CHAPTER ONE

Sunrise rose to cast its golden light over the city. It was a lovely, fresh summer morning and people were beginning to awaken to enjoy their new day. Many were still in bed as well enjoying their peaceful mornings; while others preferred to spend more time in bed rather than get up and deal with the outside world.

It was a beautiful sight that would have been seen by many if they had the chance. The rising sun was like a beacon of hope for all the lost souls wandering around the city streets. Some found it comforting to see the light shining through cracks in the old buildings. Some found solace in the quietness that surrounded them. And some simply enjoyed watching the sunrise in peace.

That morning I woke up feeling peaceful. My heart felt calm as my eyes fluttered open. I blinked once then twice before I could bring myself into focus. I was laying on a very rich bed, one I did not recognize at all, and I was wearing clothes I did not wear last night.

As the events from yesterday slowly came back to me, I remembered falling asleep after I ate dessert to bottles of wine and danced with someone. His/her face didn't come to view. I turned onto my other side and saw the same dark brown sheets that I had fallen asleep under. There was no sign of the person I spent the night with or anyone else for that matter.

This is weird, I thought to myself as I got out of bed.

I stretched, then went up towards the window. The room had the most intricate window I had ever seen. They were so big. The glass was made of the finest silver, almost blinding when the sunlight hit it, reflecting beautifully.

I leaned against the window and looked outside. The streets were starting to become lively. The merchants began setting up their stores. Vendors hawked their wares; their carts full of food and drinks, their baskets overflowing with produce.

The sounds of the city filled my ears as I looked down. In the distance, I noticed that the city's center had several small squares where people would gather. It reminded me of some of the places I had visited in the past. There were many little houses, each one decorated with the most beautiful flowers, and with wooden carvings of what seemed to be dragons. I smiled at the familiar sight.

In these little squares, people would sit and talk to one another. Sometimes, young couples would walk hand in hand. They'd stop and look at a building, or a shop, the flowerbeds or statues before continuing with their stroll.

I watched as people went about their business, trying to get used to this unfamiliar yet homely environment.

I walked away from the window. Beside the bed, a bowl of water and a towel stood on a table. I wondered if it were brought earlier when I was asleep. I walked over to it.

When my hands touched the cool surface of the water, a wave of relief washed over me. It wasn't hot, but it was nice to wash my face. The steam left my skin as my fingers traced along my jaw giving me a pleasant feel. I closed my eyes as I let the water soak into my scalp. As I opened my eyes again, I took the towel and began drying my face and hair off. After I finished, I decided to dipped the side of the towel half wet and wiped my legs and arms. Then dried off. I wrapped the towel around my body and sat down in front of the mirror to take stock of my appearance.

My hair hung loosely around my face, with only a few strands framing my face, giving me an innocent-looking appearance. But my eyes told a different story. I couldn't help but stare into them as I ran my fingers through my brunette bangs. They were wide and blue, and I knew they would always hold the power to make me feel like I belonged.

The sound of knocking interrupted my train of thought. A voice called out.

"Come in!" I said my smile began widening.

The door slid aside and he stepped inside.

He was a young boy. Perhaps thirteen or fourteen. He was holding a tray of what seemed to be clothing.

The boy looked petite yet somehow sturdy. His features were sharp and well-defined. His hair was black as pitch. His eyes held warmth within them.

"Good morning, how can I help you?" I asked.

He hesitated for a moment before answering. "Morning, sir...Mistress said I should give you these. There are clothes to change to begin your day." The boy quietly said. He had a slight accent. It was hard to place, however.

He handed me the tray. They were simple clothes. White linen shirt, dark trousers and a pair of polished leather shoes.

"Thank you," I said to the boy.

The boy slightly bowed his head. "You're welcome, and sir...breakfast waits for you downstairs."

With that, he quickly left the room.

Looks like this is an inn. I wondered why it didn't look like my room.

I dressed quickly in the clothes provided to me and descended the stairs. I was greeted by a woman dressed in plain white linen. She wore dark green eyeshadow around her eyes which complimented her pale skin nicely. Her short black hair was tied neatly back.

"Looks like you're ready, what would you like for breakfast?" She asked.

"Oh um, just whatever you recommend," I answered as she led me out of the dining area and into the kitchen.

I sat at a table and feebled with my ring on my ring finger. A habit I picked on. It happens when I'm deep in thought.

Few men sat at a different table, they looked like guards. Perhaps they were patrolling and decided to take a break. They seemed to be talking amongst themselves. Two of them looked up in my direction but averted their gazes when they met mine.

"Here you go, sir," the woman from before brought a tray with a cup of milk and fruits. Sweeten bread and fried eggs.

She sat it on the table before me. I took out my wallet and dig out a few silvers. I was about to hand her the coins but she shook her head.

"Please keep it," she said kindly. "There won't be a need for that. Someone paid for your stay and meal."

"Some...one did?" I said slowly. "What do you mean? Who was it?"

"A young man. He came here together with you last night, I believe. You were quite drunk," the woman replied with a smile.

I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. Ah, I might have done something stupid.

A young man...probably a friend, I thought. But I doubt it.

"Do you know anything of him?" I asked softly.

"Not much. He had this noble look and blonde hair. He's quite handsome and around your age," she responded.

Her words sparked curiosity within me, causing me to ask my next question.

"Could you please tell me a bit more about him? Is there anything else I should be worried about?" I asked.

She looked thoughtful for a second before replying.

"He seems like a kind soul. Don't worry too much," she said.

I nodded in response.

She seemed to sense my unease and excused herself from the table. After taking her leave, I picked up my fork and poked at the food on the plate.

I wondered who this gentleman was. Was he perhaps a merchant or a nobleman? If he was, why was he helping me? I could only think of two reasons why someone would want to help me. One, he might have known I'm working with Gard. The other is because he wanted something from me.

The first reason seemed unlikely though, there was no point in thinking about it right now. If I kept thinking about it, I'd just end up obsessing about it and wasting time that could easily be better spent getting to know someone in the town other than Gard.

I finished my breakfast. I thanked the lady for her generosity and decided to explore the town a bit.

Like always.

I got up from the table and exited the inn, looking both ways before crossing the street. The sun was high in the sky, (it was still morning) shining bright above me. People were walking around, carrying baskets and boxes. Talking and laughing. Some were causing trouble, ladies were getting cheeky with some rich merchants. Well...some of them.

I wandered down the main street, stopping every few steps to look at different types of buildings. Some were small shops selling jewelry and trinkets, others were shops selling household items such as candles and clothing which were probably from northeastern realms because of the intricate design they had.

I continued until I reached the large square. It took me a minute but eventually, found my way to the centre, which housed a statue of a tall man sitting on a bench.

The statue had been carved by master craftsmen and sculptors thousands of years ago. It was old-fashioned, made of wood and adorned with golden handles. The face portrayed a strong feeling that could only come from one. The statue's face seemed peaceful enough, but its eyes seemed to be telling someone the opposite, and yet they also spoke volumes. They conveyed the impression of wisdom that only comes after great pain, hardship and sorrow. As I neared the statue of the man, I suddenly heard two men arguing.

"Conrad, think this through!" one said, an old man as he grabbed the sleeve of the one called Conrad.

Conrad was taller than him by a few inches and had short, curly brown hair tied behind.

"My father doesn't care who loves me! All he thinks is of himself and his power!" Conrad said frantically angry as he crossed his arms.

His companion, shorter and more slender, had jet black hair. His eyes were a piercing shade of grey. He looked almost tired and annoyed.

The man who Conrad argued with sighed and shook his head. "It's not that simple, Conrad. Do you truly know that?" He asked in concern.

Conrad turned toward him, a pained expression etched onto his face. Then, he said in a low voice. "Of course, I know that! I just want to control my own life..."

Before either of the two could finish their conversation, I decided to interject. "Excuse me, gentlemen, but may I ask what is happening here? You're causing quite a scene," I asked politely, glancing at the irritated White Shadows that lacked around the square. Most of them were inspecting the statue in adoration while others were reading books, talking amongst themselves and painting. Another was playing the most beautiful song notes on her sliver flute. 

I had a sight that only 0.5 percent of Soreen's population could see spirits or glamoured features hidden away from human sight.

They looked up and saw me standing before them, staring intently at them. Both of their expressions shifted immediately and their expressions darkened. Conrad's mouth became a thin line and furrowed his eyebrows.

"We weren't fighting..." Conrad stated.

A silence followed. After a couple of seconds, the two men glanced nervously at each other. Conrad's gaze remained fixated on me.

Finally, the man Conrad argued with spoke up hesitantly. "I apologize, I must take my leave."

And with that, the man quickly walked away without so much as a glance toward me.

I stared after him silently.

Conrad broke the tense silence that had filled the air. "I didn't expect to see you here," he said.

I looked up at him, unsure of what he meant, so I asked. "What do you mean?"

Conrad's face softened. "I meant nothing by my statement. I'm sorry," he said.

His tone was soft, gentle even. He smiled at me reassuringly. His smile was so warm and inviting. It made me uneasy.

"Conrad?" His champion called out.

He looked at me with cold eyes. I couldn't tell what he was thinking.

"Of course, Jonathan," Conrad turned around. "Let us continue our journey."

I watched as the duo walked away. Conrad turned around briefly and caught my eyes for a brief second.

I watched them as they disappeared around the corner of the square. I puzzled myself with what happened around me. It seemed this Conrad knew something about me and I don't like it. I'm the type of person who doesn't reveal much. Especially when it came to things concerning myself. What is he hiding?

I stood quietly in the middle of the square for a moment, lost in thought.

After a little while, I resumed my journey. I started to walk around aimlessly, trying to get accustomed to the place, and my surroundings that I've been countlessly been doing everyday. The thought of Conrad faded away.