A TOKEN
Chapter 38
ROYANNA
SEVEN DAYS LATER…
I woke up as usual, preparing for another day in the training field. Sliding on my armor, Clio came to join me.
“A beautiful morning is it not?” She asked, plunging onto my bed and widening her hands and legs.
I giggled at how silly she looked, “Yes, but there's no sun to shine down and make it extraordinarily beautiful.” I replied, causing Clio to pout.
“But it's still beautiful.”
“Mind telling me what is exciting this morning?” I asked, taking a seat in the little space beside her.
“Nothing, I just feel good today.” She replied, her smile as wide as the castle.
“Oh really.” I raised a brow, “Are you sure there isn't something else you want to add to that reveal?”
Clio rolled her eyes and sighed, still maintaining her smile. “Don't tell anyone.” She began, making me adjust, and pay more attention.
We were the only ones left in the room as Benedict, Jira, and Kithara had finished quite earlier than us.
“Tell me, I am dying to hear what's going on.” I urged, giving her shoulder a gentle push.
Clio rose from the bed a little, resting on one of her elbows. “I overheard the King's Beta, Lincoln, discussing with Saphena last night. When she ordered me to fetch her a jar of water.” Clio paused and rolled her eyes again, probably recalling how Saphena had coldly sent her around to fetch things she already had access to. Well, except for the jar of water, which was after our training had ended for the day. I was ordered to clean up after the others, while Clio continued as Saphena's call girl.
“Well, what did she say?”
“That there will be no training for a sennight thence. Can you believe it?”
My lips slightly parted in awe, “No training for seven days? Why?”
Clio shook her head with a shrug, “I don't know, Saphena sensed my presence just as the Beta was about to mention it. Whatever the reason may be, it seems to be delicate. Because Saphena dismissed me after that.”
“Hmmm.” I sighed, placing a hand on my chin. “Well, whatever it is, I hope it's not the preparation of another crazy task that could shorten our lives,” I said and Clio laughed.
“You know it's not funny,” I said, tapping her shoulder.
She smiled and jumped off my bed. “I know. But I have a feeling we are not going to be worrying about those kinds of tasks. Especially since we have seven days off. I hope the king gives us access to the village, it would be lovely to explore, see the sun, and see you play again.”
I interlocked our fingers, pulling her along with me. “I hope so too.”
“Now come on, else Saphena would make us her minions again.”
Hearing that, Clio quickened her steps, now pulling me along so we could thread faster.
“Never again.”
By meal break, I stood in line to grab myself a steaming bowl of bean stew and bread, before joining my friends at our table.
Exhausted and hungry, I dug into my food immediately. While the girls talked about how they would love to spend the free days once Saphena made the announcement.
I guess Clio was so happy she couldn't keep it from the girls, at least I don't have to keep it a secret from them. The rest can wait on Saphena's announcement, which she didn't bother announcing today. I wonder what the delay is.
“So what do you think the reason might be?” Clio asked, as she raised her thumbs to our view, and tried to clamp them together but stopped halfway, “I only know this little about the Alpha King and his mercenary group,” she revealed, and Jira had to hit her on the shoulder, “Shhhh!” as we all gasp.
“You can't speak like that,” I said after swallowing the chunk of bread in my mouth. “Lower your voice, Clio, or we will all get in trouble.”
Clio raised her hand in surrender, “Fine, I am sorry. I am just really excited. Who knew training as a warrior could be so tiring?”
“But I am curious too.” Benedict voiced out, bringing our focus to her. “What if it's another test, maybe they are trying to see if we would actually let our guard down and not prepare for the danger during the free week.”
Oh Goddess!
I rubbed my forehead, unsure of what reply to give.
Thankfully, Jira had something to say, “I think we should wait for the commander to say something. After that, we make speculations.”
“Jira is right,” I added, showing I was in full support of taking it slow and just waiting.
“Well, if it's not a test, and is actually them just being merciful. I would love to see the village again. It was really beautiful, and the first I have seen since I got sold.” Jira suddenly said, making my shoulders drop.
“Yes!” Clio and Benedict chorused, giggling.
I rolled my eyes, letting out a heavy sigh. “Eat up, we have to clear out the training ground and feed the horses as the commander instructed.” I reminded them. And they all let out a collective groan.
Suddenly, the door to the dining room opened and Saphena stepped in, alongside the Beta and…
The King.
Everyone rose to their feet and lowered their heads in a bow. Until his voicehard and eerie, said;
“Rise.”
Slowly, I raised my head, my gaze landing on him; every part of him, except his face, was covered in a heavy-looking furry cloak. His expression was solid and unreadable.
I couldn't tell why he was here, and the thought of the unknown scared me.
What if he is here to finally punish me for what happened days ago?
Or better still, here to give us another task that may once again endanger our lives.
“Warriors of the Plague.” He said, but no one dared to respond.
“I have seen the efforts you have put in over the weeks of stay here in FrostVale, and now I have come to acknowledge them, by giving you seven days of freedom to roam around the castle and main village alone.” He announced which had everyone exchanging gazes, including me and the girls. I could see how much Clio struggled not to smile.
“This is a token of your endurance. But do not see this as a means to harbor any thoughts of escape or leniency. Anyone who dares to put an action to that thought will meet the death penalty immediately. So use your freedom wisely and enjoy the free days.” He concluded, and we were all moved to applaud.
He didn't react, just turned towards the exit and strode off with Saphena and Beta Lincoln behind h
im.
As soon as they were gone, the room erupted in happy cheers, of which Clio's was the loudest.