19

Raiya

Raiya woke the next day, her heart beating fast in anticipation as she searched for Julian to see if he had received a response. But he had not, and the day went by as no squad came to get her. The same thing happened the next day. And the next. She still attended her lessons with Julian, but when she wasn’t there, she found herself out on the fields, waiting for their arrival with both excitement and trepidation. Marigold would come out to join her during her free time after she had learned Raiya would leave sometime within the week. The older woman would tell her the latest gossip and Raiya would talk about her fears of going to a foreign land. She was once again grateful for Marigold who had become a shining beacon of emotional strength. The two that she thankfully had not run into were Ralph and Denali. She did her best to avoid them, not wanting to be around the pair, especially after she learned what they had done to Laura. She had hoped that perhaps she would be able to leave the fortress without ever seeing or speaking to them again. So, when she was summoned to the library by Julian, she was surprised and annoyed to see he was not alone but those two there as well.

“Word has finally arrived from Rajin Fortress on this fourth day,” Julian said, smiling cheerfully to help ease the obvious tension in the room.

“To think you chose the enemy,” Ralph sneered, crossing his arms. He ignored Julian’s outraged glance as he paced back and forth along the table, arranging his face into a heavy scowl. She had no way of knowing he was the one who had sent her there, so he relished the opportunity to belittle her. “After we took you in too. Gave you this honor that you clearly don’t deserve.”

Raiya frowned, not wanting to be badmouthed like this and finding what he was saying unfair.

“I’m sorry but I was offered up as a tithe. A sacrifice. In the plainest of terms, my parents sold me to you. I was given this opportunity because I was born with this gift, not because of the fortress.”

Julian knew that if he allowed this to continue, things would quickly escalate in an unbelievably bad way. He raised his hands to signal peace between the two.

“Let’s talk about the important matter at hand. They have said they are delighted to speed up the process as they don’t know how much longer Speaker Deepika has.”

Raiya found relief flowing through her. She had never realized that a part of her wondered if they would possibly deny her request.

“When will they come?” she asked excitedly.

“They wrote that they would send out a squad to pick you up tomorrow. That means that they will probably arrive late in the night or early the following morning.”

“She won’t stand a chance in the east,” Ralph spoke up again angrily, his narrowed eyes glancing over her small frame. “As her master, can’t you veto her decision and force her to Muria? I don’t wish her blood on my hands.”

“As I’m sure you out of all of us are most aware,” Julian ground out, finding it hard to maintain his temper and let the man continue his charade, “apprentices have a right to request where they would like to be stationed at. Rajin didn’t reject her so there was nothing else that could be done. I would think you happy seeing her go there.”

Ralph could sense that Julian was seconds away from announcing his involvement and decided the best course of action was to leave. He had done everything he needed to do, followed the directions asked of him, and now he would simply lie back and reap the ripe fruit he had toiled away in nurturing. He glanced at Denali standing next to him, the woman quiet and staring off to the side, seemingly uninterested in what was happening. He had felt emboldened in her presence and goaded eagerly, but with her lack of vocal support and closed body language, he felt ever the fool. “Good luck then,” he snapped, feeling irate suddenly. “You’ll very much need it.” He strode out of the library, leaving the three to stare after him with a mix of emotions.

“Pay him no mind child,” Julian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “That man is beyond understanding.”

Raiya didn’t say anything, instead looking at the other person who had been standing quietly since her arrival. Julian caught her gaze and nodded his head once, turning towards Denali.

“Chieftess Denali, if you have anything you wish to say, perhaps even some advice you’d like to give that might help Raiya…” he trailed off in suggestion.

“I have nothing to say,” Denali said curtly, rising to follow after Ralph. “I’m only here because I have to be, not because I want to.”

Raiya and Julian watched her reach the entryway of the library before she stopped, turning to face the pair after a brief second. Her hand rose hesitantly, beckoning Raiya to follow her before she left.

“Excellent!” Julian cried out, shoving her towards the door. “Be sure to listen well Raiya. Denali comes from the east, and she knows it better than anyone else.” She didn’t want to really talk to Denali about where she was going, partly because she was sure the woman was going to gloat over her leaving. But she couldn’t ignore the summons either. Julian watched her leave before turning back to his books, a frown swiftly replacing the warm smile.

Denali hadn’t even waited for her to leave the room. She was already at the end of the hall by the time she exited the library. “Wait!” she called out after her, running to catch up to the tall figure striding away. When she finally reached her, out of breath and wishing they could just pause for a moment, Denali caught her off guard with a sudden question.

“Why did you pick Rajin Fortress?”

“Well, it was one of two options presented to me,” she answered carefully. She didn't know what might set the woman off and she didn't want to cause any problems before she left. If Denali had even the slightest bit of advice to give her, she would happily take it to increase her chance of survival.

Denali stopped, turning halfway to face the girl with one raised brow, her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “I asked why you selected it. Why not Muria? You didn’t even try to go to the other one first.”

“Ioyari is said to be incredibly beautiful. A sight you must see at least once before you die. The weather is also more tolerable than in the south. I don’t like heat too much or the humidity from the warm rain. And…the story about the two lovers who caused a war, I’d like to see where the infamous Chieftess Mira lived. She’s...from your family bloodline, right?”

“You wish to go to the most dangerous place in all of Geria because of a nonsensical story built upon a web of lies?” Denali said, anger beginning to cloud her voice. “You truly are a child, either stupidly unknowing or stupidly uncaring of the dangers of the world. You think you will be safe because you are a child, you consider your age your cloak or shield. Something to hide behind thinking it will protect you. Never thinking that you are the perfect target because you are so young.” She scoffed, turning away from the girl. “Yes, I’m sure the beauty of the land and not the innate violent history or constant politicking between fortresses has piqued your interest. They say you’re a great researcher, but here you stand before me wholly unprepared. You say you hate the heat, but do you know where Rajin Fortress is located? In the largest desert of the east. It’ll be unbearably hot during the day and unbearably cold at night.”

“I know that it’s in the desert,” she replied defensively. “Rajin is also settled in the mountains, near the largest oasis in the world. It’s not so bad.”

Denali whirled around, grabbing the girl’s arm tightly. Raiya flinched, trying to get away from her tight grasp but found she couldn’t shake the woman off.

“Let me tell you this. I come from Ioyari. I know it better than any book you’ve read, any teacher who may have taught you, or any picture you may have seen. If you think the lack of power this fortress has in the face of the nobility is bad, you have no idea what it is like in the other continents.” Raiya didn’t understand what she was talking about, confusion and distress mixing within her and worn plainly on her face. Denali felt a brief flash of satisfaction, her eyes lighting up before her heart began to twist and whisper, calling her a coward and weak for tormenting this child before her.

“It hurts,” Raiya began to whimper, bringing her own hand up to try to loosen the other's once more. “I don’t understand what you’re talking about and you’re hurting me!”

The satisfaction disappeared as quickly as it had come and Denali gave the girl a hard, searching look. She saw the fear and confusion in the child’s face and felt her own softening as her heart continued to twist to the point where she felt like she couldn't breathe. She loosened her grip, bending down to the eye level of the teary-eyed child. Denali truly hated the thought of hurting children, of how they were often taken advantage of by adults who were meant to protect them, especially if it was from their own family. She did not wish to be the kind of person who did that and she often fought against her urges to do so, understanding them to be a result of her own twisted upbringing. She could not like the child in front of her, but she would do her best to not harm her. She already carried the guilt from dragging her around before, she refused to add to it. Perhaps this all came from how she could see her own downtrodden gaze reflected in the girl's eyes, or the feeling of abandonment, betrayal, and pain at the hands of those who were meant to protect them. Like the girl's parents who had sold her, or Denali's parents who had often approached her with anger in their eyes and violence on their hands. Or her uncle who had pushed her down that one night and dragged his heavy body on top of hers, his breath smelling of alcohol.

“Listen to me and listen carefully,” she began, fighting to keep her voice steady, fighting to bring her mind back to the present instead of being lost in the past. “Never forget you are constantly in a viper’s den. They will present themselves as good, sympathetic people. They will do whatever it takes to lower your guard and then they will strike so viciously, their bite filled with so much venom that the pain you will experience will make you wish you had never been born. Family, friend, or stranger. Man, woman, child. it makes no difference who you or they are. You are a tool that is meant to be used, nothing more but perhaps something less depending on your capabilities. And you are always easily replaceable.” She relinquished her grasp on the child, not waiting for her to response as she continued her way down the hall. She refused to let the girl see her cry.

Raiya watched her go in a stunned stupor. She wasn’t sure what to make of the conversation with Denali, except for understanding that it was a warning. Raiya already knew the east was dangerous, but to hear something like this directly from someone who had once lived there and came from a powerful bloodline was chilling. The emotion she had heard in Denali’s voice, it was clear that the woman was speaking from her own personal experience. The hints of self-loathing and dislike, of sorrow and anger. Raiya found herself curious about the woman’s past and Sibilla’s words echoed in her head. She truly didn’t know Denali well enough to judge her so harshly.

“’Family, friend, or stranger. Man, woman, or child,’” she repeated aloud. Just what had they done to her to turn her into who she was now?

Raiya turned away, not wanting to go down the same path but unsure of what to do next. She was certain that Julian had dismissed her, so she didn’t need to return to the library. Should she just make her rounds around the fortress now to say her farewell? But she was tired and there was room enough for that tomorrow. Then what should she do? Spend the rest of the day exploring the fortress, walking its halls, and visiting its most beautiful spots? She liked that idea and wondered if she might even persuade someone to offer her a quick passage to her hometown to see her family once before she left. But what was the point? There was no sense in dredging up the past. Seeing and talking to the people who brought her into existence wouldn’t do anyone any good. She had long since replaced them with Sibilla and Godrick. The only true pain she felt was the thought of her older siblings and what they might be doing though she didn’t even remember what they looked like.

“I shouldn’t resent them,” she said aloud as she walked. “For they unwittingly gave me this opportunity. Without them selling me off, I’d probably be knee-deep in mud right now tilling soil. Or washing clothes. Or milking cattle. Shearing sheep. Selling the day’s catch at the market.” As she talked to herself, she found that she had slowly made her way to the balcony where she had first met Hyun. “And you,” she said softly, staring off in the direction of Bellasea. “What are you doing there? Do you miss Dragonspire? Do you know Godrick is gone? Do you miss…Denali?” She laughed, feeling her breath catch in her throat. “I’ll be gone by the time you come back. Will you even notice? You said that when we next meet, we’ll both have answers on the strange device we found together, but what if you forget? What if we don’t see each other again or, if we do, what if we don’t recognize each other?” Her thoughts whirled about frantically in time with the wind blowing her hair as she thought of his future. She wondered if she would hear of him becoming Chief one day. What that would mean.

If you become Chief of Dragonspire Fortress, that'll mean you’ve become tied to Denali, she thought. A sigh escaped her lips, what did it matter to her at the end of the day? She had her own life and problems to worry about.

The wind shifted to a gentle breeze, dancing over her face as she closed her eyes, shivering at the cold wetness on her cheeks.

*~*

Raiya was awakened the next morning by Marigold’s insistent nudging. Once she saw her blearily blink open her eyes, she cheerfully smiled and informed the girl to hurry up and get ready.

“Why?” she asked blearily, dragging herself out of bed and shuffling around the room to get ready.

“Just hurry! I’ll be outside!” the other said eagerly before leaving the room.

Raiya saw the other beds were empty, meaning Eri and Gina were gone and would not be joining them for whatever this was. She sighed as she got ready, opening the door to see Marigold impatiently shifting from one foot to the other. Once the woman saw her, she immediately stopped and smiled, grabbing the girl’s hand before leading her down the hall quickly.

“Watch it!” followed the pair as servants were forced to dodge around them.

“Where are we going?” Raiya shouted as they narrowly turned a corner, her head coming dangerously close to smacking the edge of it. Her heart was beating wildly, her eyes as wide as saucers. “And why are we moving so fast?! We’re gonna hurt ourselves or someone else!”

Marigold laughed breathlessly, but dutifully slowed down to a brisk walk. “Sorry, it’s just that we have a lot to do today with no time at all to do it! It could be your last day here today after all, right? So, we need to make it memorable just in case we don't have another chance!”

“I hope you understand it might be my last day here in this fortress, not my last day of life!” Raiya fought to catch her breath after that shout, happy that their pace slowed down but not enjoying the stitch in her side.

“Oh, hush. A bit of an early morning jog is good for you. We have a lot of stops to make before I must attend Chieftess Denali. Eri and Gina can only stall for so long on their own so stop talking, stop dragging your feet, and start moving faster!”

The brisk walk changed back to a jog and Raiya bemoaned her situation as she tried to keep up. She was led through all the main halls and quarters that the servants inhabited. Along the way, many of the servants she had seen throughout her time at Dragonspire bid her goodbye and luck on her journey. Some even offered farewell gifts, small tokens that they had made or bits of food and treats. Others, however, seemed curious as to how a child had elevated her status so much, enviously gazing at her. Marigold grew further displeased with each tiny stop they had to make as someone handed her another small gift, an embroidered square of fabric with her name on it. Raiya was secretly happy when they finally reached their destination, entering through the two double doors and into the bustling atmosphere. Thankfully no blood would be spilled this early in the morning. The environment was familiar, the constant stream of servants entering to and fro and the bustle of the cooks and bakers as they moved around getting breakfast ready. The kitchens were only busy like this twice a day, for breakfast and dinner and as usual, overseeing it all, was Ashari in the middle. She was issuing orders and commands readily, her voice easily carrying across the din. When she caught sight of the approaching pair, she didn't look happy at all.

“I ‘spose you da come fa say yuh propuh goodbyes,” she said gruffly. “Heard yuh wuz leavin’ today. It true den.”

“I think so,” Raiya said. “I’m not sure depending on when they arrive.”

“Ain't like ya done say anythin' to me anyhow,” Ashari continued, placing her hands on her hips, and scowling down at her. “Tankfully Goldie yah warn me ‘bout it. Didn’t I tell ya fa tell me when ya gwine leff? Wid she warning I had some time fa prepare all ya favorite dishes.” She pointed with her thumb over her shoulder to a small table laden with covered dishes.

“Thank you,” Raiya murmured, finding it hard to blink back the sudden tears. “Thank you for everything. You taught me a lot, supported me, and made sure I was taken care of, like Sibilla and Godrick. I’ll never forget your lessons or words of wisdom.”

“Good luck, chile. Stay safe and sen’ words e’vry now en den. I know we might nevuh see each other again aftuh all.” She placed a hand on Raiya’s shoulder, squeezing it gently before walking away, resuming her duties.

The pair approached the table, peeking under the lids covering the dishes. Their mouths instantly watered at the sight and smells before them. There was a dish of honey-glazed roasted meats, a soup dish filled with noodles and vegetables, steamed seasoned vegetables, crispy buttery bread rolls, treacle tarts filled with various sweet and sour fruits, and cream rolls.

“Alright I’m going to just take three of these,” Marigold said, grabbing three of the cream rolls, “and be on my way. The girls are waiting for me. Can’t return empty-handed.”

“Wait, take something for Denali too,” Raiya said suddenly. “Whatever she might like. It’ll be weird if you take only something for Gina and Eri but bring her nothing.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, tilting her head. “I know you don’t like her.”

Raiya shrugged, handing over a lemon tart. “She likes these if I remember correctly.”

The older woman gave her one last searching look before taking the tart. “Alright, enjoy your small feast and…stay safe. Don’t forget to write, even if you get too busy. Send something to us so we know you're doing okay.”

Raiya hugged the other briefly before letting go, watching her figure disappear out of the kitchen. Then, she turned back to her small feast, digging in and cherishing the last time she would be able to have Ashari’s food again. After her little feast, she headed down to the library. She wanted to have a proper goodbye with Julian, away from the eyes of others. When she entered the library, her eyes moving to the table he usually stayed at, she found him to be missing. Surprised, she asked the others in the library if they had seen him at all this morning but all of them shook their heads in denial. She left the library, heading to the dining hall to see if he might be there eating a late breakfast. But she could not spot him up at the dais when she arrived. She didn’t see him anywhere else in the dining hall either. Frowning, she wandered around the fortress, asking if anyone had seen Julian at all this morning, but no one seemed to have caught sight of the bespectacled man. She had all but given up hope on her idea of seeing him before she left when a servant stopped her.

“You’re looking for Speaker Julian, right?” she asked and when Raiya nodded the servant continued. “He’s in a meeting with the Council.”

“Thank you,” she said before sighing in frustration as she continued her walk. She had no idea how long the meeting was going to take! “It seems Dragonspire is full of meetings lately,” she muttered to herself. What should she do now? She decided that she would be productive and pack whatever meager belongings she had while waiting for him to get out.

It should have been a short process, but she dragged it out as much as possible. She made the effort to carefully fold away her clothes, wrap and pack away whatever delicate items she had in her possession, and of course the books she had received as gifts over the years. Reading the books while packing helped time fly by and before she knew it, she was jolted out of her reading by a knock on the door. Glancing out the window, she realized that several hours had passed since she had started packing. Stumbling towards the door, her legs unsteady after sitting for a prolonged period, she opened it to a servant conveying a summons for her from Julian. She eagerly pushed past them, making her way to the library before the servant had even finished his sentence. Julian was sitting at his usual table, rubbing his face. He had a tired expression, dark circles beneath his eyes, and his normally neat hair was disheveled. When he saw her, he immediately did his best to hide away how he was feeling internally, putting on his usual smile.

“Raiya, come here child,” he said, his voice raspy.

“Are you okay Speaker Julian? You don’t look or sound good,” she said as she approached him worriedly.

“I’m tired. It’s been a busy day,” he replied, gesturing towards her usual seat across from him.

As she sat down, she looked at him quizzically. “I heard you were in a meeting all day.”

“Yes, we were going over important things. Finalizing and introducing the new General Commander to the Council. Ralph wasn’t pleased during that phase. We talked about Priyana’s upcoming flight and the advocacy for Hyun to be informed so that he can return in time.”

“And will they allow him to return?” she asked curiously, unable to help herself when the topic had suddenly shifted to the boy that often preoccupied her thoughts.

Julian sighed, shaking his head. “Ralph was adamant that Hyun be considered part of Bellasea Fortress for the duration of his year-long stay. Therefore, he should not be involved with Dragonspire during that time. Lucian was not pleased hearing this.”

“Surely the Council didn’t agree with him?” she asked, frowning at the idea that the man could once again sway odds into his favor. “He’s doing the same thing he did to Godrick. How can they continue to let him do this?”

“It’s far more complicated than you think Raiya. One day, you’ll understand the politics behind a fortress, and you’ll understand the power certain people hold.” Another sigh escaped from Julian’s lips as he slumped forward, his head falling into his hands. “We must take our wins where we can and accept our losses where we must.”

“I guess you mean to say that Lucian becoming General Commander is the exchange for Hyun remaining uninformed,” she said, annoyance rising within her. “If Godrick were still here, he wouldn’t have allowed this to happen.”

“Yes, well, it’s hard to deter the opinions of those entrenched in the old ways when you don’t have a voice of power backed with experience, respect, and established authority. We will speak no more on this topic now. I do not wish to spend what may very well be our last evening together like this. Now, tell me, what have you done today in preparation for your upcoming departure?”

Raiya dutifully relayed all that she had done today, starting with Marigold, and ending with the packing.

“I’m sorry that you wasted some of your time in search of me,” he said, his smile turning sorrowful. “I didn’t anticipate the meeting and had no time to inform you.”

“Speaker Julian,” she said suddenly, causing him to perk up at the formal tone of address. “Is it possible to have one last lesson with you tonight?”

Julian let out an incredulous laugh, thinking she must be joking, but the serious expression on her small face said otherwise.

“I suppose we can have one last lesson, then,” he said, wondering what he could teach her at such short notice. After a moment, he thought of the research he had been doing for years. He thought of the device she had been fidgeting with in the cart on the way back to Dragonspire. He thought of the diseases running rampantly around the villages and how squads had been sent out to evacuate the areas and spew fire to cleanse the air.

“Speaker Julian?” she asked after he had remained quiet for a few minutes.

He hummed thoughtfully, looking upwards as he steepled his fingers. After another quiet moment, he fixed her with a serious gaze. She found herself instantly sitting up straighter, understanding that what he was about to say would be extremely important.

“Oftentimes you’ve come here and seen me poring over these books and scrolls. I’m sure you’ve wondered what I must be studying with such endless devotion, hmm?” She nodded her head in response, eager to hear more. “What you might not know is that these books, these scrolls and maps were not found in this library.”

“Where then?” she asked, surprised.

“I heard you’d gone into one of the caves at Bellasea,” Julian said, a certain casualness entering his tone.

Raiya was thrown off guard with the sudden change of topic, feeling the hairs on the back of her neck rise in both fear and anxiousness. “Yes, Hyun invited me to explore. We didn’t think much of it because he said they had already been explored and everything worth discovering had been discovered.”

“But you know that to be false.”

The way he said it was very matter of fact, booking no room for her to deny. She had an idea of where this was going but she knew that he knew. Rather than getting in trouble, she would easily and readily defer to him and give him the object if that was what he was trying to get from her in this round-a-bout way. “Is this because of the thing I was playing with in the cart? I don’t know what it is, honest. I can give it to you if that’s what you want,” she said quickly, wanting to show that she wasn't trying to hide anything from him anymore.

“I don’t want what you have discovered on your own Raiya, it rightfully belongs to you. But you should understand that we truly have not fully explored everything and found everything. We present the idea that we have, to keep the general common folk unaware of the dangers that are still present. That still affect us to this very day even if those in power would willfully turn their heads the other way.”

“I don’t understand. Is this about the sickness in the villages or me finding the strange metal ball in the caves?”

Julian paused before taking a scroll from the pile beside him, opening it carefully to reveal a beautiful flower. The flower had four petals; two orange pillars emerged from the center where a large bulb was situated. Beneath the petals were small, orange stamens on a bed of leaves. The leaves were long, folding down in the middle and there were thorns all over the stem. It hadn’t yet bloomed, she realized as she stared closely at the drawing. Underneath the drawing were strange symbols that looked similar to the one on the metal ball but also different.

“Do you recognize this plant?” he asked her.

She shook her head no. She had never seen anything like it around the fortress or during their journey. “Is it native to another continent?” she asked, moving closer to the scroll to get a better look. "And those symbols on the bottom. I don't recognize that either, but it looks similar to the ones on the metal ball."

“Yes, it is. But not to any of the four known ones. As for the symbols, it's an ancient language not spoken by us.”

Raiya, startled at this, quickly glanced up at him. “Are you saying that…?”

“There’s another continent, yes. A fifth one. Never spoken of, never noted down in history. Not yet discovered by us or perhaps even by our ancestors, the first colonizers.”

“How do you know this then? Can you read the symbols?”

Julian gestured at the books, maps, and scrolls laid out on the table. “Because the Gerians wrote about it. They wrote about quite a few things and yes, I can decipher somewhat their writing.”

Silence.

“These are from the Gerians?” she finally said with both awe and fear, glancing down at the picture once more. To think she was coming into contact with something else made by the mythical inhabitants of this world.

“Tell me Raiya, what do you know about the Gerians? What do you know about Spore*?”

“Only that it is considered a mythological biological weapon created to destroy us, as the fairy tale often goes. An airborne illness, killing anything it touches so long as it is a living organism.”

That was the extent of her knowledge and this she had obtained from Sibilla and Godrick when they would tell her stories during her bedtime. In truth, there were little to no records left of the first colonizers and their interactions with the Gerians. Many now believed it to simply be a story to be enjoyed by the fire, a fantastical tale of impossibility as there was little to no evidence of it being true.

Julian laughed, shaking his head. “So, it’s a myth, a story now, is it? It never fails to amaze me how we often let history slide into myth, thereby allowing the same thing to happen over and over. All myths stem from some truth. Spore is very much real, though the exaggerated stories you might have heard about it are not. The old ballads that are no longer sung, banned, and thus forgotten, told the truth of it. And you’ve witnessed it for yourself when we traveled through those villages.”

Raiya would be lying if she had said she hadn't thought once if it might be the mysterious illness she had often heard about from her parents, but more than that she was curious as to how Julian had found these books that supposedly gave him all this knowledge. “How do you know what these ballads say if they had been banned and forgotten? Can you understand their language that well?”

“I have my connections,” he replied, tapping on another scroll, torn, its print faded. “And no, very few of these are actually written by the Gerians. I'm not sure how they might have recorded their histories and arts, but it is not like how we do it. But I have a few rare texts and scrolls, long believed to have been lost during the Calamity. This one in particular was sent to me from an old friend in the Bards Guild. Took a lot for him to find and send it but it was worth it. This is the only, as of right now, known copy of the oldest ballad to exist, forgotten now to us. ‘Death at First Breath.’”

Raiya stared in awe at the scroll, not wanting to even breathe on it for fear of causing it further damage. To have such a relic of the past simply sitting on a table in plain view of everyone, and no one the wiser…

“So, what does the ballad say?”

“It tells of how Spore was originally found by the Gerians on another continent, far down into the south. It was a long journey to the continent which was filled with these plants. The plant with its unknown properties were taken by the Gerians to be examined but those who touched it died quickly. But despite this death, they found that if they could safely extract the essence of the flower from the bulb in the middle, they’d have a powerful medicine. It could cure anything. But then the colonizers came, seeking a peaceful coexistence with the natives of the planet. The Dragon Gods did not mind the newcomers, but the Gerians hated them. They did not wish to share their planet or compete for favor with their gods. They did not want to share their advanced tools and knowledge. Eventually, tensions escalated into war. And this, right, here, was their supposed key to victory. They turned this plant into a biological weapon, used against our ancestors. They did this in the name of protecting Geria. They said that we are destroyers of planets, a disease that kills anything it touches. It is only fitting that we die to something that does the same thing. They would not allow us to suck Geria dry of resources, to teach us and then have us turn against them, perhaps even enslaving them. We think the Age of Calamity was bad, but even the biggest war that happened during that time in history is nothing compared to the original, first war.”

Raiya’s mouth had dropped open, her attention riveted to the story. It bore similarities to the fantastic tales Godrick would tell her before bed when she was younger, only Julian spoke with far more detail.

“Do we know what they look like?” she asked. “Did they look like us?”

“This ballad doesn’t mention their appearance,” Julian said, folding up the scrolls and tucking them away carefully under a pile of other scrolls. "In fact, nothing truly does. It's almost as if it was hard to describe or draw them. Or perhaps, as I've been thinking lately, the tools used to record histories was far more complex and advanced in comparison of our methods today. What if we might be looking for a book when it might be hidden in something else?"

“It seems too silly when you really think about it. I can't imagine what their way of living might have been like then. But the Gerians...you said they worshipped the dragons? Why didn't the dragons help them then?”

“The Gerians worshipped dragons, yes. But these dragons are quite different from the ones we have now. I don't exactly have all the details on the Dragon Gods of old, but I know for certain they were far bigger and stronger than our current ones. It is no surprise why the Gerians would think them gods and worship them. Imagine you yourself coming into contact with a large, mighty beast that possessed extraordinary intelligence beyond even your capabilities? Besides that, originally the Dragon Gods did help them, believing the Gerians when they told them that the human colonizers would destroy the world if they were allowed to live. Alas, by some divine miracle, or rather by information I have yet to discover, they turned against the Gerians and helped the humans instead, thereby ultimately winning the long war. The Gerians disappeared from Valeria, specifically from Bellasea. They are now considered extinct and are spoken of as a myth to scare children. I believe they fled though, to this mysterious fifth continent that no one knows much about.”

“Why did you suddenly decide to research this? Why are you telling me this? Am I expected to keep this a secret?”

Julian’s face regained its solemn expression instantly. “Raiya, you must not breathe a word of this to anyone, do you understand? If anyone were to find out, you’d be putting not only my life but yours and others at risk. There are people in power who would not be happy with the amount of poking I’ve been doing. As for what drew me to this, well, curiosity my dear, curiosity as I’m sure you can understand! Who wouldn’t be interested in the history of our ancestors and the secrets this planet still has to offer? We shouldn’t have locked away history, destroying invaluable texts and living ignorantly but instead continued to grow off it and be prepared. Because now Spore has returned, and we are lost.”

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“So its true then. The sickness in the village…” Raiya said, trailing off in realization. “And we sent dragons to counter it.”

Julian nodded his head. “Yes, dragons have been the only known way to handle Spore.” Before she could say anything further, he raised his hand up, stopping her. “Listen to me closely, Raiya. Godrick was no fool and neither are you,” he began, his voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper as he glanced around to make sure no one was paying them any attention. “Those within power would have you think our world is safe because there hasn’t been a public acknowledgement of Spore attacks for centuries. The old ways are slowly being replaced and only a handful of us now are advocating for the return of them. We are easily outnumbered, outvoted, and silenced by many who gain power by keeping many in the dark. Every day we try to keep it alive is another day we risk losing our lives. People are now falling ill and dying within three days in the outer villages, as you are aware. We’ve sent dragons to fight against the illness for they are the only written solution, but suspicion is growing. Rumors are spreading quickly, and fear is beginning to permeate the air. No one knows what this disease is and those that catch it do not live long to tell the tale. It doesn’t care who you are, be you lord or flyer, servant or ruler. It kills indiscriminately.”

“What can we do?!” Raiya whispered back, fear widening her eyes. “We went to the villages ourselves!”

“We went with Levi’s squad, so we were kept safe. Their dragons would have seen the spores in the sky long before we would have had a chance to get it. We are safe. As for what we can do, well, we must spread this knowledge. Keep the old ways alive. We must root out those in power that favor this censorship. In these tomes and scrolls lie the answers and secrets to Spore and I have yet to make much progress. But I will educate myself, I will temper my advice with the wisdom I gain and hope I can save us from certain ruin before it’s too late. Because that is my job as a Speaker. And now, it has become yours.”

“What can I even do?” she asked, feeling a sudden heavy weight descend on her shoulders. “What do I even do?”

He reached out, holding her hand gently. “I know that I’ve left you with a heavy burden. Knowledge is not meant to be carried lightly. But there’s another reason I’ve told you this. You see, you can do something important thanks to your new position. Sibilla, Godrick, and I suspected that there had been some sort of communication, a link between the east and the Gerians. We obviously have no proof, but we know there is something there.”

She was too stunned to speak at first. He had revealed so much information to her at once that she felt overwhelmed. She couldn’t even believe what he had just said. The Gerians? Alive still? And in contact with the east?

“You…want me to…find information and convey it to you…” she said slowly, pulling her hand back. “And if I’m caught? What then? Will they kill me?”

“Most likely, yes. But Raiya please,” he said, trying to reach for her hand again but she pulled away, sinking back into her chair as her face slipped into an emotionless mask. “Try to understand that this is important. This is the fate of humanity at play here. If the Gerians are alive, if the Gerians are working with the east, we will suffer greatly if caught unaware and unprepared. My final lesson to you is this: open your eyes to what was because that is the key to what will be. There is a reason the east has started so many wars, has tried to bury the past and sent spies to other fortresses.”

Raiya didn’t respond. She idolized this man before her and always wanted to be near him, to learn under him. She had caught a glimpse of the coldness within, yes, but she had never expected that cold, calculating nature to turn against her. To use her as he used other children as spies. She had seen him differently compared to the other adults, but he saw her as nothing more than a means to an end.

The girl's blank, emotionless gaze left Julian feeling uncomfortable. He knew she must feel hurt with how he was suddenly thrusting her into danger. He knew she might even think he had ultimately manipulated her into going to Rajin to serve his interests. But regardless of whether or not he had to be the bad guy in her story, he had a job to do and he hoped that she would understand where he was coming from one day when she herself would have to do the same in service. A servant approached the tensed pair, thankfully interrupting the silence.

“Excuse me Speaker Julian, but I have bent sent by the General Commander to summon you and your acolyte to the field.”

“Regarding?” he asked, rising. “The squad from Rajin, are they here now?”

“Yes, they arrived minutes ago. They wish to leave as soon as possible and ask for you to hurry.”

“It’s rather late,” Julian said as he began walking towards the entryway. “Will they not stay the night to refresh themselves and their dragons? They must be tired and need food and rest.”

“My apologies, but I do not know. I have simply been sent to summon you.”

“Very well,” Julian sighed before glancing back at Raiya. “Come, do not dally child. We must be quick for you may be used to the patience of our own dragon-flyers, but those of Rajin are quick-tempered and do not like being kept waiting.”

“Adam, would you please fetch my belongings from my room? They should be packed away neatly at the foot of my bed,” Raiya asked the servant as she stood up. She waited for him to nod his head in acquiescence before following Julian.

The pair walked in silence, the torches flickering and illuminating their path out the large double doors. As they walked through the field, the large figures of dragons were visible long before their flyers and the other humans in the gloom. She could easily see Priyana standing off to the side, her enormous size and golden scales a beacon of light in the darkness. Denali and Ralph were already there it seemed, no doubt welcoming the squad. So was Lucian, who had now assumed the mantle of General Commander. She saw Sentinel Levi, Batir, and Daemon off to the side alongside their squads. Laura was there as well with her group, standing behind the older flyers. All bore serious expressions, exacerbating the already tense atmosphere. Marigold, Gina, and Eri were standing behind Denali quietly, their eyes watching her approach with both hesitation and encouragement. But it wasn’t just the people from Dragonspire that were watching their approach, another pair of eyes also carefully examined the arriving pair.

She hadn’t seen him move until he was too close for comfort. She had nearly run into him, not seeing him in the darkness. Despite the torches staked into the ground casting a glow around them, she could only make out his dark, hooded eyes glinting beneath the light whenever it caught them. He was wrapped from head to toe in black leather and cloth. Though he was short, his burly figure radiated danger. Tendrils of fear curled up at the base of her spine, crawling upwards. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, goosebumps erupting over her skin. She wanted to run away from this man, not let him near her. He reminded her of Ralph with the same dark, calculating eyes and figure. Perhaps they were related.

“This the girl?” he asked Julian who had remained quietly by her side. Though he had an accent like Denali’s, it did little to hide the gruff, uncaring tone that frightened her even more. This man was very, very dangerous her mind kept screaming at her.

“Yes, this is Raiya,” Julian answered, wrapping an arm protectively around her shoulders. He felt her shivering under his arm and understood her fear. But he couldn’t do anything more. She had chosen this after all. “And you are?” he prompted the flyer instead to introduce himself. Perhaps with introductions done, it might calm her.

“Forgive my rudeness,” the man said, suddenly grinning. His teeth flashed white in the light, like a sword being drawn in the darkness. “Neta Rashad Babu.”

Raiya found that throughout this whole exchange, he had yet to lock eyes with her or even acknowledge her existence after his initial assessment. He treated her as an object being exchanged and she found herself greatly annoyed by this.

“’Neta.’ That translates to something like ‘captain’ or ‘leader’ correct? You’re the leader of this squad?” she interjected. If he wouldn’t acknowledge her willingly, she would force him to.

“I am,” he agreed, his gaze shifting towards her. “You’re trembling like a leaf yet speak to me in defiance. It could be considered an almost admirable trait. However, a child shouldn’t insert themselves into the conversations of adults.”

“I find strength in anger,” she replied, giving him her best stare down. “And you’ll find that I am no ordinary child. You will afford me the respect of my position!”

“Raiya, please,” Julian said, turning her around to face him as a look of anger flashed across Rashad's eyes. His eyes silently conveyed for her to be quiet, or she would not make it to Rajin in one piece. Once she silently acknowledged this, he turned back to face the short man before her. “My apologies, Neta Rashad. Raiya may be young, but she is quite intelligent and gifted for her age. She should be afforded the same respect as any acolyte would in her position first and foremost. I’m sure you are aware of the importance of Speakers and the honor in which they are afforded.”

Rashad jerked his head in a rough nod, his anger lingering in his eyes. “My apologies little acolyte,” he said tightly. “As pleasant as this chat isn’t, we should get going now. The flight is long, and we are eager to return home.”

“Yes, so I’ve heard. I have been meaning to speak to you about that. Surely you would rather rest and refresh yourselves before making such a long journey again?” Julian applied his best persuasive tone. “Your dragons must be hungry, and they can hunt in the fields. We have a warm dinner ready for you and your weary squad as well as rooms to retire in for the night.”

“Thank you for the offer, but we are fine. We can sleep on our dragons if we need be and they themselves have fed just before we left. They will be fine for the return journey. We packed rations for our trip. If we are hungry, we will eat on dragon-back.”

“It’s okay,” Raiya said quietly as she grabbed Julian’s arm, sensing that he was going to argue with the other man. “I’ll be okay.”

Julian glanced worriedly between the two but knew there wasn’t much he could do. He hung his head in defeat as Raiya squeezed his arm reassuringly. The servant with her belongings arrived right after, looking suspiciously at the party before him.

“Where would you like me to place these?” he asked Raiya as he approached.

“Thank you, Adam. I believe it will go on one of the dragons,” she answered, gesturing towards the seven large dragons standing a close distance away.

“Very good,” Adam nodded, heading towards the dragons. He didn’t get close before the others that were traveling with Rashad came over quickly to take Raiya’s things. She caught a glimpse of a rope-pulley system they used to raise her belongings on to the back of one of the dragons before Julian nudged her in the direction of Denali and Ralph.

Turning away, she begrudgingly made her way to the pair with Julian and Rashad following behind her. Though Julian’s presence was reassuring, she didn’t understand why the other man was following them. His presence only continued to increase the unease and dislike she felt around them. But she remembered her manners and bowed formally to the pair, thanking them for their hospitality.

Not that they did much in that regard, that gratitude should have been given to Godrick and Sibilla, she thought, annoyance coursing through her.

Ralph had a dark smile on his face, his eyes reflecting a cruel glint in the torchlight that much resembled the one in the dark man’s eyes standing behind her. She felt waves of revulsion overtake her as she took in his appearance and felt lucky in one regard leaving the fortress. She’d never have to lay eyes on him again. How this man Bonded with a dragon, she did not know. Of the prerequisites stated, he met none of them. He was not brave nor kind, compassionate nor just. He wasn’t an exemplary being in the slightest. The only thing he had was a black, deceitful heart and a hunger that could never be sated.

Denali wasn’t even looking at her, however. Her gaze was focused on the small man behind her, and Raiya understood then why he had followed. Denali had a warm smile on her face as she greeted Rashad in another language, and he returned the smile and greeting as he bowed formally towards her. It was clear that the two knew each other well and she felt a growing interest in their relationship. But all too soon, Denali’s gaze switched over to her, and the warmth slid away, replaced by a stiff, icy expression. Denali nodded once, in both greeting and farewell before giving her a look that seemed to say, “don’t forget what I told you.”

Eri, Gina, and Marigold were right behind her. Eri and Gina gave small smiles, but Marigold came forward to embrace her in a tight hug.

“Remember to write to me,” she whispered in her ear.

Before Raiya could respond, she was yanked away by Rashad who began to drag her to his dragon. “I haven’t finished my goodbyes!” she cried out, her gaze flashing to Julian’s surprised face. Then he was chasing the pair, shouting at them to stop. But Rashad didn’t listen nor reply. As they got closer to his dragon, she became distracted by the enormous beast. This dragon was far larger than Lamryl and Lamryl was the only dragon she had come closest to sitting on.

“When we get on top, there is a special harness for you to strap yourself into,” he said, sensing her fear and hesitation. “The harness is made specifically for certain dragons to shuttle around common folk. My Rindu has never worn one before or carried another person so let’s hope for the best.” A toothy grin caused her to look away in fear.

“At least allow me to say goodbye to Julian,” she said instead, trying to distract herself.

Julian had been blocked by two of the people traveling with Rashad and his outraged shouting could distinctly be heard by the two, though one ignored it casually.

“You had your time to say goodbye. Now we must be off if we are to keep to the schedule. Now climb up.”

“I’ve never ridden a dragon before,” she murmured, her voice soft and near lost to the surrounding noise. When she turned to look at him again, he didn't need to know what she had said before, he could clearly see the stark-naked fear clearly in the child’s eyes. “Will I survive?”

“Rindu will be careful,” he assured her in as a gentle a tone he could muster, taking pity on the young girl before him. “The harness will keep you strapped to him. All you must do is climb to the top.”

Raiya’s gaze drifted towards the dragon, Rindu, who was staring down at her with his glowing red eyes. The facets of his eyes, so like a gem, were beautiful to behold up close.

‘Please, it’s my first time’ she sent to him, desperately pleading to the other being overseeing her safety.

‘I will fly gently little one’ Rindu’s response came, lowering himself to make it easier for her.

“I’ll go first,” Rashad murmured in her ear before grabbing the rope ladder and quickly scurrying his way up with practiced ease.

Caught under the stare of Rindu’s glowing eyes, she gripped the ladder and slowly began to climb up.

She focused her mind on the climb, not daring to look down or up or even off to the side. She kept her gaze focused on the rungs and her hand slowly releasing one, grabbing the other, and pulling herself up. She didn’t realize she had reached the top until Rashad pulled her up off the ladder and settled her down quickly in front of him, closer to the base of Rindu’s neck. Her legs slid easily into the leather harness that was then wrapped and tightened around her waist, securing her down. The harness was heavy and thick, but still loose enough for her to wiggle around. Rashad double-checked the security and tightness, pulling on the straps so that she could no longer move.

“Is it okay? Too tight?” he asked her, his eyes scanning over the buckles one last time.

“I think it’s okay,” she replied hesitantly, unsure of how tight it was supposed to be. “I can’t move at all if that’s the goal,” she added in. “If that helps.”

“Good, you don’t want to be moving around on a flying dragon. Get ready then, we’re heading off.”

Rashad lifted his arm, waving his hand in a circular motion as a signal for the others to get ready to leave. Rindu rose up and the sudden movement caused her to lean forward from the force, her hands automatically coming forward to grip the two large spikes emerging from his head. The only problem is that Rashad was also leaning forward to hold onto those spikes, and she felt caged in his embrace as she felt his annoyance.

He redirected her hands to two smaller horns on the back of Rindu’s head and she gripped those tightly, needing this anchor.

“You’re not in a saddle or harness?” she suddenly asked, realizing the man was riding bare, only gripping the horns for support. She had never known a rider to fly without some sort of harness. The risk of slipping off or a freak chance of weather or even a dragon’s fancy to roll mid-flight were all reasons to dissuade such bravery. But Rashad seemed to enjoy living his life on the edge of danger.

“Yes, and?” he answered, a hint of pride and glee in his voice.

Before she could open her mouth and ask if he’d be okay because her survival was tied to his, he shouted a word that she didn’t quite catch and suddenly felt the force of gravity pushing down on her as Rindu leaped into the air. The rush of wind and speed of the movement made it extremely hard to breathe and Raiya began to panic as she felt herself lose consciousness. Within seconds, however, it was over and as Rindu straightened his course and settled into a smooth glide, Rashad leaned forward to check on the trembling girl. He didn’t say anything, simply making sure she seemed okay before leaning back, allowing his calm composure and experience to settle her down.

Raiya never relinquished her death-like grip from the horns, even when knowing she was perfectly safe in the harness. But she did take this opportunity to peek at the sight below her, curious as to what the view was like on the back of a dragon. The land appeared like small puzzle pieces, and she felt dizzy looking down at it. She couldn’t make out anything distinct except for large bodies of water and mountains. Raiya felt her stomach lurch as she continued to stare down and decided it might be best to just close her eyes and ignore the newfound fear of heights she had just developed.

*~*

They did not reach Rajin Fortress until noon the next day. Neither had slept throughout the flight and both were feeling exhausted. Rashad had offered her some bread, but she had shaken her head in response. She was feeling much too queasy.

“Welcome to Rajin, girl,” Rashad said, his breath hot against her cold ear. “We’re going to drop you off here. Should be someone to get you and escort you to the fortress soon.”

“You’re not taking me there yourself?” she asked, trying to turn in the tight harness to catch a glimpse of his face.

“Afraid not sweetheart. My men and I, we need our rest and so do the dragons.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Rindu tilted his body in a downward spiral, landing gently for her benefit and sake. She had expected to see a never-ending view of sand when they arrived but instead she saw a view that made her gasp.

The oasis they had landed next to was a breathtakingly large jewel nestled at the base of Rajin Fortress. It was a lush haven in contrast to the barren golden sands they had flew over on their journey. At the very heart of it lay a large, crystal-clear spring, its water a vivid turquoise. She assumed that it was fed by underground streams from the mountain range. This spring was without a doubt the lifeblood of these people, its cool refreshing waters spreading out through channels that formed small streams. Three, large and distinguished rivers also flowed from the crystal spring, wounding through the fields and off into the distance. In the area closest to the mountain lay an expansive garden, well-maintained and flourishing with a vibrant array of flora. Raiya herself could hardly believe how many plants she saw thriving in the heat of the desert, thinking it impossible for life to truly bloom and thrive in this heat. Tall date palms and fig trees cast dappled shade over the rich, dark soils, while flowering vines of bougainvillea and jasmine wound their way up trellises and arbors. Even from where they were she could smell their intoxicating fragrance faintly in the air. The exotic flowers, most of which she had never seen, grew in every color of the rainbow. These vibrant, well-tended beds were no doubt a delight to walk and sit in for the locals who wandered even now amongst them. Adjacent to the gardens lay the large agricultural fields where the people who lived within the oasis toiled. From her vantage point, she could see the neat rows of crops stretching out in all directions, their vibrant red leaves a stark contrast to the golden sands in the distance. Wheat and barley swayed gently in the breeze while verdant patches of vegetables lay buried between the fertile soil. Grape vines heavy with clusters of ripe fruit lay draped over wooden frames and citrus groves were filled with lemons, oranges, and pomegranates.

“This must be the infamous Eltanin Oasis, the largest one to exist in Ioyari,” she managed to say, finding her voice amidst her awe as he worked to unharness her. "Called 'The Garden of Paradise,' by many who have been lucky enough to see it."

“Yes. You should be grateful for how closely situated you are to it. The large desert on the other side of the mountains is no easy crossing, especially for foreigners like yourself. Just remember this in case you decide to runoff. The sands are treacherous as can be and there is little in between the established locations. But you won’t be staying here, with these villagers. Your home will be up there.” He pointed at the mountains, redirecting her gaze. Towering above what she could only truthfully describe as a verdant paradise were the Rajin Mountains. These large, golden mountains glittered beneath the sunlight alongside the large fortress situated into them. Circling above the fortress and the oasis were a few dragons, their scales shimmering in various hues of green, blue, red, and purple. Occasionally, she would see one perch on top of a large dome-roof and regard them or regale them from their perch on a balcony.

“Alright, enough staring. You’ll have plenty of time to become accustomed to the sight. Focus on climbing down,” Rashad instructed, loosening the last buckle holding her in place.

She nodded her head in understanding, but her lips parted to begin asking the questions surging through her mind. “Those three large rivers, do they have names?” she asked as she accepted his help in maneuvering around awkwardly to get ready to climb down the ladder.

He glanced in the direction of the rivers before returning his focus to her, gripping her waist tightly as he settled her feet first on the rungs of the ladder before her hands.

“The Osoming River, Iturial River, and Nipater River. They run throughout the entirety of Ioyari. They are the longest known rivers out of all the continents and the lifeblood for many of the other regions out there. We owe much to the water from which we find both nourishment and cleanliness.”

She found herself still curious about the rivers and filed their names away for further research. Without another word between them, she began her descent, once again focusing on the movement of her hands rather than staring down below. If she had happened to look down, she would see that there was already a group of servants ready to escort her, her bags already settled within their grasps. But she didn’t and as soon as her feet touched the ground, she was startled by the hand coming down her shoulder. She whirled around to face a dark-skinned servant with her dark, thick hair pulled back in a braid and almond-shaped brown eyes. There was a red dot on her forehead and a streak of red over her hairline.

“Welcome Acolyte Raiya to Rajin Fortress,” she said, her accent like Rashad’s and Denali’s. “Please, follow me. Your presence has been requested by the Chieftess Rana and Chief Amir.”

“What about my belongings?” she asked as the servant turned around and began to walk away.

“They will see to them, don’t worry. Now please hurry.”

Raiya had no choice but to follow the group down the well-beaten path. She didn’t bother glancing back at the squad of dragon-flyers she had flown with or the man she had sat next to for such a long time. As the large fortress drew near, the dazzling golden walls made her eyes water. But she couldn’t look away, her eyes drawn to the intricately adorned arabesque patterns, geometric designs, and delicate carvings that seemed to weave a tale. Inlaid within these carvings were precious gems and tiles, creating a mosaic of colors that shimmered and danced beneath the sun’s light. The domes that crowned the towers were made of pristine marble, she saw as she drew near, their smooth surfaces gleaming as its elegant curves and intricate lotus motifs lend grace and elegance to the otherwise formidable fortress. At the very top of the domes, she saw gilded finials, catching the first light of dawn and last rays of sunset. There were a series of large balconies with wide stone railings jutting from the walls, serving as both viewing points of the lush gardens and fields as well as resting places for the dragons. The windows were strategically placed throughout the fortress with the majority being narrow slits designed for defense, allowing archers to watch for approaching threats. These slits no doubt also helped to keep the interiors cool and shaded against the desert heat, but she couldn’t help the quick, grim realizations she had while looking at them. Over the centuries, most of the other fortresses and even keeps had adjusted their designs to more open and modern constructs. Rajin was apparently one of the few that maintained the old, traditional designs suitable for war. Though the majority were slits, interspersed among them were larger, arched windows, their frames elaborately carved and fitted with stained glass bearing unique designs.

Her eyes drifted alongside the open bridges serving as connectors, their arches and railings adorned with flowering vines that cascade down the sides. The wide, sturdy bridges were no doubt frequently used to get around the fortress. The group approached the broad flight of steps leading up to the entrance, the same golden as its walls. Flanking the steps were white, tall, stately columns, each topped with a decorative capital featuring intricate carvings of dragons and floral motifs. As they neared the top, she could see a massive gate with a horseshoe arch. It was constructed from heavy wood and reinforced with iron bands. The ornate metalwork depicted scenes from various battles and dragons. She frowned as she stared at it. It seemed to be a glorification of the violence and bloodshed that had come from this continent. As the gate swung open, they trudged through, granting them access to a tunnel that sloped upwards. As they walked through the tunnel, she saw amidst the torches inlaid upon the walls even more carvings of dragons, some breathing flame into the air. She saw strange, unknown humanoid-like creatures standing above what appeared to be humans. Was this supposed to represent the Gerian War? She didn’t have time to examine the walls in detail as much as her curiosity wanted. They had emerged into a spacious courtyard within, surrounded by high walls and overlooked by bridges and towers.

The centerpiece of this grand courtyard was the magnificent water fountain. It drew the eye almost immediately, its burbling water a soothing melody. The fountain seemed crafted from the same marble as the domes, featuring a tiered design with water cascading from a central spout shaped like a dragon’s head. At its base, foreign inscriptions inlaid with gold and precious stones seemed to tell an ancient story. Or perhaps telling those who wander past to toss an offering into its clear, blue depths. Surrounding the fountain were a series of pointed arches connected by columns arranged in a harmonious pattern of three. These arches, shaped like a horseshoe, were supported by more slender columns. The slender columns were intricately carved with the same, recurring floral motifs and dragons. The arches created sheltered walkways, both an aesthetic beauty and practical shade for those traversing the courtyard. Nestled within the arches were also pavilions, elegant structures with domed roofs and open sides, allowing those within to enjoy the courtyard’s sights and sounds. Furnishing the pavilions were low tables and cushions sat upon intricately patterned rugs. As they walked past one, she could see that the inner ceilings were painted with scenes of dragons in flight. The courtyard was dotted with topiaries, expertly trimmed into the shapes of dragons in various poses. Interspersed among the topiaries were beds of flowers, the same as the ones in the gardens outside. The air was filled with their floral scent alongside a hint of spice. She could see a stable as well with golden walls and a roof made of red clay tiles. Dragon motifs could be seen scattered around.

“There seems to be quite a focus on dragons here,” she muttered aloud to herself. She didn’t have to worry about being overheard, the courtyard was teeming with activity and the servants she was following didn’t seem concerned with her in the slightest.

Instead, they were far more focused on trying to cut through the crowds as they headed for one of the four main entrances located at one of the four cardinal points of the courtyard. It appeared that each entrance provided easy access to different sections of the fortress. Each of these entrances were marked by grand, ornately carved doors depicting scenes from a past long forgotten. They were heading to the one located at the north cardinal point. No doubt this one led to the heart of the fortress where most of the nobility resided.

“It’s very beautiful here,” she said more loudly in the hopes of starting a conversation with someone. The servant with the thick, dark braid slowed her pace slightly, smiling in pride at the appreciation she found on the girl’s face.

“Oh yes. Rajin Fortress is the most beautiful fortress of them all, followed only by Shiyama.”

“The designs are very colorful and intricate. Geometric shapes, mosaics made from gems and tiles, and a lot of dragon symbols. All these carvings and inscriptions we’ve passed, what do they mean by the way? Do you know?”

Before answering the girl’s question, the woman dismissed the other servants at the main entrance. Then she ushered the girl through, glancing at the golden-carved doors as she did so. She hummed in thought before saying, “From what I remember, the carvings represent important historical events for Rajin. The inscriptions either talk about those events or are a poem. Maybe even a verse from a ballad.”

Raiya found that the inside of the fortress was no less detailed, stepping on beautiful tilework as they walked through a hallway. The ceilings were also decorated with carved staccato and mosaics. She truly, completely, and utterly understood again why the east was considered the most beautiful continent. It wasn’t just the people but their art and craftsmanship as well. It was as if she had stepped into paradise. How could such a beautiful place be home to such evil?

“There is much to see and appreciate. But in due time. I will provide you with a tour after your meeting. We must hurry.” A stern edge had crept into the servant’s voice when she saw the girl’s steps slow as she continued to get further distracted.

After hearing that, Raiya resumed her quicker pace, regretfully tearing her eyes away from her surroundings. Despite the anticipation of heat, especially with their arrival during midday, she found that the design of the fortress seemed to promote coolness, keeping the sun directly off them. She felt comfortable if not but a bit exhausted from lack of sleep. She hid a yawn as they walked through large chambers, long hallways, and large stairways leading to higher floors. They had walked through so many twists and turns that Raiya was sure she would not remember her way back out alone.

“You’ll get used to the heat and layout,” the servant said, noticing the girl’s tiredness. “Also, this hallway will lead us to our final destination.” They continued to the end of it where another set of stairs awaited them. “The heat can become unbearable at first to newcomers. But in time, you learn to tolerate it. Unless you’re a southerner. They tend to have an immunity to the blazing heat, much like us. I’m sure it doesn’t help that you’re dressed in those robes. I’m sure Chieftess Rana will have light, soft cotton robes crafted for you to use here however.”

“Is the southern continent hotter than the eastern?” Raiya asked, stifling another yawn. She found it much harder to stay awake suddenly, wanting to pass out right then and there.

“I’ve never been so I don’t know. But I think they both have their own, unique ways of handling the heat,” she said as she stepped out onto a landing leading to a small hallway with a large, horseshoe shaped arch opening into a bridge.

As Raiya shakily climbed the last step, all her energy spent, she caught a glimpse of the ornate heavy wooden double-doors at the end of the bridge. There was nothing else on this landing, just the hallway into a bridge into another small hallway with the doors at the end. She had a feeling they had finally arrived at their destination. Thankfully, the servant allowed her to take a moment to catch her breath before resuming her pace down the bridge. As Raiya entered the hallway, she saw more beautiful tapestries and sculptures decorating the wall and standing along the edges, adding an air of splendor. As they crossed the bridge, she reached out to gently touch one of the red flowers growing on the side, feeling the velvety softness of its petal before the servant’s call directed her to move again. Raiya noticed, with less enthusiasm in comparison to the rest, that the bridge had only a waist-height wall on either side. That small barrier was the only thing keeping her from potentially tumbling to her death. She swallowed thickly, wondering if anyone had tumbled over the edge, either by accident or purpose. By their own hand or another. She also noticed that her footsteps echoed quite loudly on the tiles, announcing her approaching presence easily to whomever was in the room. It would be hard to mask her approach just short of walking barefoot and tiptoeing across.

Intentionally designed to make it hard to mask one’s approach she thought, finding it clever.

The servant had been waiting patiently by the doors and as soon as Raiya stepped foot in the hall, she turned and knocked on them before quickly scurrying away, saying a soft farewell as she passed by the girl. Raiya stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do next. She hadn’t expected the servant to just skitter away like that. There was a long moment after the knock, a heavy pause before a familiar-sounded voice, albeit muffled, gave her permission to enter. She pushed the doors open slowly, walking into a large, richly furnished room. The ceiling was a marvel in and of itself, designed as a lantern roof that allowed the natural sunlight to filter in during the day, bathing the room in a warm glow. The lanterns, decorated intricately with dragons, hung from the rafters. These were no doubt used when the Council convened at night.

Dominating one wall of the room was a massive fireplace, its mantle a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The hearth was framed by dragons sculpted in high relief, their serpentine bodies winding up the sides and around the mantle, their eyes set with glistening gemstones that catch the firelight to resemble the glowing eyes. Adorning the mantle is an array of decorations and treasures: ornate vases, golden goblets, intricately carved figurines, and even a few ancient-looking scrolls. The rich, brown walls of the room are lined with heavy tapestries. These tapestries, woven with fine threads of gold, silver, and vibrant colors, seemed far more well-made and intricate than the others she had seen before. They depicted legendary battles, moments of peace and prosperity, and the majestic dragons alone or with their flyers. Between the tapestries, sconces in the shape of dragon heads hold flickering torches. The floor was covered with luxurious rugs and animal pelts, their rich textures and colors adding to the room’s opulence. The rugs, woven with intricate patterns, are soft and plush, her feet easily sinking into them. The pelts are from animals she does not recognize, but they provide a dangerous and primal touch to the room.

Finally, at the center of the room was the large, oval table crafted from dark, polished wood and inlaid with dragon motifs in gold and silver. The table is surrounded by nine high-backed chairs, each ornately carved and cushioned for comfort. At the head of the table, two of the nine chairs are far larger and more elaborate, clearly reserved for the Chief and Chieftess of Rajin Fortress. The arms and legs on those chairs are sculpted to resemble dragon claws, the backs adorned with intricate carvings of dragons in flight. The cushions are a rich, deep red velvet matching the ones on the other seven. The other seven, while not as grand, still are impressive with each bearing unique carvings and decorations that reflect the status and role of the member that sits upon it.

Eight of the nine were presently occupied.

“Welcome, Raiya, to Rajin Fortress,” Rana greeted her, her rich deep voice filling the large room easily. “We are honored to have you.”

“You honor me, Council of Rajin Fortress,” she returned the greeting politely, bowing. “I hope to serve Rajin Fortress well in the upcoming future.”

A frail, elderly woman spoke, her wispy thin voice but a whisper in the room in comparison to Rana’s. “I am Speaker Deepika, your new master. I did not attend your trials, unfortunately. As you can see, it is hard for someone like me to travel now.” She gestured shakily over her aged body. “So, I do not know what kind of acolyte you are. Your strengths and weaknesses.”

“The honor to have you train me is mine, Speaker Deepika. I hope to learn much from you so that I may continue your legacy, and I hope through our sessions you will also learn more about what kind of strengths and weaknesses I have.”

The elderly woman smiled, pleased at the girl’s response. She already had an inkling of what kind of acolyte the girl was and found herself eager to take advantage of her.

“Acolyte Raiya,” Amir said, his booming voice drawing all attention to him. A frown marred his features, his brows furrowed as he thought of the best way to lay this out for the girl. “You will come to learn that Rajin Fortress is not like Dragonspire. There are different customs. A different culture exists here and that should be respected. You will undergo education and training to learn our ways on top of your lessons with Deepika.” Raiya felt her stomach drop at the thought of all that extra work but forced a smile out, nodding her head in acquiescence. But Amir instantly saw through her quick facade. He needed to make sure she fully understood the repercussions. “You will also come to learn that your age will not save you from punishment. We are not a lenient sort, and we are less forgiving than most. Do not think to hide behind your age.” The sharpness of his voice caused a cold sweat to break out over her, but she mustered all her courage to respond coolly in acknowledgement of his warning.

“I will do my absolute best to uphold the honors of Rajin Fortress. This is my home now and I will pride myself in representing it moving forward. I won’t use my age as an excuse for any poor behavior nor as a shield to soften any blow you send my way as punishment.”

Murmurs broke out amongst the others seated at the table though she couldn’t tell if it was positive or negative, especially with their continued glances in her direction. But she didn’t succumb to the intensity of their gazes or whispered remarks, instead firmly holding herself up, her back as straight as can be and her head held high. Her ability to sound well-versed and educated for her age no doubt surprised them, especially if they thought of her as an inconsequential child.

But as she had told Rashad, she was no ordinary child, and she had no intention of letting them get the best of her. Not now and certainly not when she got older.

“You must be tired from your long journey,” Rana said kindly, the murmurs dying down quickly when she had begun to speak. “You may spend the rest of your day unpacking and resting. Tomorrow, you will begin your apprenticeship under Speaker Deepika. We hope it will be a smooth and quick process.” She didn’t elaborate further, her unspoken meaning only caught by a few, Raiya being one of them.

She understood that they were looking to replace Deepika as soon as possible. This shouldn’t be a surprise. The woman was old and looked ready to pass on at any moment. But Raiya felt there was a deeper, underlying cause for it. A darker, more sinister reason.

“Thank you for your generosity and hospitality,” she said, bowing low before backing out of the room, closing the doors firmly shut behind her. She turned to see the same servant that had run away already waiting there, her face arranged in a careful, smiling mask.

“Follow me,” the servant said, and turned, walking away. Raiya hesitated, glancing back at the doors one last time before following.

She couldn’t quite get their shrewd, calculating gazes out of her mind.

Those were the eyes of people who analyze the value of an object for personal use, gain, or value she thought sickly. They didn’t see her as human, but as an object or tool. Denali had been right.

They headed back down the flight of steps and twisting halls until they reached the courtyard once more, this time going down the main entrance located at the western cardinal point.

“This is where the craftsmen live. The apprentices and journeymen only of course. The masters live in lavisher quarters located in the northern area of the fortress,” the servant explained as they walked up the low set of steps into a hallway.

“Are there baths in the rooms?” Raiya asked, wanting to ensure she was prepared in case she had to find a pool to dip in.

“Only the quarters of the nobility and dragon-flyers have their own bathing chamber inside. For you, there is a bathing chamber you share with the others on your floor. Separated by gender to make it easier.”

Raiya found the thought unappealing, though not entirely foreign. She had had to share baths before with others.

“The bathing room, or hammam as we call it, is located at the very beginning of the floor. There is a changing room where you may strip down and clean cloth to wrap around yourself for privacy. The baths themselves are twin pools of hot water, large enough to fit twenty people at a time. It should always be stocked with supplies, but if you need anything let a servant know.”

“I’ll head there as soon as I grab some clean clothes,” Raiya said, interested at seeing the inside of the bath chamber. The servant led her up a flight of steps on the right into a hallway with doors lining the walls.

“The second floor of this area onwards consists of rooms. Yours is right here, not far from the entrance so that Speaker Deepika can easily visit as needed,” the servant said, stopping by a plain, wooden door. “Good luck.” She left without further ado, leaving Raiya alone outside the door.

Sighing, she entered the room, taking in what would be her personal living space for who knows how long. The room was by no means large or richly furnished, but for someone who had constantly shared rooms with others, it was perfect. Her chest and bags were already placed neatly at the base of the bed located in the left corner. There was a desk on the opposite side and a cupboard right beside it for what she assumed to be for her clothes. A simple, patterned rug covered the tiled floor. There was a small window, larger than the slit ones but smaller than the arched ones she had seen.

On the wall, beside her bed, was a single rectangular tapestry depicting a dancing veiled girl in blue, exotic clothes with musicians in the background. Though the woman’s body was posed provocatively mid-dance, Raiya couldn’t help but focus on her thumbs and toes, which appeared rather large and cartoonish. Stifling a giggle, she dragged herself towards her bags, intent on unpacking a little and finding a clean set of clothes so she could bathe. But before she knew it, exhaustion overtook her and she walked past the bags completely, collapsing on top of the bed instead. She had fallen asleep long before her head had hit the pillow.