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An unusually thick and boisterous crowd clogged D'Win's narrow streets as Lev worked his way towards Nish's house. They had talked yesterday afternoon when Nish had come to the bakery for some flatbreads for his family's dinner. Constantly working and helping their fathers, Lev and Nish rarely got to spend time together, let alone an entire afternoon. Today, though, was unusual. The new governor's edict, which had closed every city business, had also provided a rare opportunity for the two friends. Hopefully, Nish had freed up his afternoon, too.
Nish's home was several blocks away, even further removed from the heart of the city. Most of the crowd, though, flowed in the opposite direction—toward D'Win's central plaza for the governor's festival and speech.
Father would be outraged if he saw this, Lev thought. So many Hyasans doing as Governor Totoro wishes. Giving him an audience. Offering their obedience to their oppressors. Gladly exchanging real freedom for a little food and mindless entertainment. Happy for a day off—no matter the cost.
Then, an unexpected thought struck Lev. But I am thrilled by the holiday, too, he thought. Am I any better?
The worry was soon forgotten, though, as Lev weaved his way against the surge of the never-ending throng. He kept his gaze low and focused on the dark gray bricks that paved the street, trying to hide his annoyance from the people he passed. Dodging and darting, he picked his way through the gaps in the crowd—until a path abruptly cleared in front of him. He smiled and hopped into the open space, only to realize from the nearby murmurs of panic that something dreadful approached.
Lev raised his head and peered further down the street. A hundred feet away, a squadron of the Tolian Elite Guard marched toward him. They were marshalled by a menacing figure, broad-shouldered and a head taller than the others, who trotted to the side of his squadron and directly at Lev. A red plume instead of the usual black decorated the powerful man's helmet, marking him as the squadron leader—a captain. A prominent scar angled across his face from forehead to jaw, and his mouth was twisted into a sneer as the crowd scurried out of his way.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Lev, though, stunned by the captain's terrifying features, moving ... and continued to block the man's path. The captain's narrowed eyes radiated anger. He grasped the hilt of his gladius and barked, "Out of the way,!"
The command struck Lev like a ballista bolt to the chest. He sucked in a tremulous breath and stumbled backward while the squadron plodded past without slowing. As they continued down the street, their helmets sparked with shards of sunlight, and their rattling armor sounded like a dreadful dirge.
Once the squadron disappeared around a corner, Lev bent at the waist and grabbed his knees. His heart thumped against his ribs from his encounter with the guards and their intimidating captain. Eyes closed, Lev took a deep breath. A second. And even a third. He shook his head. Clearly, he was not meant for conflict—even after all the secret training he'd done with his father.
Around him, the crowd had recovered, swelling to fill the void left by the Tolian squadron. Bodies bumped against Lev, jostling him into action. Once again, the crowd still hampered his movements, but now he kept his head up, hoping to avoid any other surprises. The unending flow of human obstacles rattled his already shaky nerves, and his steps grew more and more tentative. All the hindrances and complications made his five-minute journey three times longer, but eventually he arrived at the soap shop owned by Nish's father.
Relieved, Lev ducked inside the familiar space, which was always filled with comforting scents like lilac, amber, and vanilla. But the windows were still shuttered, and the shop was unusually dark. Lev scanned the poorly lit space, but it seemed empty. Where were Nish and his father?
"Hello?" Lev said loudly enough for his voice to reach the living quarters behind the shop. "It's Lev. Anyone home?"
Suddenly, a shadowy form popped up behind the shop's counter. The unexpected motion made Lev lurch backward.
"Oh no, you don't!" a deep voice growled. "Uh-uh. No, no. Your kind's not welcome here. Go on. Get out before I bludgeon you with this bundle of dried lavender. I've got no patience for young scoundrels like you!"
Other than Lev, which character intrigues you the most?
