-Chapter One-
Domic didn’t know what he had expected coming to the Capitol of Idiryon, but it hadn’t been fireworks and crowded streets. He nearly lost himself twice, only to be cuffed by the delegate and told to stay closer.
Explosion after explosion lit up the night sky, the air smelling sour as colors splashed briefly along the walls. The girls by the meat stand cheered loudly, clapping their hands. He watched them dance about, holding onto each other as they took turns pointing to the sky.
“This way,” Kartyr ushered, stepping to him. Domic shook himself, standing straighter. He knew better than to gawk, but honestly these streets were so different than the encampments he was used to.
“I thought we were going to the Academy.” Domic noted, catching up to the taller man. The delegate looked the definition of high-class breeding with spotless robes designed with intricate leaves and flowers.
“We are,” the man said, not even sparing a glance back. He must have felt that was enough, as he didn’t’ explain why.
Domic knew a command, despite the lack of words.
Stop asking question.
“What is this for?” He asked, glancing around the small stalls. Each was selling a different bauble of some sort.
“This is celebration for our recent pact with the Dorstony peoples.” Kartyr gave a heavy sight. He wore impatience almost as well as the bow along his back.
Domic followed him down another beaten alley. A building of white sandstone loomed above the closer buildings, painting an odd silhouette against the colorful night. With each new explosion, the stone turned a different hue as if it were made that way.
“Is this the sort of thing these people do often?” He asked curiously.
The soldier snorted. His nose scrunched as he looked back, eyes darting down Domic’s small frame then back up. “Just hurry inside. I’m sure you want to attend the festival more than leading children around.”
Domic followed, in awe of the building. It stood four or five stories tall, with at least ten windows per story. His previous sleeping arrangements paled in comparison. Or perhaps he was misreading this entire situation. Was this where the classrooms were held? He had never seen so many buildings, so many windows in his entire life.
“This is your new home. You will be attending the Academy until you finish your studies, at which point you will be assigned a secondary instructor before you may bond. Once you complete your bonding, you will automatically enlist and join the Max’l Army.”
“Will I return to Layzin’s flag?” He asked hopefully. The thought of going to another’s command seemed to make his stomach turn, and he wasn’t sure why.
