The Secret of Alviton

By L.V. Clark

Alviton was a strong, prospering country, full of light. The people worked side by side with the Fae, creatures blessed with magic. But that was before the war. Massive genocide and fear of the Fae touched everyone as brother turned against brother. Years later, and still reeling from the war, the new generation has clawed and connived to remove the stains left by their predecessors.

Sheltered from this reality, Nydia lives her life relatively happy and ignorant, surrounded by smoke and mirrors. But eventually glass shatters and smoke settles. As she struggles to unveil the truth about herself and the people around her, danger lies on the horizon, threatening to extinguish the small flicker of light in this dark and twisted country.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Oct 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9780228883197

L.V. Clark

Clark has had this story in their head for over a decade, and they finally got it on paper. Clark used their other hobbies—weight lifting and crocheting—to help develop ideas and work through any blocks. They grew up in the south of the United States with their large family. Clark is happily married with two sweet dogs and an apathetic ball python.I hope you enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. Expect more to the story!

Book preview

CHAPTER I

The day had finally come. Today I will leave with Dad for the marketplace in the kingdom’s capital, Alviton City, just as soon as my mother gets back from town. We lived in a smaller house a ways away from the city, Ractane. My mother owned a boutique where she sold the dresses she designed. She was well known in the area for being the only one you could buy an embellished dress from this far south of the capital. She and Dad lived up there until just a few years before they had me. Dad said that the city was too busy for him and demanded they live further south, where things moved slower. Dad worked as a merchant and traveled all over the country - from harsh and mountainous Saquillion City for the lush furs, to Potosai for their skilled weaponsmiths, and all the way east to Sairi’Lam for their silks and jewelry. I always loved when he would come home bringing trinkets or dresses for us, and captivating me with his stories of the beautiful lands he had explored.

After years of begging, Dad had finally allowed me to accompany him. My mother was supposed to be here an hour ago. Dad was quietly napping on the couch in our living room, but my eyes were glued to the large eastern window of our kitchen, staring down the road. We had a cozy living room with a bookshelf, couch, and small table; nothing extravagant.

Come on! I muttered under my breath.

You know she always runs a little behind, Nydia. Now, stop muttering and sit down, Dad softly chuckled from his spot.

I let out an exaggerated sigh and slumped into my chair at the small, round kitchen table. There were three chairs in total – one for Dad, one for my mother, and one for me. Two of them matched the table’s deep brown wood while the third – my chair – was a white birch-like wood. From the kitchen table, I could look down a hallway that led to a bathroom and my parents› bedroom door. My room was tucked away on the far south side of the living room, hidden behind a curtain. I tapped my short nails against the table›s surface, scanning the room. Our kitchen was a small galley with two sides – on one side was a large granite sink and water pump and on the mirroring side there was a countertop with space to prepare food. There was a bar window connecting the kitchen and living room. On that side of the kitchen was a bowl of basselmouth fruit - giant, red, oval, and with tiny blue drops cluttering the skin. The rind was bright red and the inside a juicy orange flesh. At the end of the galley kitchen was a pantry tucked away into the wall, and a few feet further stood the front door of our house. I eyeballed the knob, begging for it to jiggle, my nails tapping faster.

Heavens, how about we eat something to keep you busy? Dad impatiently called from the living room.

The couch groaned as he sat up. He ran his fingers through his fawn colored hair and rubbed his eyes. Bracing both his hands on his knees, he stood up and stretched.

There goes any chances of getting a nap before we leave, huh? His blue eyes looked over to me lazily. They weren’t a harsh icy blue, like mother’s with the gold flower around the pupil. His were a shade of blue that reminded me of soothing fresh rain or a gentle brook.

I dipped my head sheepishly, Sorry.

Eh, it’s fine baby girl. I was getting hungry anyway. You wanna split this bassel with me?

He meandered towards me out of the living room and turned to his left for the fruit bowl. The floor was solid wood and only creaked as he stepped on the cellar door that was hidden underneath a rug. Dad just kept books and particularly large merchandise down there. He said it was easier for loading into his cart from the outer exit than trying to haul it through our front door.

He stood probably six feet tall, give or take an inch, with lightly tanned skin. Wrinkles barely visible the outsides of his eyes, but were highlighted when he smiled, which was often. He palmed the fruit in one hand and reached inside a drawer for a knife with the other. Taking the knife, he cut right down the middle of the oblong fruit and orange juices spilled onto the counter.

Oop, he mumbled and reached inside another drawer for a rag quickly wiping it up.

Balancing the fruit between his fingers and holding spoons in the other hand, he gently plopped in his chair beside mine. He handed me the spoon and we clinked them together before scooping into the fruit. He happily sighed after the first bite. The fruit was bright and sharp - my absolute favorite thing to snack on. I munched down on the soft fruit and slurped the juices out of the rind as I finished. When Dad had done the same, I picked up our rinds and tossed them in the trash bin beside me. My stomach now full, I leaned back in the chair begging to feign relaxation, but the window to my back beckoned my name yet again. I leaned further, pushing the chair on its back two legs and as inconspicuously as possible looked back towards the road.

Come on, am I really that boring? Dad snapped, pushing my chair back down with his feet.

I grabbed a hold of the table with shock.

He laughed at me.

That wasn’t funny, Dad! I tried but couldn’t hide my own laughter. I just can’t wait to go. I feel like I have been waiting for this day for most of my life. I mean, I am finally going to see the palace and all the cities on the way there. I’m going to help you with your business and think of all the exciting new people I will get to meet.

"Oh, so you are saying that I am boring. I knew it!"

No, Dad it’s just -

No, no, I knew this day was coming. My sweet baby girl, finally out growing her own father. He threw his head down on the table and cradled it in his arms.

Laughing, I said, No, Dad, I’m not saying you’re not exciting -

No, I think that’s exactly what you said, his voice in the phoniest guise of offense.

Well, you are dramatic, I’ll give you that, I mumbled.

Whipping his head around, I heard that you little creature! Now you’ve done it, he threatened with a crooked grin. I knew what was coming. I jumped out of the chair and bolted to the couch shrieking with laughter. He followed suit and chased me to the living room. I used the dingy red couch as a barrier, giddily jumping and yelping for him to stop as he’d cut from side to side. I jumped around to the back of the couch, staring him down. He gave me a wicked grin and lunged. His arms wrapped around me and dragged me to the couch cushions. I’ve got her! Bah haha! The creature has been captured! Now, take it back and say I am exciting. I refuse to yield until you admit I’m the most exciting person you’ve ever met! he bellowed.

My stomach ached from laughing, Fine! You’re the most exciting person I’ve ever met! I relented. We sat laughing for a moment more before he finally released me and laid back on the arm of the couch. I never meant you were boring, Dad. It’s just since I stopped going to school, I’ve missed meeting new people and learning about new places.

He tensed for a flash and relaxed again. I know Nydia, but the school in Ractane shut down and the school in Syndrine is just too far for you to go on foot by yourself.

Then why don’t we move closer?

Trust me, you don’t want to move closer to the city. It’s much, much too busy, full of people only worried about themselves. Is it because you’ve grown tired of my stories?

It’s not that. I just… want to start living them now. I want you to teach me everything there is to being a merchant. It’s what I want to do. I want to travel and meet people. I dreamt out loud.

Being a merchant is more than just that. There is a lot of work that goes into it, he explained.

I am a hard worker and your daughter. It’s got to be in the blood, I pushed my hands out eyeing my must-be-merchant-filled veins, my skin much tanner compared to Dad’s. Leaning against Dad’s knees propped up on the couch, I stared at my rough hands. My nails were always chipped, never polished or manicured like my mother’s, but I never seemed to mind. The bones were straight, and my fingers were a good length. I prodded the calluses between my fingers and palms, losing myself in examining the creases.

Then, I heard it. Off in the distance, the foreign sound of laughter coming from my mother. Can you believe that? Tried to steal it right underneath my nose, I heard. Little thief got what he deserved. I bolted to the window, squishing my face against the glass. There she was! She was walking with her business partner, Ms. Uret, a woman with black as night skin and dark, curly, inch long hair. They were so opposite in appearance - mother with fair skin and blonde hair extending to her mid-back. Ms. Uret had a tiny waist with modest curves, while my mother was board-straight from every angle. They looked so beautiful laughing in the sunlight, walking together arm in arm. I couldn’t help but watch as they floated up the road in their stylish frocks. I was stunned by them, so much so that when my mother’s eyes locked on me, I audibly gasped.

Nydia! Dad called, lurching for me and pulling me from the window. You know your mother doesn’t like you lingering by the window.

I snapped back to reality and hurried to the back of the living room against the heavy curtain at the back wall and waited.

I saw her hurry passed the window. Then with my eyes on the front door, the knob jiggled, and the door creaked open. She walked in. Good afternoon, darling, she greeted Dad with a kiss. Everything went over smoothly I hope, she didn’t even pay me a side glance as I watched them interact. He nodded and kissed her forehead. She breathed it in and reached to tie her hair back.

Here it comes, I thought.

And you, she shot a pointed, polished finger at me. I have told you to stop watching me and my colleagues. It is pathetic and creepy and I don’t want my friends to see you.

I dropped my head. Yes ma’am. I’m sorry, I’m just excited to go with -

I don’t want to hear a word from you right now. I’ve had a long week and don’t have the tolerance today, she snapped while shaking her hands. Just - would you just go to your room and let me speak to my husband before he has to leave.

Dad looked out the window as she ordered me away. I turned around, lugged the heavy brown curtain to the side and opened my bedroom door. My room was secluded from the rest of the house. Small, rectangular, and with a tiny window near the ceiling to let light in. I had two pieces of furniture - a bed that I mostly fit on and a short, square bedside table. A rod extended from the back wall to the wall of the doorway and that’s where I hung up the clothes Dad would bring back for me. I remembered my mother getting so cross with Dad when he brought back my favorite burgundy colored dress home for me. Even though he had brought home jewelry for her, she complained the dress was too extravagant for a thirteen year old girl who doesn’t even have a reason to get dressed up. I’d never had a pleasant relationship with my mother. Something I must have done when I was younger, or maybe it is the way I act or look. All our encounters and interactions while Dad traveled have always been cold and strained. I’ve learned to just avoid her as best I can.

Knock, knock, knock

Hey Nydia, are you ready? Your mother packed us some food before we get to the closest city, but we still need to get moving so we aren’t traveling at night.

I’ll be right out, I called.

CHAPTER II

The sun had just dipped behind the Tanvir mountains and the city was settling down. Finally, we had reached the capital. The stone road was lightly lit by streetlamps and the weight of traveling for a week laid heavy on my back and eyes.

I know it doesn’t look like much now, but just wait till morning, Dad defended. A few palace guards in blue tunics patrolled by, nodding to us as we passed. We are just a mile away from the inn. I’ll take care of the horses and you go inside and order some food for us, Dad instructed. I nodded sleepily.

We arrived at the crowded Inn, and some man came to help Dad with the horses. Must have known him pretty well, as they embraced before chattering on. It was relatively crowded and noisy, I couldn’t even exactly point out any real details except for the stocky bartender. I ambled towards him and ordered the only thing I could read on the board behind him, apparently it was chicken and vegetable stew. I hoisted myself up on the bar stool and waited for Dad. The noise from the room numbed my senses as I felt myself drifting. I could hear a conversation - something of grave importance. A woman pleading for cooperation and a man relenting reluctantly. Something about ending the fight for good. Something to change the world forever.

Thunk-thunk.

My eyes ripped open and I saw two steaming bowls of soup. The smell woke me up and reminded me of how hungry I was. I nodded and scooped up a spoonful of brothy chicken stew. It warmed my whole mouth and the seasoning sat high up in my nose. I let out an involuntary moan as the warmth spread throughout my body.

Ahem, young lady. Usually, our guests pay before starting their meal, the barrel chested man eyed me and braced both hands on the bar. His dark eyebrows crunched together almost touching as his lips tightened.

My eyes nearly fell out of my head as I scrambled, Oh, my dad is coming once he stables the horses.

Oh really? He pressed, pulling the second bowl away from me. What’s his name, you little rat?

It’s uh - I panicked and blanked on my own father’s name.

Tarok! I see you met my daughter, salvation called from behind me. My dad patted my shoulder and I felt a ball of ice in my stomach melt away.

This little girl is yours? No kidding? Tarok’s whole demeanor switched as he placed the bowl back down. Please pardon my behavior m’lady. I thought you were a no-good -

Tarok! Would you mind getting us some drinks? Just water for tonight, we are both exhausted, Dad interjected.

Coming right up. He leaned back and growled to the kitchen behind him, Boy! Two glasses. Now! A curly, red headed boy came scurrying out of the back with two large steins. He looked to be a couple years younger than me and was in need of a good meal - maybe a couple good meals. He had clothes that were much too big for him and a nasty burn on his wrist. His giant brown eyes locked with mine as Tarok seized the glasses from him.

Smack! The boy’s head popped forward. Tarok’s oar of a hand slapped the boy’s head. I flinched and was about to reach for him before Dad grabbed my wrist and pulled it back underneath the bar.

Don’t balk you rat. Go clean tables. Now, he commanded with a shove. Sorry about him ma dear. He’s new and doesn’t know his place yet. May need to send him to a breaker house.

Dad squeezed my fingers gently and I buttoned up the words sitting in my throat. I shoveled the stew into my mouth, not even tasting it anymore. Dad and Tarok mingled as I surveyed the room. Long rectangular tables sitting about ten people each. The room wasn’t as busy as it was when we entered. All the while, I watched the redheaded boy collect dishes and clean tables. He waddled about with plates and steins stacked precariously. I saw the whole thing happen next. His excuse of a sandal caught against a loose floorboard, holding his foot hostage and leaving him helpless as the floor came crashing in. He fumbled to break the dishes’ fall with his body and succeeded for all except a single glass stein. The shatter silenced the room.

I whipped around, my brown hair snapping me in the eyes, to see Tarok’s face pull tight in rage and his shoulders clench on the warpath to the boy. My arm reacted before my brain did as it surged to Tarok, but Dad was quicker and wrapped his arms around me hauling me away from the bar, to the back of the room, and up a flight of stairs. My brain staggered so violently I couldn’t even open my mouth as I twisted to look back before Tarok jerked the boy up and slapped him across the room. Everything seemed to freeze as I watched the boy whip around helplessly against the glass-ridden floor.

I squirmed against Dad, Put me down! Let me go! I demanded. We got up two flights of stairs and into a room before he finally did so. What was that? I demanded, more confused than anything else.

The boy messed up. He broke something which is going to come out of the inn’s profits, Dad explained.

But was it really necessary to hit him like that? I asked.

That’s just what happens, Nydia. The boy has to understand the repercussions of his actions, he tried explaining. I was horribly unsatisfied with the answer and almost lashed out if it were not for the look in Dad’s eyes. Exhaustion laid thick and a twinge of pain seeped through those watery blue eyes of his. I looked away and bit on my lip to keep myself quiet. We are both tired. Let’s go to bed. We have a big day tomorrow, and the market opens at sunrise. I pushed the sour feeling in my mouth to the back of my mind and nodded.

~~~~~~~~

The market buzzed with excitement. The stone pavement flashed the noon sun in between people ebbing and flowing between kiosks. Wide, open, and on the far north side, you could see the granite palace shine.

Apparently, Dad had three employees, one of which was the man who helped with the horses last night - Rajin. He was the eldest - about my Dad’s age - shorter in stature with sun-aged skin and short dark hair. Then Dasten, who must have been twenty years old judging by the way he talked. The final one seemed quiet and small, named Liam. Dad and the men set up his cart and people crowded it, searching for all sorts of things. Dasten explained what to say to people and if someone asked a question that I didn’t know the answer to, to call him over. He had a sweet brown face, thick eyebrows, deep set and upturned eyes, and thick curly hair. His large lips framed his nearly perfect teeth. I couldn’t look at him too long without my face turning red, but I did my job nonetheless. It was so easy for me to sell the jewelry and dresses to women. I basically picked whatever I liked and described why - simple.

Aren’t you just the sweetest thing! Are you an aspiring apprentice? a plump woman in a waistcoat and light skirt asked me.

In a way, yes. My dad is teaching me how to be a merchant, but it seems I’m pretty good already, I winked.

Your Dad? You must be the spitting image of your mother. Your hair is so dark! She commented.

Confusion bubbled inside me.

My hair actually used to be that dark if you can believe it, Dad interjected.

You don’t say! She responded, astonished. Well, I’m looking for a necklace for a formal occasion, something simple and elegant, she requested.

I peered at her neck and saw two pendants with symbols of animals on each.

Would you like a third animal symbol to go with your necklace? I tested.

Oh no, I’m not having another child for a while, she giggled. The confusion must have colored my face fully. These pendants are my children’s symbols. Mothers wear these almost as a trophy or symbol of love for their children.

A familiar bitter taste filled my mouth as I pieced her words together. Rajin can show you our selection, Dad said, clasping the woman’s hand and directing her to his eldest employee. My brain swayed as I racked my brain for an image of my mother’s bare neck. I forcefully pushed away the thought.

You have a job to do. Focus, Nydia, I thought.

Hey, Nydia. Come with me, I think you deserve a prize for working so hard, Dad insisted, grabbing my hand.

Curiosity started to cut its way through the darkness and got brighter as we approached a dress shop. In the window, I saw the most beautiful cream dress with gold sewn into the hem and neckline that trickled and tapered throughout the dress. Its long sleeves were sheer, the neckline sat comfortably loose at the collarbone. You can pick anything you want, Dad said grinning.

My eyes flung open as I rushed into the shop. Can I try on the cream dress from the window?

CHAPTER III

The week flew on like a dream. Spending so much time with Dad and all the new people was more than I could have ever imagined. But like all dreams, they all end too soon. Rajin and Liam helped Dad get ready to leave. The early morning sky gave off just enough gray light to help us on our way out. We passed the stone walls of the city and a small pang in my heart twinged watching the giant palace shrinking behind us. The chill in the air was tiring. I crawled into the cart and pulled a knitted blanket over me.

Sleep slowly took over as the blanket became like a warm cave.

Glistening gold webs cascading over an abyss with precise calculation, weaving as they descend. Beyond the abyss, a vision of a man and a woman appeared. Their image tears apart and the woman disappears. A large reptile with wings came into view. A black storm strikes and the animal plummets to the ground. A man screams and another animal bites at a ghost then collapses next to the slain woman. Their faces - charred lips, black eyes, and hair covered in black chalky substance. Another face - living darkness and pale skin - whispered You’ll never be able to save him… A man covered in blood screamed in pain. Lightning struck his shoulders. His body slowly collapsed to the ground.

STOP!!! My eyes snapped open.

Nydia! Can you hear me? Wake up, baby girl.

Dad was violently shaking my shoulders as reality replaced the nightmare.

Sweat clung uncomfortably to my forehead, neck and legs. The sun was up, but the air was still cold and chilling the sweat on my face. I could hear the slow, swishing sound of the Thorton river ahead of us.

What was that all about? Dad asked.

What do you mean? I think I just had a really bad nightmare, I answered. I waited and forced my heart rate to slow down.

You mean you were sleeping and had a nightmare? He looked so worried that my stomach twisted over.

Dad, I’m fine. Really. It was just a bad nightmare and I think this blanket is too thick. I pushed it off of me revealing my pant legs clinging to my thighs. The air cut, icy against my skin. He stared at me as if I was a ghost. Dad, stop. I’m fine.

Unconvinced, his lips scrunched to the side. I believe you think you’re fine, but maybe the stress of the past week was too much. Here, he covered me back up with the blanket, lay down and try to get some rest. It will take a couple hours to get to our next stop, he permitted.

We aren’t traveling all day? I asked.

No, we will be making a stop in Valicitor. You’re about to spend some time in my hometown, he beamed.

I popped up. Wait, really? Dad had never talked about his hometown before.

Yes, really. It’s been more than a few years since I’ve seen my little brother, and I think it’s high time I pay him a visit.

My uncle. I’ve never met any extended family. I’d never really been interested in them, but now, faced with meeting the first member besides my parents, I felt anxiously excited. We crossed the river and I started to doze off more peacefully this time. The noise of the town woke me up and I squinted into the sunlight.

Brian! Is that really you? I heard a voice call from outside the cart. I crawled out from under my blanket to see who it was, the sun searing my eyes. A man standing a couple inches shorter than Dad, with the same golden honey hair called out to him. I almost couldn’t tell them apart if not for their height and the other man’s nose was slightly wider at the point while Dad’s was narrower.

Kale! Dad nearly jumped from the cart and hurled himself to the man. How’re you doing, baby brother? They embraced and Dad messed up Kale’s tied back hair. Kale broke free and punched Dad in the stomach playfully, which led to Dad wrapping his arm around his neck. They struggled for a moment and both tumbled to the ground, full belly laughing. I couldn’t help the smile that snuck onto my face.

«Ah! I›m getting too old for this,» Dad wheezed out in between laughs.

So how did I get the honor of having a visit from the Great Merchant Brian Valen? Kale inquired as he helped Dad to his feet.

We just left Alviton and thought we’d stop by, Dad explained.

We? Kale looked behind Dad right at me. His eyes, a darker blue than Dad’s, bulged. You finally brought your little girl to come see her uncle? He pushed Dad out of the way aggressively and made a beeline to me. My mouth went dry as he approached me. Sweet Nydia, may I help you out of the cart? He extended his hand, and I shyly nodded my head. He moved in too quickly for me to stop him as he lifted me up by my armpits above his head and onto the ground. You’re not so little anymore, huh? I’m glad being sick so often hasn’t stunted your growth, he commented.

Uhm- I started.

"What does he mean? I’m almost never sick," I thought.

And your hair is so dark! Kale touched my hair and leaned back.

Lillian’s mom actually had darker hair than Nydia, but I guess it skips a generation, Dad jumped in.

Lillian’s mom? Was she at the wedding? Kale asked while obviously trying to recall the event.

No, remember I told you that both her parents died right before Lily- Dad started.

Right, no need to remind me. I remember. I’m just glad I finally get to meet the famous Nydia. Kale grabbed my hands and held them inside of his own. They were smooth and uncalloused, nails trimmed and even. Well, come inside, I’ll get food ready. He smiled warmly down at me, then suddenly turned and his tone changed. "Fenwick! Come here. Now!" A boy a little older than me rushed out of the stone house behind my Dad. He approached Kale with a bowed, submissive stance. Good, I want you to stable these horses, take these coins, and go to the marketplace to buy some food for our guests. The boy had messy, sun-bleached hair and darkly tanned skin. The boy nodded and ran to attend to the horses. Kale strung my hand through his arm and beckoned, Follow me m’lady.

I giggled nervously, Thank you, Uncle.

’Uncle’ he repeated. You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear someone call me that. We entered the house to see shining wood floors, plush furniture, thick curtains, and lamps on side tables.

The joy in my chest was overwhelming; he really is excited to see and have me here. I looked to Dad, expecting to see his normal smile, but was surprised to see his face downcast and full of apprehension.

Instinct almost forced me to go to him, but Kale was too fast. He scooped me up by the legs, cradling me to his chest as he powerfully spun around hollering, Tornado! Earthquake! Someone must save the little lady! The thrill forced laughter out of me as he spun.

What’s with all the noise back here? a woman’s voice called from a doorway.

Kale placed me back on my feet while the world happily jumped around as I reached for my bearings. Rachelle! We have a visitor! Meet the one and only Nydia Valen!

Kale twirled me once in front of her. Her skin was a warm cream color with dark red curls floating around her face. Her smile felt like the sun on a spring day. She gasped and brought her delicate hands to her mouth.

Nydia! I am so happy to finally meet you! I can’t believe you’re here.

She rushed over and hugged me, her dress flowing behind her and a maroon pendant tinkling around her neck. She smelled of lilies and sugar, and the embrace flooded my body with such warmth that I could feel my eyes stinging.

We were always so worried that we’d never be able to meet you, but finally the day has come. You can call me Aunt Elle or really anything you’d like. Her plump pink lips kissed my forehead as she squeezed my arms. She looked at me with her dark brown eyes and moved my hair behind my ear. How old are you now, sweet niece of mine?

Thirteen.

That’s great! Our daughter - your cousin - Sabine, is only a couple years older than you. She would love to meet you if you’re interested. No pressure, though. I wouldn’t mind keeping you all to myself, she glowed and poked my nose.

I think that would be a great idea, Nydia. What do you say? Dad asked. Smiling with a smile so big my cheeks ached, I nodded.

Oh fine, Elle stuck her tongue out at Dad. Go to the hallway over there and up the stairs. Her room is the first one on the left.

I bolted to the hallway, flew up the stairs, and jumped to the closed door. Suddenly, my hands started to sweat and my heart raced.

She’s older than me. What if she doesn’t like me? What if she thinks I’m boring? How do girls my age even interact? I haven’t been around anyone else in almost three years. What do I even say? What if I say something stupid? Maybe I should just go back. But what would I tell everyone downstairs? No, just suck it up and knock on the door. I clenched my pants, trying to dry the sweat on my palms. Knock on the door! My body wouldn’t move. Knock on the heavens and sea forsaken door now! I knocked horrendously aggressively.

Hello? A voice called from inside. Then the white door opened and a girl a little taller than me and with curiosity painting her face, peeked out. Her bright red, wavy hair was half up. She was wearing a maroon tunic and black pants that were loosely tucked into her red, highly polished, lace up boots. Can I help you? She asked.

H- hi, I choked out. My name is Nydia. I’m your cousin.

She gasped. You’re uncle Bry’s daughter?! She squealed, clasping me by my elbows.

I nodded nervously. She abruptly pulled me into her enormous bedroom and tossed us both onto a chocolate colored chaise lounge. Tell me everything about you, she insisted while nudging my knee. You have beautiful hair! Mind if I play with it while we get acquainted? Not seeing much of another option, I nodded again. She towed me towards a white vanity mirror and pushed me into the chair in front of it. She snatched up her brush and got to work. So, tell me about yourself.

Well, I’m thirteen years old… my mind drew a blank as the bristles scratched my scalp causing goosebumps down my spine. What do you want to know?

You know, normal stuff. What is your favorite school subject? Who is your best friend? Do you have a boyfriend? Favorite color? Favorite food? I want to know everything!

Well, I stopped going to school a little over two years ago since it got shut down, and the closest school is too far of a journey to go on foot. I read almost every day though. I’m not really able to talk to any of my old friends anymore since we don’t go to school. Definitely don’t have a boyfriend. I don’t know my favorite color or food, I timidly answered.

You don’t have to go to school? You’re so lucky! I bet you get a private tutor and everything. So, I guess you and Aunt Lily get to spend a lot of time together - once again, so lucky. She started to pin up my hair.

Lucky? Does she even know my mother? And when did Mother ever let anyone besides Dad call her Lily? I thought quietly.

So, you don’t have any friends? She asked. I shook my head carefully so as to not disturb her work. Well, you do now. Now that you’re healthy, we can visit each other all the time. I did my best to just agree and play along. Alright, I need more pins. She opened the drawer revealing its empty contents. Ugh, she let out, her face glaring at the ceiling. Fenwick! Are you here? I need something! Her sharp tone called for the blonde boy.

I think your dad sent him into town for food.

Ugh, I swear. We need to just commit and buy another raspot.

I couldn’t hide the confusion this time. A what?

A raspot. Aunt Lily said you had one at your house. The one always taking care of you when you were sick, that’s why they never brought it with them. She floated to her bedside table and clutched beautiful hair pins out of the drawer.

I’m not sure I understand. What is a raspot exactly?

Oh, you know what a raspot is. Unless Uncle Bry might just call them ‘the help’. Weird how formal he is about particular things. They’re horrid little creatures. Dad says they’re really dangerous if left unchecked; started a war or something, like, a million years ago. So, it’s our job to keep them at the bottom of the social food chain, if you will. They have a history of causing the biggest wars this world has ever seen, so they have to pay for it until we know they won’t cause any harm. I froze looking at myself in the mirror, desperately trying to absorb this information.

I don’t think we’ve ever had a raspot, I mustered to try and stay in the conversation.

You must have been too sick to remember, she insisted as she worked the hair pins through my hair. Now hold very still. I have to focus here.

~~~~Brian~~~~

Here, sit down and let me get you a drink, Kale offered. We had just finished eating some biscuits Rachelle had made for us.

Just one, I responded. I am definitely going to need the liquid courage to get through this conversation, but it’s time I told him.

Kale came back with two small glasses and a bottle of amber alcohol and placed them down on the low table in front of me. The ball of ice in my stomach just kept getting bigger as I sank into their green velvet sofa. So, business has been good, I hope? He asked and took a sip out of the glass.

Yes! This past summer festival really bumped up profits and I was able to hire another assistant to do most of the traveling in the east.

Well, that’s great! I know you hated the heat out there.

It wasn’t so much the heat, but the humidity was suffocating. My new assistant’s name is Dasten, and he’s originally from Tira’ma so he gets to see his family every time I send him out. It’s a win for both of us.

You always were smart when it came to building business, he chuckled while taking another sip. I picked up the glass and emptied its contents. The smokey liquid burned as it flew down my throat.

How about you? How is it being second in command of the great city of Valicitor?

I’ve got to relax if I’m going to get this going, I thought.

Sadly… you aren’t talking to the second in command, he dropped his head.

Oh no, I sincerely responded.

He whipped back up aggressively, You’re talking to the first in command - Governor - of the great city of Valicitor!

Genuine surprise and pride fill my chest, No way! Stalts retired?

Yes sir he did! He passed the responsibility of Valicitor onto me with the people’s support!

That’s incredible, Kale! Really. I am so happy for you, I congratulated.

Thank you, he answered with his chest sticking out.

Yes, we are all very proud of this wonderful, hardworking man, Rachelle glided over from the kitchen and sat beside him on the arm of his leather chair.

You’re in a position to cause real change in the world, and I know you’ll only improve it, I clapped his knee.

I don’t know how much I’ll actually change. The tax structure is run by Lady Otis, and crime is relatively low due to our zero tolerance policies. The biggest change I have started cooking up is to increase the trade between us and Nahom, we have goods and they have the services. Why not make our jobs easier? Work smarter not harder, am I right?

Nahom… the largest market of a very particular merchandise. Where people purchase raspots ranging from household help to darker purposes.

Nahom? I hear they have shady trading policies. You might want to be careful who you associate with over there.

Brian, that’s just the world we live in. Anyway, they aren’t ‘shady’. They run the best workhouses you can buy raspots from.

You don’t think their life is unfair? I asked.

It’s either now or never, I thought quietly while I filled my glass again and desperately tried to take my time with it.

Sure, the tyranites have it kind of rough I suppose, having to raise them and teach them a usable skill. Not as bad as our old man though, am I right?

"Not the tyranites. The raspots." The word tasted like rancid milk on my tongue.

The question obviously made both Elle and Kale uneasy, as Elle got up and sat in her own chair next to Kale’s. A raspot’s life unfair? You can’t be serious. Do you have any idea of what they’re capable of? The destruction they’ve caused in the past? The lives lost to them? Specifically, the lives of granddad’s friends and siblings that were taken away too soon, he scoffed.

When have you ever seen a raspot cause that level of destruction in the last sixty years? I questioned.

Well, just last year, that raspot in Garvinia murdered the entire family that so graciously allowed her to serve them, he said, matter-of-factly. I emptied my glass again. We are all so lucky that the governor stepped in to execute the girl before Lord Kivic allowed her to be relocated or thrown in the palace prison for ‘rehabilitation.’ What a joke.

So, one girl, in sixty years, kills a family and you blame every raspot child? I accused.

Brian, where is this coming from? I thought we were both raised in a patriotic household. I understand that Lillian had to deal with some hard times, but she wasn’t a true raspot -

Please. Stop using that word, the alcohol finally started doing its job. Fenwick walked through the kitchen door, obviously awaiting his next order. I have to tell you something, Kale.

My voice was shaking and I couldn’t keep my palms from sweating. "Thirteen years ago, I got lost on the way to Syndrine. The southern roads were less recovered from the war back then and it was snowing. I had somehow crossed the border and found this bundle of blankets stuck in this hollow tree. I thought of