He called each name like a demand, the sound carrying over the crash of the waves. At every summons, a rankingIron Guard stepped forward to claim the initiate, pulling them into squads of seven, the bands on their biceps catching the firelight. It seemed that the sergeants wore a yellow band and the corporals had orange.
“Lyra Meridian.” I looked up to see Commander Kragthornes eyebrows bunch together as he stared at me with shock.
I swallowed hard and stepped forward, the feeling of everyone’s eyes crushing down on me made me feel naked.
“First Squad.”
I was ushered towards two initiates that stood to the side of the clearing, two higher-ranking officers standing behind them. I inwardly groaned when I saw that Orin was one of them. Two more initiates joined us, and I breathed a sigh of relief to have Riven and Dreya in my squad.
“You will answer to your sergeant. If they tell you to do something and you disobey, they have my blessing to kill you themselves. Now, get out of my sight, training begins at dawn.”
I could feel the weight of Orin’s presence behind me, and I inwardly cursed the Gods. Whoever had put me in this squad wanted me to suffer.
Five
Welcome to the Iron Guard
We were led through a narrow passage in the rockface. The line narrowing as we climbed over the rocks and into a large courtyard. Torches flickered against stone pillars, illuminating a large fenced-off area.
“Those are the fighting pits,” Orin said as we walked past.
Other squads moved in tight formations around us, their chatter blending into the steady thud of boots scuffing the ground.
The barracks loomed over the fighting pits; large steps led to double iron doors that were jarred open.
We followed him inside, and the scent of steel and smoke from the torches clung to the air. I had only walked up two steps when a shiver crawled up my spine.
I looked over my shoulder at the large pillars that seemed to be the entrance to the fighting pits.
“Why does it feel like death there? What are those pillars used for?” I asked, pointing at the large beam joiningthe two pillars. The others gave me an odd look, stopping as Orin raised an eyebrow at me.
“Sacrificing the weak and disobedient,” he said before continuing to walk up the stairs and through the doors.
The cold pressed deeper, threading beneath my skin, clinging like something unseen had taken notice. Or perhaps I was just exhausted.
“Ah, the charm of military life. The ever-present smell of crushed dreams and the threat of death.” Riven spread his arms out wide, looking around the dimly lit foyer. If it weren’t filled with initiates right now, it would be scarcely empty.
“You don’t take anything seriously, do you?” Orin said, shooting him a sharp look.
“Of course I do. I’m going to take being a pain in your ass very seriously.”
Orin exhaled through his nose and a man with sandy blond hair tied into a bun placed his hand on his shoulder. I eyed the orange band on his bicep; he must be our corporal.
“Making friends already Riven?” Dreya asked mockingly, glancing back over her shoulder at him.
Riven gave her a wink. “Don’t worry, I think he likes me.”
“I’d think I would prefer the company of a Fae,” Orin scoffed.
Riven clutched his chest in mock hurt, but Orin ignored him, leading us further into the barracks as the crowd began to clear.
“That’s the auditorium. You will have theoretical class there. Mess hall is down that way, but we will show you that tomorrow.”
We stood at the base of a large spiralling staircase, Orin pointing down a long high vaulted hallway. I had thoughtStonebriar castle felt cold, but the barracks made it feel like a cozy cottage in comparison.
I found myself walking next to Dreya on the steps, Orin and our lieutenant in front of us. I hesitated, unsure how to even begin, then finally spoke.
“Thank you.” She arched a strong brow at me, as if questioning my appreciation.
