“Then let’s get to work!”
Without speaking a word, both boys turned back to the field and started away from the walls. The horses, confused by the sudden change in direction, followed obediently as they headed back to the area where they had just been. The sun was lowering in the sky, and soon the city walls would be shut, but that didn’t seem to bother either of them. Jumping back onto their saddles, they started to go through the same exercises Wolf had made before. This time, Aiden wasn’t scared, his body filled with adrenaline and confidence. Ty could feel it too, and the two of them rode like Aiden had been riding for days instead of hours.
“Where have you been?” Logan asked, moving down the bench to make room for Wolf and Aiden. Both boys looked exhausted.
“Practising,” Wolf replied, pulling Logan’s plate of half-eaten food in front of him and eating what was left.
“Please, help yourself—” Wolf smiled at him, food sticking through his teeth. “You two have been out there all day? Do you realize you missed the Captain recently?”
“Crap, was he looking for us?” Wolf asked, swallowing the huge mouthful he’d been chewing.
“Not you, him.” He motioned toward Aiden. “Apparently, he was coming to check up on you. What happened?”
Aiden looked down, his face turning red like it always did when he was embarrassed. “I got thrown off my horse.”
Logan chuckled. “Well, that was bound to happen on your first day. At least you’re not injured,” he pointed out.
Elisa suddenly plopped down beside him, smiling at the three of them. “Hello,” she greeted them.
“What are you so happy about?” Wolf asked rudely. She looked taken aback, her smile fading immediately. Logan wanted to throw a curse his way.
“Nothing. I was just saying hello.” Both of their faces turned to stone as they looked away from each other. Elisa turned to Aiden. “How was your training today? I heard you were riding.”
“It was all right,” he lied. Logan snorted. “Well, I fell off the horse, or more like got thrown off like a rag doll, but besides that it was fine. We just came in now, so I’m pretty sore.”
“Wait until tomorrow,” Logan remarked, smirking.
“Well, I was speaking with my dad, and tomorrow you get to train with me.” She smiled. Wolf began coughing loudly over her, apparently on a piece of meat. Logan was suspicious, however. “We’re going to work on your archery,” she continued over him.
“Great,” said Aiden, smiling. Logan watched Wolf look between the two of them, and couldn’t help but laugh inwardly at his friend.
Tomorrow with Elisa—Aiden was rejoicing inside, when a voice interrupted him. “Hey, Aiden,” someone said. They all turned to see Felix standing there with his tray of food. He looked nervous now that they all were staring at him.
“Hey,” Aiden replied, smiling.
“Can I sit with you guys?” Aiden felt bad—the boy looked nervous as hell—so he instantly moved down to make room for him. The others didn’t seem to mind. He sat down, looking relieved that he hadn’t been turned away. “How was riding?”
“Not too bad,” he replied, trying to avoid telling his story again.
“Aiden, you haven’t eaten anything yet, have you?” Elisa asked, taking notice of the empty space before him. He shook his head as she began to get up. “Neither have I. I’ll go get us something.” She walked off toward Tiny, leaving the boys watching her from behind.
“Well, isn’t that sweet,” Wolf commented dryly. He had finished Logan’s food by that time, and started to get up himself. “I think I’ll go get washed up, and then maybe head out for an evening stroll.” He winked. Logan laughed, like he knew exactly where he would be heading.
“Yeah, say hi to the girl for me,” he joked. “Whoever she might be tonight.” Wolf smiled in response, turning to leave.
“Where do you think you’re going?” a big man asked, standing in his way. Aiden hadn’t noticed his approach. Elisa had come back just as they all turned to see him. “The Captain wants to see you all in his chambers.”
They looked nervously at one another. Felix’s face instantly drained of colour. “I’ll let you guys go then.” He started to get up to leave.
“You come too,” the man instructed. Aiden looked over at him and shrugged his shoulders. The five of them followed the man out, as all heads turned to watch them as they left. His stomach growled in protest, making him regret having not gotten something to eat sooner.
“Sit down,” the Captain barked as they all entered his private chambers. It was the room on the top floor, taking up the whole space. The furnishings were plain; his bed was the same as the small ones that they slept in. There was a large fireplace in the room, and chairs stationed around it, but besides that it was just the same as theirs. Nothing about it spoke of his rank in the King’s army. The only light in the place came from the large hearth in the fireplace, casting a low glow in the room, just around the seating area. The rest of it hid in darkness, making the mood in the room very eerie. All five of them squished onto a sofa , Aiden stuck between Felix and Elisa. “Where have you two been?” he asked first.
“We were just practising some more,” Wolf replied. Aiden felt nervous speaking around the Captain. He was a terrifying man.
“I told you to bring him back here.”
His words hung in the air. No one wanted to look at either of them. Aiden felt horrible. He hadn’t even thought about the chance Wolf would get in trouble for keeping him out there.
“I apologize, sir,” Wolf replied. “We wanted to get a little more work in before dark. It was irresponsible of me. It won’t happen again.”
The Captain just grunted, before sitting down across from them on a large cushioned chair.
“We just heard news from our men in the north. They are stationed at the base of the mountain in secrecy,” he began. “It looks like the army there is on the move.”
Silence filled the air, each person feeling a mixture of fear and anticipation. Aiden and Felix looked hesitantly at one another. Both faces reflected the same feeling—they weren’t ready. It was all becoming too real now, the immense danger for them all suddenly tangible.
“How long until they’re here?” asked Wolf, the only one brave enough to speak.
“We’re assuming they will be torching and raiding the smaller villages on the way, so that might take up more time. I’d say two weeks at the most.” Two weeks. Aiden felt the colour fade from his face, and his palms became clammy. “It is critical, now more than ever, that you all be ready to fight.” He looked straight at Aiden. “Can you be ready?”
“We’re ready,” replied Logan enthusiastically. He looked down the line at Aiden and smiled encouragingly. “Don’t worry, Aiden. With the three of us helping you, you’ll be just as ready as the rest of us.” Wolf looked hesitantly at Aiden, mirroring the same scepticism Aiden felt. It wasn’t much time, and he had a lot to learn.
“I want you all to be training as many hours in the day as you can,” the Captain said, interrupting their private silent exchange. Aiden knew Wolf was just as doubtful about him being ready in two weeks, although Logan seemed to think it was a piece of cake. “I will let the others know tomorrow, so keep this quiet. For now, go get some rest and be prepared to work harder than you’ve ever worked before. I’m only telling you all before the others, because I have the most faith in you. Each one of you is the best at what they do,” he said, hesitating when his glance reached Felix. They both looked at each other before the Captain continued. “I’m looking to you to encourage the others, and lead them. You are young, but you’re the future of this army, and you need to establish your role now when it is the most important.” The feeling in the room was tense. “Are we clear?”
“Yes, sir,” they responded together. He dismissed them after this, sending them to their rooms to have what would surely be a horrible sleep.
Lying in his bed, Aiden stared up at the ceiling contemplatin
g the idea of running away. Perhaps Diana would send him back if he asked. Surely, she wouldn’t force him to stay there if he didn’t want to. Then he thought about the friends he had made, and pictured them failing against this northern army. He knew he couldn’t just let that happen, but he didn’t really know what he could do.
“You asleep?” someone whispered from the door.
“No,” he replied, thankful for the distraction. Elisa walked silently over to his bed, sitting cross-legged at the foot. He sat up against the headboard, looking at her in the moonlight. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever known. He wondered what she thought of him.
“How are you feeling?” she asked, keeping her voice low.
“Scared,” he replied honestly. “I’m not sure I can do this, Elisa. I don’t really understand the magnitude of this yet, but I have some idea of what is to come, and if it is anywhere near that, I know I can’t do it. Being faced with one opponent is one thing, but hundreds, maybe thousands? Is it even possible that we will win?” He felt hopeless, pouring his private thoughts out to her. She listened silently, waiting a few seconds before responding.
Clearing her throat, she moved up the bed a bit, reaching her hand out to cover his, which lay on the blankets. “I understand exactly how you feel. Even though I’m from here, I’ve never actually taken part in a war. There hasn’t been a war like this in Eden in centuries. Don’t you see? We’re all just as scared as you, but this is our destiny,” she spoke urgently. “Everyone has a purpose in life, and this is ours. You were picked by our God and Goddess to come here and fight. Doesn’t that mean anything to you? That must give you some confidence that you will succeed. Put your faith in them; they would not have brought you here if they couldn’t protect you.”
“I’m not as skilled as you …”
“Not yet, but we will work on it. Aiden, you’re not horrible; you’re actually very quick at picking things up. Your axe is average—there are many people who couldn’t handle it as efficiently as you do. Your riding is getting better, and you’ve only done it once. That is amazing, Aiden,” she cried, squeezing his hand gently. “There are many people who wouldn’t be able to pick up these things as quickly as you are. If we just really focus and work extra hard, you can be just as good as Wolf.” He snorted in disbelief. “I mean it. You can do this, and we will help.”
Looking out the window, he saw the two large moons hanging in the sky. Elisa had told him once that they were like the eyes of their God and Goddess, looking down at the people of Eden. Gazing at them, he wondered if maybe she was right. Would they have bothered to bring him over if he couldn’t perform as well as the rest? Unless it was a mistake, he thought. What if Alistair was just some crazy old man who thought up this wild idea about a boy from the other world? There were just too many doubts for him. Sighing, he tried to smile at Elisa, faking some confidence for her sake.
“You know what is worrying me the most?” she said quietly. He shook his head in response. “The villages between there and here. All those people are in danger, and they won’t be able to defend themselves. The King won’t let that happen, which means the war will have to take place somewhere between us and them.”
“Well, isn’t that better?” he asked, confused by her fear. “That way, the Capital City won’t be in immediate danger.”
“I’ve never been away from the city,” she confessed. He slowly nodded his head, understanding what was really bothering her.
“Well, I’m a long way from my home, and I’m doing just fine. You’re quite possibly the most skilled, talented, and bravest girl I’ve ever met, Elisa. I think you’ll be just fine, regardless of where we’re stationed.”
She smiled thankfully back at him. “You really think I’m the most skilled girl you’ve ever met?” she asked, laughing.
He laughed back. “Most definitely. I’ve never met a girl like you. You’re absolutely fearless to me, and you handle situations like they’re nothing. You have no reservations when approaching difficult scenarios. It’s amazing. Not to mention you’re stunning on top of it all.” The last sentence slipped out, and his face instantly heated. Thankfully, the room was dark enough to hide it. She also sat silent, probably surprised by his compliment. Leaning over, she kissed him softly on the cheek. He froze as her face was close to his.
“Thank you.” She smiled, backing away. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” He nodded his head, and she got up just as silently as she had come, leaving him alone again with his overwhelming feelings. I’m never going to fall asleep now, he moaned, covering his face with the blankets.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The men ran rapidly through the village, throwing people to the ground and smashing in doors. Residents were dragged out of their homes, almost all still in their sleepers, their faces frozen in fear. The homes were set on fire, the night sky lit up with the multiple burning buildings. Screams filled every crevice of the small village, children yelling for their parents, and women screaming for help as the soldiers took advantage of them.
She had been hiding under her bed, having heard the men in the houses next to theirs. It wasn’t long before the sounds of boots filled the lower floor of her home, and she could hear her father yelling something at the men. It didn’t matter what he said: the men laughed, and before long she could no longer hear his voice. She wanted to cry out, but covered her mouth instead, trying as hard as she could to control her tears. They ran down her face from fear and despair for her people. The chiefs of the village had known that it wouldn’t be much longer before the army from the north would come down, but they hadn’t expected them this soon. There had also been some hope that they would pass by the smaller villages, so they didn’t waste time. Obviously, that wasn’t the case, she thought bitterly.
“Let go!” her mother screamed. Her body began to shake, desperately wanting to go out and save her family, but knowing that she would just be dead alongside them if she did. Her father had given her strict instructions to hide, and stay hidden. The sounds of boots climbed the stairs and went down the hall slowly, stopping in the doorway of each room. Their house was a small wood cabin like the rest of the ones in the village. The main floor consisted of one room, with a small kitchen and a small sitting area. The top floor had three bedrooms on it. One was her parents’, one was hers, and one had been her brother Felix’s before he had left. She could hear the person stop at his room; hers was the last. Tightening her hand over her mouth, she tried to calm her breathing down so he wouldn’t hear her. Tears still streamed down her cheeks, blurring her vision as she saw the boots appear in the doorway.
He stopped momentarily before turning to leave. She breathed a sigh of relief. Then she watched in horror as he stopped again, his boots turning back to her room and walking in this time. He stood in the middle of the room, listening. She shut her eyes, praying he would not look under the bed. The boots were large, black leather boots, and he wore the dark black pants of the army. She knew what they did to women, especially young girls like her. He started to turn again, when suddenly the bed flew off the floor, exposing her hiding place. She screamed out, jumping up and heading toward the bedroom door. He was too quick, blocking her path and causing her to crash into his large chest. He must have been almost six and a half feet tall, his chest solid like a rock. His dark beard was cut short to his face, framing two perfectly shaped lips. Shaking, she looked up into his eyes, and almost screamed. They were black, like a demon’s. His hair was also black as night, tied back into a ponytail. His face was a mask of intimidation. He looked down at her without saying a word, seeming to look over every detail of her face.
Rose was only sixteen that year. She had grown up in the village her whole life, alongside her brother, Felix, who had gone to join the King’s army. She was taller than most of the girls in the village, standing five foot seven. The other girls her age were smaller, and often made fun of her for being tall. She had long red hair, reaching down to her lower back, and emerald eyes that eve
ryone said popped out of her porcelain face. The men in the village constantly asked for her hand in marriage, but her father said he wasn’t ready to lose her yet. Their father was the village’s blacksmith, a well-respected man—or had been, she thought heavily. Her heart hurt at the thought of her parents. Felix wouldn’t even know for days that they were gone. She wished then that he was there with them. Maybe he would have been able to protect them.
“Please let me go,” she pleaded, fresh tears building in her eyes. “Please …”
The man still hadn’t spoken, not even a smirk, or a mocking laugh like the rest of them. He continued to stare down at her, holding each wrist in a firm grasp. Her legs began to feel weak, and buckled under her. He held her up, however, keeping his hold on her. Without saying a word, he began dragging her out of the room by one arm. She screamed, reaching out with the free one to hold onto the door jamb. He pulled on her, ripping her grip from the frame, and dragging her farther out into the hall. As they neared the stairs, she reached for the handrail, anything to stop him. Growing impatient, he threw her over his shoulder, walking her down the stairs while she screamed and kicked wildly. Another man was standing outside their home when they emerged into the night air. The smoke was so thick that Rose began to cough as soon as she took a breath.
The other man laughed when he looked at her. “Well, well, what have we got here? A treat?” he joked. Her body started to convulse at the thought of what they would do to her. The man was just as large as the one who carried her, but his face had the mocking look like most of them wore, and a large scar covered his left cheek. His hair was blonde, braided down his back, and his beard was also braided down to his collarbone. She could see the excitement in his eyes as he approached them.
“No one is to touch this one,” the one who carried her commanded. She saw the blonde one react immediately. His mannerism gave the impression that the one who held her had seniority over the blonde.
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