Page 65 of Riftborne
After finishing the last of my chores, I lingered in the rear of the shop, waiting for an ideal moment. I quickly changed into my Guard uniform while Ma’s back was turned, but the familiar feeling of sadness lingered as I breezed past her desk on my way out. She didn’t respond to my goodbye. How much longer could we really go on like this?
Nearing the entrance of the Compound, I noticed two familiar faces leaning against the exterior walls. Raine and Briar. Raine met my gaze as I stepped onto the crosswalk. She waved eagerly.
I offered both a simple wave, closing the distance between us.
“I see you survived the weekend,” Raine huffed, shooting me a smile.
“Next time you two decide to go bar hopping, I’d appreciate an invite,” Briar scolded, crossing his arms.
“Briar, I told you. It was a single bar. You really didn’t miss much.” Raine nudged his arm.
“Seriously, most of it was spent learning the fascinating intricacies of the Guard,” I murmured sarcastically. “Considering you’ve already learned all about that intriguing topic, I imagine you would have been bored to tears.”
“I’m jealous that your first impression of our group was fromRaine. I’m much more fun. And a far better drinking partner.”
Raine cackled, playfully shoving Briar’s shoulder. I smiled, looking down. I wasn’t used to people wanting to hang around me so willingly. Not that I had ever given anyone much of an option.
“Are you free this evening, after training?” Briar asked with a sparkle in his eye.
Raine shot me a curious look. I had informed her of myschedule with the General. It seemed she had kept her word and not told anyone about my individual sessions.
“I wish…” I trailed off as I wracked my brain for a coherent excuse. “I have to head back to the Central district immediately after. Plans with my roommate.” I shrugged a bit too dramatically.
“Too bad. What about tomorrow?” His voice was thick with excitement. “I’m dying to pick your brain. You grew up in the city, right? You probably know all the best haunts.” His eyes glimmered.
“Erm–yes, but I’m afraid I won’t be of much help with that. I don’t get out a lot,” I admitted.
“Well, we’ll just have to discover them together then. Perhaps that’s even more fun,” Briar mused as his eyes fluttered around the streets.
“I guess we’d better get to class. I would hate for Mercer to glare at us the entire time for being late,” Raine said with a cheeky grin before turning towards the gate.
As we filtered into the Compound, I couldn’t help the comfort that set in. Walking through the halls with a group was much less intimidating. I grinned, silently praising myself for managing not to scare them off. We neared the small room at the end of the row of gyms and Briar reached for the door, pulling it back and stepping aside.
“If we’re late, I think you two are far more equipped to meet the Lieutenant’s rage. I’m just a simple farmer boy after all.” Briar smiled sweetly, gesturing for us to go ahead of him.
“How noble of you,” Raine remarked, brushing past. I followed her with a gentle laugh.
Mercer was half-sitting on the table at the front of the room. He nodded to us as we entered. Baelor and Nazul sauntered in after us, followed by Draven, who looked as white as a ghost. I wondered if Baelor had anything to do with it.
Glancing around, my gaze lingered on the seats from last time–ones that were now obstructed by five stacks of black fabric.
“Change. We’re starting physical conditioning today,” heremarked, pacing out of the room and shutting the door behind him.
All of our eyes shuffled around, casting unsure glances at each other. All of us except for Baelor, who strode over to his chair and snatched the clothing. Soon enough, he was undressing. I shot a look at Raine, who returned it with a confused shrug before unbuttoning her shirt.
I guess privacy was a luxury we weren’t afforded.
After what might have beenthe most awkward series of events in my life thus far, we followed Mercer outside towards the grassy field on the back side of the Compound. The expanse was filled with members of the Scales and Fang factions, running through drills.
I shifted my weight in between steps, and stretched my arms from side to side, trying to adjust to the new black, leather uniforms we were all wearing. They were stiff and didn’t offer much flexibility. It seemed an odd choice for athletic wear.
But they were sewn with the strongest fibers known to the realm, and reinforced by enchantments that leant to their strength, making them nearly impenetrable. Laryk helped design them. We couldn’t wear the armor of the Base soldiers. It was too heavy. So, we wore leathers, and we’d have to get used to moving in them.
Mercer halted as we stepped onto the grass, turning to us and folding his arms behind his back.
“Agility is the one thing that might save you if you find yourself surrounded.” He began pacing.
“When you’re trapped in the grips of a Wraith, your focus won’t matter. Your combat skills won’t matter. At that point, the only option you have is to find an escape. Andfast.” He turned to look at us.
