Chpt 1 Sc 1 - Blazzer
Beyond the window was a blurred view of the city Maro as rain poured from the sky. The gray clouds seemed to merge with the stone buildings. A few people ran through the rain, but most were inside. Sitting at my desk, I rested my chin in my hand and watched the droplets roll down the glass panes. My heart felt heavy as I thought, How come when it rains I'm always not feeling good?
I sighed and looked down at the book in front of me. The history facts on the page seemed to suck the little happiness from the room. I got up and collapsed onto the narrow bed. My eyes wandered about the small space.
The walls were bare plaster and the floor paneled wood. Besides the desk, chair, and bed there was a short dresser with notebooks on top. The door was shut, making the room feel smaller and isolated. The only light came from the dull sunlight filtering through the clouds.
When I turn twenty I’ll be free, I thought, staring up at the ceiling. I followed the thin cracks across the surface. Just two more years here... two more years... I can do that, right? I put my arm over my eyes with a groan. Why can’t my patron have me live somewhere else instead of in this ward house? This is supposed to be temporary housing and I’ve been here for eight years! Two more years feels like it might as well be another eight!
There was a knock on the door and I peeked out from under my arm at it. I waited, thinking, You got the wrong room again, girl. After a moment the knock came again. With a groan, I got up and reluctantly opened the door. A small, old woman stood there smiling up at me.
“Mrs. Esther, is there something I can help you with?” I asked, blinking in confusion.
“Oh, I’m good,” replied Esther warmly. “I just wanted to check and see how you are doing.”
I nodded. “I’m doing good. Was just studying.”
Esther frowned and eyed me. “I might be old and getting senile, but I know when someone isn’t doing well.”
I rubbed my arm and looked over my shoulder at the window, not wanting to meet her gaze. “I promise I’m okay... It’s just a rainy day.”
Esther shrugged and said, “Well, I won’t keep you from your studies. You have always taken them seriously.” She turned towards the other wards’ rooms down the hall. “Oh, I almost forgot!” She held out an envelope towards me, the sleeve of her dress falling back and revealing a black tattoo of a crow on her wrist.
A letter? From who? I questioned, taking the envelope.
“Make sure to eat some dinner,” called Esther, walking away. “You’re too skinny!”
I smiled softly, feeling warmth in my chest. I stepped back into my room, closing the door, and glanced at the envelope. My name and address were written neatly, making my smile disappear as my throat tightened. I flipped it over and looked at the wax seal. It was dark gray with the imprint of an ‘S’. I pressed my lips together, thinking, From my patron... It’s been almost a year since I heard from them.
I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the envelope, as trepidation filled me. Taking a deep breath I pulled out the letter:
Blāzzer Ozol,
It’s been arranged for you to move to Palator. You’ll live with a family there. The head of the family is Angel Kinsela and she has two children of her own. You’ll live there for two years, until you turn twenty, and are then free to chose where and how you live. During these two years you will study politics, history, writing, Drakken, and swordsmanship. Along with any subjects you are interested in.
On March 16, meet Captain Gorvi of the Palator Guard at the southern gate. He will escort you to Palator and ensure your safety along the way. Pack lightly. Any items left behind can be replaced upon your arrival. You can trust them.
Your patron,
Shadow
I sighed and laid back, letting the letter drop to the mattress. My stomach lightened with excitement as I thought, I’m leaving Maro... and going to Palator. I closed my eyes. It's an agriculture hub, if I remember correctly. Not for sure exactly why my patron would send me there. Guess I should start figuring out what I’m taking and what I’m leaving. March 16 is only a week away. A smile cracked across my lips. Then I’ll be in Palator with a family!
