Chương 19: Every line counts
"Run faster, don't look back". The look of the building made her want to run. It was still nightfall, the dew in the air made her want to sneeze. The wind uncovered her likeliness as the door opened.
"May thy rise", the stranger said. Valeanna looked behind her shoulders to make sure no one had followed. "And may thy lord strike the unworthy", she replied.
"You may enter", he said.
The gravity of her situation made her nervous. "Run", the words came to her as swiftly as it usually did when she felt danger. "I wish to speak on a matter of apprenticeship. My people wish to join the divisions".
The stranger analyzed her. It soon came to her attention that this person could not be a man. For her skin did not crawl or made her feel nauseated.
The way they walked was that of a woman who was pushed up against a corner. The stranger circled her only ever analyzing and studying. She removed her coat so that she may see her fully. "We women are known for our patience. "Run", she thought again.
"And he'll hath a woman furry", the stranger said implying that they are welcomed guests.
"Run, and hide", she thought but she had no choice but to endure.
Vhaera was covered in one of the softest wools she had ever owned. Too fancy for her liking but the enchantments were embedded into her like a knife.
Too good for her comfort. The distress from the night before still lingered and the mention of it still made her weep. But she was warm. They were going to a dangerous place that even the people of the shadow lands do not attempt to go. A place beyond where they trained.
Creatures of old existed here so it was a forbidden place, a bad omen, like them. The elders joined them on their journey about halfway. Redworm had no excuse this time, so he had joined them.
So, we ventured alone. Seven members from each house followed. It was darker here, any candle or torch brought forth was snuffed out as soon as it was lit. They had to avoid many old traps and trenches.
Some were filled with bones, others of huge proportions of a winged neck looking reptile thing.
They could see these things thanks to the Ash River but to look further would ensue one's death. They had been walking for hours feet buried under snow. The air grew thinner the deeper they went. Structures of all kinds were here. Those who were able to venture inside unscathed found old maps, gold, books, more bones, and some rotten away clothes.
They took what was salvageable. Planning on scoping out the remains of the ancient city for a few days before the madness took over. It was what this place is known for. They hid under the cover of night when the day approached, they could hear them waking up.
They had spotted one the look of it reminded her of the wyverns but they weren't internally it either. They noticed a pattern with the creatures who liked to fly over this broken castle it had such an amazing bridge, but it was crumbling with age. All they could do was wait. For the castle was the only place with the circler runes. A five shaped bone like design.
Valeanna returned with her people as soon as daybreak reached. Someone informed them that the person Cattle was speaking with the other night was indeed a part of the fire mage division and they also practiced glamour magic. It is possible that they are working together but she is unsure which side the mage is on.
They're training starts today. They aren't the only ones though. The younger youth's practice the sword daily, Vhaera insisted it be down after the children came back from their muddy adventure. She was mad and claimed they needed more structure.
Daemond was allowed to leave with her to go to morn. He was not lucky, none of them were. She hoped at least four returned safely. The stranger from before welcomed them with a new face. Since it was broad daylight, she could see but not really for it was always dark and damp in Asshai.
It had taken them quite a few more days before they were able to reach the castle. She split them up individually in case something happened. The food they brought was used as bait, the creatures were just as hungry as they.
When they finally discovered the observatory Vhaera could see why the creatures protected it. The room was filled with books but clearly, they all had traps set in place to keep its contents closed. Another day must be spent here, she thought she could not bear it. The loneliness of not being able to make a sound truly did make her want to go mad.
They started out small with the little things a rock or a paper. Whoever could make it appear as something else was the victor. She could bend her body to make the illusion truly real. The training she received as a blood mage impacted her shape changing ability.
The fact these divisions do not intermingle was a loss for they could learn so much from one another. Her fear still lay the more she learned. Every day the people in this building grew less and less, it has something to do with the final test they have at the end of the year.
She was freezing the roof of the observatory was long gone before they got here. The books they were able to get was a triumphant victory even if they grew weaker to even carry it. The rest they planned to read. The little creatures they hunted became their dinner. The eggs they found were deformed and looked like firewyrms they only lacked the shine. Daemond left his pet with the elders she worried for them because she knew they would not leave their post. Another day, she thought as she shivered at the screeching sound hovering from above.
One whole year had passed and Valeanna began to wonder what became of the others. They believed them dead; no word ever came. They no longer kept watch over Cattle, for the final test was approaching.
Today was the day they ran, back to the last place anyone would follow them, to find some hope. Those who quarreled and bickered over the last few moons have all but lost their lives to Cattle. The man truly showed his true colors after Vhaera left. He kept them alive because of her. To him a child was easier to exploit than a grown man. The bit of power they had accumulated was gone. The coin they kept hidden had dried up.
They had no choice but to leave. Their last leader was not that bad he actually cared for them, but his ambitions led them astray. No one was fighting for their freedom only they're own gain. Even the children have begun the practice of politics.
When they finally arrived at the forbidden place, they spotted their lost companions in the distance. Daemond had grown taller but much more skinner. Valeanna ran to Vhaera in tears but with this cold weather it looked more like crystals. They had much to talk about it seems.
Daemond went towards his friends who had grown quite a few inches themselves. They were wearing the chainmail and swords. His friends had draped him in one of their cloaks. "Redworm has been expecting you, old friend. If you keep this up, you'll never be his favorite".
"Aerion was his favorite besides I had other obligations, that place is truly mad", Daemond spoke his voice so quiet and small. Everyone had embraced one another, all was well in this moment.
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