BK1 Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Seven

The Empress piercing gaze swept over the assembled brigade, and I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine. Her presence alone exuded authority and power, and I couldn't shake the feeling of insignificance in her presence. Her eyes seemed to linger on us trainees for a moment, I automatically straightened with a gulp, but she quickly turned away from us.

A lone soldier stood forward from our formation, his purple cloak flourishing behind him as Azriel Elkart bowed.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Brigade stand before you, ready to serve and protect the Empire of Zopan with utmost dedication and loyalty." Azriel's voice echoed as he remained bowing to his second cousin.

"I'm glad to see your safe return", the Empress crooked her lips. "Rise, Young Duke Elkart"

She fluttered open a fan embedded with jewels.

Azriel lifted his head and stood to attention, stepping back into his place in the brigade. My eyes watched him go as the box above his head floated with the same number it had been before. I was glad it hadn't gotten any worse than minus thirty, a small blessing compared to what I was now faced with.

Why, for the love of Vishka, did the Empress have a meter!?

"Soldiers of Zopan," the Empress's strong and resonant voice cut through the air. Her words carried a sense of authority that demanded attention. "Today, you stand before me as the guardians of our great Empire, sworn to protect its people and uphold its values. Your dedication and sacrifice do not go unnoticed."

The Empress paused, her eyes scanning the faces of the assembled Trainees. I wanted to shrink and hide away from her gaze. "I welcome those of you joining our Army on this journey. But know this, the path you have chosen is not an easy one. The challenges that lie ahead will test your strength, your courage, and your unwavering loyalty. Only those who prove themselves worthy will earn the honour of serving the Empire."

Her words created a palpable tension among the Trainees. We all understood the weight of her expectations and the gravity of the tasks that awaited us. It was a sobering reminder that our journey had only begun, and the road ahead would be filled with trials and hardships.

"I have faith in each of you," the Empress continued, her voice filled with sternness and encouragement. "You have been chosen for this noble duty because you possess the potential to become true defenders of Zopan. It is up to you to rise to the occasion and prove yourselves worthy of the trust that has been placed in you."

As the Empress's words echoed through the air, the weight of her expectations settled heavily. The thought of displeasing her, of failing to meet her standards, sent a surge of fear through my veins. I saw Teresa's determination and eagerness, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread.

The Empress's piercing gaze scanned the faces of the Trainees once more, and I instinctively averted my eyes, not daring to meet her gaze. Her mere presence commanded respect and obedience, and I couldn't afford to risk her disapproval. Moreover, the meter above her head constantly reminded me of the consequences I could face if I failed to meet her expectations. If I upset her, if her meter even as much as lowers, I dread to think what that means for me. Just her dislike alone could spell my death sentence regardless if it reaches minus fifty.

I had to stay away from her at all costs.

The Empress's attention shifted to Azriel and the Summoners, waving her fan in the sun's heat. "Congratulations on a successful return", she spoke with finality raising her hand.

The sound of trumpets filled the air at her signal, "Hail the Empress!" the Summoners chanted again as she stepped back into the cover of the canopy. Relief washed over me as the weight of her gaze and daunting pressure released.

As the chanting continued, Lieutenant Cragborn turned to face us, his voice straining to be heard over the cacophony. "Alright, detach with me. I will be taking you to Alinor Keep. Your home for the duration of your service as a soldier," he announced, his words barely reaching our ears.

"March!" He shouted a little louder, stepping left away from the brigade. I formed alongside my fellow trainees, ready to march towards our new destination. The detachment moved forward, guided by Lieutenant Cragborn's commands. The second group of Trainees led by Lieutenant Sharpclaw followed. We marched in unison, our footsteps echoing in rhythm as we left the imposing castle gates behind, entering deeper into the noble's quarter. The cheers and adulation from the crowd slowly faded into the background, replaced by the steady beat of our collective footsteps and the murmur of anticipation among us.

The Lieutenant led us along smooth paved roads as we passed by elegant townhouses and mansions, and a few carriages pulled by horses passed us as we followed. I saw their curtains pulled aside as the nobles within snook peeks at us with scrutiny and intrigue.

Lieutenant Cragborn guided us through the winding streets. I could sense the anticipation building among the trainees from their hesitant body language. Alinor Keep awaited us, our new home and the place where we would undergo further training.

I wonder what it's like?

We rounded a bend, and as we did so, a looming set of gates made from stone and metal made some of us halt our step. I looked at Teresa, and she shrugged as clueless as I was as we approached the walled-off entrance to the east of the city. The gates were not as impressive as the Palace gates but were still intimidating.

A door opened, built into the stone wall, and a man dressed in a grey cloak wearing a brown tunic stepped out. He saluted Lieutenant Cragborn and Sharpclaw as we halted at the gates.

"Lieutenants, I heard the brigade had returned" The man grinned, happy to see them.

"It was a fruitful trip" Lieutenant Sharpclaw's pointed teeth showed as he clasped the man's hand and shook it vigorously. "Did you get it?" he asked eagerly.

"Yes, I sent it to your quarters", the man chuckled nervously. "Please don't ask me to get you dream clove again."

"What have you been doing, Myas?" Lieutenant Cragborn narrowed his eyes. "Guardsmen are not your errand boys."

"Oh, calm down, Igor, not like its contraband" Lieutenant Sharpclaw rolled his eyes.

"Yes. It is." Lieutenant Cragborn sighed, rubbing his temple. "I have every right mind to burn it."

"Don't you dare!" Lieutenant Sharpclaw exclaimed.

"Myas", Lieutenant Cragborn glared.

"Igor ", he responded just as sternly.

They stared at each other, fighting a battle of wits, as we all stood aimlessly, watching. I raised an eyebrow at Lieutenant Sharpclaw, Dream Clove was a herb used to induce a state of euphoria and relaxation. It was also somewhat addictive.

Lieutenant Cragborn's stern expression softened slightly as he sighed, relenting in the face of Lieutenant Sharpclaw's insistence. "Fine, but be careful with it," he warned, his voice laced with concern.

Lieutenant Sharpclaw grinned mischievously. "Of course, Igor. You worry too much."

"I don't worry enough", Lieutenant Cragborn mumbled. "Sir Pollard, if you please."

"Yes, Lieutenant" The man from the doorway saluted and rushed back into the wall. As he did so, the large gates began to creak and open.

"Come on, Trainees! Your quarters are this way!" Lieutenant Sharpclaw pointed at the gate, stepping towards it.

Lieutenant Cragborn sighed again. "This way, Trainees, this is Alinor Keep. The home of the Army here in the Capital. You will remain here until you have passed evaluations to become soldiers."

My stomach fluttered as we passed the gates separating this place from the rest of the city. The atmosphere immediately changed as the bustling streets and elegant buildings of the nobles' quarter were replaced by a more austere environment.

Beyond the gate were large grounds of open land; each section was cordoned with fencing.

Lieutenant Cragborn led us through the training grounds, easily navigating the bustling environment. The air was filled with the sounds of clashing weapons, the grunts of exertion, and the occasional shout of an instructor. As we passed by the training dummies made of straw and cloth, I could see the intensity and precision with which the soldiers attacked them, honing their combat skills.

To our right, wooden poles stood tall, serving as a training apparatus for soldiers practising their aerial manoeuvrers. They utilised the power of air manipulation to propel themselves from one pole to another, displaying impressive agility and control. Again, it was a testament to the advanced training techniques employed within Alinor Keep.

As we continued deeper into the keep, I noticed various other training areas, each dedicated to different aspects of combat and warfare. There were archery ranges, where soldiers honed their marksmanship skills, and obstacle courses designed to test their speed, agility, and problem-solving abilities. The keep was a hub of constant activity and training, preparing the soldiers of Zopan for any challenges they may face.

Lieutenant Cragborn took us through the grounds, leading us towards a hub of buildings. Each of the buildings felt old yet well taken of. They varied in size and width, and the further we went, the more it felt like we were entering another city. Summoners walked to their destinations, nodding to us as they passed or completely ignoring us. I could smell something delicious as we moved near a building in the centre of this city; it had large columns of stone at the entrance and aged oak doors.

"This is the eatery", Lieutenant Cragborn informed us as we walked. "You can eat here using credits you earn as soldiers. You will all be provided with a stipend of fifty credits a month so you don't starve, but you are expected to contribute to the Army in various tasks, which will earn you more."

Credits? Was that different from gold coins? I guess I would find out.

We continued further down the path of stone, and an open courtyard grabbed our attention. Many Summoners were gathered here as they socialised, but what stood out was an open building at the centre of the courtyard. Lines queued at different counters within the open building; Summoners gathered around the walls, pulling off paper flyers as they joined the queues.

"This is the task centre. Here you can acquire work to earn credits. It is first come, first served, so it is wise to visit early." Lieutenant Cragborn continued leading us further.

We were taken past more tall buildings that resembled the townhouses we had passed in the noble's quarter. It was quieter here in this section of Alinor Keep. The Lieutenant weaved down a narrow path between the buildings and brought us to one at the very back of the city. He halted us at its double doors.

"This is the Trainee quarters. You will each have a private room. I will not be giving you room assignments; you are not children. I trust you choose a room that suits your taste. They are all the same regardless." He sighed. "Today, you can rest. Tomorrow, we will begin your training. I will meet you at the eatery at the first bell sharp. If you are not there, that is your own fault."

Teresa and I shared a smile as we clutched our bags. Finally, we could rest.

Vishka's Guidance System

Quest Update

Congratulations! You have reached the Capital Alive!

Vishka's Guidance System

Quest received!

Grow your core to grade one!