The World Divided

chapter 1

        The soft warmth of the morning sun spreads across my skin as I walk down the cobblestone roads of Bellmare. The fabric of my dress cinches in at my arms, so I pull down the sleeves to make it more comfortable. Taking a deep breath, I smell the fresh scent of rain that last night's storm left behind.

        In the distance, the sound of metal clashing against stone echoes through the town as guards dressed in silver armor stream into the town square.

        This isn't unusual considering that it's Sunday. Every week, around this time, the palace guards go door to door and check our identification cards. If someone is found without one, they are automatically considered a spy from the enemy country, Eplon. People do manage to lose their heads on these days, but that doesn't happen very often.

        But today, a larger than normal number of guards line the roads because of Prince Warren's coronation. Some might think it's odd to have such an important event take place in the midst of a four year long war, but King Raemas and Queen Estia thought that it might unify their people and bring them hope especially during these dark times.

        The announcement of the Prince's coronation was on short notice. Last week the King's messenger, Borus with his bulging stomach, stood on a small wooden crate that was on the verge of breaking in the town square. Here, he announced the King and Queen's decision.

        It certainly took many by surprise, but most people were excited at the idea of a new king. Though Prince Warren inherited his father's powers as a Pyrokite, he didn't inherit the King's authoritative and fierce nature. For this reason, many people were hopeful that Prince Warren would repeal the conscription law, a cruel law that forced the people of Thernia to enter the war once they turned eighteen.

        So, the people took it upon themselves to make this occasion very special. Hydredas, Pyrokites, Windweavers, Geomaces, and nonmagic folk from all over the country travelled to Bellmare to show their support for Prince Warren.

        The small group of people around me is filled with people with different abilities from different towns and villages. As I enter the town square where the market is being set up, a group of traveling musicians play a light, upbeat tune, matching the pace of the crowd.

        Two Hydreda twins, a boy and a girl, play in one of the fountains. Using their Aura, they pull a shapeless ball of water from it and transform the water into a miniature version of a dragon. It's entirely see through, but the dragon seems to have a life of its own because of the twins' manipulation.

        Smiling at them, I pass by some merchants who are setting up their tents and wooden stalls, getting ready for the larger crowd this afternoon. Some have already set up their shops with little trinkets out on display, hoping to catch the eye of someone who can actually afford them.

        I walk into a small, secluded area where not many people were near. Before stopping behind a wooden stand, I run my hands over my brown face to make sure there isn't any dirt, and I hastily run my hand through my black, knotted hair. Slinging my pack off of my shoulder, I place it on the ground. A sign, barely hanging on by a nail, reads, "Apples for Sale", but half of the letters are faded, so it's kind of hard to tell.

        From behind the counter, a coarse voice speaks,"What can I do for you deary?" A short, old lady pops up, startling me.

        "How much for two?" I ask, holding up two fingers.

        "Five copper coins."

        I reach into the tattered pockets of my dress and pull out the remaining money I have. A few pieces of dirt fall out.