It's been two days since Sadoli and I left Vasulk. Two days of endless road and sand and rubble. It's incredible how well you get to know somebody when you're alone together 24/7. And I'm not talking about the superficial stuff like his favorite color or food. I'm talking about the small reactions he has to certain things like his preference of day overnight and how he reacts to monsters jumping out at you. Which, for the record, is very well.
It's hard to believe that not even 48 hours ago we were nothing more than strangers. Now here we are about to pull into the enemy camp and I honestly wouldn't want to be with anyone else.
It's been a long trip, but comfortable since we were driving and not riding some animal. We drove in silence most of the way. But that's okay. It's safer this way. Were he to open up about his past, he might expect me to do the same, and If I were to ever tell him of my past, he'd know what I am. I can't let that happen. Plus, it provided me with ample opportunity to finalize my plan. I have simplified it to a 4 step plan.
1. Become a Ravn soldier.
2. Rise in rank, quickly.
3. Get inside the Lions Palace.
4. Kill the Keo.
"Hey, you awake?" Sidoli asks from the driver's seat. I shift my body out of the curled fetal position I'd pretended to sleep in, sitting forwards in the worn fabric of the passenger seat.
"Yeah, I have been for a while now." I brush my copper-toned hand through my black hair. The sun is not quite overhead, but definitely approaching. "What time is it?
"About half-past ten. Wait, If you were awake then why didn't you say anything?" He asks. I turn my head to look at him, taking note of the crackled texture of his skin and the unique shape of his feet. He's got a strong, prominent nose and eyebrows. Making his features appear almost like they've been carved out of marble. Turning my head back to the passenger side window I shrug nonchalantly.
"Sorry, lost in thought I guess."
"Nervous about the trial?" I can feel his gaze burning into my back. He must be worried. I smile, reminded once more of what it was like to have a protective older brother.
"No." The trial is the least of my concerns right now. I'm more worried about keeping my identity hidden.
"Good, wouldn't want ya bailin on me last minute. We should be arriving at the camp in the next hour." Nodding in reply, I'm relinquished to the dark depths of my mind once more as a comfortable silence settles over the two of us.
Today is the 12th of February. Today the week-long trial begins. My heart thunders as anxiety rushes through me. What if I get caught? What if they figure out I'm not who I claim to be? UGHHH! STOP IT! Calm down, there's no point in pondering the 'what ifs', just relax.
We arrive in Charsper by 11:34, and I must say, I'm not impressed. On either side before us, a small little makeshift town built out of large gray toned tents the size of multi-story houses line pathways. People bustle about busily as they hustle to get from one place to another quickly and efficiently...and shirtless. Like a lot of skin be showing...everywhere. Up ahead is a crowd of, from what I can see, young men. They seem to be chattering away about something unbeknownst to me.
"What do you think they're talking about?" I ask, looking over and up at Sadoli who stands to my left, towering over my short frame. He merely shrugs and continues to observe the scene before us. I look down at my wrist, swiping up over the thin wire bracelet I picked up at an energy charging station on the way here, a digital clock appearing on my skin. It's 11:57. We made it. Barley, but still, it counts. Right?
YOU ARE READING
Alfinians Rise
Fantasía***Warning, explicit content such as sexual assault, torture, and gore that may be unsuitable for readers**** In an world corrupted by the patriarchy, and hunted by soldiers called Ravns at every corner, a single soul pushes for change. But change i...
