Chapter 22
I tilted my head back as the sunlight bore down on me—intense and oppressive. I dared a peek towards the top of the Compound but had to look away before blinding myself.
It was hard to wrap my head around the thought that coming here would now be an almost daily occurrence. I spent such a long time avoiding this place. I was conflicted. Training with the General was one thing, committing myself as a recruit was something entirely different.
Pushing away the sinking feeling of uncertainty, I steadied my steps.
At least this time, I was able to somewhat blend in thanks to the uniform that had shown up at our apartment door last night.
The cotton shirt, trousers, and boots were similar to the ones Laryk wore to our training sessions, save for the badge with my name. General Ashford’s faction symbol was stamped across the back.
I briefly wondered if any Riftborne had seen these halls and if my badge would paint a target larger than the branding on my hand.
I waited in the small queue preparing myself for the reproachful look I was sure to receive from the entry guard. They were checking the identification of everyone who entered.
Here we go.
I shuffled towards the unnecessarily large man and quickly flashed my identification. A glint of curiosity flickered across his eyes as he inspected me. But it was gone just as quickly, replaced with a look of indifference. He straightened himself and gestured with his chin for me to move along.
A puff of relief escaped me.
That wasn’t so bad.
I took another step forward but hesitated before walking through the enormous iron gates. My lips twisted as I dared a peek behind me. I could still turn around.
But the thought didn’t linger for long. I didn’t allow it to. I pushed my feet against the pavement and forced myself forward, lowering my head and instinctively avoiding eye contact.
The vast circular space of the lobby felt cold despite the many moving bodies. A blur of steel, charcoal and grit twisted around me. The twang of metal filled the air, sending a chill across my skin.
Now where do I go?
I wracked my brain, trying to recall if the General mentioned where I would be expected in this monstrosity of a building. Of course, he hadn’t. He was probably in his office, riddled with amusement at the thought of me walking around aimlessly.
Nearing the mess hall, I looked up to see the medical insignia on a sign above. Below it was an arrow pointing left. Faction Immunity, I assumed. I noted the location in my mind. I would surely find myself there a few times before this was all over.
My eyes darted around the massive space for any markers that could point me in the right direction. A twinge of embarrassment washed over me, and I bit my lip, searching.
I saw a familiar frame in the distance.
Lieutenant Callum Mercer.
He was making his way past the lines of tables. People parted as he passed them, nodding in respect. He looked up, meeting my eyes and stopped, gesturing for me to join him.
It was odd seeing him in this environment after our first meeting. He stood with his back straight, shoulders squared. He seemed more stern and rigid today. I’d have to remember to stay formal, acknowledging his superior rank. As Laryk so eloquently reminded me yesterday.
I approached him sheepishly, lifting my hand in an awkward wave and stepping into his path.
“You seem lost.” While he didn’t smile, his eyes seemed friendly enough.
“Very. I’m hoping you know where I should be headed?”
I pulled at the sleeves of my shirt.
“You can follow me. We’re going to the same place.”
I allowed him to lead the way. We passed multiple rooms, separated from the main area by glass walls. They must have been the training gyms I’d seen before. Up close, they were much more intimidating.
Through the thick glass, I caught glimpses of activity. Sweat hung heavy in the air, visible even from here. Inside, figures moved with fluidity, their forms blurring as they went through drills. The rhythmic clang of steel on steel echoed, punctuated by grunts of exertion.
Lieutenant Mercer stopped sharply, pulling open the door at the end of the row.
I shuffled past him, entering a small room.
There were five other recruits sitting about the space in uncomfortable-looking metal chairs.
I recognized a few of their faces from the ball.
They didn’t pay me much attention as they talked amongst themselves.
I couldn’t help but notice their ease. They seemed completely in their element.
Well, most of them at least. One boy sat off to the side, reading a book.
I made brief eye contact with a boy whose hair was pale blonde, a shade or two darker than mine.
It was greased back, showing every contour of his square jaw.
His eyes went sharp as they fell upon my left wrist. It looked like he wanted to say something, but he never did.
I quickly turned away and slid my hands into my pockets.
“This is Fia Riftborne, she will be joining us from now on. Please, do your best to refrain from questions and introductions until the end of the session,” Mercer said, giving pointed looks to each of us before motioning for me to sit.
As I walked towards the other recruits, every single eye was on me. A few murmurs ran through the room. They were an interesting assortment. Four boys and one girl. I pondered what their individual focuses were, wondering what Laryk had seen that made him want to place them in his special unit.
Mercer returned to a desk in the corner, procuring a set of vials from the drawer.
“Raine, I will put you in charge of catching Fia up on the past week.”
“Why? Because I’m a girl?” I heard a laugh and followed the voice. She had long black hair that was pulled back from her face in thin braids. Her warm mahogany skin mirrored the color of her eyes. She was undeniably beautiful.
“No, because I usually can’t get you to quiet down otherwise, so you seem perfect for the task,” Mercer responded, unperturbed.
“Yes, Lieutenant,” she chuckled, shaking her head before turning to me with a wink.
Mercer placed the vials on the podium in front of him. “You’ll be receiving your first piece of confidential information today,” he said, holding one of the vials in the air. There was a small slip of paper within the glass.
“This will ensure it stays between members of the Guard.” He paced through the room, handing each of us one of the containers. A few exchanged confused glances.
I eyed the contents. The small parchment had today’s date written on it, and my name was etched into the glass.
“What do we do with this?” Raine asked, holding the vial up to the light.
“You’ll provide a drop of blood,” he said, as if it was as normal as discussing the weather. “Once given, you won’t be able to speak about any of our confidential intel with anyone outside of the Guard.”
I sank down in my seat, looking around to the other recruits. Their expressions hadn’t changed much, but deep down, I wondered if they were as horrified as I felt.
“A blood oath,” Mercer said, offering me a small dagger.
“Just enough for a drop. I’ll need your full attention during our lesson,” he added.
“How does it work?” I asked, trying to disguise the fear in my voice with curiosity.
“That’s not for you to know.” It was all he said before pushing the dagger into my hand. I looked up to meet his eyes, which were unreadable.
Slowly, he nodded as if trying to assure me that everything would be alright.
And it seemed like I didn’t have a choice.
So, I grasped the dagger and pushed the tip into my finger until a bead of crimson emerged.
I held it over the vial and allowed a drop to fall, covering the parchment in a stain of red.
Mercer continued on to the rest of the recruits. The room remained dead silent as everyone swore the oath. After we finished, Mercer placed the individual vials on his desk, and a blond woman in an emerald Guard’s uniform entered the room to collect them, leaving just as quickly as she came.
Mercer cleared his throat, bringing our attention back to the front of the room.
“As you all might have heard by now, there have been some issues in Stormshire and the lands surrounding the border. What you have yet to be informed of, is what exactly is taking place. We usually wouldn’t be nearing this subject so early, but tension in the West really leaves us with no choice.
” Mercer eyed each one of us individually, his forehead stern.
I heard the legs of a chair slam back.
“I know the Riftborne gave her blood, but none of us should trust her. She’d slit our throat the second we turned our back.
My father’s seen it firsthand.” The comment came from several chairs down.
My head shot towards it reflexively, to find the pale-haired boy standing and glaring at me.
The one sitting next to him, with jet-black hair and tawny skin, was looking back and forth between us, nodding slightly.
My blood ran cold at the directness. I’d always known how they truly felt about us, but I’d never seen someone admit it so boldly.
“Your prejudices will get you nowhere here, Baelor. Your father served this Kingdom well, but times have changed. You must all learn to trust each other. Otherwise, we’re all doomed,” Lieutenant Mercer snapped. “There are bigger problems before us.”
My cheeks flushed.
Baelor took his seat with a clenched jaw.
“Fia, please know that we aren’t all bigots.” A freckled face peaked out behind Raine’s shoulder, toffee-colored hair nearly falling into his eyes. “I’m Briar Glennwood, by the way.”
“I said no interruptions until the end of the session!” The Lieutenant shouted and we all jumped in our seats, turning to attention. I took a deep breath and swallowed the words that wanted to tumble out.
Mercer cleared his throat. “As I was saying, for our training to proceed, you all must know what we are up against.”