Chereads / The Eternal Queen / Chapter 9 - Tiers of Misfortune

Chapter 9 - Tiers of Misfortune

The days that passed proved to be stingy and hard. There was nothing to occupy my mind, but I cannot just roam around freely in a new kingdom.

Some kingdoms do not take immigrants lightly. Immigrants that pass into those empires need a pass or else they can be sentenced to death.

Some kingdoms also do not like their people to mix with others. It creates mixed loyalties, which is why a person can only choose one. Although, if I had to say, most creatures were already slaves to a different master. Money.

The economic trade has been booming lately, and money has been the result. Which means that simple jobs like seamstresses and bakers were declining steadily. Becoming traders and merchants and such to chase after the dream of wealth.

I finally cave when I start to count the amount of grooves in the wall. I will go insane at this rate if I do not leave my inn room. I rented a room out at the inn, and the inn owners were pleased to be making extra money. The rooms were dingy, but I do not have the luxury to complain.

I have been keeping myself cooped up in my inn room for a couple days, and I rarely left the room. Every glance I got kicked my paranoia into high gear, so I just choose to keep those situations down to minimum. It was headache to get food, for goodness sake. But still, I need to get some fresh air.

My cloak has become a necessity. Grabbing it from the hanger beside the door has become second nature. Wrapping it around quickly, I tie it up at the base of my neck before leaving the room.

I have a small satchel that I purchased from the market that has become quite handy. The leather is fresh with large compartments able to hold many things and hide as well.

My weapons are tucked away in the satchel, giving me at least a little sense of security. The only security I have is myself, and I have to say it is for the best. Everyone will choose themselves over someone else in a dire situation. Unless they are in love. Of course, I still have yet to see that with my own eyes, but I believe it occurs miraculously once in a while.

The wind is like a balm to my erratic nerves, and I take in deep breath. The vampires here give me the shivers as I have never been surrounded by so many of them at once. At Clairemont, they are outlawed. As in most Northern empires.

This kingdom is illegal in the North, so I am surprised that they haven't been found yet. But everyone has been nothing but nice. Of course there were some that were curious.

They were not rude per say, it was just uncomfortable being the center of their gossip. Someone can see a lot through someone else's eyes. And it was not that hard to read the questions in their gaze.

Arcana, this kingdom, is full of many unique creatures that I have never seen before. All kinds of shifters I have never thought possible, imps, ghouls, and more. The kingdom is ruled by a vampire, the species that is mainly living here. It feels as though I am in an odd dream.

A huge body bumps into me in the street, and I teeter over the edge of the street. I shoot my hand out to regain my balance, but I end up colliding with someone when a kid brushes past. The large basket of luscious fruits the person was holding falls to the ground, and the fruits litter the floor. I slap a hand to my head. Well going, Ardele.

Picking up the fruits, I place them in the dented woven basket. "I am so sorry."

After picking up the last apple, I glance up, noticing that it is Miss Nora from the dress shop the other day.

She sweetly smiles. "It is okay. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance again."

I awkwardly nod. "Yes. Likewise. However, I do not think that we have formally met. I am Miss Ardele of... Arcana."

The lie sits heavy on my tongue, but I roll with it. Arcana is this lovely kingdom that I had managed to cross the threshold of. I have been living in the kingdom Arcana for a fortnight. But to call myself a citizen of Arcana is quite a stretch.

"Yes. Yes. I am Miss Nora."

"I am sorry about your fruit."

Miss Nora waves me off. "Oh! It is okay!"

"Please let me repay you. I normally do not falling on people."

She grins. "Let's try not make it a habit."

"Indeed," I reply, dryly.

"I have a favor then."

I nod, telling to continue.

"I am low on staff today at my dress shop, Dresses for Keeps. It wouldn't be too imposing of me to ask you to lend a hand?"

I shake my head. "No. I would love to help out."

She claps her hands together. "Lovely! I was supposed to bring the fruits for appetizers for the ladies in the shop browsing, but plans have changed. They can get their own food, it seems."

My mouth curves into a slight smile. I mean, how could you not? She takes a hold of my arm, and together we weave our way through the crowd to her dainty shop.

Lazily stretching out in the breakroom, Miss Nora places a two cups of tea on the table. One favor for her has turned into a job, and I could not be any more grateful.

When she offered a job on her staff, I was surprised. I was taken aback by her selflessness. Every time I think about it, I was truly lucky to have stepped foot here on the first day in this kingdom.

She offered charity where it was greatly needed. And I could not be any more grateful. She is easy to be around, and we somehow mesh well together, seeming to balance each other out quite well.

The short work hours soon turned into my full day, and I am glad. It keeps me busy and leaves my brain occupied. I would rather let my thoughts stray to matters I can control.

The shop has slowed down a bit, and we are overdue for some tea to wake up our drowsy minds. We have been at the shop at the crack of dawn, rearranging the shop as new equipment has been brought in.

She takes a sip of her piping hot tea. "So, I have been meaning to ask you..."

I immediately tense up, and I can feel her eyes track my movements. "Ah, yes?"

"What are you?"

Pausing, I take a sip of tea. I am not surprised at the question. Many often think that I am a hybrid of some sort from first glance.

I eventually spit it out. "I am a witch, Miss Nora."

She hums. "That makes sense. I couldn't tell though. Also, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Nora?"

I amend my answer. "Nora, I am a witch."

Nora grins. "You don't have to be shy, Ardele. There are actually a lot of witches here. They are just out of sight and hidden well. The witches here don't tend to socialize."

I nod. That makes sense. I could sense some magic presence in this area, but it was not strong. If I had to guess, a tier 2 or 3 witches. Witches are rated on tiers to help categorize the species.

Witches are basically any creature that can wield magic. And that meant that there are a lot of odd types and categories of magic wielders. Having tiers was an easy way to categorize and know the power of a witch.

Witches can also be categorized by their so called "gift". Some are naturally gifted with the ability to feel emotion, they are called Sleuths. And some are graced with the ability to sense the truth. They are called Valors. And the list of abilities go on.

The door at the front chimes letting us know that someone has walked into the shop. I can tell there are still many questions hanging in Nora's eyes. But I shrug and she laughs. She is going pry me open, I'm sure. Looks like our break will have to be put off a little while longer.