BK1 Chapter Two, Part One

Chapter Two, Part One

"What the hell is that!" I shouted in shock at a box before my eyes. I waved my hand in front of it, but the box had no physical substance. It just floated there. Could other people see it? There was no one else with me to check. Suddenly the words began to change.

Vishka's guidance system

Hi, there, beloved child. It is me, Vishka. I can not answer why you were reborn. My guidance will provide assistance. Look out for your likeable meters. If it drops below -50%, you risk death!

Keep Vigilant, my child.

I stared at the message for some time. I'm sure if anyone walked into the prayer chamber, they would have seen my mouth agape.

Likeable meters? What even does that mean!?

I held my hand to my chest to try to calm my breathing.

Was I hyperventilating right now?

Suddenly a loud creak echoed as the door opened, causing me to squint at the brightness of light after being in the dimly lit room for so long.

"May gods grace hear your prayers, child of light", the monk greeted me, bowing his head before pausing at my pose on the floor. "May I help you up?" He asked curiously.

"Y-yes, please", I said, checking to see if he looked at the box still floating there. He didn't, not even as I took his hand to pull myself up. So other people couldn't see it.

"Are you alright?" The monk asked, checking me over as I brushed down the back of my dress from dust. That fall really did a number on my rear. It was definitely going to be sore in the morning.

"I'm alright, thank you. I believe my prayers have been heard" I half smiled, averting my gaze, aware it was apparent I had been crying.

"Of course", he said, guiding me back through the temple towards the dome entrance.

A few more people had been gathering in prayer since this morning. I spotted a few nobles mingled amongst the many commoners as they offered flowers and gifts to their chosen gods. They glanced my way in recognition but didn't approach. Who would approach the Crazy Cerue?

Perhaps it was so busy today due to the Army parade festival, or was this the usual crowd for a temple? I wouldn't know.

"May we have the honour of your visit again". The monk nodded as we reached the spot I had approached him before. He gestured his hand to the dome tunnel I had come in from, assuming I had finished my visit.

At the side of the entrance was a table with a large embellished wooden bowl and a couple of monks standing nearby. Inside, I spotted numerous gold, silver, and copper coins.

"Many thanks for your help" I tugged open my satchel and pulled out 2 silver coins to drop in the bowl on my way out of the temple. The two monks thanked me for the donation as I left the archway and went back outside.

I couldn't help but look up at the sky, free of clouds in the summer's heat.

The box faded when I left the prayer room, so it either didn't stay long or only worked in the temples. I guess I would find out…

Vishka! She heard me! I don't understand what guidance she's given me, but it's the help I requested. I would be less accepting of what just happened if not for the fact I've already died three times.

She couldn't tell me why I was reborn from our limited communication of yes or no questions. However, that did not mean there wasn't one. There must be a reason. I just don't know it yet.

Maybe, I need to find that out myself.

There had to be a reason for my suffering.

Either way, I was free to choose my own path now. I just had to find it.

Strolling, I took my time climbing down the steps passing by the people of Talbour as they laughed with one another, enjoying the festivities. Some people waved small flags on sticks with the emblem of the Zopan Empire, others ate street food out of napkins, and children ran with kites gently moving with the breeze.

It had been years since I had been alone to enjoy the sights of the city like this, and I felt a little spring in my step today after Vishka's gift, whatever it meant.

Following the crowd, I happily watched the families celebrating the annual festival. Every year the capital sends its Army to the deadlands to cull the demonic beasts there from encroaching the Zopan Empire. It's a dangerous job, but not doing it results in casualties, like Cassandra.

On their return, the Army always passes through Talbour. It's a slight detour, but it allows the capital to interact with its people and the Army to pass messages and pick up supplies. So, the people of Talbour decided to make it into a yearly festival to celebrate the soldier's safe return.

Noticing a wood sign with a Jewellers pick and chisel, I detoured from the crowd to a shop I knew reasonably well, Hanson's Jewellery. The shop window had many fancy designs today. Some were even themed for the festival, their jewels in the colour setting of the Zopan Empire, black and yellow. They shone particularly well in the summer sun.

I did say I wanted to stop by for some more chokers. So, true to my word, I opened the shop door, the jingle of a bell alerting the shopkeeper of my presence. But, of course, he had plenty of customers already, so he barely noticed me.

In my first life, I would have made a complaint by now about the lack of service. I likely would have shouted and demanded something free of charge. I really had been a spoilt brat. My adoptive family's lack of care for my life as they abandoned my existence in the quiet corner of the mansion had truly festered my emotions. I knew now, after my marriage to Garret, there were worse people in life. In some situations, being ignored was preferred to unwanted attention from someone I hated.

Happy to browse, I sauntered towards the leather and ribbon goods. They were usually the only items commoners bought. However, I don't think a jewelled necklace will hide my scar. I needed a thick band, comfortable to wear and sturdy. I couldn't have it falling off in a tumble.

Picking through the pile of ribbons, I eventually found what I was looking for, a solid brown leather piece with lace ties on the back, similar to a bodice. It could have been more pretty, but it was durable. I also picked out some coloured ribbons with sewn-in clasps for fancier occasions. Hauling my pile to the counter, I waited for the shopkeeper to be free before bargaining him down to only 3 Silver for the 5 chokers. It was far less than the initial 5 gold Roger had given me. I suppose he expected me to buy the most lavish items in the store. That's usually what I used to do in my first life. I often filled the empty void of my heart with the luxurious items I could buy.

Exiting the store, I re-joined the crowd. Most of them were heading to the side streets filled with numerous stalls. The smell of the food drifting towards me made my stomach growl, I hadn't technically eaten yet with that disaster of a breakfast, but I promised I wouldn't go to the stalls alone. I should keep it. Knowing my luck, I'd only probably get caught.

Vishka's guidance system

Smart! Stay away from the stalls for now.

I held my hand to my mouth to hold in my scream. Was this thing just going to keep popping up out of nowhere?! But, like before, it dissipated after a few moments, and no one was wiser. So it was definitely only me who could see it. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure many people in this crowd would have said something.

Sticking with my decision and the guidance of Vishka, I avoided the stalls and followed the crowd heading toward the main square.

Eventually, I came to the square, where I agreed to meet Miguel. The festival was centred here, and the bustling noise of people overwhelmed my senses.

Barricades had been set up, creating a path for the Army to walk through. When they arrived, many people were already gathering at the edges of the barricades, saving their friends' best spots to get a good view.

Looking around, I soon spotted a line of carriages above the heads of the crowd in the distance to my left. Gripping my satchel tighter to my chest, I began to push my way through toward them. I apologised every now and then to anyone I bumped as I did.

When I finally made it to the carriages, I saw a mix of Kreshna-pulled run-down carriages to the fanciest horse-drawn carriages littered with gold. Their drivers chatted together in a circle laughing, and some even smoking cigars.

"Miss Lynette!" I heard a voice call out to me on my right. "Miss Lynette! Over here!" Miguel jumped and waved frantically, standing on our carriage nestled between a few others at the back.

I smiled, grateful that he had spotted me. I wasn't sure I would have found him.

"There you are", I relaxed, approaching the carriage and loosening my grip on my satchel.

"Did you have a good time at the Temple?" Miguel asked, climbing down from the driver's seat.

"I did thank you, did you have a good time at the festival?"

"Yes!" he exclaimed. "I got to eat a crepe with strawberry and cream. Then I found some hard candy, and then I had some cheese with cranberries! There's so much I still haven't tried", he beamed.

"Did you eat all of that? Are you not full" I laughed.

"I wish. I also saw some fantastic acrobatics. The performers flew in the sky and landed perfectly. I had no idea how they did it!" Miguel giggled. Clearly, he had a good time enjoying the festival. I was a little jealous.

"And where Is Freda?" I asked, looking around.

"Ah, she's been waiting inside the carriage, young miss" Miguel shrugged. "She ate some of the crepes with me and watched the acrobatics but didn't stay for too long."

"I see", I mused. Freda must have been somewhat nervous about getting caught leaving me alone.

I tapped on the carriage door, and she pushed it open gingerly. Then, seeing my raven hair, she quickly moved it open, a sigh of relief clear as day on her face.

"My Lady, thank goodness you are back" Freda deflated the stress she must have been holding.

"Quickly get in. We should be heading back. It's already past the fourth bell", she tried to usher me inside.

A blast of horns could be heard from a short distance away. We both turned our heads towards the sound, as did most of the crowd, a cheer of excitement following.

"They're here! The Army is here, miss! But, ah-" Miguel paused. "I suppose you will want to be heading back now" his voice didn't hide his disappointment.

"Yes", I said, seeing his face fall, "But maybe we can watch the parade first" I stepped back down to Freda's frustration.

"Really?!" his smile was larger than his face.

"Well, it's hardly a time to leave now, is it" I smiled, climbing onto the driver's seat.

"My Lady! Where are you going!?" Freda exclaimed, clamouring out of the carriage after me.

"It's better to see from higher up, don't you agree?" I tucked my dress under my knees before sitting and placing my satchel on my lap.

"Very true! I guess I just didn't expect the miss to sit here. It's not something a noble would do", Miguel said absent-mindedly.

"That's correct, My Lady, it's not proper", Freda complained.

"I'm not a noble, so it's fine" I shrugged as the horns grew louder, the Army approaching.

"Ah!" Miguel covered his mouth with his hand realising his mistake. "I'm s-sorry, miss I-I", he stammered as Freda's face paled.

"It's fine, Miguel. I'm not a true Heversham", I tried to settle him. The prospect of not being a part of this family had long since become a reality for me.

In my first life, it was a constant emotional struggle trying to be accepted by them. Finding time and time again that I could only screw it up. In the second life, I threw myself into parties, avoiding them and trying to live outside the Mansion as a socialite, only to be scorned by them. In my third life, I did what they asked of me to help the family and suffered for the longest time under Garret's beatings.

This life, I was through with caring about them.

"I see" Miguel lowered his head, twiddling his fingers.

"My Lady…" Freda trailed off, lost for words.

"It's fine, jeez, let's just enjoy the parade, okay? And keep it our secret" I held up my hand, zipping my lips and throwing away an imaginary key.

Miguel half smiled, deciding to join me in the driver's seat, and Freda looked away from me before struggling to get up and join us. Then, after a little scooting down, we all sat at the front of the carriage raised above the crowds waiting for the Army to arrive.

"Can I ask you a question?" Miguel mumbled.

"Sure", I sighed.

"Um, W-why do you live with the Hevershams? No one tells me much". He looked away so I couldn't see the embarrassment on his face making me smile.

Freda immediately coughed loudly into her hand, staring daggers at Miguel. It shouldn't be such a taboo subject.

"Cassandra picked me up as a child. It's not something you say no to when you live on the street begging for food to survive" I rested my head in my hand as drums started to play, announcing the Army getting closer.

Freda turned away again, unable to look me in the eye.

"I understand" Miguel turned back to me, thoughtful. "I would probably do the same", he confirmed, swinging his legs over the side of the carriage. Sweet kid.

The crowd's cheers exploded as music bellowed into the square. The sound of armour clanging in unison with the beat of drums caught Miguel's attention. He stood up to get a better view as the soldiers of the Zopan army came into view.

The first squad marched dressed in grey linen tunics with the Zopan emblem at their centre. They beat against drums, and some blew into trumpets as they led the march. Those who stood at the edges held large flags of the Black and Yellow Zopan Emblem featuring two dragons connecting their claws. The flags towered three men tall.

Next were the generals, their horses adorned in gold plating.

Three of them sat waving to the crowd, all relatively older gentlemen. The man in the middle wore a dark red hooded cloak with golden gauntlets and leg bands. Upon his shoulder sat a bird, its wings tucked, its black beak sharp against the flames of its fiery feathers, his summoned beast. He must be the general of the summoners, Jared Baler. He was well known to the people as the hero of Ridge Pass. Alone, he saved the lives of fifty soldiers trapped under the rocks of a landslide whilst defending against mountain golem demonic beasts.

"Look, a summoner!" Miguel pointed at him, his eyes growing larger. "Someday, I want to be a summoner."

"A summoner? You want to join the Army?" I asked as the next squad came into view.

It was the summoner squad.

They mirrored Jared's clothing, all wearing dark red hooded cloaks with the exception of black brigandine armour on their chests instead of gold. The small metal studs glinted in the sunlight.

They all marched in unison, each with creatures sat upon their shoulders, held in their hands, or walking beside them. The creatures ranged from as small as mice to the sizes of large dogs as their forms flickered in flames. I had to admit that it was fascinating to watch.

"Of course, in the army, I could fight those nasty Dramor invaders, win victories and earn glory" Miguel punched the air to show his mightiness. I couldn't help my slight flinch as he mentioned Dramor Invaders. He must not know my features are Dramorian.

Freda caught onto it, though, and she hastily elbowed Miguel, but he looked back at her, confused.

"What if you are not able to summon?" I watched him shrug Freda off and proceed to fight an imaginary enemy.

It was only possible to become a Summoner with a Core, but not everyone with a Core could become a summoner. I didn't know the full details. However, I did know you were either born with a Core, or you weren't. Commoners rarely had them.

"Then I'll join the foot-guard. They are just as strong" Miguel sat back down, tired out.

"Have you ever tested if you could summon?" He asked in childlike wonder.

"No, I haven't, but the likelihood I can is slim". I watched as the first summoning squad moved past us, and the next squad arrived.

Each squad seemed to have the same elemental summons. The second was earth creatures, their forms made of soil and rocks. The soldiers wore brown tunics instead of red beneath their black brigandine armour. Their brown cloaks flourished behind them. Some had gold embellished thread at the seams.

"What do you mean?" Miguel asked.

"Do you see any women in those squads?" at my question, Miguel moved to inspect them.

"Not many..." He watched them as the third squad arrived, their creatures glittering in the sunlight as water shimmered their bodies. Their tunics and cloaks dazzling light blue.

"A woman becoming a Summoner is very rare. It's also very rare commoners can summon since they often do not have Cores", I explained. "Nobles are born with Cores due to their ancestors. Their bloodlines are controlled to produce children with Cores."

"But you've never tried, so how do you know you can't become a Summoner?" Miguel shrugged, unfazed by this information.

I opened my mouth to reply but found nothing to say. He had got me there.

I couldn't say I knew for sure I couldn't become a Summoner. It wasn't anything that had ever occurred to me to even try. Heck, I didn't even think I had a Core until my third life stuck with Garret.

The final squad passed by, their creatures a little harder to see as they billowed in the wind, their bodies ethereal as the wind they controlled. This squad wore pale green, which was striking against the black armour.

"You make a good point" I half smiled as the next part of the parade arrived.

The crowd cheered louder as a man riding alone on a horse approached.

He led a marching squad dressed in lamellar armour and grey cloaks not covering their faces. The layered black scales looked heavy as the squad stood straight, proudly following their commander. Without the hooded cloaks the Summoners wore, it was easier to see the mix of the races amongst the soldiers, humans, beast-kin, drake, and even the rare daemon. Some women could even be spotted in the foot-guard as they followed the man wearing a silver mask with horns.

My body tensed as I watched him closely. Azriel Elkart, the leader of the foot guard, was one of the few left from the Draygon race. He wore a purple cape that contrasted against the steel lamellar on his chest, his silver mask hiding his features. He didn't glance at the crowd once as they cheered for him.

The man who killed me.

"Doesn't he look so intimidating" Miguel cooed. "I wonder why he wears that mask. It's all my friends talk about. We have theories. Maybe he burned his face with the lightning. Maybe he's just ugly", he giggled.

"Perhaps", I mumbled, struggling to look away from Azriel Elkart, the Young Duke at this point in time. His Father was the Duke currently. My hand rubbed my neck instinctively. The man who controlled lightning, the rarest of elements, a symbol of his draygon bloodline. The royal family's power.

"I heard they are looking for sign-ups tomorrow", Miguel said as we watched the last of the foot-guard pass by, followed by another squad playing instruments to signify the end of the march.

"They are recruiting?"

"Yeah, something about gathering strength for the Zopan Empire. There are lots of notices about it on the boards around town" Miguel pointed to one nearby, and sure enough, I could see a group of young men reading it with interest.

Freda glanced at them as well, a blush on her cheeks. I guess she was at that age.

"I would sign up if I was old enough", Miguel sighed in longing.

"One day, you will get your chance" I patted his shoulder, standing up so I could climb down from the driver's seat. Freda immediately followed.

"We should be heading back to the Estate now", Freda said, ushering me to the doors of the carriage.

"Yes, I know, it won't be long before the young Lords come back, and I should be there before they do", I sighed in defeat. I had put off going back long enough.

"Oh, right, of course! Let me open the door for you". Miguel scrambled after us making sure to open the carriage door before we got to it.

"Thanks" I stepped onto the rickety carriage and back onto the grubby seat just as another message popped up.

Vishka's guidance system

Quest Received!

Sign up for the Army