SURVIVORS

SURVIVORS
Chapter 34

ROYANNA

Wooden fancy carriages lined up right outside the castle, looking polished, yet paled by the frost that cling to the frames and wheels, Saphena stood before them, with a grim expression on her face, her cloak fluttering in the wind.

“Today,” she began, her high tone voice rising against the cold wind. “...you will be taken to the main village of FrostVale and be paraded as the new warriors.” Her unfazed and calculating gaze swept over us. “From this day forward, you are no longer mere recruits or captives. You are the Plague’s warriors. You will serve, fight, and bleed under the command of Alpha King Lir.”

“You will be swearing your loyalty to the Alpha and the people after the parade. You are expected to be on your best behavior and obey every one of my commands. Failure to do so, you will be severely punished. Is that clear?” She asked, and low grunts were the only thing we could muster.

“Yes, commander Saphena.”

I could feel the unease flare up amongst us, as we exchanged glances of uncertainty.

Clio’s fingers found my arm, her grip tight. None of us trusted Saphena, not after the last test, and what she made us do.

I gave her hand a small squeeze, whispering under my breath, “It’s okay. Just breathe.” Even if I didn’t believe it myself, I needed her to.

Saphena’s lips twitched in a smirk, she was enjoying the look of fear on our faces. The fear she planted. “Get in the carriages,” she ordered, turning sharply toward the first on the line. “We leave immediately.”

The guards moved without hesitation, opening the doors and motioning for us to climb in. The interior was warm, cozy enough to keep us alive through the journey.

The seats were lined with thick furs for comfortable sitting, but the tension stood like a huge brick wall, stopping from basking in any comfort.

Traumatized by Saphena, this could be a trap, a means to put an end to us for good. So no, comfort was the last thing on my mind.

Clio sat beside me, silent. Jira and Benedict sat on the other side, staring out the small windows.

The carriage lurched forward. We wound our way around the jagged mountains, their icy peaks towering above us like sleeping beasts.

The journey was shorter than expected, though time felt slow in the silence.

When the mountains finally parted, the view ahead stole my breath.

A different side of FrostVale.

The village spread across a wide valley, blanketed in frost but touched by a soft, hazy glow of sunlight that breaks through the clouds.

It wasn’t the blinding sun we had in Stone Peak, but it was real. It warmed the snow just enough to make it shine like crystals scattered across the ground.

Ever since our arrival in the castle of Frost Vale, there had not been a glimpse of the sun, nor the refreshing light it cast upon the earth, but now, in this village, I could finally see it, and remember the feeling associated with it.

The carriages rolled into the village’s entrance, our presence drawing the gazes of curious eyes. People stood along the narrow, cobblestone streets, the likes of men, women, young and old, little children, all wrapped in heavy, fur-lined cloaks, their faces brighter than the sun. It was a vast difference from the guards whose rigid faces we were growing accustomed to.

When the carriages pulled to a stop, the doors were opened by the guards. We stepped out one by one, boots landing on the snow covered grounds.

Around us stood cozy looking cottages, a similarity the villages shared with that of Stone Peak.

The air in the village smelled homely, almost welcoming as if the villagers knew we were coming.

Mixed reactions spread across the faces of the people, there were curious and cautious glances. Children peeked from behind their parents’ cloaks, wide-eyed and cautious, some stood with fearless gaze, a glimpse of childish excitement in their eyes.

Then Saphena stepped down from her carriage, her presence immediately changed the people's mood into a blend of happiness.

Praises and cheers began to rise from the voices of the villagers. Saphena stepped forward raising her hand to ease out the cheers, and as soon as it subsided, she arched forward and began.

“I have come to the land of the greatest survivors and the strongest people of the realm. I have come honored with good news from the Alpha and the castle itself. The kingdoms that tormented us have fallen to the depth of the earth, where they belong.”

Another cheer tore through the gathering crowd, the joy in their voice was strong and yielding, telling a story that a non local like me would never understand.

“I have come to you, my people, with the joyous news of the fall of Majestica and the demise of the old wretched king Troy.” The cheers grew unimaginably louder, and Saphena had to pause, giving them the time to bask in their victory.

“People of Frost Vale, survivors of the fittest. Today, I have brought with me the remains of Majestica, the slaves of the evil king and fellow survivors of cruelty. These set of women have thrived through the tests of Frost Vale, and here they stand, loyal, and prepared to swear their loyalty to you and the kingdom.” Saphena stepped aside, revealing us to the people. She turned to us and commanded, “Down on one knee.”

There was no room for hesitation, as we all slowly went on one knee. “Right hand on your chest.” She ordered and we obeyed, resting our hand on our chest. Satisfied, she swerved to face the crowd.

“The new warriors of Frost Vale!” she announced and for a moment, only murmurs spread across the crowd, doubtful gazes mixed with surprise.

Slowly applause grew from the crowd, resuming their cheers and shouts of joy.

Saphena cocked her head at us, “Rise, your pa
rade begins. Follow me,” she said coolly.

We obeyed without a word.