Chapter 20 Alina meets Zoya

While Hadrian was on his ship on True Sea,Alina arrives at the First Army's camp after meeting up with her childhood best friend Mal,she looked around to find Hadrian.After she heard many tales about him and Hadrian practically became a Major in the shortest time,added to the fact many call him Saint Hadrian of Hope and Light.It made her curious about what her friend was doing now.

A group of Squaller's and Inferni were practicing their powers on a dummy by lighting it up with fire then blowing it away with wind.

Both Alina and Mal were watching this,as Mal frowned and said"This is why our tents got moved.Grisha wanted more space.Show-offs.They're always picking on us when their general's not around"

The suddenly a voice came from behind"Really we are show off or do you forget the first army also does a fighting to show off too."both of them jumped in shock a nd turn to see it was Zoya,who hand frown on her face and added"They are practicing we have to go through the Fold Squallers are needed to continuously use their wind to push it,so losing concentration is a problem.Also we needed this much space because we didn't need an first army getting caught up in any accidents."

Mal flinched at the glare Zoya was giving him as She added"About picking on your people,I am sorry for it.But your first army are not innocent too as I had seen many throwing insults towards the Grisha."

Mal nodded,as Zoya looked at Alina and said"So you are Alina Starkov,Hadrian told me to look after you."

Alina's eyes widened recognizing Zoya description,she spoke up"You are Zoya,Hadrian talked about you too."

Mal who heard Hadrian's name,his mood went down.Since he knew Alina's feelings for Hadrian.

While Zoya smiled,but she also picked up how Alina's eye lit up when Hadrian was mentioned.Zoya couldn't help but think"So this girl too is falling for him."

Alina experienced prejudice against her Shu Han heritage.But that was quickly changed when Zoya entered and reprimanded the chef for that and even fired him.Which Alina was greatly thankful for.

After talking to Alina for a while Zoya went her way,as in First Army tent the leader of the group got on to the platform and spoke up"All right, listen up.I know some of you have been on the road for a week, so I'll be brief.Most of you will continue north to the Fjerdan frontlines.Or south to the Shu Han border.Originally we were going to wait for Lord Black to return from his mission in five days,but due to General Zaltan complains about our food shortage,we are told sails tomorrow for Novokribirsk.If this model works, it means a full meal for everyone in this tent next week."

The soldiers murmuring,there was already bad reputation for First army General as he is one asking for more trips through the Fold.

The leader understood everyone's irritation continued"It means bullets for your guns and sugar for your tea."

A soldier questioned"Can't we wait for Lord Black's arrival.I mean we could cross the Fold safely with him."

The old leader sighed and replied"I know lad General Zaltan is pushing the issue.Our next shipment of Lord Black only comes in next ten days and bullets don't belong in the category."

The old leader was literally annoyed,since he knew Lord Black was a frontline fighter too and not just the sun summoner for travelling through the Fold,so many respected the boy for that.After he could easily stay behind and not fight and only come to travel through the Fold.

The old leader added"Of course, they need our help bringing those supplies back, so some of you will be assigned."

When the name was called Mal's name was called causing Alina to freak out.