When my eyes looked ahead, I saw something that seemed fictional yet, there it was. The city was built atop large stone terraces, its buildings sitting atop them, flanking either side of the valley it sat within. A river flowed calmly through the valley's center like a gentle brook, with the leaves of nearby trees drifting peacefully into its current. The thing, however, that sat out from the already mystic city was its centerpiece. In the center of the city was a large structure that crossed the gap between the flanking terraces, and sat hundreds of feet above the river below.

  “This is Huriad.” The man told me. “The sanctuary of the Je’su Guild.”

  As our horses crossed into the city, I took in everything. I hadn’t seen another city except from my own so this was beyond jarring. Men and women walked quietly on streets that weren’t crowded shoulder to shoulder. Everyone seemed happy and carefree about their lives. It was unlike anyone in Victoria who fought each day to simply see tomorrow’s sun. Not just the people, but the houses were built out of fine materials and as I passed a small food vendor, I smelt an array of spices and smoked food - I could only recall my mother making us a meal like that once in my life… right before she fell ill. I tried to ignore the thought as much as I could as we slowly went around a turn and my eyes fell upon a large building nestled into an opening of a cave that seemed to dart like a lightning bolt up the side of a mountain. Despite the large gap it was nestled within - it seemed hidden away behind the multitude of houses and shops. Even odder, beside the large building was a large pipe, billowing with smoke from a hidden source that I couldn’t see. It was like they wanted the building to be overlooked and ignored, but though my curiosity was massive, I was unable to figure it out. Just as my eyes returned toward the direction we were headed, I scanned past groups of adults that stared at me. At that moment, I realized how many people were staring. Crowds had seemingly formed at the doors and entries to buildings, watching as me and Kesen were taken by the two warriors through the city. I felt as though I was being paraded around like a carnival act, but I tried my best to ignore the attention. But the whole thing seemed like a dream, it was all very surreal. I was a stranger to this world, and I felt as though I was not going to be accepted. Victoria was dull and filled with worry and fear, yet here it seemed no one thought about their shortcomings - or hardship. I felt like I was an intruder of this world, not a guest.

  Finally, the horses slowed as my eyes looked toward the large building that now stood a short walk from us.

  “Welcome to The Sanctuary.” The man travelling with me said.

  I remember the feeling that echoed through my body as my eyes laid onto the flag of the Je’su Guild. I had only seen sketches of the flag within a journal, but now that I saw it here - It was as though my body had felt relief from years of neglect, and then just as soon, that sharp feeling of anxiety. My suspicion was confirmed, much to my excitement, but why… why would they pick us after running like-

  I went cold. My legs felt weak. My arms felt heavy. How had I forgotten it? I do not remember much from what I did to my father that night. But I’ll never forget his brown eyes meeting mine… He tortured me and my brother for years on end, but in that moment, I believe that he had felt regret for what he did to us. Regardless, as I felt my body go cold, my eyes became dark and clouded, the world turning into a blur. My head became heavy, and then… nothing.

  “Kequil?” My brother’s voice called out as my eyes peeled open slowly, like a rusted door in a cold winter. I lifted myself off of a thin mattress that was simply a pad on a marble floor.

  “...kesen?” My voice was weak, still numb to what had just happened.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  “They brought us into some big building in the middle of the valley. They just wanted us to rest till midday. And then-”

  “And then what?” My voice was raised as the events of the last few hours played through my head. Kesen didn’t respond to me as the shadow of a figure peered over my own. I turned around quickly, my eyes meeting that of an armored figure.

  “An inquisitive boy.” A deep, yet gentle voice raised. From the shadowy door, a man wearing gold and white robes stepped forward into our view. He was tall and large, with a similar white mask covering his face; however, his was made from metal. At that moment, I still remember how he spoke as though he was a whale passing by a ship.

  “What is your name?” He said, a staff raising from his hand and touching my chest.

  “Kequil.” I responded meekly. The events were happening so fast, I stammered to have a strong voice but my apprehension took the better of me. I glanced back at my brother, who seemed just as anxious as I was. “He is Kesen, my brother.”

  “Hello Kequil and Kesen. I am Eruial Leye, Grand Sentinel Of The Je’su. If all is true, you two were picked up by two Scouts on the bridge into Victoria, yes?”

  “I..” I stuttered. I don’t really remember why I did, but I guess my mind was so foggy and hazy that I just didn’t know what to say.

  “Yes, sir.” Kesen quickly said, replacing my silence.

  “I see. You two must’ve stirred some trouble for you to run, am I correct in that as well?” He said, his eyes returning to mine. I felt a stab at my heart, as though he was plunging into it for an answer to the truth.

  “...yes, sir.” I said, my voice barely more than a whisper as my eyes peered down, skating across the bloodied cloth of my shirt. My heart was jumping, beating out of my chest as I felt just as nauseous as I did on the horse. His eyes… I couldn’t stop from remembering his eyes.

  “What exactly, please. This space is safe from those who would arrest you boys.” He said, his deep voice resonating off the high ceiling of the room.

  “Just-” Kesen began to speak, but I shot a glance at him. I was the one who did the act,

  “...My father was beating Kesen, and I-” I truly broke for the first time since the event. Tears rolled down my face as I quickly covered my eyes, hoping to hide them from the man. I tried to speak but my voice was empty, I couldn’t bring myself to say anything more than just, “I couldn’t let it happen. I just. I had too. I’m sorry… Kesen.”

  The man stood up and nodded. He had read my face, and my mind like a book and understood what had occurred.

  “You two may stay here for the day; however, tomorrow morning you will be given the option to stay and join the Je’su - or leave for a different life. I can not promise your safety from the law if you are to leave, but this life is your own. If you choose to stay, you may not leave our ranks till you come of adult age, and if you leave you may not return to our guild unless invited.”

  He turned around, his robes trailing on the ground as two caretakers entered with food. They worked quickly to lay down our food and leave, but one of the caretakers, a woman, stopped for a moment to kneel down by me.

  “You are safe here, remember that.” She said. I didn’t look at her, and I can’t recall what she looked like, but her voice was like hot tea on a cold night in Victoria. She gently hugged my shoulder and left the room with the other caretaker. Kesen crept beside me, sitting close by as my emotions took the better of me.

  “...thank you.” He said, speaking up. My tears were slow to end, but once they did, I looked over at him and just nodded, my face flush as a headache tore at me all at once.