The Lost Heir's

Chapter Eight

“I will be back for you,” Aria shook her head, pushing the thoughts of what transpired in the square out of her mind. It wasn’t what she was here for. She couldn’t waste her time with these pathetic humans. Putting it behind her, she continued on down one of the other busy streets.

When she reached her destination, it was already noon, the snow billowed through the alleyways of Vizara like a blizzard. The wind was blowing just hard enough that it created small snow tornados that danced along the now-quiet alleyway. Aria looked up at the northern gate, the salt tang of the sea mixed with the smell of trees and grass filled her senses. She paused and took a deep breath. Relishing the smells. Freedom. A small smile on her face as she stepped through the vaulted archway and left the city limits, the azure sea stretched out in front of her beyond the merchant docks. The soft sounds of the waves crashing against the harbors and shores.

She focused her attention on the squat building that sat on the outskirts of the nearby forest. The outer Barracks. Her goal. She smiled and quickened her pace, heading straight for the tree line. Quietly moving through the trees and sticking to the shadows, she passed a group of guardsmen, their frosted armor glistening in the sun. Aria bowed her head, pausing behind a bush, as they marched by, their steps in time creating a rumble with every footfall.

When she reached the building, she leaned against the rough surface. There she watched the dockworkers and guardsmen move about on their tasks. When at last she was alone, she turned to the wall and stretched her legs. With a practiced leap, she clambered up the wall, then jumped up the battlement wall until she reached the parapet. When she reached the top, she peered over the edge, finding the top of the tower empty.

“Perfect,” she whispered.

With a vault, she was over the parapet and hidden behind the embrasure. Taking a deep breath, she stood up and looked down at the guardsmen below on the training field. There she watched their exercises, studying their stances and their strikes. She focused more on those using the sword and shield, watching them batter training dummies and each other in mock battles with dull blades.

During one of the duels between two young guardsmen, a man dressed in scarlet robes came running through the main entrance of the garrison. He spoke animatedly to the guard captain and after a minute of conversation, the captain gathered a dozen men and headed for the main gate. It was at the entrance she heard the gruff captain’s voice carry over

“Right men, all guards are to head for the main square. The riot started up by the churchmen has gotten out of hand, and we need to bring them under order.”

“Yes sir!” the men saluted and headed for the city, the rattle of armor ringing out even when they were out of sight.

Aria peered out over the battlements and saw the training field empty. Weapons and armor are left scattered around in the snow. She waited for a moment, for some other guard to watch the place, but no one came. She looked at the discarded weaponry below, a sudden yearning welled up inside of her.

It was right there, ripe for the taking.

Aria glanced around the Barracks, making sure no one was around. Excitement welled up within her as her heart began to race. She leaped over the edge of the tower and scaled down the walls. Only stopping to catch her breath once the snow was beneath her feet. She quickly moved to the shadows of the archways and peered around the stone pillar. Eyeing the swords that were in the field, she double-checked to make sure no guards stayed behind. She slowly took a step out of the shadows, carefully watching.

She had to stop herself from running out and grabbing one. She slowly walked over to a sword and stopped, staring at the silver steel glistening in the snow. Bending down, Aria picked up the sword, dusted the snow off and stared at it.

It was heavier than she originally thought. Picking it up and swinging it, her hand and arm protested as she nearly dropped it. The tip landing in the snow.

Aria gritted her teeth as she grunted, lifting the sword back up. Practicing the position, she saw the guardsmen do before they battled.

She let out a call as she raised the sword above her head, only to stagger backwards before falling on her rear end, the sword falling beside her. Aria grimaced as pain radiated from her tailbone. Getting up, she rubbed her ass before picking the sword up and trying again.

“After watching them for months, you’d think it would be easier,” Aria scoffed to herself. Taking a deep breath, she heaved the sword up and stabbed forward.

“Ah!” She cried out, face planted in the snow. She raised herself up with her arms, grabbing a handful of snow she threw it in frustration, letting out a cry of frustration.