Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Morning sunlight crept through the window of a well-kept inn, waking a small room with sweet, warm rays. The area suddenly sprung to life – though the inhabitants had been up long before the sun – welcoming the early hours of the morning as they sat around a circular table. Empty glasses rested besides the four teenagers, waiting to be filled with a drink of some kind.
The small square room had little furniture and showed that although clean and tidy, didn’t see many visitors. Opposite the circular table placed in the centre of the room was wooden framework, separating a large section of the room. Built into the frame was a desk-like shelf that had a book placed upon it. If it had been an hour later then an old man would be standing there, cheerfully greeting those that entered the room.
Perpendicular to the table was a large window, glass cracked in small places and always kept clean. It overlooked the busy street beyond it, but not many gave a passing glance into the Hinician Inn as they walked by.
On the far left-hand side of the room was a grand staircase, open wide for many to walk up or down. A boy sat just beneath the stairway, his head buried deep into his arms as his messy two-toned hair stuck up in different places. Evan raised his head slightly at the two voices arguing before he groaned, lowering his head once more and trying to keep them out.

“The simple fact is.” A tired voice started before pausing to allow the owner to yawn. The dark haired male rested his hand on the table as he tapped impatiently, exhaustion getting the better of him. “One of these days Alex, you’re going to get us killed with your ‘heroic behaviour’. What good are self-proclaimed heroes if they’re dead?”
“It won’t end that way.” Messy brown locks covered the boy’s chocolate brown eyes before Alexander pushed them to the side, signature playful smile spread across his face. “You worry too much. The girl needed saving – you know what they do to Lyraths.”
“’They’ meaning Humans, which, unless you’re forgetting, you’re one too. Do you know what they’ll do to us if they find out we killed five soldiers just to save a Lyrath girl?” The male sighed, blowing his hair out of his face in anger. “Are you forgetting what will happen to Lumia and Evan? An Elf girl – our enemy – and an Angel whose race is neutral in this war. They’ll be killed!”
“Oh give me a break Edwin! What were we supposed to do? Let the girl die?” Alexander’s voice rose as he stood from his seat, slamming his hands down onto the table as though it would get his point across. Evan jumped slightly from the loud noise as he looked up to see their angry leader speak. “If you ask me it’s their own fault they died. What good is a knight if they can’t defend themselves from magic like that?”
“No Alex! That isn’t the point!” Edwin roared. “Do you even think? If Evan is found out then do you know what will happen to an Angel with a status like his? If Lumia is killed do you know what the Elves will do?”
“Well if you shut up then maybe no one will find out!”
“Are you trying to end a war or start one Alex? You can’t live on ‘maybe’s, it’s not just your own life at risk!”

Movement came from the other end of the table as a female Elf crossed her legs and folded her arms. An impatient expression met the boys as they looked towards her and Alexander cautiously sat back down. After listening to the two argue over the same matter for more than three hours she had grown bored and lost her temper.
“Drop it.” Lumia instructed. The simple command was enough to silence both boys, knowing that behind the sweet smiles and mother-like tendencies was a rebellious teenager whose rage was to be feared. Her eyes wondering towards the window as she sighed. “You’ve been arguing all morning and it’s already daybreak. I’m almost certain you’ve woken the other guests. Be more considerate.”
The two watched as she uncrossed her long, slender legs almost as soon as she had finished talking, standing up and bending slightly to fix her thigh-high socks. Carefully she ran a hand through her loose honey-blonde hair before pulling the top layer into a neat ponytail and stretching elegantly as she strolled towards the window.
“Seems the town has awoken already.” She sighed, turning her head to glance at the boys sitting around the table. “Who’d have thought Humans were so dedicated as to start working this early in the morning?”
The words came out as a low whisper, almost like she was thinking to herself, marvelled at such a sight. As an Elven girl in the middle of an Elf-Human war, it was unusual for an Elf to see the way Humans live, and vice-versa.
“We’re not all as bad as your leaders say we are.” Alexander muttered in annoyance as Edwin gave him a look that said ‘watch what you say’.
“I know. Why would I travel with you if I believed you were all the same?” The woman kindly replied wholeheartedly as she gave a small smile. “I’m just excited. This is my first time being in a Human city since the war started, but I was too young to remember anything from then.”
The black haired male stretched his arms forwards as he watched the only female present with a sense of admiration as she gawked out of the window. “I thought the Elf and Human relationship was complicated even before the war broke out?”
“It was. My parents had business in a nearby Elf country and had to pass through. It was different to now though, Humans and Elves got along considerably well; but then the Lyrath Experiment…” She replied watching the busy people pass.

They carried with them crates and boxes – probably from the cargo the night beforehand – as they chatted happily. A sense of excitement filled the air around them and the Elven girl watched them closely. “It looks like they’re preparing for a festival.”
“Festival?” The youngest of the four perked up. It had been the first time he’d spoke since they had arrived at the empty inn. His brown-blonde hair was messy and he’d let the loose ponytail down to allow him comfort. Evan’s cloak had been removed and placed neatly at the back of his chair and his sleeveless top hung from his body as he lent forwards slightly. “I’ve never been to a Human festival before.”
“And you won’t be going to one today.” Alexander sighed, seemingly completing the sentence.
Edwin nodded slightly and turned his attention to the preteen. “We’re simply restocking and passing through; we’ll be gone before the festival has even started.”
Even pouted and turned his attention to the woman, hoping she’d catch his glance and soften. As he hoped, Lumia’s eyes locked onto his before she quickly looked away; unable to resist his childish begs. She changed the subject. “What are they celebrating?”
The brown haired leader stood; his childishness showing as he seemed to bounce over towards the window to stand next to the inch taller girl. “Not sure. It’s a shame we won’t be here long enough to find out.”
“We could ask before we leave if you’re really that curious.” Edwin sighed.
“Really?” Evan asked as the girl whisked her head around, just as excited to find out about the celebrations.
“I don’t see why not – as long as Xander is fine with it, obviously.”
The boy in question sighed. It was at times like this when his true nature shone through – the childish mask falling away to show a matured man. Both Lumia and Evan stared at him, silently begging him to allow them to at least find out what the festival was about. He too, was excited just as any other sixteen year old would be. The difference between him and any other teenage boy was that he had a goal he’d rather stick to instead of stopping at every town they went to just so the two could marvel at the Human culture.

Though – the longer Lumia and Evan looked at him – the harder he found it to say “no”.

“Fine.” He muttered, turning away from his friends.
A squeal of happiness escaped the girl’s mouth along with a laugh of joy from the young boy. They looked towards Edwin in gratitude; however their thanks went unnoticed by the male who was now staring at the dark wooden table in though. They were used to the pitch haired male zoning out at times – it seemed he had more thoughts than he’d like to share – but even so they glanced at each other in an unspoken worry. Humans were far too complicated to them and they still had trouble with comprehending Alexander’s sudden mood swings, without having to deal with Edwin’s thoughtfulness as well.

The brown haired male suddenly moved from the window, placing four silver coins on the make-do counter before standing wait by the door. It took the three remaining teens a second or two before they understood – it was time to head out.
The first to move was Evan, his achy, tired body swaying slightly as he stood. His eyes were a dull shade of gold from staying awake for so long, but he knew that as soon as he started moving around his energy would return to him.
The Angel’s skin was a milky white colour that contrasted with the shades of brown on his clothes. His shirt was split into two different colours, a beaver at the top and white that was almost the same colour as his skin taking the majority of the material. Baggy, bole shorts protected his legs and camel leggings hugged his skin. He wore sandal-like shoes that provided him with comfort as he walked long distances.
Evan stretched slightly, waving goodbye to the tiredness before he clasped the expensive, brown cloak around his shoulders and nodded, ready to go.
He looked up and found his friends already waiting by the door, watching his slow movements carefully. The boy was pushing himself far too much for a fourteen year old but it was no wonder he had been able to hold up so well on his own before Alexander agreed to letting him travel with them.
Although the Angel’s physical ability was low, his magic was far higher than average. He could heal with little effort, fluent in the Latin tongue and having memorised almost all spells in the large Angels’ Guild to Magic Around Us. It was to be expected, as the boy had been forced to take lessons from the very moment he could talk.

“Are you sure you want to come?” Lumia asked in concern as the Angel drew closer. “You seem too tired. You can always wait here and catch up on some sleep – we’ll come back and get you before we leave?”
“I’m not going to fall for that again.” Evan spoke, throwing a glare in the brown haired boy’s direction. His dialect was clear and simple, easy to understand and similar to that of a ruler.
“Hey, I was just looking out for you kid.” Alexander laughed as he opened the inn door and stepped outside, the three following close behind. “Wanted to make sure you were up for it. Didn’t really expect you to have put tracking spells on us.”
“If you hadn’t have left without me…” The boy trailed off, looking around the area carefully.

Light rays were hot on the boy’s back and he gasped happily at the warmth. People moved about quickly and slightly carelessly, making Evan watch his every step.
Everyone seemed busy, and the boy took a moment to take in the people around him. Lyrath children played silently, running in-between adults that seemed more than annoyed with them. A couple of older residents would occasionally tut at the young race and roll their eyes, muttering cusses under their breaths and scowling.
Women walked with baskets full of fruit and food – a sweet aroma filling the air from the freshly baked food. There weren’t many men walking around, but those that did spoke with husky voices and walked as though they owned the place.
The buildings seemed run down and as though not many people cared for them. There were washing lines hanging from the windows and the only roads were mud trails that had been worn down from people passing over it constantly.
At the end of the street was a large building with bordered windows. It looked more like a prison than a home; Evan noticed a sign above that missed certain letters but certainly said ‘Orphanage’.

There were a lot of Lyrath children running around and so Evan put the pieces together.

It didn’t take long to notice this was a poor side of town. Probably the main reason not many stayed in the inn and why the price for renting a room was so low. People more or less disliked this part of the neighbourhood because of the large population of Lyraths, hence the old buildings and orphanage that looked like it had been closed down for years.
The people looked happy enough, but weren’t afraid to show their dislike of the Lyraths. It saddened Evan, noticing how the orphans were almost used to their cruel treatment and played on despite the hatred.
For such young children to do that was sorrowful. If the Angel remembered correctly, the youngest of the children would be around six years of age – as old as the current war – while the oldest were about fourteen, the same age as him.
He could understand why the Human’s blamed the Lyraths for their problems, but that didn’t mean he accepted their actions.

The mud on the ground was still damp from the downpour the night before, and Evan thanked the weather Gods for bringing warmth to the town. He looked up as he walked, keeping a keen eye on his older friends and watching where they were going as to not get lost.
“Evan, keep up.”
He quickened his pace at the Elf’s words, now walking side-by-side with her and examining her features. Her face was soft and warm. Her nose rounded and pink lips full. The woman had pointed grey eyes that reflected the light and her complexion was light – not as white as the Angel’s skin – a common trait among Elven women.
Evan liked Lumia. She reminded him much of his late mother and he relied on her when he felt weak. She was like an older sister that although often teased and annoyed him, was always there with a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold and advice to give.
“Is there something on my face?” The woman asked, noticing the boy’s staring. Evan laughed and shook his head, deciding it was better to look at the shops he passed rather than the people he travelled with. He noticed that there was many different stalls and wondered why they were doing so well in such a poor neighbourhood. Back in Athania, his home town, places such as this tended to do worse than the neighbourhoods that had richer people living in them. He knew, because he’d had to learn about it quite a few times.
But in the Human towns it seemed to work backwards. The run down part of town had cheaper prices, and more people seemed to venture there to get bargains rather than shop in nice surroundings where the items were overpriced. It confused the Angel, but he didn’t ask his Human friends for their opinion.

“Edwin, who are we supposed to ask?” Alexander suddenly spoke, looking a little lost.
It was hard to understand why he was the leader at times. Edwin seemed to know a lot more about the world, he was two years older than the sixteen year old and thought about his plans more than the teen. But Edwin placed his trust in Alexander, backing him up despite their disputes.
They had a history that neither Lumia nor Evan knew about. They didn’t feel the need to ask about the relationship between the two males, nor their reasons behind traveling together. The two had known each other the longest, Lumia had spoke of the pair arriving in Sayilia and demanding an Elf join their small party and put an end to the dispute. It had caught the woman’s attention, her rebellious side getting the best of her as she agreed without even considering her father’s opinion.
Evan on the other hand had joined later when the group found him struggling to fight off a large Chimera which refused to back away despite the number of spells the boy threw at it.
“Anyone. They’re bound to know.” Edwin replied, waving in a random direction towards a bunch of people.
Alexander followed his gaze and shook his head. “They look busy.”
“Then ask a child.”
The leader moved forwards and approached a group of Lyraths sat on the steps of an empty building. They watched him near with cautious gazes and as soon as he opened his mouth to ask his question they fled. Alexander turned in shock and confusion, disappointed at their apparent fear of him.
His expression only made Lumia laugh however. “I’ll do it. Lyraths refuse to speak to Humans, but Elves are kinder.”
Alexander seemed to strop at his uselessness in the situation and watched the female as she crouched near two small children. The male stepped back slightly, hiding behind his female friend’s back as the two conversed. Lumia glanced back with a small smile and curious expression before she stood and took the girl’s hand, leading her towards the group.
“She has a question for you, Xander.”

The girl stood with her head down, the peach hair fell forwards and covered her face. She looked just as any other Lyrath child did, but her bistre clock that hung from her shoulders was strikingly familiar.
“I…” She started, her voice small and disappearing into her chest.
“Raise your head.” Alexander ordered, refusing to be spoke to in such a way. He didn’t like being classed the same way the other Humans were – he wasn’t a cold hearted male who threw the Lyraths out – but he knew that unless he spoke to her with a sense of authorisation she would simply do things her way.
The Lyrath lifted her head, steel blue eyes nervously looking at the three males who stood before her. She wasn’t scared of them, for she knew they wouldn’t hurt her in anyway. But she was still nervous – or more cautious – for she feared Humans couldn’t be trusted.
“Ah, so it is you.” Edwin gasped slightly, recognising the girl. “Fate can be quite funny.”
Cecilia nodded but otherwise said nothing. She waited for a moment, but when neither of the males spoke and the Elven woman patted her back, she asked her question. “Sir, I would…like to join you on your journey.”
“Why?” Alexander questioned and the girl looked as though she had been thrown off. She was expecting a straight “no”, not to be asked her reason.
“I was thinking all night and there has to be a reason. Elves and Humans hate each other, and yet you travel together. Humans hate Lyraths, yet you still helped me yesterday.” She shook her head in confusion. “I don’t understand it at all. Why are you different to the others?”
Alexander sighed, his arms crossed as he thought. “This isn’t a babysitting service.”
“But you let me join.” Evan suddenly spoke, eyes fixated on the Lyrath before him. It was the first time he’d ever spoke to one, and he’d heard them to be a race that kept out of trouble. But this girl proved all the rumours false.
The brown haired boy let out a sound of annoyance. “That’s different, right Ed?”
Edwin discarded the question, stepping forwards and lowering himself to the girl’s level. She seemed to freeze in panic, not knowing what to do as he examined her carefully. “What’s your name?”
“Cecilia.” She spoke in a small voice.
“I’m Edwin.” He introduced himself before introducing his friends. “This is Lumia, Evan and lastly, our leader; Alexander. I have a few questions for you, Cecilia.”
The Lyrath nodded.
“You know this will be dangerous, right? We have a goal that we aim to achieve.”
Once again, the girl nodded.
“Can you fight?” He pressed on, happy with her previous answer.
“No Sir.”
“Just Ed is fine.” The male smiled before continuing. “Then, can you wield a weapon, use magic?”
Cecilia shook her head once more. “I’d be willing to learn.”
“Then I haven’t a problem with you joining us.” He concluded as he stood.
Alexander stood in shock for a moment before speaking rather loud. “What are you thinking? She’s a child! She can’t even fight!”
“She’s a Lyrath. She’ll be useful to us.” Edwin only sighed.

Alexander couldn’t argue back.
It was true.
A Lyrath would certainly come in handy. They had answers to questions that neither Elves nor Humans could answer. Behind the scenes information that only they would know, for they were the only ones there.
Cecilia’s company could be useful.

“Fine.” He muttered, walking off. “Evan, when we stop at the next town I want you to make her a weapon, teach her how to use it. And those clothes, she can’t come with us wearing them. Make her some new ones.”
“Ay ay sir!” Evan laughed, watching the girl as he tried to decide what weapon she would be best suited for.
Cecilia looked at her clothes, feeling conscious about herself. It was only now she realised the state her greyed blouse and copper shorts were in. They were too small for her tiny frame and she’d been using the same clothes for about three years already. Holes had made their home in the material and they were still damp from the night before. Her cloak was ripped and close to useless, she only wore it to hide her face and features from those that may choose to kill the closest Lyrath they could.
But their clothes were the complete opposite. Bright colours that attracted attention but also helped them blend into a crowd. There were no holes in the material, no rips that exposed skin. They looked well kept, wealthy and clean. But the Lyrath looked like she had just crawled out of the sewers – which she may or may not have done.
She dawdled behind the four, feeling like she didn’t fit in, until a hand wrapped itself around hers and pulled her further into the tight group.
“Don’t worry.” Bright, golden eyes caught hers and the voice was warm and comforting. Cecilia realised she had misjudged the boy completely. He wasn’t even a Human, he was an Angel. “We’ll get you cleaned up.”
The Lyrath nodded, walking hand in hand with the boy in an awkward silence. She had learnt her first lesson – never judge a book by its cover.