Vendetta

Chapter One

Chapter One

Castell was a sprawling city said, by many, to be the crown of Samdinae. It could be seen from miles around, for its broad, distinctive buildings glittered like diamonds from sunrise to sundown. A nexus of trade and culture; merchants regularly travelled from the mountains of Locratia and the shores of Marei to try their luck in the markets.

Only the best of architects had been permitted to build within the city walls, and there was no building that had been built with such lavish opulence as Castell palace. For if the city was a crown, then the palace – with its golden rooftops and domed turrets – was the jewel. In both magnitude and purpose, it overshadowed the rest of the city. Truly, there could be no other place where the greatest minds met to govern and protect their nation.

 That explained why Adrastia Thana was currently pressing her ear up against the oak doors of the council chambers, eavesdropping on official proceedings. She was a young woman, blessed with a natural beauty and rare intelligence. Although she had lived in Castell palace since she was five years old, Adrastia had never set foot beyond these magnificent doors, and her handmaid was continually - if forcefully - reminding her why.

“My lady, you know women aren’t allowed inside,” Dalina scolded, staring down at the girl on her knees.

Adrastia barely spared her a glance: “I’m not inside, Dalina,” she returned, airily. “Now be quiet - I’m trying to listen.”

She managed to hear little more of the Presider’s speech before Dalina’s voice cut across his argument.

“It’s not your place to listen - now, get off your knees and come with me.” Dalina was becoming increasingly frantic as the meeting drew closer to its conclusion – but Adrastia wanted to stay until the last possible moment.

“Leave me or be quiet,” Adrastia hissed. “I want to hear the end of his argument.”

Dalina sighed; the sound of a woman who had reached the limit of her patience. She reached down and grasped Adrastia’s arm, trying to pull her to her feet.

“You don’t understand,” Adrastia protested, shrugging the woman away. “Today, they will decide whether slavery is a crime or a virtue.”

The words struck Dalina: as the possibility of her own freedom was considered, her grip loosened. Then, knowing she could never be so lucky, she resumed her attempts to move Adrastia.

 “My lady, you are better off in the baths than listening at keyholes,” the maid grouched. “Come along, or you’ll have no time to get ready.”

“They’ve almost finished,” Adrastia pleaded with her. “He’s about to say what has been decided.”

Realising her attempts were futile, Dalina shook her head despairingly, and asked: “What is being said, my lady?”

Again placing her ear to the door, Adrastia heard a few muffled words, but the verdict was drowned out by agreeable cheers and applause. Then, the voice of the Presider cut through all the noise.

“Who’s ready to sample the newest cask of Mareian wine?” There was an excited scraping of chairs; more animated chatter and the sound of footsteps heading towards the door.

The council was over.

“I didn’t hear it,” she said, defeated. Rising to her feet, she directed all her frustration to the maid. “This is why you don’t interrupt me, Dalina. Now I’ll have to wait until they announce it to the court.”

Irritated, she stormed off, charging through the palace corridors, disappearing out of sight in seconds. Dalina wasn’t quick enough: the doors opened and she was suddenly faced with the condemning gazes of one hundred gentlemen.