Unity of the Divided

Greetings Council

Nighttime adventures have always been fun. Especially when with good company. The journey from home to unifier is a blur of debates over politics, humbling comments, and some very dirty jokes. One would compare us to Creallian school children when the five of us are together. Tezerra also fell off his horse at one point. Our made-up game of tiger on a horse was short-lived.

"I think I just heard Leonard's roar," calls Tora from the front of the group. We're passing Imalan, it being the closest kingdom to unifier indicates that we'll be arriving soon.

"Don't be ridiculous," Tezerra rolls his eyes, "Leo would rather Crea create a hair in his mouth than leave so last minute." I laugh at the memory of when I did just that, my left eye nearly paid the price, worth it.

Selene snorts, "he probably got to unifier before the sun had even set."

"Speaking of arriving, I'm not confident that we'll get there before dawn." That has them all casting their eyes to the skies I've been eyeing for the past half hour.

"I swear we cut it closer every decade..." Selene murmurs.
"Despite leaving at the same time we usually do," finishes Tora.

"Crea's fault," Tezerra says as if it's matter of fact as he gallops past me, setting the pace for the rest of us.

I scoff, "on what grounds?"

"On grounds of you're slow."

"Weren't you just at the back of the group?" I raise a brow.

"Sorry can't hear you, too busy being fast," he's laughing, "shame you can't relate."

Then we're racing. Against time and each other as the stars start to fade.

I notice Selene's longing gazes she's casting at the final sights of the sea of stars. I know she's thinking of her fellow Astills' from the Kingdom of Astrology, missing them. Sometimes I wonder if she regrets her decision to be my charisma trainer, since it keeps her away from Astrolia for so long.

When my training for the resource divider began eight decades ago Nelio wanted the best, their kingdom was no factor he paid mind to. It pleases me that we have one of the astrologists most powerful helping us rather than them, making them a little less powerful.

Soon enough we're out of the forest and met with the long stretch of an arch bridge before us. I look down at the seemingly endless drop to huge grey waves crashing against the rocks that unifier is built upon. The fall would kill before the rocks had a chance. To this day it confuses me as to why a railing was never built.

"Will you get back from the edge Tezerra!?" I exclaim, but he just grins, inching closer to imminent death.

"I'm two seconds away from pushing you," Tora threatens, her face devoid of emotion.

He knows better than to challenge his sister, hastily backing up and looking at us innocently.

Jolen throws him a look of annoyance, purple eyes narrowing, "move it," he says stonily. He doesn't need to be told twice.

I lead the group across the bridge and into unifier, the twins to my right, Selene and Jolen on my left. All traces of humour are replaced by an air of seriousness, our chins held high and our backs straight as we prepare to meet the council, representatives, and the people.

I let thoughts about why we're here flood my mind, darkening my mood and sucking the light out of my eyes. The weight of doing well is heavy on my shoulders, a pressure I'd never had for the divider until now. All thanks to the little black dagger I have hidden amongst my belongings.