by T. N. Hayden
Rayna fastened her purple, green, and brown feathered mask as Wilma secured her peacock feathered one. Rayna turned to see if Jerrika was ready as well, but her sister was gone. She was probably off with Kurtis and Garrik already.
“Now let us really make an entrance.” Mae grabbed Rayna’s right arm and Wilma’s left.
Rayna chuckled as Mae wrenched them out of her room. They rushed down the flights of stairs and onto the front courtyard. The large bonfire was already lit, and lines of tables with food and drinks were on either side of the flames. Benches and tables were scattered around the courtyard, and the trainees, trainers, and teachers were already dancing and eating.
Mae squealed as she clapped her hands. Rayna wanted to cover her ears, but she followed her friend into the crowd.
“Let us get something to eat.” Wilma stated. “I am hungry.”
“I will follow you.” Rayna went with her.
“Fine.” Mae sighed.
They made their way through the long line, getting rich vegetables, venison, and hot cider. The girls claimed one of the stone tables and watched the dancing.
Rayna saw Jerrika, Kurtis, and Garrik through the flames. It was a barrier between the two, one which had been present since the day Rayna had been adopted. She would never be able to cross it to be friends with her sister. Rayna would have to stick with Mae and Wilma. At least Wilma was kind, generous, and a true friend.
Mae squealed as several other trainees, all masked, ran over to the three girls and waved their arms in the air, chanting verses about their god.
“Go.” Rayna encouraged her friend into the line of dancers, and Mae got out of her seat.
Wilma chuckled quietly next to Rayna, who turned to face her best friend. She was much closer to Wilma. All her friends knew she was born noble, raised high noble.
Mae was wild, loud and very opinioned. Her twin sister, Paige, was close friends with Princess Viveca. Rayna touched her purple, green, and brown feathered mask as she looked across the shining courtyard where Viveca, Paige, and Zenia stood with several young men.
The princess had been fast friends with Rayna when they were young, taking Rayna under her wing, promising they’d rule the school together. Viveca whispered they’d rule the kingdom together once Rayna was married to her brother. Paige, Mae, Zenia, and Wilma had completed the group. The six girls studied together, played together, trained together, and ate together. They braided each other’s hair, talked about the teachers, laughed at Jerrika, flirted with cute high noble boys, and shared everything with one another. Everything but the truth about Rayna.
Jerrika had blurted that she was the true Little daughter and Rayna the adopted noble. The princess had been shocked, embarrassed, and promptly stopped being friends with her. Mae and Wilma chose to continue being friends with Rayna while Paige and Zenia had chosen Viveca.
Instead of allies, Rayna and Viveca were now adversaries, trying to be the queen of the school. Even with the supposed truth about her family roots revealed, many Soldatas wanted to be just like Rayna, and many Soldats pursed Rayna for her adopted title and beauty.
“Why are you two not dancing?” Radley Forney smiled and held out both hands.
Wilma took one, her cobalt eyes glowing as she watched Radley, and Rayna took his other hand. He was a kind young man, a good friend. He seemed to like Wilma, and Rayna knew Wilma liked him.
Radley brought the two young women into the dance, holding their arms high.
Rayna laughed as she swayed her arms, spinning in small circles and moving side to side. Radley took Wilma’s hand and pulled her close. She didn’t shy away.
Mae suddenly grabbed Rayna’s arm and yanked her into the line of dancing trainees. Mae laughed loudly. “Come on Rayna.”
Rayna shook her head at her friend as Mae jumped up and down, moving Rayna’s arm to make her mimic her dance. Rayna spun.
She bumped into Kurtis, holding her breath as he stopped her, putting a hand to her stomach.
“Sorry.” She whispered.
“No you are not.” He leaned to whisper in her ear.
Shivers etched their way down her spine as Kurtis put his hand to her back and pulled her closer to him.
“Kurtis.” She murmured.
“Just one.” He kissed her swiftly and released her with a wink.
She blushed as he moved away. Standing still, watching him make his way back to Jerrika and Garrik, Rayna still wondered what was going on between them. Stolen kisses were rare, but they happened. They both initiated those kisses, and occasionally notes or presents were exchanged. Rayna wore the pair of sapphire earrings he’d given her for her fourteenth birthday almost every day. He always wore the leather necklace with the letter “F” as a charm she’d given him around his neck. But neither had progressed past their secret relationship.
Someone bumped into Rayna, shoving her down hard. Rayna groaned and looked up, knowing who had pushed her.
Viveca wore a rich scarlet gown with feather accents at the neckline and sleeves. A gold woven belt shaped her waist, and a gold mask kept her brunette braids away from her face. The princess sneered. “Look where you are standing Adlig[2]. This is a dancing circle.”
Wilma grabbed Rayna’s arm and helped her up. “Are you alright?”
Rayna nodded. “Thanks.”
“Better watch yourself Adlig.” Paige elbowed Rayna’s shoulder. “We are dancing here.” She grabbed Viveca’s arm and pulled her into a spin, the princess bumping Rayna’s side as she spun.
Wilma helped Rayna through the crowd of dancers back to another bench. “Are you sure you are alright?”
“Yeah.” Rayna brushed her skirt off. “Thanks.”
Wilma smiled. “You know the princess and her friends are wrong.”
Rayna looked up. “About me being an Adlig? I am noble. They are right.”
“No.” Wilma touched her friend’s arm. “You are far nobler than they are. You have a pure heart, something Viveca, Paige, and Zenia lack.”
Rayna chuckled. “If either of us have a pure heart, it is you.”
“Then we both have one.” Wilma paused. “I know you are different than the princess.”
~ Chapter 4 ~
Sake 9, 538
Rayna watched as the six young men and young woman walked toward her father. Garrik looked strong and proud in his dark brown leather pants and matching jacket, dark blue velvet shirt, and new black boots. This was her fourth brother to become a Soldat. Only two more years until she joined the ranks.
The seven trainees stopped in a line in front of Duke Viktor. He held out his arms. “Welcome Soldatas, Soldats, families, and trainees. Thirty years ago when Navion Perso the First became king, he set up a system of class, making his most loyal nobles the position of high noble and giving each of their children the opportunity to become a Soldata or Soldat. With each year, nobles have a chance to fill any voids, also receiving the honor as the high nobles do. I present to you, this year’s class of Soldata and Soldats: Valerie Barton, Davion Jarger, Quincy Jerginan, Jayson Lipnor, Garrik Little, Navion Perso II, and Orman Wagner. Now take your Woplers.” He gestured to the long metal, whip-like weapon in front of each warrior.
“Forged with the magic of our allies from Najos, each of you must puncture your right index finger and place your blood within the blue center ring of the Wopler.”
Rayna bit her lip as they all obeyed. Mae squealed next to her.
The blue center rings all glowed bright orange before fading into the weapon once more.
“Flex your weapon.” Viktor continued.
The new Soldata and Soldats obeyed and whipped their weapons out, turning them into swords through their magic.
“Your Wopler can be used as a whip, sword, axe, belt, or to propel a poison dart.” Viktor touched the weapon which he wore as his belt. “With your blood in the Wopler, you will be the only person who can wield your weapon. Also remember, your darts will only kill those without the magic of nobility with
in them. It is now your duty to wield your weapon wisely and learn every facet of its magic.
“Now each of you raise your left arm.”
The Soldata and Soldats obeyed.
Viktor moved his Tatuar over their left hands, and an “S” appeared on their skin, finishing their tattoos.
“Congratulations to the new Soldata and Soldats of this year.” Viktor concluded. “You will all travel to Kapok and meet with the king for your joining year. Upon completing your assignments, you will be reassigned another position.”
“Yes, your grace.” The Soldata and Soldats responded.
The crowd rose, clapping and roaring encouragement. Rayna smiled at Prince Navion. He winked at her as he stepped off the platform and down to her. Dressed in black leather pants and matching jacket, rich violet velvet shirt, Wopler-belt, and black boots, he looked dashing.
“Congratulations, Soldat Navion.” She bobbed a curtsy.
“I hope I get reassigned somewhere close to here.” Prince Navion took her hands. “You are so precious to me Rayna. I hope you know how much I care about you.”
“Well you are quite kind.” She enjoyed his company. It truly was too bad she didn’t have romantic feelings for him. It would make her mother happy. “But surely your father will want to keep you at home.” She paused. “Where is your father?”
“I will see him soon.” Prince Navion shrugged. “This was not important enough to leave home.”
“I am sorry.”
“Thanks.” He brushed his hand against her cheek. “This will not be goodbye. We will see each other again one day.”
She nodded, but her gaze slipped past him toward Kurtis.
Prince Navion followed her line of sight. He paused before stating. “I have not captured your heart, have I?”
Rayna bit her lip. “You are a great friend Navion. You are kind and honest. I know your feelings are true and daring. I would be lucky to end up with someone as honorable as you.”
“But?”
“Right now, my heart belongs to the one man who will never truly want it.” She paused.
Prince Navion gently reached out and touched her cheek. “Perhaps one day someone will look at me the way you look at him. I know how people view you. You are so much more than your beauty. You have a pure heart, kind, and true. Do not lose sight of that. Hold onto yourself.” He kissed her forehead. “I will miss you Lady Rayna Little.”
She embraced him. “I will miss you too Navion.”
* * *
Aileen watched as Barrett said goodbye to Jerrika. She would return home for the summer holiday before coming back to continue training at Krijar Castle. Even though the Little Estate was an easy ride from the castle, Jerrika always insisted Barrett never visit her at home.
Aileen smiled as Jerrika’s insistence made her think of Jonathan.
Jonathan held her in his strong arms.
“Do you really have to leave?” Aileen whispered. Her heart ached.
“I am so sorry my love.” He touched her off-white head wraps. “I’ve been summoned back home. My family needs me.”
Aileen closed her eyes. “But I need you too.”
Jonathan gently touched her chin and raised her head to look into her eyes. “I love you Sparrow.”
“I love you too Jonathan.”
“We will be together again one day.” He gently touched her cheek. “I promise you, we will be together again.”
“I’ll wait for you here.”
“No.” He paused. “Go to Derbon. I’ll find you there.”
“Derbon?” Aileen frowned. “That’s where the Soldat and Soldata trainees live. It’s very dangerous.”
“Is the rebellion in Derbon?”
“No one dares train rebels in that city.”
“You should.”
“But what about the high nobles? The Little family for example.”
“You are brave, clever, true, kind, and honest. No Soldata or Soldat can compete against you my love. You will make a vast impact bringing the rebellion to Derbon.”
“I’ll speak with my father, but he’d probably send Peyton over me.”
Jonathan nodded. “It makes sense he would keep his daughters home with him.”
“But I will mention it to him.” Aileen paused. “And I’ll do my best to go to Derbon. I don’t want to lose you.”
“No matter what happens.” Jonathan took her cheeks in his hands. “I will find you. We will be together again. Even if I have to defy my family, I will come back for you my love.”
She smiled, knowing he was a noble in another country. “Don’t make me wait too long.”
“I will not.” He brought her lips in for a gentle kiss. “I love you.”
Aileen frowned. She’d been waiting for him in Derbon for the past four years. A small part of her wondered if he’d come to find her the year it took her to convince her father to allow them to move. If he had, Jonathan would have waited for her, as she was waiting for him now. She knew he would return to her when he could.
~ Chapter 5 ~
Jerrika frowned at her sister from across the carriage. Rayna watched the town go by through the open window. Though the wind brushed her hair, not one lock ever seemed to get out of place. How was Rayna so perfect?
“Are you excited about seeing everyone?” Viktor asked.
“I cannot wait to see Fergus.” Rayna looked at her father.
“I am glad Sage was not recruited to the capital city.” Viktor admitted. “Though it is an honor that the king knows my son.”
“All of your sons are well known.” Rayna grinned. “They are your children after all.”
“Besides, Sage is the commander of his own unit.” Garrik added.
Jerrika hated retuning home. Most trainees loved their breaks from training and school.
Duchess Ederra Little was the reason why Rayna was bought. Ederra had begged her husband to find her a beautiful daughter.
Jerrika remembered the first time she’d met her sister. Viktor and Ederra brought Rayna home. She was four, the same age as herself. Rayna had beautiful skin and the face of a Laise[3]. Her hair was vibrant and full, making her crystal-blue eyes shine like a star. Jerrika had never felt ugly until she’d met Rayna.
“There it is.” Garrik stated.
The estate was large with three dozen rooms for guests. Their family home was the destination of many high nobles and foreign dignitaries. Made of strong, white marble, it was a stable foundation in the life Jerrika hated.
The carriage pulled up, and Jerrika looked across to the third story. She exited the carriage behind her brother and sister.
Servants lined the stairs half circling the front of the estate. Jerrika frowned as she noticed her mother standing in the shade of a large fan one of her servants held.
“Welcome home.” Ederra Little greeted her husband, kissing his cheeks and embracing him.
“Hello my darling.”
“Garrik.” Ederra gasped and hugged her son. “You are looking well.” She tisked as she gently hit his long, black ponytail. “Congratulations on becoming a Soldat.”
He chuckled. “Thanks Mom.”
“Rayna, my precious.” Ederra took her adopted daughter into her arms.
Rayna smiled. “Hello Mother.”
“Welcome home.” Ederra beamed at her husband, son, and daughter.
Jerrika cleared her throat.
Her mother didn’t even turn to look at her. “That sound is very rude.” She put an arm around her husband and adopted daughter, leading them back inside.
“Welcome home Sister.” Sage, her eldest brother, embraced her. “But what happened?”
“Mae Hamilton.” Jerrika hugged him back. He and Garrik were her favorite brothers. Sage was always very kind to her. “I do not want to talk about it. How is your commandership going?”
“Very well.” Sage led her inside. “It has been five years since I came back home, but I am very glad the king promoted me here.”
/> “Are Fergus and Hadrien home yet?” Jerrika asked. The second oldest Little, Fergus, had stayed in the capital city after his initial joining year. Hadrien was just finishing his joining year.
“Mother would not allow them to stay in Kapok all summer.” Sage chuckled, brushing the leather necklace he always wore. She still wondered at the metal sparrow charm. When she’d first asked him about it, he’d simply said it was a gift from a friend.
Jerrika nodded. Their mother wanted to have most of her children home whenever possible. With her husband, youngest son, and adopted daughter at Krijar castle, her second and third sons in Kapok, Ederra took solace in Sage’s presence. The only child she didn’t care about was Jerrika.
As Sage and Jerrika walked across the granite floors of their family estate, Jerrika remembered the day her mother told her Rayna was beautiful and Jerrika was repulsive. Ederra had explained the future to Jerrika.
“Your sister will win the heart of the prince. You will never win the heart of any man. I will have to pay an elderly man to take you as a wife.”
“My sister will be queen, and I will be the wife of some old guy?”
“That is the only hope I have for you. Beauty is the only thing that matters in life. You lack all beauty.”
“But Mother-”
“Jerrika?” Sage paused.
“Hm?” She blushed. “Sorry.”
Sage nodded. He was patient with her when her mind wandered. No one else understood.
“I should get to my room.” Jerrika hugged her brother once more. “I am glad to be home.” She almost meant it.
Rayna finished braiding her hair into a perfect coil around her head. She was glad to be was home. Here she was free to be herself instead of always being on guard around Jerrika, the young men who pursued her affections, and the princess and her friends. Rayna pinned a small, amethyst headband around her braids and forehead. She moved her rich purple satin skirts as she rose from her seat. Had her parents never sold her, she would have never experienced the luxuries of being a high noble. There was a small part of her which was grateful for the life her parents sold her into, but she recognized it for what it was.