Heir of the Sword

38 | Culpa

Culpa {Guilt} 

A loud horn woke up Arya from her slumber. She quickly scrambled around the tent to find her clothing and sword. Jennica was still sleeping in the cot beside her as Arya walked up to her and began gently shaking her body.

"Wake up," she whispered in urgent tones.

Jennica did not stir.

Arya knew that the air horn would have only sounded if there was an immediate emergency which is why it was crucial that she woke up Jennica as soon as possible. Seeing no other alternative, Arya grabbed a handful of water from the bowl in the corner before spraying it on Jennica.

Jennica yelped as she got up and almost banged her head on the roof of the tent. "What the hell was that for?"

Arya went back to her clothes and began strapping her armour. "The horn has been sounded. I am assuming we are to gather immediately in the middle of the camp."

Jennica got up and began mirroring Arya's movements as she put on a pair of fresh clothes before strapping her armour and sword. Arya waited for her to get ready.

Jennica turned her minty green eyes towards Arya, "Shall we go now?"

Arya nodded and the two of them exited their tent. The camp was in complete chaos. There were knights, healers, students running around everywhere. Some were carry weapons while others looked confused. Arya could not find any other academy students in the madness but she rushed towards the middle of the camp with Jennica hot on her heel.

Jennica and Arya pushed through the throngs of people and at one point, Arya almost got trampled over a knight that was rushing towards one of the larger tents. After a few more minutes they successfully made it to the middle of the camp. There was a large group of people already present and Arya spotted Silvia, Yasmin, Aaron and the others in the corner of the group. She got Jennica's attention and she silently pointed towards them.

Jennica got the message and a few minutes later they had all been reunited.

"What is going on?" Arya shouted over the noise.

Aaron's face looked grim when he spoke, "The Haxovolian Army has been spotted. They are less than two hours away."

Dread filled Arya's stomach. The war was fast approaching and she was not sure if she would be able to handle it. She had never killed a soul before and she knew war did take a toll on whoever participated.

"Everyone can we please have silence." Sir Samuel tried calling over the knights but he didn't succeed.

Many of the knights and students were still speaking with one another in loud voices. That's when Lady Zelie decided to take matters into her own hands. Arya watched in wonder as she stood on top of Sir Samuel and Prince Zander's shoulder before she wolf whistled loudly. That caught the attention of most of the people before Lady Zelie raised her hand and shouted, "Silence!"

Immediately there was pin drop silence in the entire camp. Many people looked frightened to speak when their sovereignty had commanded them not to. Lady Zelie looked like a fierce warrior. Her golden blonde hair was pulled into a crown braid and she was wearing her battle armour. Daggers were tied to her knee while her sword had been strapped to the side.

Sir Samuel and Prince Zander were dressed similarly and they all had a blue ribbon tied to their left arms. Arya could only assume it was there to identify them as the leaders of the army.