Chapter VI: Inglis, Age 15—Journey to the Capital
Three years had passed since the incident in Ymir, during which the city under Bilford’s rule had endured the deaths of Lord Shiony and Rahl the Highlander. Another inspector had arrived from the capital shortly afterward, this time without a Highlander in tow, and judged Ymir blameless for what had happened. It was thanks to the hard work of Eris and Rafael that the inspector had made such a decision.
Inglis’s training regimen grew even more intense over those three years, and Rafinha often joined her, honing her skills with the bow.
At the age of fifteen, their lives would change.
A covered wagon waited beside the gates of Ymir. Inglis and Rafinha were waiting next to it as their families, the knights, and the townspeople wished them fond farewells.
The duke proffered fatherly advice. “Stay well, Rafinha. Don’t get into any fights with Rafael. And remember to thank Lady Eris for all she’s done for us.”
“Of course, father. I’ll write as soon as I arrive,” she replied. “I’m not sure if Rafael is just too busy to write or if he’s choosing not to, but I’ll keep in touch.”
As Rafinha smiled from her father’s embrace, Inglis thought of how much her cousin had grown. She’s turning into a woman, but she still has that upbeat personality. She’s so striking that she keeps turning my head before I realize it.
At fifteen years old, Rafinha had been accepted as a cadet at the knights’ academy. Today was the day she departed for the capital.
She wouldn’t be alone, though—Inglis was joining her. As a Runeless, she was disqualified from full knighthood but not from life as a squire. Thus, she was allowed to train at the academy.
Training for knights and squires differed in the fine details, but the theoretical lectures and the practical exercises were largely the same. Plus, as roommates, their daily life wouldn’t change much at all.
“Inglis, please take good care of Rafinha,” the duke said.
“Of course.”
As Inglis nodded, the duke leaned in and whispered, “And, of course, deal with any bad influences on her. She’s a curious girl—sometimes a bit too curious.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” Inglis was in full agreement about the dangers of boyfriends. After all, Rafinha may have been Duke Bilford’s daughter, but she was also something like a granddaughter to Inglis.
He added, “Though I’m sure you’re more likely to draw their attention yourself.”
Rafinha turned heads, but Inglis at this point drew outright stares. Her platinum blonde hair shimmered like the summer moon, her ruby-red eyes gleamed like jewels, and she was well into her growth spurt. Just as when she was twelve, she looked older than her actual age. People mistook her for fourteen or fifteen years old then, and now at fifteen she could be mistaken for eighteen. Moreover, she was beautiful from head to toe.
After concluding his farewell to his daughter, the duke turned to his captain of the knights. “I can only imagine what worries are going through your mind, Luke.”
“Yes, it’s quite the problem,” Inglis’s father said. “She’s such a beauty it’s awkward to go anywhere with her.”
“Oh, don’t be such a fuddy-duddy! I’m sure she’ll be a wonderful duchess someday!” Rafinha beamed.
“Mm. Even a wallflower like Rafael is sure to notice her,” the duke said.
Luke agreed. “Which means a bright future for Ymir. At least, if Rafael is so inclined.”
“Yeah, totally! I’m sure she’ll make an impression!” Rafinha gave voice to the spreading excitement. It seemed like everyone was in agreement about where Inglis should set her sights.
“Oh no,” Inglis reflexively cut in. “Calm down, everyone.”
Or at least ask my opinion first! Inglis couldn’t help but think resentfully. The problem isn’t Rafael himself—it’s that he’s a guy. I don’t even want to think about it. My tastes haven’t changed, so I’d rather you were trying to set me up with a woman, honestly.
She cleared her throat. “I am, of course, Rani’s squire. I have no intention of wasting a single moment of my study.”
Two voices cut through the chatter.
“Rafinha!”
“Inglis!”
Irina and Serena called out to their daughters as they approached breathlessly, carrying large bundles under their arms.
Rafinha and Inglis responded happily in turn.
“Mother!”
“Mom!”
The two mothers’ words overlapped. “Sorry to keep you waiting! We packed you lunch!”
Each had put together a basket that would feed a grown man for three days. It was a prodigious amount of food, but it was not an unusual sight for Inglis or Rafinha, both of whom had equally enormous appetites to match. Rafael, Serena, and Irina were all big eaters too. Perhaps the trait was genetic. When the extended families ate together, it wasn’t uncommon for the duke and Luke to be amazed by how much their households could fit in their stomachs.
“Thank you!” Inglis and Rafinha replied with smiles as their mothers came in for teary embraces.
Irina bid her daughter farewell. “Take care, sweetie. And remember, Chris will be there for you.”
“I know you two will be each other’s rocks,” Serena said. “Remember—no matter how tough things get, never give up.”
Inglis thought back to her past life, born in a poor farming village and orphaned at eight. Yet as Inglis Eucus, she had spent fifteen years with loving parents and wide-open horizons; she had wanted for nothing in this childhood.
Now, though, it was time to set out beyond her home comforts and train herself further in battle. The capital was a crossroads for people and information alike, and she might well encounter a worthy foe there. Her first step would be gathering that information, though. If the kingdom was in danger, leaders could mobilize her as a cadet without her having to lift a finger. That would be something to look forward to! As grateful as she was to her parents, it was time to leave Ymir and chase that opportunity.
“We’re off, then!” Inglis announced.
Rafinha chimed in, “Thank you for everything! Stay well!”
The crowd waved as the wagon’s wheels creaked into motion. Inglis took the reins, Rafinha seated at her side. As Duke Bilford and Serena faded from sight, she began to sniffle, the farewells pulling at her heart. Tears welled up in her eyes.
“Don’t cry, Rani. Our real challenges begin here.” Inglis wiped her eyes with a fingertip.
“Yeah... You’re right. I know I’ll be fine if you’re here with me. All right, then, let’s have lunch. ♪” Rafinha produced the lunches from the wagon bed. “I’m starving!”
“No fair! I have to hold the reins!”
“Don’t worry. I’ll feed you. ♪” Rafinha pressed the corner of a sandwich into Inglis’s mouth.
“Fhnkf... Mmmm, vhf’ff gwwf...”
The sandwich would be her last taste of home for a long time. Better to savor it as much as possible.
As they enjoyed their meal, Ymir faded into the distance...
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login