BK1 Chapter Forty - EDITED

Chapter Forty

Glass separated me from the outside as I stared at the yard. Two young boys held wooden sticks as they fought under the watchful eye of an older man under the bright sun of the sky. The boys sweated as they crossed wooden blades, their smiles huge. They had arrived moments ago in a carriage from the capital. A young girl with blonde hair watched them nearby happily.

A weight on my shoulder made me look up to the woman who had brought me to this house.

“They are your siblings, Lynette” Cassandra nodded to the two young boys who shared her grey eyes and the young girl with her ash blonde hair.

“Siblings?”

“Yes, my dear, they are your family now. Would you like to meet them?” She asked warmly as I turned back to the window. A nervousness eased into the pit of my stomach.

“A-alright” I tucked my hand into the safety of Cassandras as she led me out of the study and into the foyer. As we entered, the doors opened, and the four I had seen outside entered the mansion, laughing happily as they spoke about their recent visit to the capital.

“Cassandra Darling! I have missed you” The older man approached us, his arms wide, as he embraced Cassandra lovingly.

“I have missed you as well, dear; I hope your trip to the capital as well?”

“It was splendid; the boys are more than eager to learn how to fight now that they have seen the Capitals Summoners. Kara is also excited to join the social season when she is old enough.”

“I am pleased, Roger”, Cassandra smiled. “I had a lovely trip to Wayward; my family passed on their regards to you.”

“That’s wonderful, but-” Roger released Cassandra and paused momentarily as I hid behind Cassandra’s skirts. “What do you have there?” he asked.

“This is Lynette, your new daughter Roger. I have decided to adopt her into our family.”

“You...What?” Roger frowned and glared at me. I shrank further back as Cassandra scowled and lightly slapped his shoulder.

“Stop that. You are scaring the poor dear,” she scolded.

“We have a new sister?” the young girl with blonde hair piped as she cocked her head towards me.

“Cassandra”, Roger gritted his teeth. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Roger”, Cassandra raised her hand to cup Rogers’s cheek. “It is what I want.”

The older man avidly grimaced as he looked at me and back to his wife. “We will talk about this in my study.”

“Very well.” Cassandra nodded in agreement. “Eduard, Callan, Kara, this is Lynette. Your new sister.” Cassandra stepped aside so her skirt was no longer hiding me, and I clutched my hands together, trying to settle my nerves.

“H-hi”, I whispered, seeing the curious gaze of Kara and the frowns of Eduard and Callan.

“Sister! Oh, I have always wanted a sister,” Kara beamed, rushing over to me. She held my clutched hands and brought them close to her chest. “Hi! I’m Kara; I can’t wait to play with you! How old are you? Are you older than me or younger? Do you like to play tea time? Will you play it with me?”

I wanted to step back from this girl, but her friendliness made me smile shyly. “I am seven; I would love to play tea time with you.”

“Seven! Oh, then you are older than me,” Kara pouted. “I wanted a younger sister.”

“Why do we have a new sister?” one of the boys with light brown hair stepped over, placing his hands on his hips. He looked down at me, scrutinising.

“Callan, staring like that is rude”, the other boy with dark brown hair approached. He was taller than the others. His gaze did not linger on me, though, and instead went to Cassandra, his mother, curious.

“Lynette is here by my will, children. She is now a Heversham. I want you to treat her as a family,” Cassandra spoke, leaning down to our heights.

I glanced at Roger as he shook his head disapprovingly at her words.

“Very well, Mother.” Eduard nodded, accepting his mother’s words. “Welcome to our Family, Lynette”, he spoke, bowing his head in greeting, causing the other young boy Callan to mumble and copy his actions.

“We are so glad to have you”, Kara giggled.

“Please take care of me”, I whispered, mimicking their actions with a small curtsey as Cassandra had shown me, hopeful of my new life as I joined this family.

***

An alarming ringing echoed throughout the room, making me leap up to clutch my ears. It was nothing like the soothing chime of the temple bells that signified the time of day. This echoed with a vengeance and sounded incredibly close. As swiftly as the sound came, it left me alone in my room’s silence.

What the heck was that? Was that our wake-up call?

I shook my head from the shock and got out of the comfort of my bed. There was no way anyone would be going back to sleep after that. Moving to the partition in the room, I ran the tap, and freshwater streamed out, making me smile at the convenience. I washed my face and tied my hair into a high ponytail; it had dried wavy as it rested against my shoulders. I then opened my wardrobe and picked up the grey cloak I had seen yesterday. It felt surreal in my hands; I was really here. This hadn’t been a facade; I was going to learn to become a soldier, possibly a Summoner. I smiled, putting it down on my bed to get out the rest of my uniform.

As I dressed in the remaining pieces of my uniform, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness. This was the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and the weight of that realisation settled on my shoulders. This was something I had never done before; it was all new to me.

Once fully dressed, I took a moment to inspect myself in the small mirror hanging on the wall. The grey cloak draped over my shoulders, the black trim framing the edges, and the bronze badge glinting in the soft light. It was a visual representation of my new identity as a Trainee, a symbol of the journey I was about to embark on.

Grabbing my Jian and dagger, I attached them to the belt provided. As I was about to leave, I stopped my hand on the door. Looking back at the desk, I bit my lip conflicted. If Eduard handed in the letter today, would they call upon me so quickly? With a heavy sigh, I took out the letter I had written and safely tucked it into the pocket sewn into my chest garment. It was probably safer not to leave without it, just in case.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. The quiet hum of activity filled the air as other Trainees made their way through the corridors, their footsteps echoing against the stone walls. I spotted Lacey Weadall nervously flitting about near the stairs as she glanced around at us all. She was wearing the same uniform I was, we all were.

“Good Morning Lady Weadall” I waved to her as I made my way to the stairs. The small girl jumped, her frizzy auburn hair bouncing with her body at my voice.

“H-hi, Lady Heversham”, she gulped at me, taking a step back. “H-have you seen Lady Thornfax?”

“Not yet; she chose a room on the first floor.”

“Oh,” Lacey meekly looked away from me.

“Would you like to come with me?” I hinted at the stairs as other Trainees made their way down.

Lacey nodded, her eyes brightening with a mix of relief and gratitude. “Yes, please. I-I don’t know anyone else here, and it’s a bit overwhelming.”

I smiled warmly, understanding her apprehension. “Don’t worry, Lady Weadall. We’re all in the same boat. Let’s stick together.” I smiled, trying to seem friendly. This girl probably had an opinion of me based on my actions in the past. We had never spoken much, but since Zachary was not very welcoming at my assessment, I can only presume his sister also had reservations about me.

“T-thank you”, she whispered, moving closer to me, her eyes darting around at all the Trainees passing us by.

We descended the stairs, joining the flow of Trainees heading towards the common area. Most of the seats there were here had already been filled as groups gathered together. We looked around and eventually spotted Rian standing with Harold near his room doorway. As we approached, Lacey quickly left my side and scurried towards Rian, clutching the hem of her grey cloak.

“L-lady Thornfax”, Lacey whispered, stepping closer to her.

Rian turned her attention to Lacey, her expression softening. “Oh, Lacey,” she said, not surprised by the girl clinging to her. “Did you find a room?”

“Y-yes, on the second floor” Lacey glanced my way and quickly averted it again, avoiding eye contact. “I’m a little nervous but trying to stay positive.”

Rian nodded understandingly. “Don’t worry; I’m sure you will be fine.”

Lacey managed a small smile, appreciating Rian’s reassurance. “I’ll do my best.”

Rian glanced at me, and her features changed into a small smirk. “I see you enjoyed the bath?”

I nodded, returning her greeting. “Absolutely. It was a delight. I see you cleaned up as well.”

“I do scrub up nice Cerue”, Rian winked, making me laugh.

“I’m eager to see what today has in store for us,” I said, seeing some of the Trainees leave the building.

“I imagine it’s going to be lectures”, Harold said, watching the Trainees as well. “There is much they need to teach us about being in the army.”

“Lectures?” A voice made us all turn as Teresa pouted toward us. “Aren’t we going to learn how to fight and stuff?” she made a motion with her hands which I think was supposed to be manipulating Aether. I couldn’t be sure.

Harold chuckled softly at Teresa’s enthusiasm, making us all pause. Rian raised an eyebrow at him, and I pursed my lips. I don’t think Harold has laughed once during our travel together; hearing the deep chuckle from him was strange.

“Is something wrong?” Harold asked, looking at us confused.

“No, nothing”, Rian spoke slowly; I think she was as surprised as I was. Harold was usually so sombre.

“Shall we head to the eatery?” I asked as quiet slipped between us. “We have until the first bell before Lieutenant Cragborn comes to get us.”

“I hope it’s as good as Rian’s cooking”, Teresa said with a smile, and Rian looked away, a little embarrassed by the look on her face.

“I’m sure it be better than what I cook”, Rian mumbled.

“Let’s not waste time then! My stomach needs nourishment!” Teresa joyfully walked ahead, making Rian frown at her easy acceptance.

We followed Teresa’s lead and headed out of the building into the morning light. As we rounded the corner that led to the Trainee quarters, I was shocked at how much busier it was. Summoners, trainees and footguards were sprawling throughout the keep. It was as though the number of people here had doubled since yesterday.

We carefully made our way through the crowd down the same lane Lieutenant Cragborn had taken us. The crowd grew even thicker as we reached the task centre. Yesterday there had been lines and Summoners gathered there, but it was thin enough that we could see the buildings at the centre of the courtyard. Today, it was so thick with bodies that seeing the task centre from the outer edges was impossible as we passed it. We avoided bumping into a few rushing Summoners as they panicked towards the task centre. A shared glance between us at the flurry here made us all nervous. The lieutenant had said it was first come, first served here; I could see why so many Summoners were panicking as it was already so full before the first bell.

Eventually, the large columns of stone that framed the eatery came into view. The crowd had lessened here, but the noise was just as cumbersome as the rattling of chatter and clanking of cups drifted into the space. We entered the large oak doors, and the atmosphere greeted us with warmth and a tantalising aroma. The room was filled with long tables and benches, occupied by Trainees and Summoners engaged in lively conversations. The sound of clinking utensils and laughter filled the air. To the right of the room was a queue moving swiftly along as Summoners placed orders with servers standing behind counters.

We joined the queue, eager to satisfy our rumbling stomachs. The sizzling meat and freshly baked bread aroma grew stronger as we neared the counter. The servers behind the counters worked efficiently, taking orders and swiftly assembling plates of food.

Finally, it was our turn to place our orders. A friendly server greeted us with a smile. “Good morning; how can I assist you?”

Teresa, as always, was the first to speak up. “I’ll have a plate of eggs, bacon, sausages, and a side of toast, please. And a large glass of milk!”

The server noted down Teresa’s order and turned to the rest of us. “And for you?”

“I’ll have the same,” Rian said with a nod, and the server scribbled it down.

“S-same for me”, Lacey piped quietly.

“I’ll go with scrambled eggs and toast,” Harold requested in his usual calm manner.

Turning to me, the server asked, “And for you, my Lady?”

“I’ll have a bowl of oatmeal and some fresh fruit, please,” I replied, appreciating the healthy options available. I hadn’t eaten any fresh fruit since before I died. I didn’t want to overindulge just yet either; my body was still adjusting to eating more healthily.

The server thanked us and quickly began assembling our orders. The rhythmic clinking of utensils and the hum of conversation filled the room as we waited for our food.

As the plates arrived, we found an empty table and settled down, eager to savour the delicious meal. That was, at least, until I saw a flash of red.

“Lady Heversham”, Garret placed his plate of half-eaten food down on the table beside me just as Teresa was about to with a snarky grin. Kit joined him, a little less enthused as he chose to sit between Harold and Rian.

“I was going to sit there” Teresa narrowed her eyes at Garret, moving to sit on my other side instead, Lacey on her right.

“Tough commoner, my place is beside Lady Heversham.” Garret sniped at her.

I immediately lifted my plate and stood from my seat. “I will eat elsewhere”, I stated just as Garret grabbed my wrist. I felt my heart quicken at his touch as my mind flashed to the night at camp, which had begun similarly.

“Lady Heversham, do you not want to eat with us? Are we not worthy of your presence?” Garret frowned, his words insinuating I didn’t want to eat with the people at this table.

He was right. I did not want to be here.

“Let go of my wrist”, my voice came out weak as I tried to control the fluctuating fear in my body.

“Lady Heversham, I meant no harm?” Garret released me, acting with a puzzled face at my response. He knew damn well why I did not want him touching me.

“Lord Asher, I wouldn’t want to eat with you either”, Teresa sighed, also standing. “Stop bothering Lynette already. Can’t you take a rejection?”

“Shut your mouth” Garret’s act faded momentarily as he growled at Teresa. “Nobody cares what you think, commoner. You shouldn’t even be allowed to eat with us.”

“I think that is enough, Garret”, Rian sighed. “We aren’t all advocates for the noble privilege.”

“Oh? Does that make it any less than a fact a commoner should not be allowed to mingle with a noble? We are superior and have the power to prove it. It is our privilege whether you advocate for it or not.”

“Then why do you obsess over Lynette” Teresa raised an eyebrow. “She was born a commoner.”

The table fell still at Teresa’s words; she looked back and forth, confused at this, as I took a deep breath. It was a well-known fact that I was born a commoner, but it wasn’t mentioned as in the past; I would have begun shouting at the insult by now. It was also a taboo topic for many nobles to bring up their birth heritage. Often children were adopted from distant family lines if one was not produced with a powerful core, so for this reason, it was not mentioned much in noble society. Only children who knew no better ever brought it up.

“Teresa, shall we eat over there?” I pointed to an empty table nearby.

“A-alright”, Teresa nodded worriedly.

“I hope you enjoy your meal, everyone, apart from you, Lord Asher” I cocked my head with a sweet smile as he frowned. “Please feel free to choke.”

Garret’s mouth opened at my comment taken back, Harold raised his hand to cover his mouth, but I saw his slight smile, and Rian grinned, leaning her head on her hand. Lacey and Kit stared at me, shocked, but I didn’t care.

I waved them goodbye as Teresa, and I headed for the table.