Chapter 4. The Lottery
Over fifteen hundred people from three different villages gather for the lottery. The lottery was to ensure the loyalty of the people throughout the Empire. It was conducted by an Imperial representative and with him he had five thousand troops. He stood on a platform with a cat at his side who was watching everyone.
"Citizens of the Empire welcome once again to the lottery…We come together on this day to honor our great Emperor…the lord of the world in his wisdom has given us the lottery to throw our lives into the hands of fate…Fate shall decide who shall live in die in service of our great Emperor…"
He reached into the large metal cauldron and pulled out the first name. A young girl in tears sadly walked up from the crowd and placed in a holding area. Ten names of females were called and the whole time Katrina kept her eyes closed as each name was called.
She stood with her father and mother, her father had his hands on her shoulders. Katrina's eyes popped open when she heard her name. She didn't cry, but turned to face her father. Katrina kissed him on the cheek, then she hugged her mother and walked towards the guard at the gate. As Katrina made her way towards the holding area she panned the crowd for Arron and spotted him immediately.
Arron watched in horror as his love went towards the holding area, in his mind and heart he imagined himself rushing forward and killing the shoulders. Grabbing Katrina and running off on horses, he imagined all this but he remained rooted in his spot unable to do anything. When Katrina panned the crowd their eyes met and locked. All else was drowned out as they whispered I love you to each other.
"Arron Dale!"
His name was called, but Arron was wrapped up in his own world, he came to himself when his father smacked him upside the head. He slowly walked toward the pen where several other boys were being held. They all quietly wait as the Imperial Representative called nineteen more names. Fifty boys and fifty girls were taken. As the crowds dispersed the families of the chosen ones said there last goodbyes before they left.
"Alright listen up all of you…You maidens will be taken across the sea to Alagaesia where you will be greeted by the Emperor…Lady Arya will inspect those of you chosen for the harem…If any of you skanks aren't a virgin then speak up now…" The man started walking before the girls, "Take this one for the harem and then this one…" He stopped in front of Katrina, "A rose among all these plain flowers…She is for the harem…" When the man was finished choosing among the girls he went to the boys. "You dogs are to be taken to the Imperial Academy of Eastenmoore…Alright lets get'em ready to move out!"
It took all day to get the caravan ready for travel and when it was finally done a large train of wagons filled with goods and other things started marching north. The boys were made to walk while the girls rode in a large carriage. As they walked Arron and Katrina kept their eyes on one another. After two weeks of travel the caravan divided into two groups. One headed towards the Imperial docks and the other towards the great icy north of Shynendar.