𝑮𝑶𝑳𝑫𝑬𝑵 𝑺𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑫

PART 2 CHAPTER 1

Maybe I didn't acknowledge it at first, but I feel pretty badass in this clothing. The stiff rubber boots, the leathers -  none of this even feels real, more close to a fever dream than reality -  even when the 45-minute bell stops booming from above our dang heads.

Finally, I let my canvas bag slide from my back, rolling my shoulders as my back screams with relief - I can't even carry my own pack without breaks, and I'm expected to be a rider.

I see the big groups making their way to the courtyard- which is just inside the main gate to the fortress.
Instructors, commanders, and all sorts of high - end people are gathered informally, waiting for the madness outside the walls to become order within.

  Out of all the doors in the war college, the main gate is the only one no cadet will enter today, since each quadrant has its own entrance and facilities. Hell, even the riders have their own citadel.

Pretentious, egotistical fucks.

Slipping my pack back on, I walk with everyone, crossing through to reach the open gate.
Then, we've left the fortress, and I'm part of the organised chaos.

Each of Navarres' six provinces has sent this year's share of candidates for military service. Some volunteer. Some are sentenced as punishment, but most are conscripted. The only thing we have in common here at Basgiath is that we passed the entrance exam. Yippee. We all know enough stuff to sign up for a suicide mission.

I can almost feel the tense atmosphere as I walk along the worn cobblestone path toward the southern turret. The main college is built into the side of Basgiath mountain, as if it was cleaved from a ridgeline of the peak itself.

The sprawling, formidable structure towers over the anxious, waiting candidates and their tearful families. I can almost bet on the fact that nobody I know has shed a tear.

The majority of the crowd moves to line up at the base of the northern turret- the entrance to the infantry Quadrant. Some of the mass heads towards the gate that was now far behind me- my chest clenches with envy to see the Healers Quadrant. And finally, a few take to the central tunnel to the Archives- the Scribes Quadrant.

The entrance to the Riders Quadrant is nothing more than a fortified door at the base of the tower, just like the infantry entrance to the north. But while the infantry candidates can walk straight to into  their ground - level Quadrant, us rider candidates have to fucking climb.

I join the riders line, waiting to sign in, when suddenly I make the mistake of glancing up. High above us, crossing the river - bottomed valley that divides the main college from the even higher, looming citadel of the riders Quadrant on the southern ridgeline, is the parapet, the stone bridge thats about to  separate rider candidates from the cadets over the next few hours.

it looks way more terrifying than I thought- and I can't even stay upright on a balance beam.

The line moves, and the bell chimes again. It's eight o'clock. Sure enough, the crowds of thousands behind me have separated fully into their chosen quadrants, all lined up to sign the roll and begin their service.

There's only 3 more people in front of me now, the man in line straight before me had spiky light - blonde hair, a prominent nose, and- my eyes shifted down to his wrists. From the start of his left and disappearing up to his tunic, was a rebellion relic. He was a child of a separist.
I felt my heart tear a little bit- he hadn't asked for this life.

" Next. " a voice calls from behind the wooden table that bears the rolls of the Riders Quadrant.

" bel tauri. " I tell the man. He has a weathered face and silvery hair, wearing a cream coloured tunic.

I pick up the quill and sign my name onto the next empty line on the roll.

" Through that tunnel just there. "  He points to the open door into the turret. It looks ominously dark in there, and my heart beats so loud it shakes my ribcage and fills my ears, darkness clouding the edges of my vision in threatening chunks.

I grip the straps of my rucksack and walk through the tunnel.  My eyes quickly adjust to the dim light coming in through the equidistant windows along the curved staircase.

I begin to climb the stairs, right behind the man infront of me.

" I'm going to fucking pass out in a sec. " I say it quietly, mostly for myself.

" Welcome to the club. " the dude said infront of me, looking over his shoulder to show his big, cheeky grin.

" I'm Liam, by the way. Liam Mairi. " He said.

" Bel. " I replied with the same friendly tone. A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth because, hey, I made a friend. Kinda.

" Loving the leathers, they look pretty badass on you. "

" You think? They're from my father. I think he wanted me to look cool before my death. "

He laughed a little.  " Well, he definitely achieved what he was going for. "

I grinned. " Don't feel jealous. You're looking pretty dashing in that tunic yourself. "

This time we laughed together.

Holding onto the stone wall, I made a mental note to appreciate railings more from now on.

" Oh my gosh, how much more steps are there? " I complained

" Like, another hundred and fifty by now, maybe? "

I groaned, and we climb in silence for another 5 minutes.

" Liam, do you think you're gonna die? " I ask suddenly.

" Um, probably. How about you? "

" Oh, obviously. If you wouldn't mind, I will hold your hand across parapet if I feel like I'm about to fall, even though we just met. I feel like I'm gonna shit my pants. "

He turned back and smiled again.  " Sure. "

The top finally comes into sight, the doorway full of muddled light. I look up to see grey storm clouds towering above us.

Liam gave a whistle , " it's gonna storm hard. " 

A black - haired rider snaps his head over, his gaze landing on Liam.
 
The man is fucking massive. And hot, too. He has to at least be over 6 feet.

Liam looks up and exclaims,  " Xaden! "

My brain takes a second to click. Thats Xaden riorson. Fen riorsons son. The rebellions leader.

Xaden smiles back, patting his shoulder like they're long friends.

" Good luck out there, Liam. Don't die. "

Isn't he just so reassuring?

Liam steps onto parapet.  The platform is roughly eighteen inches wide - and 200 feet above ground. Anyone going down is not gonna survive the fall.

The ravine and its river below suddenly feel very far as Liams up there. How many wagons are even waiting down there? 5? 6? I'm praying they wouldn't need more.

I step to the edge, waiting.

I narrow my eyes to see Xaden -  well, to see his chest. I'm too short for this shit.

" you're turn. "  his voice rumbled.

Oh... Shit.