“The academy doesn’t like distractions for the prospects. Focus on not dying and being good enough that the academy deems youworthyenough to place.”
Is it just me, or was there an edge of bitterness to his voice during that last little remark?
This will be fun to break to my bracket. He’s definitely making it easy for them to hate me early on.
An upperclassman in full black gear, matching my new surly friend here, walks up on our right. I didn’t even hear him coming up the steps, which is kind of disconcerting. “Makon, they’re ready for us,” he says to our guide.
So he does have a name. Makon. For some reason, it’s fitting.
He gives a curt nod in response before advancing toward me. “Good luck, Nori, you’re going to need it. You all are.”
Chapter four
Pulling my long red waves over my shoulder, I quickly and efficiently braid them into a fishtail. It’s been too long since I last cut it, resulting in my hair now falling to mid-back.
Sleep was elusive last night, and boy, am I feeling the ramifications of it this morning. Between staying up late the night before last to study the exam Ambrose gave me and last night’s nerves, I’m dragging ass this morning. I have exactly one hour before I have to be seated in the orientation hall for the Asylamation written portion, and I still have to get dressed before trying to find my way there.
I wish I could say the sun is shining through the window of my temporary room, offering some kind of reprieve from the gloom-and-doom feeling sitting in my gut, but that would be a lie. Dense fog settles over Kintoira, enveloping us in her embrace. You can’t see shit out of the windows. It’s as if the academy is in a constant state of a Cimmerian atmosphere.
I’m pretty sure this is my new norm.
The days of running around in the sun, with my feet in the surf and toes in the sand are over. The afternoons of collecting just as many freckles across the bridge of my nose as seashells in my hands have come to an end.
Honestly, if all goes according to plan, it’s going to be a bit before I see Brylan again. I’ll miss the turf and the warm weather of home, but that’s about it.
I glance one more time at my little bed, wishing I could just hide under the covers a little longer. Our current room is the bare minimum with two twin beds, a small wooden dresser that leans slightly to the left, and a simple standing mirror. But after the day I had yesterday, it was paradise to walk in and see.
Walking over to the mirror, I study my reflection. Wide, bright-green eyes stare back at me, taking in the ivory-colored prospect uniform that hangs loosely on my lithe, borderline skinny frame. Something I’ve always been self-conscious about. I glide my fingers over the buttons lining my shirt before tugging on the high collar that rests just below my chin. It’s slightly suffocating, but I’m going to have to just grin and bear it.
I’ll only have to wear it the first week until I place, and then I’ll be given my regiment attire. Unfortunately, I won’t get my badass battle gear until next year, when we become captains, but putting on that Veil first-year uniform will be enough.
For now.
I asked Finnley where he wanted to place, and he said he didn’t care as long as he got to kill some wraiths. I’d be sad to see him end up on the other side, but it’s not up to us.
There was an announcement this morning over the intercoms that another attack had taken place, this time on the western border. They’re getting bolder. The little village ofOrichall,which sits along the border beside the Merch Desert, suffered heavy civilian casualties. As I was walking back from the community showers this morning, I heard the whispers. They’resaying it was a massacre. The military is still trying to locate all the pieces of some of the residents.
Those people didn’t stand a chance. Being a small village that sells spices and fabrics, they weren’t even on the radar for an attack. It doesn’t make any sense. It’s not spices they’re after. It also doesn’t add up that they would attack a small village with such a low population.
We’re missing something.
A good number of our forces have been stationed along the eastern and southern borders, where the wealthy towns rich in trade and bartering are located.Brylan, where Ambrose and I grew up on the eastern coast, is heavily guarded to protect the popular trading port. However, the majority of our force lies along the northwestern coast inCasacia,the wealthiest city in Salaryan. Rich in all things trade, but her specialty lies in her rich mineral-infused soil. Incredibly sought after and very, very expensive.
Also, heavily populated.
I doubt I’ll get to see it anytime soon, though, especially if I place as a Veil. That particular city demands the most ruthless guard for her walls. The ones with low morals and even lower scruples. They certainly don’t make it a secret that they favor dark magic in their soldiers, and for dark magic to be used, you need Noctryns. As far back as our history takes us, the black regiment has stood guard for that city. The Noctryns aren’t guarding against just one enemy though, but againstanythingthat crosses into their territory.
The wraiths have tried numerous times to overthrow the Casacians but have failed due to the black regiments’ tenacity and callousness. And the fact that there isn’t a line they won’t cross to protect what they deem theirs. The city has been a main target for the wraith strikes for over a century, but the attacks are becoming more frequent. I’m assuming the growingpopulation has a lot to do with it. That’s a lot of energy to feed on. They have to eat, after all.
Unfortunately for us, their food is our very essence.
The fiber that makes us who we are.
Our souls.
And they aren’t picky about the flavor.
Veils may be known for their intelligence and ability to wield once they are allowed to manifest, which is just a fancy way of saying reclaiming what should have been theirs to begin with, but the Noctryns are dark in nature. They fight with their own moral code and without regret. They control the shadows and dark magic. But like most things, it doesn’t come without a heavy price.
