He was asleep. His heart was beating and his blood was flowing backwards. He woke up with sweat all over his body.
He stood up and went to the bathroom. He came out soon and wore a different pair of clothes. No, this couldn't be. What sort of human was she to make him so uneasy?
He looked out the windows and saw the silent sea. It wasn't normal for the sea to be quiet by this time. He waved away the thoughts and lay back on the bed.
...
Morning.
The ship hit the harbor.
Arianna had already woken up at dawn. She had brushed her teeth, took her bath, changed her clothes and brushed her hair.
She looked at the harbor and was surprised. Unlike the usual hustle and bustle of market people in her town, this harbor was relatively calm.
She heard a servant announcing their arrival and the remaining time they had to alight the ship. She walked out subconsciously. Her stomach grumbled. She hadn't eaten since she left. She didn't know what to do.
She couldn't ask King Tristan to give her food, that would be condescending to a king. She couldn't also ask the man called Xavier, he was too scary. She had no choice but to hold it in. Maybe if luck do her good, she might find a piece of bread.
She was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn't notice anything until she bumped into someone. She looked up at his face and instinctively went on her knees begging. She couldn't offend this man. King Tristan had gotten off the ship so noone could help her.
"Good Sir, forgive this human. Please Good Sir," he raised his sword about to cut down on her head when he paused in midair.
"Get out!" he barked and she ran off like a stray cat.
She watched her steps this time and didn't bump into anyone. The ship was so big but she soon found her way to the exit. She didn't know if she should leave or wait for Xavier. She scoffed. Who was she kidding? She knew noone here so where really was her destination?
She heard the servant saying that there was only 10 minutes left. Xavier looked like a disciplined person. Surely he wouldn't still be on the ship.
She therefore prayed to the gods and her parents that she will be able to survive in this kingdom Aysha.
She took a step forward wanting to step out of the ship when she heard an announcement.
"All recruits for the Ayshan army gather round, sign up and get started."
She turned around. Maybe this was her fate. She would join the army and get stronger so she can be able to find her parents.
Her luck was really good. After signing up, they were given food. Although there was quite a bit of discrimination as humans got smaller portions of food, Arianna was still thankful.
...
Gong!
The gong was hit signalling that all soldiers should gather at the training ground.
Arianna woke up tiredly. She wore her uniform and shoes and washed her face. She hurried to the training ground. Luckily she wasn't the last to arrive.
Their general walked into the training ground with the lieutenant general and the major general. He was a demon obviously as he was very handsome. He swept his eyes over them coldly. It was clear he hated them. They were humans after all.
After they had signed up that day, they were divided and each race was a different unit on its own. This was because humans were so weak they couldn't be in the same unit as other races.
They were made to walk alongside the cart their general was in. It was a 5-hour walk and anyone who fainted along the way was left behind. It was difficult but Arianna had scaled through.
Ever since they arrived here, they had gone through some severe and painful trainings. Anyone who decided to give up would be whipped until they were nearly dead. To the demons giving up was not an option. So you'd rather die than give up.
A horn was blown disrupting her thoughts and the loud voice of her general sounded.
"Let the training begin!" He said and sat down with his associates.
The officials in charge divided them into five groups. They were made to stand at attention.
"The first key to becoming a soldier," the major general spoke up. "Having the stance of a soldier." He said.
They were made to stand erect for the whole day. Whoever shook or faltered would be taken out and whipped. They did not need people who didn't have enough or else they would fall at the battlefield.
So for eighteen hours they stood under the sun without food or water. Their sweat broke and their tongues were dry but they remained their stance to avoid getting whipped.
Arianna's legs became wobbly at one point and she fell. She was immediately taken out and whipped. When she stood back, she stood with all her might and determination. She wouldn't fall no matter what.
When she got an itch, she let it itch. When she had the urge to pee, she held it in. When her stomach rumbled, she paid no attention. She withstood all of the discomfort she felt until the whistle was blown.
There was a large sigh in the air and everyone relaxed their bodies but they didn't get too excited.
"You all performed too poorly," the general said dissatisfied. "There will be no food for you today." He said and a lot of people grumbled.
At the sound of their grumbling, the general ordered for everyone on the grounds to be whipped. And then the whipping began.
After they were whipped, each of them were handed a thin book which read 'Key Training Manual'.
They retired to their dormitory and everyone fell asleep in a flash.