The Land of the Lost

Chapter 2 - Louis

The dusty, but busy streets of Kilon, the capital city of Oryn, stretched before me, a stark contrast to the promises of wealth and opportunity that had lured so many to its gates. The city was a labyrinth of narrow alleys and crowded marketplaces, where vendors shouted their wares and children played among the cobblestones, their laughter a brief respite from the relentless grind of survival.

I was born into the collapsing Kingdom of Pelonia, a land torn apart by a bloody civil war. My family's move to Oryn was fueled by the loss of my father and the desperate hope of a better life. Yet that dream remains a distant reality, one that slips further away with each passing day.

As I trudged through the narrow walls of our cramped two-bedroom flat, the weight of responsibility felt especially heavy. With my father's passing, I had become the man of the house, tasked with providing for my younger sister, Eliana, and my mother. Every day was a battle, juggling multiple jobs to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads, as my mother's job at a factory was not enough.

"Eliana?" I called into our dimly lit home. The lack of candles had been becoming more of an issue as the days grew shorter and darkness fell earlier. I placed the small amount of mail I collected from the post office on a rickety chair by the door.

Eliana appeared from the dining room, a bright smile forming on her face. She quickly rushed over to the mail and started sifting through what little we had. At fourteen, she still retained an innocence that I fiercely protected. Her brown hair was tied back in a loose braid, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity and hope.

"Any news?" I asked, watching her hopeful expression as she eagerly sorted through the envelopes.

Her fingers skipped across the papers until they found a worn magazine, its glossy pages offering an escape into the world of the Royal Family. Eliana had always been fascinated by the monarchy, particularly Princess Odette, the future queen. Her fascination was slightly humorous to me but also concerning, as I knew I would never be able to give her a life like that.

"Oh, look, Louis!" she exclaimed, holding up the magazine. "There's a new article about Princess Odette. Did you know she's planning to visit the orphanages next week? She's so kind."

I smiled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "That's nice, Eliana. Maybe one day you'll get to meet her."

Eliana giggled, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Do you really think so?"

I nodded, though inwardly, I doubted it. The Royal Family lived in a world far removed from ours, their lives filled with luxury and privilege while we struggled to make ends meet. As Eliana continued to read through the pages, lost in the world of the Royal Family, my thoughts drifted towards the people who ruled over Oryn. Though I wished no ill will towards them, their extravagant displays of wealth served as a constant reminder of the gap between the classes.

I dug through what little mail we had and found a small, pristine envelope among the pile. Its perfection practically shone through our musty flat. The Royal Family crest was printed on the front, indicating it was from the castle itself. With slightly shaky hands, I carefully tore it open, not wanting to ruin its perfectness and also not to worry Eliana.

"Dear Louis Hillock," the letter began, "The Oryn Royal Army is accepting draft applications for our military." My heart quickened at the thought. This could be the way to lift my family from hardship.

Taking a deep breath, I read the requirements laid out before me. "You must be at least 18 years old and have at least one year of sword fighting or archery experience." Perfect, I thought to myself. I had just turned 18 about four months ago, and before my father passed, while we still lived in Pelonia, he had taught me how to sword fight.