This was his favorite way to see the city, only he and the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALUw4AXI3y
birds knew what it looked like from above and that was a secret he wasn’t27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXIvlTzEi8
willing to tell.
From here he could see the three27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2Wb8KFTZD
rings that made up the city. All told there were half a million people living27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJi7agessh
here, the majority lived in the outermost ring. People living there were packed27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstifVqotR7
tightly together as it was the only way to fit them all in. It was separated27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡootGjdGXlX
into four different districts, though you could live in any of them.
The first was the market district27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9JvnexD2L
where people bought and sold goods from all over the country. The second was27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFwjAyEdxq
the goods district where goods were created to be sold such as the blacksmith,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaD8FWxuen
carpenter, and many seamstresses. The third district was the religious district27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk9Vu5oarP
where statues of the four deities of light were built, and people would spend27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtrv8rErBy
their time praying to them for help for various things going on in their lives.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jPUTv7j9P
The fourth district was the slums or, as many called it, Lower Eluvia. It’s27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYX1xOJzO7
where those who were spurned by the rest of society gathered and ruled by their27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQgXMUkTYh
own ‘king’ who oversaw the day-to-day activities there. The guards no longer27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqfT6P0vyd
patrolled there because it wasn’t worth their time, which allowed the place to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4Zf8gNPJD
fester and rot. Even from up here Vander could smell its stench.
The second ring was smaller than the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7L6YHFpHc
first and more put together. Here was where those from the noble families27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcnUXgkqXD
lived. Their land was larger as each had a sprawling estate to call their own.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoBnFtfOLf
They mostly kept to themselves, instead sending their servants into the first27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMdbkI7RT9
ring to gather food or supplies. Sometimes they would venture out to do their27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh5ZYZAeDJ
own shopping, but many went escorted by soldiers to protect them. A waste of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRfkqVKt1F
manpower, but whatever it took to make them feel safe.
The third, and most impressive out of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78XlZahV9c
the three, was the inner most ring where the King’s castle and estate was27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtC6P61uajT
located. This ring was sealed off on all27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VvNODutns
four sides by massive metal walls and gate houses guarded by squads of Blades.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF4kFajiew
To get in you either had to be invited by the king, one of the Blades or a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl1f1bV5gM
member of the council. The royal family took their safety and privacy very27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnN4nTVXZ8
seriously. Even their servants were thoroughly vetted before being hired. They27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBcPk5OEet
were forced to take a vow, breaking it was punishable by death.
The center point for the ring was the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3lWDt5C5X
castle itself and no matter where you were in the city, you could see it. The27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtnTsF1w45
castle walls were made from a special white marble found only in the northern27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpUv92bjI5
mountains and had to be carried brick by brick hundreds of miles to the city.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCChe6ppQf
The marble had special properties that could only been seen during a lunar or27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4UXhbcbAM
solar eclipse, but in the form of the bird, Vander could see it whenever he27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eOtimo6IQ
chose. During the solar eclipse, the marble would shine bright blue27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDAEYG1Eyk
illuminating the city in a blueish hue. During the lunar eclipse, the marble27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpzLKU0Q6G
would turn orange and the city would turn yellow for a period. It was truly a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahItmWR6kd
wonderous experience that came around one or twice in a lifetime. Up here, the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtumFRKtojK
colors swirled together constantly making it a wonder that Vander so badly27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymMxIPFPS8
wished he could share.
With a weary sigh, something27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiHeyU5pgU
impossible for a bird, Vander willed himself back into his body. His eyes27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQuuhmThpS
slowly opened, not quite enjoying the pain as he moved his body. He had been27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKsbpkfJwq
sitting there without moving for so long his body stiffened. If this wasn’t27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI8qDNEbMh
something he had practiced daily for years, he would have fallen from his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzVmUzVB8v
horse, but he could pass this off as a quick nap.
“Did you enjoy your time above?” Shea’s voice barked in his head.
“I did.” He said. “It’s always sad27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWdx9U8V1q
coming back down from up there. It’s just so exhilarating.”
“Don’t forget that the more you do,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTN3bnjizf
the harder it is to return.” She growled. “Make sure you don’t lose yourself.” He27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlEARZOPWv
let the conversation die there. It was one they had many times in the past.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2pyflFqUU
When he was younger he had almost done exactly that, and it wasn’t an27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1yYIKixxe
experience he wanted to happen again.
“Let’s go.” He tapped his horse. “I27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeUXF6WLOO
don’t want to be late.” With a crack of the reins his horse sped off towards27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA5eFnTB24
the city walls. Alex cursed behind him, but within moments the rest of them27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdwz2xDaOa
started following him down the road.
They were forced to slow down as27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1KXSNVxKv
there was a massive number of people trying to make their way into the city. It27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoR08TfFUN
wasn’t uncommon for merchants from the other villages on the city’s outskirts27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrn6RAjm8x
to get in and try and sell the goods they’ve made in the city, so backups were27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgV6DZYek5
common. Guards had to search their carts and bags to make sure they weren’t27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMxHWxzEGD
bringing in any contraband, but sometimes they could go a little overboard.
“Let’s see if we can skip the line.”27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmME88t3Hhb
Alex whispered to Vander. “We are on a time constraint.”
“Do it.” Vander agreed. They hated27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TL4MxlQyl
showing off their status like this, but they had to get moving. It wouldn’t do27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk3LvFhRz4
well to make the Commander wait.
“Out of the way!” Alex bellowed.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vLKh0ahkM
“Blades coming through, step aside.” It took a moment for the command to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgdfco4aC2
register, but once the villagers noticed the large warhorse and the irate Alex27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC5VW1CzUI
sitting on top, they moved quickly. They stood off to the side with their heads27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNbeQN9v8G
bowed as the group rode past. A couple of them looked up at Vander. He heard27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XFS9rAhZK
the sharp intake of breath and the mutterings.
“Bastard.” One of them spat at him.
“Go back to the forest and die.”27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOazUwsAc7
Another snarled. Shea snarled back at them forcing them to silence, but their27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPbqOycBFW
glares burning in the back of his head as he rode past.
“Leave him alone!” Rooster snapped.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWDKeANN4U
“Don’t you have anything better to do than harass someone who would lay down27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8ErWnsuII
their lives to protect you.” His words were meant to be reassuring, but they27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bh18a32Ox
just caused him to flinch.
“We don’t want his help.” Urged on by27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHxaAmYa3i
each other, an angry hum started traveling amongst the travelers. “He’s27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ktsCYfqAd
nothing, but a curse upon us.”
“Why you-“
“Rooster, that’s enough.” He turned27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5bNLSIGzM
back to face the recruits. “Keep your eyes facing forward and ignore them.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKgCKiE3L0
Don’t stoop to their level.”
“But-“ The glare from Vander dried27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGlQaOfFME
his response in his throat. Without another word, Vander kept his head high27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9QbBqYg8N
despite the glares from the gathered travelers.
When they came upon the gate leading27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtzy7L68fA
into the eastern district, there were four guards stationed there. Two of them27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW4kqwABLf
held lancers pointed to the sky while the other two wore their swords at their27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0uRdwdCs8
hips. One had three metal bars attacking his cape that marked him as the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zEa62GXee
garrison Captain in charge of the gate. The captain walked over to them with a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIdKZOQHdB
smile that didn’t reach his eyes. The other guards tightened their grips on27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeItJ7ALZi
their lances. Vander looked up at the ramparts to see several archers with27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQoY5847cP
their bows raised, an arrow pressed to the string, but not pulled back. It was27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOU4itqsHAt
a warning.
“Do you normally give Blades such a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt2tIxseFs
warm welcome, Captain?” Vander asked. He kept his hands on the cantle, but27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfoEWXFLgB
Shea’s hackled were raised at the danger they currently found themselves in.
“No, but most of them aren’t27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7EC2F6H0J
inflicted with your brand of sickness.” He grinned. “Think of it as a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98AI35Hg6G
precaution for our safety and the safety of all of our guests.”
“That’s kind of you.” Vander resisted27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHft5OthDQa
their urge to roll his eyes. “But if your theatrics are done, we need to be on27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2opNUggib
our way.”
“Certainly.” He stepped aside. “We27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yqwIKypFM
can’t keep the Blades waiting, now can we?” Vander eyed the man, but once he27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy7UuIP751
was certain that he wouldn’t try and stop them, he gave the signal for them to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOi50lKCM6
continue forward. The guards protecting the gate stepped aside, but each of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ANkDf0e1g
them had the look of a killer just waiting for their chance to strike. Shea27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSSqd4Gzhf
snarled at them causing one to recoil which brought a small smile to his face. Once27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlPH0xK6yw
they were clear, the guards started issuing orders to the villagers again.
Alex let out a loud sigh of relief.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiUx8EBpd6
“I almost thought they were going to keep us from entering.” He rubbed the back27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkCleWCWMK
of his head. “What is the council thinking letting them get away with open27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kZz0m7maP
hostility towards us?”
“Towards me.” Vander corrected. “It’s27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQW087QTNh
part of the reason I left the city in the first place. The Generals rumors are27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCTwhgJGeU
quite nasty, and I didn’t want them to be a part of it.”
“After what he pulled, he should be27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9dzdJ0y9A
the one in trouble, not you.”
“He had every right to do what he27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcUCFNpekY
did.” Vander sighed. “Bree’s his daughter. Now, I don’t want to talk about this27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL8x5JoOtq
any longer. Let’s get a move on.”
The eastern gate spit them out right27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNMCJcqihN
into the heart of the market district in the first ring. It was busy here; a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj30AbjEF3
sea of people blocked the roads as they stopped to look at the stalls tucked to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5DE2oDcK1
the side of the roads or entered buildings to do some shopping on the inside.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjhuGs1jUa
City guards patrolled the streets in groups of four, appearing regal and27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8XU02SDZl
helping those who needed it.
Being here always overwhelmed Shea.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82klkK9HFv
She jumped up into the back of the cart and hid underneath the blankets and27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92mvHAms1V
bags they had brought with them. They maneuvered through the crowds with27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi1VpwMcjT
relative ease. People didn’t really look past the horses and drawn cart, but on27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvReU2ymm9A
the off chance they did, they just saw the uniform of a Blade and promptly27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iYRqQpHKx
moved aside. It was one of the perks of wearing the uniform.
They made their way towards the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgxyOaE9wq
middle ring which was protected by another gate. These walls were also manned27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCWZwMYCH9
by soldiers, but this was a special assignment only given to those who either27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZLP6fVGPC
have favors with the nobles or are children of noble families. As such they27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KMAhZXmsN
have a certain air of arrogance in them and many true soldiers think they don’t27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZAzhmiJgr
belong in their ranks, but it’s hard to do anything about it. Today the gates27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNNAqafTuU
were closed, and the soldiers were leaning up against them, inside, smoking a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhbGR3xQU4
sig and chatting. The small group stood there waiting for any acknowledgement,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1zHKZHbHH
but they were ignored while the others chatted.
“Excuse me.” Vander said after a few27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M0DWIKBz9
minutes. “Why are you standing around? Open the gate and let us pass.” One27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHEoPbY5UQ
soldier looked at him for a moment before going back to what he was doing.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnefU87GVqC
Vander gripped the reins tightly, but Alex, sensing his friend’s irritation,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZKYOEumqj
took matters into his own hands. He got off the horse and strode up towards the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8yBQn3dkc
gate.
“Is there a problem here?” Alex27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTJVK2TjPM
asked. “We have a meeting with the Commander, so finish whatever this is and27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoQ88vN5Pq
let us in.”
“We don’t take orders from you dog.”27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡso6YckfV4a
One of the guards laughed. He flicked the ashes from his smoke towards Alex,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzV3si0rHw
but it just disappeared on the wind. “Now fuck off and let us finish our27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tcxp3nTt3
break.”
“I think not.” Alex grabbed the man’s27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO5iGw1ceD
hand through the portcullis and crushed the sig along with a couple fingers.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgPEBJYTPr
The man screamed, falling to his knees. “Your job is to open the gate, close27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKC7PnSV9y
the gate, and protect the gate, none of which you are doing now. Open it, while27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LblC8ke9g
I’m still asking nicely.” The others went for their swords, but a voice boomed27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJHX28vha0
from the walls above them:
“What are you doing?” Vander looked27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xGQmdh0rj
up, squinting as the sun blinded him.
“I’m not sure who is talking, but I27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEZsuoirF5
am Vander Captain of the Blades, and the guards down here are keeping us from27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncm4CeriLD
entering the third ring.” He replied.
“Any proof you are who you say you27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43YDB5a5aT
are?” the voice asked.
“Is the white hair not enough?” The27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEVV3DoZkL
man was silent. Sighing, Vander looked back at the cart. “Shea, if you’d27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOQsfhOc8Y
please.”
“Certainly.” The she-wolf popped her head up from27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUxb4DRAwD
under the bags and stared at the voice.
“Good enough?” Vander asked.
“Good enough.” The man sighed. “You27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85igNUoyD5
lot, open the gate this moment and let them through.” They scrambled to do as27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzow1co86U
their leader ordered, the man Alex crushed was released. He whimpered staring27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghGL1A8tXy
at his mangled hand as she shuffled away. Two of them got on each side where27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPhrKE89t4
the wheels to open the gate were and began cranking. Slowly and surely the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ukc8g5F26
portcullis began to rise.
As Vander issued the orders for them27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgrtiNccUM
to continue, the man who talked to them was walking down the stairs. He was a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX6F2bhgSB
young man, platinum blonde hair with gray eyes. That combination made him a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQEaqbOl7b
Jilena, the look was native only to their family.
“You might want to make sure they are27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacHH439sVa
doing their job properly.” Vander stopped to chat with the younger man. Looking27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOlTTqly4l
back over his shoulder Vander saw that the guards were standing at attention27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIwSdsiPaV
with their spears raised, except for the one who angered Alex. “They were27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbuegNvONW
goofing off near the entrance and wouldn’t let us through.”
“Apologies.” The young Captain bowed27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUJr6WTjvx
his head. “My name is Jeffery Jilena, and I oversee this gate. Please allow me27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQu8h7QIoA
to deal with my men and their lack of awareness.”
“Are you new to this post, Captain?”27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8JViYggaE
Vander saw the bars adorning the young man’s shoulder. A kid these young27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqlLmFBzGO
shouldn’t oversee the castle’s defenses, but his mother must have pulled some27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZK1yxGeJi
strings.
“Only started a few months ago.”27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XKMPqVXwJ
Jeffery blushed. “I’m learning fairly quickly.”
“If we hadn’t come by, would you have27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr4CNu7U9H
done anything about these soldiers standing here slacking off?” Jeffery opened27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttHwrYGUaI
his mouth, but thought better than to lie, then shook his head.
“It’s important for a commanding27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mtPFhCMAl
officer to instill discipline on top of being well liked by everyone.” Vander27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiq0gzXOgMQ
explained. “They must learn that you can be kind yet strict to enforce the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeAjr4hQ5I
rules.”
“I understand.” Jeffery sighed. “I27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlVBeKhgo9
promise I will do better.”
“Write them up, dock them half days27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMLva9yR4h
pay.” Vander said. “Then take them out for a drink after. Do what needs to be27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtraBfcurV
done, just don’t be a dick after. If it happens again, make it full day’s pay,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM16GiLaNSr
and send them to the horse stalls to give the servants a rest.”
“I will keep your advice in mind.”27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfz6AyqeSK
Jeffery bowed again. “I’ll see you again soon.”
The small group rode up the path to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazVtKZL2dB
the castle until they reached a fork in the road. The road went straight27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49HpUuVMe7
towards the King’s home while the left path went towards the Blades compound27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDbUI7frHX
where all the recruits and many others stayed. It was more cost-effective than27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJRqbn7Rri
having a house in the city and they were closer to the castle in case they were27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX7Ab8j74P
needed.
However, there were plenty who had27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HJx7AbD7e
their own homes and families. Unless there was a big event happening, they were27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJALYEiopwI
all on a rotating schedule so they could spend time with their loved ones.
“Alex takes them to the compound and27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHxor40Agr
show them their rooms.” Vander ordered. “I will go up to the castle and see why27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0BFxF5zoP
the Commander has asked for us.”
“Should we unpack?” Alex asked. “Or27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyKGjCMblq
are we going to be headed back out to the forest?”
“Provided he has nothing for us,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUezGjvi9m
training will proceed as normal.” There was a collective groan coming from the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4WIbGhFff
recruits. “Give them the rest of today off and make sure they are given the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Drtf5sYfs
meal I promised them.” He reached into his pocket to remove a small bag of gold27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRk2AIHaOt
which he tossed to his friends. “Just don’t drink too much or you will regret27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQc1o47C4s
it tomorrow.” He warned.
“I thought they could only get a meal27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVftY0uxN2
on you if you lost.” Alex grinned. “Did I miss something, or did you get your27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCCPN2JTCb
ass kicked?”
“I was going to give it to them as27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmIEio0TcY
long as they tried their best.” He explained. “They deserve it.”
“Yes!” Rooster thrust his fist into27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ9m3NBpeX
the air. “I’m going to get smashed tonight and maybe find a girl to soothe me.”
“They only one soothing you will be27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcL5YQASTL
your hand.” Eve laughed. “Come on, last one changed has to do a hundred27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeZA5UjhsE
pushups.” Before waiting for anyone to challenge it, she jumped off the cart27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTkgLOY3YU
and raced down the road.
“Shit!” The others scrambled to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaSlM0OiV7
follow suit leaving a very confused Shea and an empty horse drawn cart.
“I changed my mind.” Vander rolled27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyh3Rii5srj
his eyes. “Make them brush the horses down then bring them for food and drinks.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj40DL6Xju
Meet at my place in a few hours.”
“Understood.” Alex clicked his tongue27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrje6qywpT
and trotted down the road with the horses pulling the cart following behind27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuXVnQj86X
him. Shea jumped down and went to stand by Vander’s. Without a word, his horse27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrk1qD72Zr
started walking down the road that would take them towards the keep.
Even though there was only a King and27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CKPyV1Ufj
the prince living in the castle, there were dozens of servants hired to make27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55fzZ4EaV3
sure everything was pristine and immaculately taken care of. There were a few27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMPMLjDBw0
who were tending to the bushes in the garden pulling out weeds and watering the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2og5wnxBG
flowers. Despite the heat, they were all dressed in black and white the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNhHf4Uns8
standard dress for people in their positions. Despite the work, the King made27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlEJ78WDNc
sure everyone was taken care of and wanted for nothing. He was also very27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDshMm5Kqb8
graceful for giving them time off to spend with their families.
As he reached the white steps leading27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2idG2B6gPp
inside, there were two Blades standing alongside the King’s advisor, Peyton27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyZ1NvJai8
Cranton, and the man in charge of managing the estate for the King: Bernard.
Peyton was about twenty years older27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUSWBoyTKq
than Vander. His family had served many generations of Kings, and it was27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIt4YEXr12
expected that his own son would follow in his father’s footsteps. He had light27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpZMVKuivO
brown hair that was growing white along the sides, green eyes, and a goatee on27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN74kzUaYTk
his face. He wore small wire rimmed glasses and walked with an air of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhN2pergx5
well-earned authority. He wore a red robe with a black furred collar. There was27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZm7HUbsup
the King’s seal pinned to his chest marking his status.
Bernard was a different story. He27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTvdcrPzIl
rose to his position because he was very good at his job, though he would soon27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOlJvHA2wd
be training a successor. He was pushing seventy and almost ready to retire. He27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtGXCOshWH
had long white hair which was tied back into a ponytail with kind gray eyes. He27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU1VBnFw3G
wore a black suit with a red stripe going down the front which marked his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML1CCOEsAN
status. He was well respected around the castle, more so than even the Blades27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRBtujVNW9
Commander.
“Welcome back, Vander.” Peyton’s face27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C3yxl7jtE
was serious which wasn’t like the older man.
Vander dismounted and handed the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsBQ85HTEL
reins over to Bernard who took it with a slight bow of the head.
“I didn’t expect both of you to come27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCw2j7NnmY
and greet me.” Vander shook Peyton and Bernard’s hand. “What’s the occasions?”
“It’s best we wait for the Commander27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ztQiwpxSp
to tell you.” Peyton stepped to the side and motioned for Vander to go ahead of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqh3SMMLqx
him. “Shea is welcome to come too.” That startled Vander. Typically, the wolf27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinrCqK1qWi
wasn’t allowed anywhere near the castle. She was always forced to wait outside.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTOzmkQfoQ
Something bad must have happened for them to allow her in.
Vander was brought into the castle.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZpvJNh9gs
As he walked behind Peyton, the servants stopped what they were doing to bow27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZUO4zHu2k
before resuming their duties. They were cleaning the carpets and beating the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGqRrIH5Vp
curtains to remove all the dust and debris. There were many carrying various27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8oPD5SteJ
pieces of furniture up and down stairs. They must be getting ready for the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxe8gbocMC1
prince’s return with his soon-to-be bride.
They walked past a hallway that held27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYkCzrYbjO
all the portraits of all the King’s from previous generations, all the way back27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk9fpKqYRO
to the mad-king, Evan, the one who almost caused a civil war before he was27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AsRUzorma
murdered by his own General. The General’s son would later become the first27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI5B9cJoGD
Blade Commander.
“I expect your grandfather didn’t say27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeo42V5Wa1
anything in his letter.” Peyton asked once they got to the third floor where27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7fIyG46iF
Blade Commander carried out his duties.
“No, he didn’t.” Vander said. “He27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF4yd8xZ7V
just told me to get back here as quickly as possible.”
“It’s probably for the best.” Peyton27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnsp8EQdU6
sighed. “There is a chance our enemies could have intercepted the letter, and27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2by3fPiBR
everything would be for naught.”
“Enemies?” Vander stopped in his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU97rB5BMWs
tracks. “I thought we were at peace?”
“Peace never lasts Vander, not when27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43SFhXktix
there are people who want power and will stop at nothing to achieve it.” They27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60ZUV3UmXP
paused in front of a massive ornate door. “I will leave you here for now. You27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfxIjm0aPq
grandfather will explain everything.” He clapped Vander’s back. “It’s good to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uTYvjIf8w
have your here.” He gave a soft squeeze before turning around and heading back27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxziwIMrlE
down the hall.
Vander reached out to open the door,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkt5PTQVP2
but his hand began to shake as soon as he touched the doorknob. He closed his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Sne3qF8OI
eyes then took a deep breath. Shea brushed up against his leg giving him the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKmwzMKDIT
strength he needed to knock.
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“Enter.” A loud voice boomed. Vander27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE0VonkqxY
gripped the doorknob, twisted, and pushed. Then he stepped inside.
