BK1 Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Six

The large gates of solid metal creaked open, the sound reverberating through the chatter of the Trainees. Delicate images were carved into the towering structure so high I could not see any detail from where we were at the back. Then, in tune with the beating drums, the brigade stepped forward through to the Capital beyond.

Our group followed Lieutenant Cragborn's lead; beside us in the same formation was Lieutenant Sharpclaw with his group of commoners. With every step forward, I could hear a roar growing louder from beyond the gates.

My stomach began to churn with a mix of nervousness and adrenaline as the sound intensified; I had never heard anything like it. It was both daunting and exhilarating, sending a shiver down my spine. The beating drums intensified as the front of the brigade entered the Capital, matching the rhythm of our marching and amplifying the energy that buzzed among us.

Teresa fidgeted beside me as we finally approached the gates. The intricate carvings etched into the towering metal structure came into view. The images depicted fierce battles between demonic beasts and powerful Summoners, capturing the essence of the ongoing struggle against the encroaching dangers of Zopan. The level of detail was astonishing, with every stroke of the artist's hand conveying the intensity and raw power of the confrontations.

But as the gates rose higher, the carvings became less discernible. The sheer scale of the structure made it impossible to fully appreciate the artistry that went into its creation. Yet, even from a limited vantage point, I could sense the immense skill and dedication that had been poured into crafting such a masterpiece.

The roar grew louder, its vibrations thrumming into my ears. I wanted to cover them. It was so fierce, but that would be disrespectful. Beside me, Teresa's eyes darted back and forth, trying to take in the grandeur of the carvings amidst the chaotic flurry of movement. I could tell that the sight and sound overwhelmed her, just as it did me.

As we crossed the threshold of the imposing gates, the scene that unfolded before us was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The Capital, a sprawling city with magnificent architecture and bustling streets, lay spread out in all its splendour. The buildings stood tall and pristine, a testament to the power and strength of the Empire of Zopan. They were nothing like Talbour; the buildings were well-maintained. They formed neat rows and were made from a light grey stone. In the distance, above them, I could see a familiar steeple of white hinting at the Grand Temple of the Capital.

The streets teemed with people, their faces filled with anticipation and excitement as they watched our procession. The cheers and applause of the crowd blended with the roaring chants that seemed to echo from every corner of the city. Banners bearing the black and yellow emblem of Zopan fluttered in the wind, adding vibrant splashes of colour to the scene. The people of the Capital appeared well-cared for, their attire clean and their expressions joyful. It starkly contrasted the struggles and hardships I had often witnessed in Talbour. The sheer number of people gathered in one place was awe-inspiring, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of admiration and trepidation, making my steps stiffen. However, Teresa nudged me forward, ensuring I kept pace with them.

I had never seen so many people in one place.

As we marched forward, the footguards ahead leading the way, the crowd's energy surged. They cheered and waved, their enthusiasm contagious as many Trainees enjoyed the attention. I spotted some green-summoned wind spirits diving into the crowd as the bird-like forms performed acrobatics, eliciting more cheers from the crowd. It was a moment of unity, where the citizens of the Capital joined with the Army, showcasing their unwavering support for our collective cause.

I glanced around, taking in the sights and sounds, feeling a mix of fear and uncertainty. The honour of being part of this grand parade was not lost on me. Instead, the weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders, reminding me of the importance of what being a soldier meant.

Could I really do this? Could I truly become a soldier?

The parade continued, each step bringing us deeper into the heart of the Capital. The cheers grew louder, the chants more fervent, as the excitement reached its peak. The presence of the crowd was electrifying; I could feel the hairs on my arms rise from the experience.

Amidst the overwhelming excitement, I caught glimpses of a market behind the lined crowd. Stalls similar to Talbour's were raised in the narrow streets separating the buildings. But, accept, here they seemed to multiply in number. The market was packed with people as they browsed a variety of goods, from food to trinkets. A smell of something delicious wafted from its direction, making my mouth water as I saw some of the citizens holding sticks of steaming meatballs., tempting my taste buds with their savoury scent.

My eyes widened when I spotted something far more interesting as we passed another street. This street was littered with raw vegetable stalls, and at the end of it, I could see a cart filled to the brim with a green lump that split into three brown stems. Jabascus root! My heart skipped a beat at the sight. So the Capital had Jabascus root, my own excitement tingled beneath my skin.

I had to remember where we were so I could come back to get some before they packed the market away; it could only be here for a few days for the parade, much like Talbour's festival. I quickly glanced at the buildings to try and pinpoint something to help me find my way back. However, the uniformity of the architecture made it challenging to pinpoint a specific landmark. They all looked the same to me.

I frowned as we moved further away as I desperately tried to find something. A clang took my attention to my left, and I smiled as I saw something different. There, it was a building with an open front, unlike the others. It looked like a large workshop of some sort as sparks flared inside against large metal anvils. That would have to do as a landmark until I learned the layout of the Capital.

The streets of large cobbled pavement hardened beneath our feet as we neared an archway passing under its domed passage. The crowd began to thin and was replaced by men and women dressed in fine clothing. Their gazes upon us felt scrutinising, and I gulped and recognised those eyes of judgement and inspection.

We had passed the commoners section of the Capital. Now, we were entering the Noble Plateau. The buildings here were not so tall and thin, packed into neat rows. Instead, the streets opened up, replaced by small pockets of greenery situated between large structures that were wide and immense. Each had a blockade of fencing surrounding them, hiding their gardens from view. These were the manors of low-ranking nobles.

As we traversed, I saw the crowd begin to fill out again though their cheers were not as overwhelming. The brigade began to slow, and ahead, I saw the formation begin to change. The Summoners began to move, stepping out of the straight line we had been in. Instead, the groups of Summoner affinities separated into a horizontal formation, the Fire Summoners forming a squadron on the far right, followed by the Earth, Water and Wind summoners.

Lieutenant Cragborn veered left, and we followed, separating from our formation to move to the right of the foot guards as they came to stand still. I looked at Teresa, confused, and she shrugged, unsure herself as we repositioned.

When we came to a stop, I couldn't stop my breath from catching now that we could in front of us. Before us was a golden gate attached to pristine white walls as they surrounded a building in the distance. Its majestic steeples fluctuated in height, its length longer than any building I had ever seen as golden windows reflected the sun's rays. The Empress's castle, it had to be.

Before the gates were raised, platforms draped in purple fabric, a canopy shielding its occupants as they sat on thrones decorated in golden lace. Two flags of Zopan hung at its base as the emblem of two dragons connecting their claws fluttered proudly gently in the wind.

We stood there, awaiting further instructions as the crowd cheers diminished to a hushed anticipation. I glanced at Teresa, her eyes reflecting a mix of nervousness and unease mirroring my feelings. Finally, we all stilled as a figure on the throne began to stand under the shaded canopy.

"All hail the Empress!" A voice boomed from the grandstand.

"Hail the Empress!" Suddenly the voices of the crowd and the Army chanted repetitively. I quickly followed suit, joining in the chant, holding my fist to my chest in salute as Lieutenant Cragborn did, watching his movements.

The figure raised her hand, and we all silenced as she stepped into the light. It was difficult to see her so far to the left. However, I could see her draygon stark white hair contrast against the dark purple of her elegant gown. Jewels glinted in the sun sewn into the skirts and the centre of her chest. Her hair was pinned delicately as her aged expression roamed over us. The Empress, Zirianna Ragon, was just as rumours described. An intimidating woman of power and authority, her presence commanding respect and awe.

I felt my body go cold as I stared at her.

My hands began to tremble as my breath locked.

Vishka's Guidance System

Zirianna Everglade Ragon

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