Dras woke up to the morning sun seeping through the thin curtains of the dormitory. The golden light bathed the room in a warm glow, illuminating the eight other bunks where his fellow cadets were beginning to stir. The familiar sounds of the barracks -- the rustling of sheets, the soft padding of feet, the low murmur of sleepy voices -- were slowly replaced by the lively hum of the city waking up to a new day.
He had barely closed his eyes, it seemed, when there was a sharp rap on the door. Roused from his thoughts, he called out, "Come in."
The door creaked open to reveal a young man clad in royal livery, his posture straight and his expression serious. He held an official-looking scroll sealed with the Imperial crest -- a golden eagle in flight.
"I come bearing a message from the Emperor," the messenger announced, his voice echoing in the large room. He unrolled the scroll and began to read aloud, "Dras, you are hereby summoned to an audience with His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aurelius. You are to present yourself at the palace by midday."
A ripple of surprise swept through the room as the other cadets turned to look at Dras. An audience with the Emperor? So soon? He had barely settled into the life of a cadet and now he was being summoned by the Emperor himself.
The messenger continued, his voice carrying a hint of insistence, "While the Emperor does not require specific attire, it would be advisable to present yourself in a manner befitting the audience."
Dras nodded, a flurry of questions buzzing in his mind. "I understand. Thank you for the message."
With a final nod, the messenger turned on his heel and left, leaving the room buzzing with whispers and wide-eyed stares. As the door closed behind the messenger, Dras found himself staring at the Imperial crest on the scroll. The golden eagle, the symbol of the Empire he was about to serve, seemed to stare back at him.
His heart pounded in his chest as he prepared for the day ahead. He was to meet the Emperor, and he was to look the part. But first, he needed to find suitable attire, and for that, he needed to venture into the heart of Barso - the marketplace. The thought of navigating the bustling market was daunting, but it was a challenge he was ready to face. After all, he was not just a simple village boy anymore; he was Dras, a future Legionnaire.
Dras found himself standing at the entrance of the bustling marketplace. The sight was overwhelming, a sensory overload of colors, sounds, and smells. Stalls laden with vibrant spices, textiles of every hue, intricately crafted jewelry, and all manner of wares stretched as far as the eye could see. The air was filled with a medley of sounds – vendors calling out their goods, the clink of coins, the laughter and chatter of people, the cries of children darting through the crowd. The atmosphere was charged with a kind of energy Dras had never experienced before.
As he began to navigate through the market, a young woman seemingly appeared out of nowhere. She moved with an uncanny grace, sidestepping an upset basket of apples with a dancer's poise. Her eyes were bright, her steps unhurried despite the chaos around her.
An older man trailed behind her, a silent shadow in her wake. The man was hardly noticeable, yet his presence seemed oddly significant, a mystery Dras could not quite put his finger on.
As he approached her, she turned to face him. Her lips curled into a warm smile, and she extended a hand. "Hello, I noticed you seemed a bit lost. My name's Elara," she introduced herself, her voice melodic and welcoming over the hubbub of the market.
Relieved, Dras shook her hand. "I'm Dras. I'm actually looking for a tailor. Would you know where I can find one?" he asked, a hopeful note in his voice.
Elara's eyes brightened. "Of course! There's an excellent one right around the corner. Come, I'll show you," she offered, already leading the way.
They weaved through the throngs of people, around the vibrant stalls and past the lively chatter of the vendors. Soon, they arrived at a quieter corner of the marketplace, away from the main hustle and bustle. Nestled between a cobbler's stall and a bakery was a small shop, its wooden sign declaring it as 'Barso's Best Tailor.'
YOU ARE READING
Chronicles of Dras
Viễn tưởng**New Chapters every Wednesday and Saturday at 1pm GMT+0** Meet Dras, a young hunter living a simple life in a small village. His world is shattered when he returns from a hunt to find his village in ruins, his family gone, and a legacy he never kne...
