In the palace of Derius, Liz sat in her library checking out a list that was given to her by a maid that stood close to her.
"The names are fewer than I imagined" she said dropping it on the desk. "Ever since the killings, not many people have been volunteering for trade between nations, you should command them instead", the maid replied.
Liz smiled looking at her, "if the people refuse to work because they value their life, why should I force them?" she asked.
"It is just an excuse we even Increased the number of soldiers following them, you don't have to be so lenient towards them. Besides I think that the killings are only targeted towards some particular people. They keep using the killings as an excuse but if the trade declines it'll create hostile relationship between us and the countries which depend on us for food. At that time all of us will really be at the risk of getting wiped out" the maid said.
"From what you said, you're trying to imply that this is a political strategy against me, is that it" Liz asked and she was about to answer before her attendant announced the presence of Xyde.
"Come in" she said. He entered while her maid withdrew. "What is it?" she asked. "The princess went out again" replied Xyde. "What... she isn't tired of creating trouble".
"The guards said she distracted them by creating a false alarm. I will get her back here" he said. "There is no need. She will think of another way to escape, instead there is something I want you to do for me"she said.
"I am at your command" he replied slightly bowing his head. "I am adding you to the list of the trade party to Nesha"
"Trade party? Isn't that for the ministry of finance volunteers?" he asked.
"Yes, but they aren't enough. That is why I need you to gather a team of your own. People who will only listen to you"
Kali and Lucius stood close to a poll with their lunch tray in their hands. They were looking at Achlys and Naomi who were sitting together eating without saying anything to each other.
"We could never have thought of it. Achlys is the young mistress of the Stonage palace then, what is she doing here?" Kali asked. "Is that what is important to you? You should be worried about yourself".
"Why would I be?" she asked.
"Don't you know what we've done wrong? Huh, you always treated her like a regular person, your subordinate at that. And as for me I never paid attention to her. If she's the type of person that holds grudges, both you and I aren't safe"
"I think you're worried for nothing, we are looking at the faces of tommorow. Grudges? Only a bumpkin like you is drawn to such things" she replied.
"What, I have a feeling that you just insulted me" . He turned to stare at her angrily
"Good for you and your feeling" Kali replied without looking at him. He was about to say something before Callum talked at their back startling them.
"What are you doing?" he asked. "What is it to you? None of your business". Kali responded with a bit of irritation.
"Aren't you going to eat?" he asked again making Lucius attention to him 'Why is this guy talking so much today_ he thought. Callum stared at the both of them for a while and when he didn't get any reply he went to sit down with Achlys and Naomi.
"We should join them too, we look weird standing like this" Lucius said.
They both sat with them and ate in silence for a while before Naomi spoke "why did you leave the Stonage palace?_ she asked concentrating on her food.
Achlys raised her head slightly then gave a brief smile. "I just couldn't beat staying there any longer and besides I heard about the school just when I needed an excuse to leave"
"I guess I can relate with you since I also dislike being confined to a place....... but it is strange how the same rules can apply both in a political and martial setting. Isn't it strange?"
"I think they are just protective because the world is a dangerous place" Kali added.
"What is this? Are we actually having a nice conversation as a team.....". Lucius was interrupted by the sound of the bell indicating the end of their break. "I haven't even touched my food yet" Lucius complained while they stood to pack up.
They all assembled at the hall where the instructor and his assistant were already waiting. The instructor came forward and climbed a slightly raised after they had all settled in their sits.
"I am glad to see that you have all returned safely. I want you to know that your real work begins here, you are going to be more exposed the world around you and know how to look after it.
During this time you would be given chances to go around helping out common people with what you have learnt and your team spirit would be the most essential requirement for your success. After which, you will all receive a grading and the best teams will compete with each other in order to pick the students who will represent us in the mortal forces combat.
That is all, have a good rest and prepare for the official outings".
As soon as he left the hall there was a lot of mumblings among the students. "I can't wait that my dream of roaming around the martial world would soon come true. This is like a magic"