This was Oldwest Town?
It was no different from other big towns, apart from huge crowds of people chattering loudly and walking around. At the corners of few streets, as I took a turn I could see kids play around in delight.
The sight was a reminiscent of my childhood, though I have no idea what happened to everyone I used to play with. It hurts to think I've lost every contact with the ones who made me ever so happy even in the slightest bit.
Although, there was one problem. I couldn't cope with how heavy this sword was. Were all the swords this way? That'd be the worst thing to ever turn out to be true, of course, apart from Vadon being real.
I didn't know what to do, my back was killing me, and it made me realise, I was never fit to begin with.
I found my way to the training grounds. It was no secret in Oldwest, everyone knew about the upcoming war. The posters and flyers on the walls held a strong sense of hatred towards Vadon and would do anything and everything to win. They held hope.
What did Vadon exactly do to receive such a treatment?
How did war become the last resolve?
"Are you a commoner?" A man at the gate, probably the gatekeeper, asked me, stopping my entry.
"No." It was shameful to admit. "I'm a half noble."
His eye widen the slightest bit. "Did you awaken them?"
The powers? Was I supposed to?
I shook my head. "No."
He instantly looked disappointed. I wasn't to surprised by his expression to say the least. He let me through anyway, although, he held my wrist midway. "Awaken them right away, young man. You need to train under Master Abel, right there." The man pointed to the empty grounds. "A commoner won't be called upon to be tested."
He let go of me. He looked a little like my old man from home. Brunet hair all dirty and a mess, resting on his shoulders and dark eyes that looked like they'd seen the horrors of the world.
"So am I a commoner until then?" I furrowed my eyebrows.
"That's right. Now move along, to the basement, you go." He practically shoo-ed me, his hand coming up to gesture me to go away.
I stumbled backward, confused.
The basement?
A few minutes later, I found myself shoved into the 'basement'. It wasn't exactly what it was being called. It was a tiny room overflowing with men and women of all kinds, glaring at each other.
When I entered, all eyes were on me, and it made me wanna squirm in return.
As ridiculous as it sounded, commoners were probably being treated as labourers.
"Excuse me," I walked towards one of the group of people, getting fidgety. "Where are we staying the night?"
The room roared with laughter.
I should have known, the whole basement was listening to me.
"The newcomers sure do make me cackle." A buff looking man placed his heavy hand in my shoulder, resting it there. "This house is ruled by the capital. Commoners were never welcome here."
"Then why are we here?"
"To be treated as slaves." Someone from the other corner of the room spoke.
"To clean the blood after it's shed."
I gulped, looking around the room, as everyone's voices echoed loud and clear.
"To be used as a bait." And that one got everyone to quiet down. A lady- no a young woman, around my age, stood up from her cramped up corner. "Let's be honest, it's been five days since we arrived and none of us have been out since then."
She had a little gothic look to her style and appearance.
If I had to say, there were around 50 in here. There were probably more basements, more people and all I could do was sit among them and prepare for what's to come?
"I'm Quinn." I introduced myself, but got none of the responses I wanted. I know, this wasn't the time to be trying to uplift the mood but this was the best I could do. "If we're going to stay together, maybe knowing eachother wouldn't hurt."
They were all young, just like me. If we work together, we could be a part of something much better than what we're thinking of.
"Braun."
"Hugh."
"I'm Alfred."
And I heard many more, which made me grin wide.
The privileged probably had access to much more than just a basement and guards.
If I stayed in here, maybe I could collect more information on Auris clan without being suspected of being in contact with a noble.
And maybe no one would find out about Aenor. In turn, she would be safe.
Right?