Empire of Kingdoms Awakening

Chapter 15

People poured in through the gates. Many tried to go through the archway to gain access to the councilman chambers, but Cole wouldn't let them pass. His face was solid as he examined everyone as they entered. An unrecognizable man stood beside him as he whispered into his left ear.

Quickly becoming crowded, everyone backed up into the surrounding walls. Those who have gotten close chatted as they tried to find what the meeting was in regards to.

Rats, rabbits, and squirrels ran the grounds and walls of the building. Those who were not distracted by the creatures noticed the racks of weapons spread throughout the yard. Light reflected off of the blades as the sun rays hit them. Next to each stand was a person dressed as the man near Cole.

They were the trainers of Highdrift, known throughout the kingdoms as the Elite Draxes. Dressed in eggplant and deep blue, the colors of their home, they seem more glorious. Colors of Casters' most notorious war that caused the splitting of the country. It was also the only war anyone knew anything about.

Cole also sported the colors in honor. "Today..." he paused as everyone turned to his direction. "we will be having one on one meetings for new policies in addition to training." A scuff came from the crowd before a man called out that this was not an emergency. "When the time comes, you, and you alone, are responsible for protecting yourself. If you are unwilling to cooperate, you are more than welcome to leave, but let me be clear you are not welcome to return."

Eyes rested upon him as Cole spoke. He continued on about how all questions will be different for each person, but they serve the same purpose. "I need to ensure everyone understands our new policies we are implementing in detail, and that you all understand the consequences if they are not followed."

A male voice called from the yard, asking what would happen if they break the policies. Cole glanced at the trainer standing beside him. "I can answer any questions you have in your meeting." He did not question him again. "Some people today will be asked to leave, while others ask to leave themselves."

He began to take attendance when he realized Celeste was not present. Everyone was dumbfounded when he inquired if anyone had seen her. Shrugging his shoulders, he proceeded on with the list. Jasper was also missing. There was no time to be wasted. He made sure the letter was clear and precise. They would be held accountable.

"First, I need to meet with Alex and Sabrina." Cole announced. The two were slow to make their way to him as they were unsure why they were being called back together.

Once they were by his side, he went to inform them of the task at hand. When he opened his mouth to speak, Clarice told him to wait. "Where's Samuel?" she questioned him.

He urged Samuel to attend to prevent this, but he persisted where he had to go was more important. "Unfortunately, he had other matters to attend." As he avoided looking at her, he held his voice steady.

"Why are we having a meeting without him? He is our leader." Cole's face heated in frustration. Ignoring her, Cole began to have people partner up by size. The groups each had 3 or 4 people. The trainers divided themselves amongst the group's.

He shouted so that he would be heard by all. "Pick the weapon or weapons that are calling to you!" The members stepped away from their trainers to the racks.

Some grazed their hands against the jagged woods and cold metals. The leather hilts peeled from the swords making it not only uncomfortable to grip but proved in this weather, made them hard to hold from sweat. The axes needed to be held firmly to prevent splitters from the worn handles.

Practice swings of weapons whipped through the air. Swords, axes, staffs, maces. Olivia dropped the weighted hammer onto their foot, causing her to yelp out. It was apparent that she was going for style, not something that fit her needs.