Page 122 of Riftborne
“Only officers, lieutenants and generals are granted access to briefings at Emeraal,” he said as if I was supposed to have somehow already known.
“So, what am I supposed to do?” I asked, irritation mixing with nerves in my gut.
“I don’t care. Whatever you want. Just stay out of trouble,” he said, turning back towards the entrance.
“Why am I here, then?” I hissed.
“Just do as you're told, Fia. This is a warzone. Be happy we’re not under attack and that you even have the ability to wander freely today.” He paused before taking a few steps back in my direction, lowering his voice. “But don’t go making any friends. The Base soldiers here are wild and unpredictable.” His eyes heldan intensity that had me shifting, despite the anger that simmered just under my skin.
I glared at him and walked past, approaching one of the Emeraal guards. “I’d like to be shown to my quarters now, please.” I tried to hide the disappointment in my voice. The useless feeling had returned.
CHAPTER 44
The room was biggerthan I imagined, housing two full-size beds in either corner. A set of double doors with emerald glass led to a modest-sized balcony overlooking the courtyard below. I glanced toward the wardrobe. My bag was settled neatly on the floor, next to a large chest with copper buckles.
My brow scrunched, wondering if someone else’s belongings had been delivered to my room by mistake. Or if it were meant for my eventual roommate. Would we be here long enough for me to have a roommate? Unease churned in my gut at the thought of sleeping next to a stranger. But I supposed this was the type of thing I’d have to get used to. Especially if Laryk decided to bring me everywhere with him like his useless, little pet.
My eyes dared an exhausted roll as I tried to swallow my brewing annoyance. I sank into the bed, ripping the sheets around me.
A knockon the door had my eyes shooting open. I rubbed my forehead and glanced toward the balcony. It was still bright outside. I must have only dozed off for a few hours.
“Initiate Riftborne, it’s time for meal service. Can I escort you to the dining hall?” I heard a timid voice from the other side.
My stomach rumbled at the thought of food. I slipped my boots on and opened the door to find a friendly face staring back at me. He was a smaller boy with freckles. Hair cut so short that I couldn’t make out whether it was blonde or brown. He was a recruit based on his uniform. A shy smile grew on his face. “Follow me?” he asked, voice cracking.
I glanced down at his shirt to see Gerath Riftborne sprawled across the front. My eyes flew down to see the marking on his left hand.
“Another Riftborne. Well, I certainly wasn’t expecting that,” I said, smiling.
“There are a few of us in the recruitment class, actually,” he whispered, looking around. “All of us Riftborne know about you. How you joined the Guard and ended up in the General’s special faction…” he trailed off. “It gave us all hope.”
Gerath’s words hit me like a wave. I never imagined I would be… an inspiration to anyone, let alone another Riftborne on the opposite side of the isle.
“I don’t know what to say.” I shook my head, a faint smile playing at my lips, before my thoughts twisted. “And you all have been treated well?” I asked, arching an eyebrow.
“As good as one can hope. People seem to be coming around to it. Plus, the Guard is in no position to deny new recruits.” He shrugged.
“I suppose so,” I murmured, looking down the corridor. “I’m very happy to meet you, Gareth.”
“Likewise. Should we get to the dining hall before all the good stuff is cleared out?” he asked, the giant smile returning to his face.
“I’m following you.” I grinned and allowed him to lead the way.
The hall was massive and ornately decorated with a domed ceiling. Long platforms of buffets lined the furthest wall, and hundreds of tables were scattered throughout the space. I followed Gareth and grabbed a plate. My mouth watered upon seeing the food selections. They were endless. If the Guard appreciated one thing above all else, it was good food. We both filled our plates with cured meats, cheeses and bread before he showed me to an open table.
I sat down, excited to gorge myself.
“If you need help getting back to your room after lunch, come find me. I’ll be at the recruits’ table,” he said quietly.
“You’re not going to sit with me?” I asked, twisting in my seat.Don’t leave me alone, I wanted to say.
“Recruits can’t sit with initiates.” He sighed, pointing towards a long table in the back. “We sit there.”
A wave of disappointment washed over me.
“Thanks, Gareth. I’ll come find you if I need help.” I gave him a reassuring smile before turning back to my food. I took a bite of bread, and it immediately tasted stale, my appetite gone.
My eyes wandered up to the front of the room, to an elevated area with grand tables. A few lieutenants were seated. My eyes narrowed when I saw Laryk in what seemed to be a deep conversation. I leaned to the side, trying to get a view of who he was speaking with, only to see another wisp of blood-red hair.
