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but this time, he darted ahead and left Nish behind. Lev raced to the stairs next to the gate and leaped up the steps two at a time until he reached the top of D’Win’s outer wall, where a light breeze tugged at his hair.
While he waited for Nish to catch up, Lev crossed the wall-walk to the nearest gap in the battlement, squinted against the afternoon’s sharp light, and gazed toward the western horizon. Emerald fields of burgeoning crops sprawled between the city and the Oski river, which cut across the valley half a mile away. On the far side of the river, more acres of farmland stretched toward the horizon until they were stopped by a low ridge of reddish-brown hills.
Lev squeezed his fishing pole and let his gaze drift along the river, dreaming of the trout that swam there in the currents quickened by the Oski Falls further south. But there’d be no fishing today ... and no fish to bring home. Hopefully, his father would believe that the gates had been closed because of the governor’s festival.
Thoughts of the Tolian governor reminded Lev of the approaching legion. Curious, he shifted his attention to the road beneath him, the Arevakian Way. It passed out of the city, crossed a stone bridge at the river, and stretched as straight as an arrow toward a gap between the distant hills—the famed Ardaravan Pass. Decades ago, the pass had been fortified by a massive gate and two towers. But no longer. The Tolians had seen to that by reducing it all to rubble.
While Lev stared wistfully toward the Ardaravan Pass, a row of bright specks caught his eye as they bounced along the road toward D’Win. Polished Tolian armor gleaming in the sun. The legion’s vanguard had entered D’Win's valley.
Lev looked away, surprisingly irked by the approaching force. More troops for Totoro. Why? What could this new governor want with even more soldiers? Didn’t they already have complete control of the city?
Maybe his father was right. Despite today’s holiday and festival, maybe Totoro planned to make things worse.
Shaking his head, Lev let his gaze drift south of the legion and high above it, where a dark dot twisted in the sky. No doubt a large bird—an eagle or a vulture—circled over the foothills, looking for its next meal. Lev closed his eyes and let the bird draw his attention away from his worrisome thoughts. Supposedly, before the Tolian invasion, giant creatures had soared over these same skies. Griffins. Half lion and half bird and large enough to carry a full-grown man. But that was before Lev was even born. And like many wondrous things, the Tolians had apparently destroyed them. Wiped them from the face of the planet. Every last griffin.
Of course, Lev had never seen a griffin, and he had his doubts. Griffins seemed impossible to him—more mythical than real. Half bird and half lion? Surely, they were simply enormous eagles or maybe vultures exaggerated by time and loss. But as a tender wind swept across his face, he closed his eyes and imagined himself perched atop a griffin instead of a wall. Dreamed of freedom and the thrill of flight.
But then, behind him, heavy breaths and sandaled footsteps announced Nish’s arrival. Lev popped his eyes open as his friend stepped to the wall.
“See anything?” Nish asked, leaning his fishing pole against the wall.
Lev pointed at the approaching legion. “They’re still fairly far away. Should be a while before they arrive.”
“Oh,” Nish said. “Do you really want to wait for them?”
Lev shrugged his shoulders. “Well, what else do we have to do? Fishing’s not an option. Everything else is closed. And if we go home early, we’ll end up having to work.”
“True. Besides it’s a nice day to be outside. Surprisingly pleasant for this time of year. Usually, we’d roast up here.”
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Lev grunted. “Don’t remind me. Summer in our bakery is torture.”
“Hm,” Nish said, tapping a finger against his chin. “I can think of worse things. Let’s see. At least one or two.” He paused and spread his arms. “Well … maybe not.”
Lev frowned and rolled his eyes. “Must be nice.”
"Sorry,” Nish said with a chuckle. “If it makes you feel better, I do work much harder now that mother is gone.”
“But she’s going to be better?” Lev asked.
“I hope so,” Nish said, nodding. “Father says if anything can cure her gout, it’s the hot springs at Lake Apakay. Thank goodness we have family there, or she wouldn’t have been able to go.”
“That’s good. I’m glad she got to go.”
“Me, too. Better yet, she’s supposed to be home soon now that the weather is warmer.”
Lev gave Nish a playful punch in the arm. “You know, when she get back, maybe our fathers will decide you and I should trade places. I’ve always wanted to work in a cozy soap shop. You know what? I think I’m going to suggest it to my father. He’s always wished I was taller and stronger.”
“Please don’t,” Nish said, shaking his head. “Just don’t.”
Laughing, the two friends leaned against the parapet, traded more jokes, and watched as the legion crept forward. At first, thoughts of their missed fishing opportunity plagued Lev. Their day would have been perfect if they could have spent it by the river. And if he didn’t bring home a fish, what would his father say?
But as the distant specks of bouncing light coalesced into soldiers on horseback, Lev’s minor concerns about fish turned into palpable dread. The feared Tolian cavalry led the way, menacing in their golden armor and black riding capes. Behind them, row after row of foot soldiers dressed in red and gold marched in perfect unison. And at the very rear of the legion, teams of mules pulled a line of war machines. Dozens of catapults and ballistae.
Soon, the jangle of armor and padded thud of footsteps reached the wall. A chill slithered up Lev’s neck as he made out the stern faces of Hyasa’s oppressors. So many war-hardened soldiers. How could his father think they had a chance to overthrow these Tolians?
We’re lucky they let us lead somewhat normal lives, Lev thought. Lucky that we have a home and a bakery. These same Tolians had ransacked other cities and burned them to the ground. Had wiped out complete races like the Elongols, who had refused to surrender. The mercy the Tolians had shown D’Win was rare. Watching the foreign soldiers flow into his city, Lev shook his head as his earlier worries returned. But they already ruled Hyasa, so why all these extra troops?
Confused, Lev voiced his concern to Nish. “Hey, why do you think they’ve sent another legion?”
“They might be in control here in the city. But my father says the rebels have had luck in Hyasa’s more remote places. Higher in the mountains. Some bridges have been burned and a mine shut down.”
Nish’s news surprised Lev. His father had said nothing about an rebellion. “Oh, I— “
Below them, a series of heavy clunks and piercing squeals interrupted their conversation and scattered Lev’s thoughts. The city’s gates were being opened. As the legion streamed through the wall, Tolian captains shouted orders, and the soldiers disappeared inside. The catapults and ballista, though, diverged to the left and right.
Lev rubbed the back of his neck. For now, at least, these soldiers weren’t heading out into the province. Instead of camping outside the gates, they had entered the city. That didn’t line up with chasing rebels in far off places.
But as soon as the last of the soldiers passed through the gates, new activity pushed Lev’s worries aside. Once the road was clear, a small company of cavalry rode out of the city, and a horse-drawn carriage followed quickly behind.
Nish laughed and waved at the carriage. “Hurry home, Cloaca!” he shouted. “Goodbye and good riddance!”
“Sh,” Lev said, smiling. “You’re supposed to keep me out of trouble, remember?”
“That was mild. I could have bitten my thumb at him or said a few choice words,” Nish said. “The entire time he was here, Governor Cloaca was nothing but a leech. He’s gotten fat on our labor, sweat, and . So again, goodbye and good riddance!” Nish waved his hand dismissively as the carriage trundled toward the horizon. “Come on, Lev. Let’s get out of here.”
“And do what?” Lev said. “I promised my father at least one trout, which I can’t deliver. I should have gone home once we found out the gates were closed. If I stay out much later, he’ll—”
The blaring of horns from the heart of the city cut Lev off. Nish grinned mischievously. “We could always go hear what the governor has to say.”
“No … no way. If either of our father’s found out …”
“Come on,” Nish pleaded. “We never get to do together. After the speech, you can go home.”
Lev groaned. “Tell me again why our fathers think you’re the more cautious of the two of us?”
“Because whenever we get caught, take the blame. I have no idea why, but you always take the blame. So, are you ready or what?”
Without waiting for Lev’s answer, Nish grabbed his pole and backed away. As he neared the stairs, he spun and yelled over his shoulder. “Race you there!”
Lev shook his head and laughed. Going to the square was undoubtedly stupid, but there was no way he was losing a race to Nish.
A Griffin's Choice.
What would you do if you were Lev?
