Abandoned (Born From Shadows #2)

Riley passed the Elven shops, wishing that being a guard earnt him more money. Considering the kingdoms wouldn’t run without the Royal Guard, he would think they would try to encourage people to join with high wages. Instead, he can barely afford food for him and his sister. Although, most Elves can grow and make their own supplies. The shops are more there for the lazier individuals.

Freya walked beside him as she often did when he was on duty. She kept him company on those long shifts as not much crime happened in this kingdom. The population was small, most of the Elves knew each other, especially with their long lives they had practically met everyone. Why would you hurt someone you were friends with? Even if they did dislike each other, feuds could last hundred’s of years and that would be considered a waste of time. He was growing more accustomed to their culture with each passing day.

They didn’t drink much alcohol, nor consume any other damaging substances. They were quite peaceful if you ignore the fact that their Queen abducted Tatianna. Although when it came down to a battle, he was sure that every one of them could wield a blade. His hand grabbed onto his sword, remembering those months of training he had to endure. The amount of beatings he had to get until they finally allowed him into the guard.

The sword wasn’t even his, it was Nik’s. Well kind of, as Nik only got it from a fallen body. Riley found the sentimental value too strong and never went and found his own sword, something that better suited his taller frame.

He looked into one of the shop which were a forgery, debating on whether he should purchase a second sword. However he decided against it. He needed his other hand for balance, wielding two swords would tire him out quickly especially with his injury.

“The Elves have such cool stuff,” Freya said and pointed at some sort of wooden object. “Like I have no idea what that is, but it looks cool.”

“I am on duty, not here to shop,” he said, feeling slightly hypocritical considering he had just thought about purchasing something.

“You are, I am not,” she replied.

“Well it’s my money, so no buying things because they look cool,” he told her.

Freya pouted. “You are no fun,” she complained before looking behind her. Freya nudged at his side. “Some guards are approaching,” Freya told him. He looked towards them, a male and female walking in their direction covered head to toe in steel.

“Good morning,” he told them once they were close enough.

“Dé mortalis kana lévi rambala,” one of the Elves said to the other in their common tongue.

“Karght,” the woman replied. “The Captain wishes to talk with you.” Riley’s joy that they finally spoke English was quickly diminished by the message. The Captain never had anything good to say.

The two Elves walked away and Riley looked towards Freya.

“Don’t worry, I won’t buy any ‘cool stuff’” she said. “Only fun stuff.”

“Freya,” he warned, but she just gave him a smile.

“Bye brother,” she said with a small wave before looking at everything in the stores. Riley took one last look at Freya before heading towards the Guard’s Quarters on the outskirts of the palace. He spent that walk wondering if he was going to be poor by the time he got back. The walk wasn’t long, only ten minutes had passed by the time he had reached his destination.

The Captain stood there with his face looking at a piece of paper, once he had noticed Riley’s approached, he shoved the piece of paper into Riley’s hands. “Congratulations,” the Captain said with a disappointed tone. “The Queen has requested that you shall be stationed in the palace from tomorrow. That is all,” the Captain dismissed him.

Riley read over the piece of paper in his hands that basically told him the same thing the Captain had just said. Why now? He wondered, what was she up to? Riley decided not to question it, that he should be happy he was finally allowed in the palace to proceed with the next stage of his plan to get Tatianna back.