Alliances

Chapter 1

Raven~

"Any day now Raven!" I jumped, startled at the voice. A merchant, Gwen I think her name was, glared at me.
"Oh, right sorry." I murmured quickly walking after the merchants, they had promised me to help get to the city where they were gonna trade. It was slightly awkward traveling with them, all they talked about is politics. I don't find it interesting, so that was the time I took to learn about the city. It was all so interesting! The king, the castle, and my favorite part, The WolfGuard. I listened to the merchants babble, something about trade routes becoming hard to navigate in increasing rains.
   I pulled out a book that a merchant had given me and opened up to where i left off. The WolfGuard, I knew a whole bunch about them, they started around 19 years ago when I was one, they are commanded by General Lance, who was said to have lost an eye in a great battle! I couldn't wait to hear more stories about them!
  "Get your head out of the book girl. It's best you pay attention." Someone said from ahead of me. I knew they were talking to me, besides Gwen I'm the only other girl here, gets pretty lonely actually.
"You might actually learn something." Another scoffed taking a sip of water. A few chuckled. I glared at the one who said something,
"First off my name is Raven. Secondly, I don't need to listen you are not my parents." I replied, my tone cold. These people only glared back. Even Gwen was casting me cold looks. I sighed and looked ahead where a blob became visible, the city! I couldn't wait!

It seemed like forever before we finally reached the edge of the city, I stared up in awe. Even from here the castle was massive! Nothing I've seen comes close to the size of the stone building. I walked faster waiting for the slow merchants to catch up. Finally we were at the gate, guards waited for us. "Good day!" He called, the guard gestured to someone else and the heavy wooden doors began to open. I ran in as soon as the doors were fully opened, I was met with a bustling city. People roamed the streets, trading, buying, selling. It was like everything I have ever heard and imagined!
   "It's not as exciting as it looks." One of the merchants huffed brushing past me. I sighed, he has been here multiple times!
  "Mhmm" I replied brushing him off, I left them behind and headed deeper into the heart of the city. It only seemed like it was getting thinned out, more trees and plants replaced people. I didn't mind that, spring was in the air. I heard something nearby, growling? I followed the sound hardly realizing how close I was to the castle. I rounded a corner looked to see a large dark brown wolf stalking around another. The WolfGuard! I could hardly believe it. I watched in awe as the wolves circled then leapt for each other, they met in the air and thudded to the ground. I cringed back as they fought, were they training? It was something actually happening?
  "Hey that's enough!" A gravely voice barked out, I turned to look at the owner of the voice and saw a tall man he was built like a bull, it was almost inhumane looking. He had white hair and a large scar wrapping around his face. He stalked toward the two fighters and lifted one off the other like they were small dogs. He turned and I sucked in a deep breath. A ugly looking scar stretched across his left eye, which was closed. It's was General Lance! I was seeing the commander of the WolfGuard! It was almost a dream come true.
   "Sorry Lance." The dark brown wolf said backing off his lighter brown opponent.
   "This is training, not war!" Lance snarled, as the men began to change. It was quite strange how they changed, it was like they just snapped back together and stood up as people. I cringed at the sight and looked away, the sound of heavy boots walking reached my ears and I looked back at the scene. The men were normal and walking away.
  I turned to leave when something grabbed my arm, I yelped in surprise and turned to stare right into the hard eye of General Lance. "Who are you? What are you doing?" He demanded his grip on my arm was beginning to hurt.
   "I'm sorry sir I was just curious!" I stammered, Lance's gaze softened a little.
   "First time in the city?" He asked, I nodded in reply. This pleased him and he let me go. "Just don't go causing trouble." He warned turning to walk away, i stared after him and found myself following.
  "Uhm, excuse me sir!" I called after him. Lance turned his good eye looking me up and down. "Well like I said it's my first time in the city. Is there anywhere where I can stay and possibly find a job?" I asked curiously, it seemed like he was the best one to ask. Lance's eye narrowed, he thought for a moment.
  "Actually, we're always looking for people to serve as maids in the castle. Seem like something you could do?" He asked
I nodded earnestly. Lance waved a hand and walked away, "come." He said, I followed quickly. It seemed like yesterday that I was only dreaming about meeting a member of the WolfGuard. I could hardly contain my excitement. Lance walked up a short staircase and opened a smaller door, I walked in behind him.
   Inside it was beautiful. Pillars of swirling marble adorned the massive hallway, I tried to take it all in at once it seemed impossible. Lance said something, I didn't hear.
   "Did you hear me?" Lance asked, turning to face me. I stumbled over my own feet to stop myself from knocking into him.
  "I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention." I admitted, Lance frowned.
  "Like the honesty." He said turning around again. He reached for another door and opened it, I followed him in. I took in the vast room, it had a grand table in the center. My gaze traveled to the far wall, there was the throne. I gasped, upon the throne sat the king himself,
King Rowan.

(Let me know what you think!)