Lexiana Acosta: Chapter Sixteen
Five years ago our Empress Vatra declared war on the Green Draconium Empire. Reciting my memories of this time seem so long ago now… But as I recall our Emperors body has finally returned home from Mille Voix and our Empire is bracing for a large war to come. After the Empress's speech, his mass funeral was hosted inside the palace throne room. Of course, it was only the family and noble families that could attend. It is a funeral ceremony that has lasted four days now… Once the Empress is done with her final farewells. They will cremate him inside the volcano as he is not of fireproof royal blood. Then there will be a statue dedicated to him in the hall Emperors which is in the lower levels of the volcanic palace. It is a tradition of my people to place our dead inside the volcano to burn in the lava. So our bodies can forever be together with the world. Royal blood cannot burn inside the volcano as they are known to be blessed by the Phoenix. A great bird of immense power who is rumoured to sleep deep inside Vulkania the largest volcano. The one which we named our city after. Even after a royal family member is dead they are still fireproof… So instead they bury their dead in a crypt underneath the palace next to the volcano.
Everyone in the city is in full war spirit and bustling with excitement and dread. However, through all of this, I need to convince my parents that I want to fight in this war. I sat next to my younger sister and across my mother as we ate our dinner.
Through this troubled time, I have not heard from my sister Plamya. But with everything going on inside the palace she must be busy with Princess Regina. As I ate dinner I had to try and tell mother of what I am planning to do.
"Mother I want to join the army".
She quickly drops her cutlery and stands up looking down at me. "NO!" She screamed out. I knew that this would be her response…
"But mo-"
"No… You are not going off to the war!"
"If I was a boy I would be going anyway!"
Boys my age are conscripts for the war. Hell, they can volunteer at the age of thirteen. It is going to be a long war so males are conscripts and many are selected to go with no choice. However, females can volunteer. But there can only be so many female volunteers as the population still needs to be in check. This is also to prevent far too many people leaving the cities and towns as they still need to function. Weapons need to be made and tactics need to be taught.
"It doesn't matter if you are a boy or a girl Lexi… It is the fact that I am not willing to send my child off to war. If your father could speak fully I can tell you right now that he will be against it. We will speak no more of this!"
I laid back onto my chair crossing my arms. If I cannot fight as a soldier, what can I be? Mother took our plates and walked to the windowsill. I cannot be a handmaiden, I cannot be a miner, I cannot be a teacher because I am not smart enough and I cannot be a healer because I have no patience. I want to help in the war effort for my country… But I feel like cannot do anything just by being here. We could use more money since Playma's money can only give us so much. Soldiers get paid well and is another motive as to why many go to war.
My sister and I sat there in silence as mother cleaned up. But our silence quickly ended when we heard a knock on the door. I went to open it and to my surprise, it is an older man with an old dragon. The man is wearing finery with the Empire fire sigil on his left breast. Long orange robes which do not hide his large gut. Bald head with a nice bright red moustache. I know this man he works for the Empress, he collects our taxes for this city region. Why is he here?
"Hello, a young lady may I come inside and talk to your mother?"
I was not fully sure to let him in so I shouted for my mother and she quickly arrives. She happily greeted him to come inside. It is obvious that she is shocked at his arrival. She is nervous… The Lord gently tells his dragon to wait outside. However, I did not notice the young man who was behind the dragon. He is taking off papers that were being carried in large wooden chests, with inks and quills. He is tall and lean with bright light blue hair along with the brightest of green eyes.
"Lord Egan Bodaway, welcome back to our home! Please take a seat!" Mother gracefully guides them into the kitchen. "Forgive us my lord but we have just finished dinner. But I can offer you a bowl of fruit if you are hungry maybe even a tankard of water."
"No thank you… We have been visiting all of the houses in the area all day. I think we have been gifted enough food." He then smiles at my mother as she tries her hardest to smile. She then sits across from Lord Bodaway on the kitchen table. I sat next to her as I am curious as to what this is all about. But looking at my mother it is not looking good. Jamil has been sent to our bedroom so she doesn't have to hear of what is going to be said.
"Lord Bodaway this is my middle child Lexiana Acosta."
"Hello…" I said meekly. What is all of this about? Why is he here?
"Mrs and Miss Acosta this is my steward Lord Hadyn Fintan… Well until he has to train to become a soldier for the war, which is very soon. Isn't that right young lad!" and the lord playfully punches him. The young lord Haydn looked annoyed at him I couldn't help but smile. But looking at Hadyn I notice his bright green eyes. They are so beautiful to look at that it is almost hypnotizing. However, he became preoccupied into finding the paperwork. Trying to find our records.
"But now we need to quickly to get into a serious talk… Our Empress Vatra the third of her name, the unburnt and the forgiving. Has declared war on the Green Draconium Empire after our Lord Emperor Daxian Pavus has been murdered by Arman Kaiser. This cannot stand or be accepted… We all must band together and fight against our old enemy who took a step to far. Our Empress demands that all of her subjects must once again declare fealty to help in this war. Taxes will be raised to help pay for the war effort and we need to discuss what you as a family can contribute during this terrible time".
"Taxes raised?" My mother looked flabbergasted and rightfully so. We have just been able to get by with my sisters pay that she kindly gave us… I have been unlucky getting any job and my sister is too young to look for a job. While mother is primarily looking after dad who cannot work after the accident.
"There is more… Due to the nature of the war effort, we need as many people who are body able to help out in the empire. Children as young as eight can apply for a basic job. Since some stewards and handmaidens are going to war the young ones can apply for jobs to replace them. They can also help with textiles and farming."
"Eight? Isn't that a little young?" Mother being genuinely concerned. This means many of the students in schools will miss out on important education. War is bringing a heavy price… This also means my little sister will have to get work somewhere. This could also mean there will be openings for me as a handmaiden… But I have made up my mind, I want to fight in this war. I want to do my part for my country. Serving someone here is not going to fulfil that.
"I understand that it seems young. But we need abled workers to replace many adults who are leaving for battle. The Empress has vowed that once the war is over the children will be free from their duties and will return to their education. Even though many children can still be educated if their parents or older siblings are giving their effort instead."
Mum and I nodded as we understood. We know our Empress would not take such measures unless necessary. But this also has the question of when will the war end? The longest war between us in recorded memory lasted ten years…
"There is also the matters of conscription… At least one male from each family from the age of fifteen will be sent away to war. Boys can volunteer to go at the age of thirteen if they desire it. I fully understand that each familial situation can be different. So this is why it will be easier to discuss in person."
Lord Fintan then brings out documents with our family name on it. Even though we are commoners we can have a last name. I heard that some other Empires don't allow their commoners to have last names and only nobles can have such a "luxury". However, our Empire treasures our names. They said it gives us an identity… If I am right this stemmed from the Gold Empire whom all of the people had last names. And unlike many Empires, I can still retain my last name through my marriage if I desire it. Even some noble families in our nation their last names are kept through the female line.
"Since you have no sons, Mrs Acosta. Can your husband fight?"
"No… He was greatly injured in a mining accident months ago. It will take him years to properly heal."
"Well in a situation like this it cannot be helped, Mrs Acosta… But you or your children must help with the war effort. By looking at the past few months you have barely scraped by paying your taxes…"
He opens up the paperwork and we looked at the numbers… It is not good at all… Now they are raising the taxes we will not be able to afford this... We cannot always rely on Plamya for money. I looked down at the money sheet and the expenses of taxes are getting much higher.
"Can I volunteer as a soldier still?" I quickly asked Lord Bodaway.
"Well if you are fifteen now. Yes, you can… The women voluntary status still stands. Soldiers get paid well for their services… It also adds benefits such as your training is paid while you get fed along with free armour fittings. You also get the weapons that you desire and who knows you might climb up the ranks. If you decide to become a soldier here and now I do have the paperwork with me."
Lord Fintan then brings out a large book full of contracts. It is endless pages of signatures. Looking at that book it must have been so heavy to carry… No wonder why they had to bring a dragon with them.
My mother looked at me in despair. She really did not want me to bring this up. I held her hand. I stared at this book until he reached the end page of the signatures. Mother started to squeeze my hand so hard it started to hurt.
"I will sign." I was so surprised that I said it with confidence.
Mother then was in full tears. She nodded no to me as she cried. I admit it did feel like my heart is broken. I know that she fears that I will never return… But I need to serve my country and not only that this can help support my family. Mother tried to interrupt me but Lord Bodaway interferes.
"Now Mrs Acosta your daughter is old enough to make the decision. And it is a wise one… Her joining the army will be enough money to suffice the tax payments. This also means that your youngest daughter might not have to work."
Lord Fintan then passed the book over with ink and quill.
To her royal majesty Empress Vatra Monique Delci Fuegonacido. Third of her name, the unburnt and the forgiving. I will pledge to fight for her and her Empire. Give our lives when necessary for the future of our home. May the fires within us give us courage and revenge.
Signed: Lexiana Acosta
Mother sat there in disbelief. It is now official I am going to the war… I wanted to join but I wish it didn't destroy my mother so much.
Lord Bodaway smiles at me as I returned his quill. "Okay now that you have signed. You cannot back away from this… You will need to pack basic essentials and need to meet at the palace barracks. Which is located near the east entrance. It will be two days from now so you can properly say farewell to your family. Good luck Miss Acosta. I wish you luck during the war make and our Empress proud."
Once the ink is dry Lord Fintan shuts the book and smiles at me. "Looks like we will be meeting again very soon. It is going to be very interesting." I smiled back at him… Am I really doing the right thing? I know what I am doing can be selfish… But I will be amongst many others. It's not just me… Mother, father and my sisters can all be safe and looked after. One day I will come back home and proudly say that I have fought for our country.
Mother then guided the two lords out of the house now that business has been settled. Now it is just me and her… She still had that look of haunting disappointment. She only sighs.
"You are making a mistake. You are not a fighter Lexi! You have never fought a battle in your life!"
"That is why I go and train to fight mother! It's not like they are just going to dump me in the battlefield! We are known to be one of the most powerful armies in the world for a reason! I want to fight for our country! I want to fight for our Empress!"
"Oh, my child… You really have no idea… I fear all of the propaganda has gotten into your head… I know you love the royal family. I do as well. But there are other ways to help in the war effort without blindly going into danger."
"Well, it is happening now… I have made my decision. I will not be sorry about it."
I have had enough for the night so I quickly move into my bedroom where Jamil is sleeping. We have four beds in a tiny room. This is where Plamya used to sleep before she got her job as a royal handmaiden. Thinking of this I miss my sister dearly… With this realization, I might not be able to see her anytime soon. I could be gone for years. I quietly snuck into my bed to try and not wake up Jamil. I am excited and nervous about what is to come…
The next morning arrived quickly and I notice that mother is ignoring me. My sister looked at me in complete confusion. She knows that mother is mad at me… I told Jamil the truth. I am going to the palace barracks to become a soldier. Like my mother, she became incredibly upset. She screamed and screamed at me with full tears. She didn't want me to go… Jamils' tears broke my heart more than our mothers' did.
"Jamil, please… I will be gone for a little while and while I'm gone you all will be settled. You will be well fed and can still attend school. Please trust me little sister. I made a promise to our Empress to fight and I will be back." I gave her a hug while she cried. Mother just stared at me as I hugged her… If looks can haunt me… When Jamil and I stopped hugging she walked up to us.
"Jamil go to the markets with your sister. I need to tend to your father… And tell him what has transpired. Go…"
We both nodded, grabbing our baskets and left the house. The streets are still busy with everything going on… Tomorrow will be different for me though. I will be going to war with many new recruits. I will miss my family terribly though… I told Jamil I won't be gone long. But I don't even know when I will be back.
We went to the market and got some fruit when a city crier started shouting out the news.
"THE EMPRESS IS IN LABOR. THE EMPRESS AND HER FAMILY HAVE ENTERED THE LAVA BIRTHING PIT!"
The mood of anger and uncertainty has suddenly turned into happiness! Everyone is now celebrating that a new royal baby will be born at any moment now. But I do wonder though what it must be like to give birth in lava. As I mentioned earlier the people who do not have fire blood cannot burn their dead since they are lava-proof. But as their main tradition that no one else can do… The royal fire blood women give birth in the volcanic lava pit. The opposite of Aquarius City where I heard their royalty give birth in the sea. I do hear of other traditions of birth but I believe this one is the most unique. Not anyone can just walk into lava and give birth…
But hearing this news definitely did put a smile on my face. It is a nice change of pace of listening to something that is uplifting other than war and grief. Once we get fruits I decided that Jamil and I look at the ground fighting pit again. I wanted to see if those same people are still training. However, I was disappointed the priests and the soldiers are no longer there. However, there are lower ranked recruits. I will be amongst them tomorrow…
"Did you really want to join?" I looked at my sister as she asked me a difficult question.
"Yes, I do. I won't fight for our royal family. While also supporting you and our family. I don't believe I could be good as a handmaiden or a healer… I only went to the handmaiden job because we were desperate and Plamya went out of her way to see if anyone could take me on. I need to try something different."
I turned to look at Jamil. She still looked miserable… I realised then that no matter what I say they will never be happy about me leaving. We left the fighting pit to the food markets which is still bustling with people and dragons. I notice that there are three dragons are wearing armour that looks similar to the human armour I saw the other day. Covering their chests, back and ankles. These dragons are high ranked and their bodies glowed with pure red power. The heat can be seen resonating from their scales. Tall and proud they are taller than the other dragons surrounding them. I have never seen dragons like this… I wonder if they are part of the priesthood as well? They certainly look powerful to be one. I do quickly notice that they had no human riders with them…
They walked straight through the market like they owned the place. Everyone quickly gets out of their way as they knew no one wants to cross their path. These dragons quickly walked passed Jamil and I as they left the market. They no food or anything… Probably exploring the city before they have to leave it…
When we got our food and supplies it is time to head back home. We approached one of the town criers to see if there is an update on the Empress. He is a friendly old man. He comes out every day to his station, which is a pedestal at the edge of the market. And shouts out important news from around the world. He has a loud bombastic voice that can be heard from miles away. He stops as I lift my hand up to ask him to see if there is any new information. He nicely said no. But when he does he will shout it. It could be hours to days until the Empress gives birth after all she is in labour. Jamil and I continued our small journey home.
We reached home and realised mother wasn't home. I quickly checked up on dad and he is fine. Still resting from the pain he has to go through every day… His bandages have been tended to recently so mother has not been gone for long. The afternoon soon turned into the evening and we still haven't seen mother… I started to get worried. But she eventually came home.
"Jamil please go and tend to your dad. Your sister and I need to talk…"
Jamil quickly goes into dads' room. Mum is still giving me that disappointing stare and once again she sighs. It is such a quiet atmosphere between us.
"I know… That you want to fight for your country and I know that you are like your father when it comes to making decisions. After all you are your fathers' daughter. Once you have made up your mind you will do anything to stick with it. Like immediately signing a contract to sell your life away… Breaking your oath will mean prison. Similar to when your father signed up to work for RVM. I understand that you are now grown woman now capable to make your own decisions. I will never agree to it… But I will have to accept that it is your choice and it is a choice you will face alone."
"Mo-"
"Let me finish… When you leave tomorrow. Jamil and I will see you off. Remember you will always have a home and that your family loves you. Be wary about everything and try to keep your wits about yourself. You will not be the same person if we meet again…"
I ran to give her a hug and she embraced back. I tried my hardest to hold my tears. Her encouragement somehow gave me a bit of fear… How will I change? Does she fear my change of personality more than death? She then let's go of me when we heard the town crier once again. I still wonder how sore his throat is after all of this news he has to shout out.
Our Empress has given birth to a new little princess! She will be presented early at the palace balcony in the morning when the Empress is rested. Once again people are out and celebrating. Such a contrast from a few weeks ago where it is full on mourning. But I had to get some rest for tomorrow… So I had a few apples then I head to sleep.
I woke up early the next morning just before dawn and sat next to my father. I couldn't hold my tears this time. I love my father so much… He is still asleep. I rested next to him as mum looked down on us. But time quickly past and it is time to go to the princess celebration. I kissed my father goodbye and told him that I loved him. I could swear I could hear him groan in sadness as I left.
We woke Jamil and we got dressed for the occasion. I wore a simple top and pants. It was no point wearing a dress when knowing that I will have to change into a soldiers outfit. Once the princess celebration is over I will need to head to the barracks to sign in officially at the soldier registry. I packed my small bag which contained a few shirts, underwear and pants.
Jamil dressed into her light orange dress. It has been passed down from my grandmother to my mother to Plamya and to me. The fabric is so light and beautiful. I heard it was given as a gift to our great grandmother when she used to work for the Fiammetta noble family as a seamstress. My little sister really did look like pretty sunshine. Mother dressed in her usual simple dress and she tended to our fathers' injuries. Once all of that is finished I gave him another kiss goodbye and we left. Everyone is up and heading to the palace once again. But this time it is for a happy reason. After a while, we finally reached the palace. It is crowded full of people and dragons. I looked up to the balcony and I see Grand Prince Salvador, Prince Elias and Princess Regina. On the other side, I see dragon consort Valencia and the royal guards.
The Grand Prince raises his hand to silence the crowd and everyone quickly obeyed. We all stayed silent for a while when at long last we see our Empress holding her newborn daughter. There are shouts of excitement and awe! It would have been better if we could have gotten a better view… But it is so hard with many people and dragons around.
The Empress then raises her hand and everyone is silent once again.
"I PRESENT TO YOU MY PEOPLE PRINCESS VALERIA. THE HOPE FOR A NEW DAWN! EMPEROR PAVUS FINAL LEGACY!"
Everyone in the crowd including me shouts in unison.
"ALL HAIL PRINCESS VALERIA! THE PRINCESS FOR THE DAWN!"
"ALL HAIL! ALL HAIL! ALL HAIL!"
"FOR THE ROYAL FAMILY!"
"ALL HAIL! THE ROYAL FAMILY!"
The Empress then lifts her daughter as high as she could hold her. For the whole world to see a new princess is born. After a huge celebration of shouting dancing and partying in front of the palace. The royal family left the balcony to celebrate inside the castle. Everyone can still party and have a small celebration of this momentous occasion. But I had to cut it short because I needed to get to the barracks. It is not far from the palace so it won't take us all day. But getting past all of the people and dragons surrounding it is interesting enough. The palace is crowded… I held onto mothers and Jamil's hands to make sure I won't lose them.
It felt like forever getting out of the crowd when finally reached the barracks. The place is also packed. Celebrating in their own right I see dancing and people having fun. All of the dragons also seem to have fun I see them doing their dancing circles. The soldiers are toasting to the new princess.
As I looked around I see the long line of people registering to become soldiers. Many of them did not seem happy to be there… Everywhere else people are so happy except to people in this line. Of course, many of these people are forced to go or volunteered because they had no other choice… I turned around to my mother and sister to smile at them. I am the most enthusiastic compared to many others here. Jamil started to cry and mother tried her hardest not to cry herself.
"This is your choice…" Mother said sternly. But she gave me a gentle hug and placed a ring in my hand. It is my mother's wedding band. I looked at her in shock and horror! What does she mean by this!? It's a simple golden ring. But there is so much meaning to this ring.
"It is not what you think... We were never a wealthy family. We don't have much jewellery or novelties like many people. Originally your father and I planned to give it to Plamya if she planned to ever get married. However, I decided to give it to you as a token… Soldiers need to take tokens from their loved ones to help motivate them. This is the only thing I can give to you my daughter… Please don't lose it…" She hugs me again and put the ring on my finger.
"I will look after it mother… I will bring it back!" I hug her again. She gave me her most prized possession… Father gave her this ring when she finished teaching students. She immediately said yes and had a small wedding ceremony that only involved our grandparents. I placed the ring on my right index finger and it fit perfectly. I was totally speechless… Until Jamil hugged me and gave me her handkerchief which she had been crying and sniffling in. It did gross me out a little but I thanked my sister and kissed her on the forehead.
"I will see you soon sunshine!"
We hugged again and we finished I walked to the line of the register. My mother and sister air kissed me goodbye as they had to move away due to the soldiers returning to the usual business. Civilians had to stay away as soldier processing is happening… Now that they are gone I started to feel completely nervous… But I made my choice I cannot go back now… I looked at my mothers' ring and smiled. I had always felt like she loved me the least out my sisters. But this somehow changes the perception that I thought of her… While waiting in the line I notice there are quite a lot of women here. This made me feel a bit better because I didn't want to be the weird girl who volunteered while many others are dragged to the warzone.
While looking around I spotted Lord Haydn Fintan, dressed in a soldier uniform. I waved to him to see if he would notice. And he did! He waved back and smiled. He even started walking towards me.
"Hello! Miss…"
"Lexiana Acosta…" I answered back and shook his hand. I don't blame him for not remembering my name. But at least he is nice enough to say hello. I looked and saw that he is accompanied by two other new recruits. An older man with bright red hair who looks similar to lord Bodaway if he was younger and less fat… But he had the most charming freckles on his face. He smiles at me and grabs my hand to shake. "Hello, Miss Lexiana Acosta. I am Brenton Bodaway one of Haydn's friends".
He smiled at me and I smiled back. Well, that certainly explains it… I was so curious and had to ask him. "Are you Lord Egan Bodaway son?"
He chuckled in response. "No, I am actually his expendable nephew… No way would Lord Egan will let his only son to become a soldier. So he sent me instead…" There was definitely some bad blood between those two… I could hear it in his voice and he had a sour look on his face for a split moment. But in a quick notion the other a young woman who looks like she is friends with them. Quickly intervened.
"Hello, Lexiana. I am Nuria Fiammetta!" She shakes my hand and smiles. Hearing the name Fiammetta… A noble family who have been around for thousands of years. As I had said previously my great grandmother was a seamstress working for them. The Fiammetta family are a proud family in their wealth. They were formed after helping to build the capital Vulkania. And soon after that, they formed the city of Fiamme, a large city just outside of the fiery wastes north of our country. Nuria is far from home and her city is closest to the Green Draconium border. She must feel so anxious about everything right now… If she is… She must be an excellent actress since she seems so happy.
"Quite a day today isn't it? We celebrated a royal birth this morning and now we are all signing up to fight for a war. The things we all do for our Empress." Nuria still smiling. I was not quite sure if she was being sarcastic or being serious. I only have just met her. But the Empress and her family is one of the reasons as to why I am here…
"Yes, Nuria it has been quite a day… The baby is adorable though. I caught a clear glimpse of her as she held her up. She is a cute little thing." Lord Fintan in a cheery mood.
They all seem like such nice people. I never really had friends… I admit I struggled with communication so I have lost many friends over it. Maybe this time now that I am a bit older and now in a different direction in life. Maybe I can make some and actually keep them.
The line slowly moved as each person is being checked in. Lord Fintan looked at me and walked incredibly close to me.
"We are in training group fire ten. So be nice and ask for group fire Ten. The writer is nice because I asked him since Nuria and Brenton. Since your still in line we will meet you at the barracks where we are staying. If you can get into fire ten…" He then smiles at me. His eyes are so amazing to look at that I could not stop looking at them… They are such a bright green… I smile back at him and waved them all a goodbye as they leave to their barracks. After seeing them and meeting them it made me feel more at ease… I miss my family already and we have only been separated for a short while. I had to fight against my head of missing them… Because it's going to be a long while before I see them again…
It felt like forever until I reached the desk… I felt like I was going to fall asleep just by standing here… I have never seen such paperwork in one area. The man looked up at me with his ink and quill.
"Whole name please and location where you are from."
I snapped back into reality and looked at him.
"Lexiana Acosta… Sir. From Commoners Edge." The writer asked one of his friends pass a large book over. I swallowed hard as the man shuffled through the large book that looked familiar from the other day.
"Ah… Here we go, Miss Acosta. You are a volunteer… Just sign this paper. This will confirm that you have kept your word and there will be no penalties for you or your family. I grabbed the quill and once again signed my name off.
"Okay, Miss Acosta. I will assign you to Fire Three. Your new home for the next few months will be at the East barracks."
"Excuse me, sir… Can I please be put into Fire Ten?"
He looked at me in annoyance. But he just stares at me as he thinks of an answer.
"No…"
"Please, sir… Lord Fintan, Lord Bodaway and Lady Fiammetta are there. I wish to be with them in training." It sounded so weird to sound desperate. After all I barely know these people… I only have just met them… But then I know no one else…
He sighs and looks at me again. "Haydn… That boy… If he thinks he can keep asking and getting what he wants… Oh… Fine… The things I do for my young and stupid cousin… Take these documents. You are now part of Fire Ten. They are located at the western barracks. Annoy him for me…"
"Thank you, sir!" I take my documents and headed to the western barracks. I would lie if I didn't say I got a bit lost… But I found it eventually and in the barracks, I see a large room with bunk beds with people waiting around. I see the three standing around talking to each other. It looks like they are having a good time… I walked over them and said hello to them.
"Hey! You got in! Welcome to Fire Ten!" Lord Fintan says with complete enthusiasm.
"Thank my lords and lady". I smiled and quickly bowed.
"You can call us by our first names. We are soldiers now just like you!" Nuria smiles and softly punches me on the arm. I laughed back.
"You know…. Haydn… I did not know that he is your cousin. He is very different from you." I am genuinely curious. But it explains how he got all of his friends into the same group. I guess noble privileges can come in handy every now and then in this situation.
"Oh yes, my miserable bookworm cousin Elmer Fintan. Youngest son of Elmira Fintan. Who is my aunt who is the older sister of Edana Fintan who is my mother. I will give you a history lesson about my family another day. Right now let us just relax before our leader pops in to yell at us."
I looked at the bed around me and I quickly notice there is no barrier separating the men and women. I decided to take a bottom layer of the bunk bed.
"Hey! Lexiana that one is mine already as Hadyn points to bed up top. That one is free!" He smiles. I placed my items up to and claimed it as my own. I notice that Nuria and Brenton are the bunk beds next to mine and Haydn's. Everyone is playing around and looks like they are having a fun time. However in a few seconds that changed.
"ATTENTION NEW SOLDIERS!"
A loud voice bellowed in the room. A woman walks in tall and proud as we all stand up straight in front of the beds.
From looking at her I knew from this moment my life will never be the same again…