* Emory *
* The galleys, one could not do more conspicuous as a ship, I nevertheless had to ask to make a visit as discreet as possible. Yet here I am sailing to Adje Island in a huge warship. If they weren't our allies they would have already sent us to the bottom. That said I was not going to complain I had been waiting for this trip for ages. Finally I was going to be able to tread the soil of the land of the warriors. As our ship approached the coast I saw in the sky some sort of demonic-looking winged horses passing over us at high speed. I admit that I was more curious than frightening *.
-These are horses of death. * Plexios tells me *. Mounts that received Killick's blood.
-Funny way to use his blood then.
* I sat near the bow where I could calmly gaze at the horizon. The capital Killick was in sight and it looked grim. Surely the mountain covered with dark clouds that was right next to it *.
- I wonder what it is.
* I wasn't likely to get any answers since I left Alvaces behind. That said it's not bad, this man is a well of science but there are his things that I would like to know only by myself. The people I was going to meet, things I was going to learn, all of this excited me greatly. Even though the island was in sight, our ship did not arrive until nightfall. I was placed in my quarters and a servant was placed at my disposal *.
-Our king and his wife are absent. It is only Prince Kaleb who is present since he must pass the selection. Should I bring him in? * She asked politely *.
-No need, my visit should remain as discreet as possible.
-At your service.
* That said this selection had caught my attention. What could it be? From my bedroom window I could see the rest of the city stretching out in front of me. No one had lied to me, Arsiaga was a beautiful city even if Salomeh was even more so. However, this city had charm and something that made me want to know it by heart. I guess it's seeing new settings that gives me so many chills. The night was very calm, contrary to what the palace had accustomed me to. I always treasured the locket that my brother gave me. "He will protect you from your enemies" he had said. And my faith he was right. That said, I don't know if I should consider the Killicks as allies or enemies. If by chance I make myself a powerful ally here in Adje, it would not be a refusal. The next morning the horrible sound of a gong echoed throughout the city. I woke up with a start and fell from my bed *.
-What a fear.
* After taking my bath I put on a leather shirt and black pants. I combed my blonde hair carefully before leaving my room *.
-Where are you going young man? * Asked a voice behind my back *.
* Obviously it was a man but I was afraid I had heard it before. I turned around and my fears were confirmed *.
-Alvaces? Q ... When did you ...
-You think you can organize something without me being informed? My boat was right behind yours.
-I guess you are 100 years ahead of me. * I sighed *.
-Just 30 years old but not only. I have to tell you...
-If you want to take me back to Salomeh, I'll tell you right away, my answer is no. * I say firmly *.
-I just wanted to tell you that the selection of the young Killicks was not long ago and that this was your opportunity to attend an event of these people.
* I admit I was surprised he didn't yell at me or scold me. Where did the annoying Donnar go? *
-And also I'm proud that you are starting to make your decisions on your own. You finally show a little independence.
-Thank you. * I say proudly *. I...
-On the other hand, your room had no bodyguard in front of your house, it's a bad idea. And I found Plexios collapsed in a local tavern. Killick alcohol doesn't work for him it seems.
* I gave a sulky look at his remonstrance and looked away *.
-Why would he need a bodyguard?
* The voice came from the hallway but we could not see the silhouette of this person. As he approached we could finally distinguish him. He wore a very chic long blue wolf coat over a silver button shirt. His pants were the same color as the leather coat and boots. This man was black and wore round glasses. His hair was frizzy unlike some of the killicks I had encountered so far *.
-Why would he need a bodyguard? * He asked again *. He is a prince of Adrun, all the Killick people live only to serve him.
* He just stopped behind my back and put his hands on my shoulders *.
-All the Killick people live only to protect them, in other words this whole island is a giant bodyguard. Isn't that young king? * He asked staring at me *.
-I'm not K ...
* I lifted my head and saw his reassuring smile and I preferred to look away *.
-I can I know who I'm dealing with? * Asked Alvaces *.
-Excuse my lack of politeness I am the one who is supposed to serve as a guide to his majesty. * He said polite *.
-My name is Donnar ... Donnar Alvaces. I am Prince Emory's preceptor and tutor. And even more foreign minister of the court of Adrun.
-My name is vincent and I am a member of the council of war. In other words, it is I who choose our enemies and ... our friends.
* The tension between these two was palpable. Just by feeling the touch of this man on my skin I could easily guess that he would have made short work of my tutor yet Alvaces was not intimidated in the least. He was acting like someone with everything to lose and everything to gain *.
-Hm hm ... Excuse me.
* Attention then returned to me *.
-The selection. When will it take place?
-Oh I would say within 3 days or 2. * Answer Vincent *. In the meantime, I would like to show you around.
-With pleasure. * I replied *.
* He took me by the hand and I followed suit leaving Alvaces behind us. Just before leaving my gaze met another young boy my age. He was coming down the stairs and getting ready to join the training ground. His gaze was really creepy but I pretended to forget it quickly. Vincent took me in his arms before making me sit on his shoulders *.
- You don't mind if? * He asked me *.
-Of course not.
* He started walking the streets with me on his shoulders. On the way everyone looked at me with a look a little surprised, probably because of my white skin. I had the impression that some wanted to devour me because of the look they were giving me *.
- Ignore them. * He said *. You are at home here.
-O... Of course.
-The capital is populated only by expert warriors they will not do you any harm. * He added *.
- By the way, you still haven't told me your name.
-It is Vincent your majesty.
-No I mean your full name. Your last name.
-Oh that. You see, we don't have a specific last name here. And to wear one, your father or mother must already if you no longer have her, to recognize you as their child. Some high-ranking warriors deny their low-level child for example and these cannot bear his name because they would tarnish his reputation. So to gain the approval of their parent they strive to gain strength.
-It seems complicated all that.
-Ha You think so? Me for example if I had a last name my name would be Vincent Grayson.
-Vincent Grayson. * I repeated *. Sounds good why you didn't choose that name?
-I don't need to bear the name of someone weaker than me. * He said as his face tightened *.
* His words froze my blood as much as his indifference appalled me. Everyone here definitely had a rather strange notion of family *.
-How do you know a certain Sephora?
* He paused for a moment on the way and then resumed walking. *
-Kremis witch eh, why would you interest you?
-My brother told me about it once after his trip here. He describes her as a great person.
-Young king no one on earth will tell you that a Killick is a good person especially when it comes to that woman. Stay away from her it will be better for you.
-You don't seem to carry it in your heart.
-I speak from experience indeed this woman is dangerous.
* Our march ended when we finally stopped in front of a ruined place. The place was just outside the city *.
-You know what it is ? *Vincent asked*.
-A colosseum? Destroy.
-Exact. You know there are exactly 3 social classes here. Warriors of middle rank. The same ones who are sent first on all fronts. They will accomplish all types of missions regardless of the difficulty. That said, we may consider them average it is thanks to them if the common people fear so much the race of Killicks. Their boldness and devotion to combat is second to none. They are literally the lower classes and occupy almost 70% of the island.
* Don't tell me the world is scared of what this island has to "average" to offer *.
-Then there are the experts. There it is a bit different. They are really strong and are able to wield the Efrat. If you are able to emit it you can already rise to the rank of expert. Efrat allows us to unleash our latent potential and our power is greatly increased. Those who use their Efrat frequently end up with onyx blue hair. Like that...
* As soon as he said it I saw his black hair turned blue for a moment before resuming its normal shade. I must admit that I was surprised *.
- That said those who do not manage to control their Efrat end up keeping this blue coloring. It is very common among experts.
-I see. So I imagine that being able to control the Efrat at will is the main difference with the 3rd category.
-You are a smart kid. * Said he smiling *. That being said, this is not the only part of what sets the experts apart from the elite.
-The purpose of selection is to separate the wheat from the ivrai. And this colosseum is the place where everything will be decided.
-The final test will take place here indeed.
-On the other hand, why is it practically in ruins?
-It goes back 15 years ago when a young prodigy completely destroyed the colosseum. His name was ... Oh that's not important.
-I really can't wait to see the end of this selection. * I say smiling *.
* End of chapter *