Shadow Bands

XXVI. Perihelion

 Winds dagger'd through clothing, its chill nipping at revealed skin. The clouds grayed as they rolled over the Montenyu Mountain Range. Its suspension of some form of liquid particles found the weather cold enough to snow. All the fields on the horizon whitened, and it rolled ever so slowly towards the Kingdom of Kogeer.

Despite the cold weather, the people of Kogeer were more alive than ever, though bundled up to the edge of their comfortability. The streets bustled with life and lights lined with braziers for heating stations. Street vendors flourished in this spirit of the kingdom. The Winter Solstice has arrived, good for businesses to thrive—even the small ones. But being merry was the best part of the festivities, as it was the time of giving.

Lyra and Kaelen walked through the streets, both of them wearing their armor. Children ran up to them but made off as soon as they got close enough. Lyra had no choice but to chuckle and admire their youthful ignorance.

Kogeer's streets teemed with diverse people. The citizens of Agruvia walked amongst them. They were a peculiar race; however, they were more human than their other animal counterparts. Their skin was bluish-grey, due mainly to argyrosis—living in silver-filled mountains has its side effects. Pair that with the legs and horns of a goat, and you get an Agruvian citizen.

The concentration of the crowd happened in one place, the arena. The circular colosseum connected the second and third ring, giving access to both halves of the kingdom. Many pillars supported the structure, riddling the outside with arches and entries. Then inside, artisans chiseled blocky stones into benches for people.

Food vendors set up shop just outside. The bustling marketplace just beyond the Arena gates was an almost exclusively edible affair. Rare indeed was the sight of anything other than fresh produce, cured meats, fragrant spices, and sweet pastries amidst the throng of vendors and eager customers. Kogeer knights patrolled the outside and inside heavily, keeping mischief at bay. The arena was always this lively during the Solstice Festivals.

The duo made their way through the crowd, weaving until a small clearing came to them. But other knights stopped them before they could proceed to their destination.

"What business do you have here?" The guard asked ignorantly.

"I'm Lyra Algernon, and this is Kaelen. We're here to see Joanne Melmarc." The guard raised a brow while scanning the two of them. "We can come back later, but when she starts asking where I am. . ." her eyebrow raised, insinuating he knew where she was going with this conversation.

The guard developed a cold sweat, perceiving the outcome if he were to turn Lyra away. With great reluctance, he stepped aside. Lyra smiled at him and walked past, and Kaelen didn't even acknowledge the man.

Passing through revealed a covered balcony commanding a splendid view of the ring. Joanne was sitting on a distinguished chair surrounded by knights who attended the academy. She saw Helen sitting next to her, conversing in the event that was taking place today—the event of Power—where the alliances chose their greatest warrior in their schools to compete in a could-be-deadly match to see whose warriors are stronger.

Lyra, at first, saw this event to be barbaric and repulsive when it started nine years ago. However, now that she's trying to become a knight, it's become a necessary stepping stone towards her end goal.

"Lyra," called Joanne. Her ice-blue eyes seemed to be colder than the air as they glanced at her. "Your turn has yet to come. However," she got up from her seat and walked towards the railing overlooking the arena. She planted her sheathed sword between her feet and rested her hands on the pommel. "You will be the one to spearhead this kingdom to its victory."

A sudden fire burst in Lyra's chest. Joanne's words resonated within her. Perhaps this was her prowess, a natural-born leader. Lyra has never seen her fight, but there had to be a reason she was in her type of position.