Uncovered

Chapter Twenty - Loky

Loky and his four new recruit acquaintances made it to the dining hall. Carnell asked a young servant girl in the hall for directions. For someone with a receding hairline most likely in their forties, his grin was probably too wide as he thanked the girl. And then continued to watch her walk away. Loky's body made a little shiver.

As they entered, Loky didn't know where to look first. The room was full of large tables with bench style seating, most of which were all occupied by other guards. The two surrounding walls were adorned with floor to ceiling windows which would brighten this whole room during the day. Wood panelling latticework went all the way around the walls and big chandeliers dropped from the ceiling lit by candles. There was no doubt this place was full of riches and built from expensive and high quality material.

The kitchen was down the other end of the room, so judging by a quick glance of what all the other Guards were doing, it looked like a buffet was set up down there and it was a serve-it-yourself, first in best dressed style. It was likely they'd missed out on the good stuff, but when Loky's tummy grumbled too loudly he was sure everyone heard, he took it upon himself to lead them to the food. Limping on his injured leg, someone patted his back.

Turning, Loky saw Eldon standing before him. He was a dark skinned boy and Loky guessed he looked to be a similar age. They were of similar height and build. Eldon had kind, dark eyes that matched his soft, round face. The short tight curls on top his head weren't very far from being an afro if he let it grow out longer. During every test today, Eldon wasn't that far away from Loky, however they didn't speak many words to each other the whole time. But his presence was somehow always comforting.

"You should see the nurses." he said with sincere eyes.

Loky knew he should too but a belly of food is what he really wants most right now. He'll see them after. Loky told him as much and Eldon nodded, following closely behind. Garrick, Waylon and Carnell quiet and observing from the rear.

The room was full of booming voices talking over each other, conversations happening everywhere you looked. Laughter and back slapping. Metal cutlery clanking and wooden flasks banging against the wooden tables. Some tables were quieter than others. Loky preferred that. Although he'd been a party boy in the past, attending countless pubs and diners at which he drank his confidence levels higher. Women were always attracted to him, it was never hard to get one in bed. Deep down he was just a quiet, old soul. Who preferred time alone, training or in combat.

The closer to the food they got the more Loky could smell what was on offer tonight and less of the testosterone that filled the air. Definitely a beef dish of some sort. It smelt warm and spicy which was just what his empty belly needed after the damn long and hard day he's had. They'd all had. Loky wondered what each one of his new acquaintances hoped to gain out of being here and winning the trials. Was it just for the money? The pride? Did they have families?

Loky felt eyes on them then. And as they reached the serving bay, the room silenced. From what Finn said, new recruits only get chosen once a year so he supposed that when that happened, the new guys would be scrutinised. But this was a solid unit here wasn't it? They all worked for the same man, doing the same thing? Loky didn't know of how rankings worked in guard houses like this. Loky reached out for a plate but before his hand could grab on, a big, burly man from one of the noisy tables stood up and everyone looked his way.

Bald with a sharp nose and a long beard tied in a small plait. It didn't suit how large he was, but what was Loky doing judging others by their physical appearances.

"Aw, look everyone, the newbies are here!" then unexpectedly, the room roared with laughter. What was so funny?

"What the fuck?" Garrick said to them, pushing his shaggy blonde hair out of his eyes.