Times of War

Clay:

I smiled back at Cecelia and picked up the grey uniform that she had placed on the bed. I won… With my own strength, I got into a school only meant for nobles.

Cecelia then turned to Lynne, taking the uniform in her other and handing it to him. "I hope you don't regret fighting for him to be in this academy. This will only be the beginning of his struggles. Even if I accept him, I'm not too sure about the other students… or the other schools for that matter."

Lynne took the uniform from Cecelia's hands, his eyes widening at her comment. "You mean there are other schools like this one?" He asked.

"Yes. As I'm sure you know, an army is comprised of many units, all with different specialties. There are spearmen, archers, crossbowmen, billmen, amongst many other infantries. Amongst those are the noble infantry, the masters in their craft that lead units into battle, and those who are simple foot soldiers." Cecelia explained. "These are not peaceful times. The schools are meant to train those admirals and generals who will lead the footsoldiers on the battlefield."

"I keep hearing about this war… but the towns seem peaceful… where is this war? Against who?" Lynne questioned.

I didn't even know the answer that all these questions. Even if I grew up in this world, I never learned about this country's affairs.

"Our kingdom is a small yet powerful nation, most battles happening on the outskirts of our borders. There is something about this land that makes other kingdoms desperate to take control over it. This is also the reason our king is uninterested in expanding our territory any further, despite our population growing to a point of overpopulation in some towns. Nobody knows the reason our land is special. The king withholds this knowledge from even his most trusted guards." Cecelia explained.

"What do you mean there's something special about this land?" I asked, wracking my brain about what could be so important. "And if only our king knows about it, then how do the neighbouring countries know?"

"There have been theories. Like the fact that this country can connect to heaven. Or maybe to the underworld. Others say this land could be the key to resurrecting loved ones who have passed. There have been rumours that there is a spring that grants immortality. Maybe it has something to do with our King's power. There are many other theories too, but those are the most popular amongst idle chatter. Of course, these are only speculation and none are backed up by any sort of proof." Cecelia rambled, she seemed to get lost in the conspiracies like the mystery she was describing whisked her away.

"We aren't allowed to communicate with those from other countries. Nobody knows if they have knowledge of the secrets behind this land, or if they simply want it because of the rumours." She added.

"That's crazy… so you have been in a constant battle since this territory existed?" Lynne asked, wonder laced in his tone.

"Yes, for as long as anybody alive can remember. But now… the surrounding countries are joining forces. They have made an alliance with each other and are gathering more troops. This alliance is spreading like a disease. Soon, very soon, we will be vastly outnumbered…"

"So we've got a time crunch then," I interjected. "Fine by me. I dunno about protecting this stupid country or its leader that I never met…" I paused, looking over at Lynne. "But there are some things in this rotten land worth protecting, I guess…"

My heart swelled when Lynne noticed me staring, his cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. I could feel my own cheeks heating up as I quickly turned away from him, my heart thrashing in my chest. I did not know why I said it, or why I looked at him when I did. But something about saying it to him ignited determination inside of me. Determination to get stronger.

"We all have something we are fighting for," Cecelia said. "Whether it is loyalty to the king… or something more personal." Her voice drifted off as if she was lost in thought. "As long as you are fighting for something, you'll make a fine soldier." She said, then smiled at me.

I found this change in attitude jarring. Moments before she treated me so coldly. She had the same eyes as everybody else, looking down on me like I could never stand on equal footing with them. But now, after winning that duel, she looked at me with respect. I could tell by the way she spoke that above all else, Cecelia valued strength.

"Thank you, Cecelia." Lynne smiled back at her, his eyes shining.

With a firm nod, she turned her back to leave. "That's enough information for one day. I know it's a lot to take in. There's a class tomorrow. Battle theory is at 7am… don't be late." She took a few steps towards the door, pausing just before the exit. "Oh, and you two have to find better battle outfits than those. You both represent our school now. Dirty rags and bloodstained pyjamas won't cut it."

I saw Lynne's face turn bright red, his voice loud and stuttering. "I-I was dragged here like this!" He blurted, looking down at his silky pyjamas. From the shocked expression on his face, it seemed like he only now noticed that his clothes were drenched in my blood… I dunno what he expected… he hugged me with that giant gash across my chest…

My cheeks felt hot remembering his arms around me.

"Where do we even get new clothes?" Lynne asked. "I have no idea where a clothes shop would even be..."

"Clothes aren't exactly my forte. I suggest you ask Elizabeth about that." Cecelia said before leaving the infirmary and shutting the door behind her.

I frowned. She expected us to buy new clothes with no money and no idea where to even find a place to buy them. I didn't even remember which one Elizabeth was… Looking over at Lynne, who still looked flustered, I remembered something devious. He was the king's son… the prince of this land! When we look for things to buy, there is no way they would charge him! Which means…

I could get whatever I wanted for FREE!

"Hey, Lynne…" I grinned, a devilish smirk across my face as he turned to face me. "Let's go shopping."