Page 18 of Vicious Princess
Just when I’m ready to give up and leave, he comes back with a bow wrapped in cloth. He hands it to me and waits for me to inspect it.
It’s heavy in my hands.Now we’re talking.Carefully, I remove the cloth and let out a surprised sigh at the ivory bone that appears instead of timber. “What is this?”
“This bow is made of the spine of the king sea serpent. There are only a few of them made, because it’s almost impossible to get the material,” the fae explains curtly. “It’s sturdy and heavy, so not many can use it. You have the strength for it, girl. And it’s said to bring good luck for the archer who claims it.”
“Claims it?”
“Just because you choose a bow, it doesn’t mean that the bow chooses you,” he says, very serious. “The weapon is an extension of the soldier. Part of them. If this bow chooses you, it’s said that you’ll never miss a shot.”
That sounds like a bunch of woo-woo bullshit, but I keep that to myself. “I’ll take it.”
He hands me a quiver with arrows, and I hand him a pouch filled with frade in return.
“I believe this will cover it?”
From the way his eyes gleam at the weight, I take it as a yes.
“Good luck,yrathi,” the old fae tells me when I turn to go. “Jaakii isn’t kind to foreigners who don’t respect our ways.”
I frown. What about me tells him I don’t respect their ways?
Before I can ask him, he ducks back into his tent and closes the flaps. A clear sign to me it’s time for me to leave.
With a sigh, I whirl on my heel and march through the market. I still have a few days of freedom before my training starts. I might as well explore Jaakii and get acquainted with the city that’s about to be my new temporary residence.
CHAPTER SIX
Jaakii is very different from Valercia. The capital of Wetra is made of bricks and rough stone, the sinister stench of sweat, smoke, and filth lingering in the heavy air at all times. That’s why I’m grateful I grew up in the countryside.
Jaakii reminds me of home, even though it’s a city. It’s vibrant and full of life. The earthen buildings are close to the ground, which only makes the mountains surrounding the city walls stand out more.
As I walk the stone-paved streets surrounded by neatly clustered buildings, I still feel the connection to nature. I can smell it in the air. The buildings are overgrown with lush greenery, and no matter which way I turn, there’s at least one colorful tree with its heavy branches hanging above the sharp red roofs.
I refer to the map V gave me as I navigate the city. I know better than to venture into Kozem, where I was attacked by that damn group of thugs. Instead, I choose to explore the colorful area of Bussek until I reach the grand wall that surrounds the Ezkai Castle grounds.
Following the perimeter of the wall, I venture into Casteeg, which is clearly the most prestigious neighborhood in the city.I can tell from the way fae here dress and the way they carry themselves—all tall and mighty.
Once I reach Saigec, I notice another shift in the crowd. Here, fae are much younger and more relaxed. More laughter and carefree chatter echo in the streets. After I notice a third group of fae pass with leather satchels hanging from their shoulders, it hits me that this must be where the universities are.
The buildings are taller here, grander, though nowhere near close to the grand and moody Ezkai Castle that stands in the middle of the city on a tall hill. Even from where I am now, I can see the stone towers of the castle stretching high towards the blue sky.
A deafening roar rumbles in the distance. Soon after, a terrible screech follows. Covering my ears, I duck lower and look around, trying to figure out what’s going on.
I’ve never heard sounds like these booming in the city before. Nobody around me seems to mind it, though.
Movement in the sky catches my eye. My head whips to it, and my chest heaves.No fucking way.
Two long serpentlike dragons are flying over the city. The scales that cover their lean, strong bodies glimmer like diamonds when it catches the rays of sunlight. The bat-like wings flap loudly as they soar through the sky, right towards the Castle.
Dragons… I have never seen a dragon in real life!
They’re extinct in Wetra, have been for thousands of years. Thanks to the royal family.
My stomach flutters as I take in the sight. That castle where the dragons land is where my future lies.
Still baffledby the sight of dragons—actual damn magical creatures—I wander the streets until I come across a crowdedbar. It’s not the first bar I pass, but what draws me into this one is the crowd.
Outside, a dozen Ezkai soldiers occupy the heavy wooden tables lined with benches on both sides. None pay me any attention as I pass the tables, so I don’t bother with the official greeting.
