Once we passed through the wider streets of Thalor, we arrived at a second bridge. It was twice the size of the first we’d passed, and on either side, stone pillars stood erect like silent guards watching over us as we passed beneath. At the end of the bridge stood towering gates. The moon was visible through silver metal vines, its sharp points glinting in the faint light.
We came to an abrupt stop before the gates, and the two guards dismounted the elks and shuffled to the rear of the wagon. They opened the gate at the back and we began to file out. It was a mess of bodies clambering over each other; I had to hold onto the side to keep my balance as others pushed past me.
Petrer went ahead and I followed, jumping from the wagon with a soundless thud and joining a group of elves, each who stretched and looked around in awe. The worry of leaving Fa and Mam had melted away, leaving only room to absorb everything around me. The gates creaked open and our two guards began to herd us through them. Petrer stepped in close behind me and placed a hand on the curve of my back, guiding me forward. I contemplated pulling away, but was too caught up with what was beyond the gates to think of anything else.
The palace. It was the biggest building I’d ever seen. The moon appeared small in comparison.
Like the buildings in Thalor, the palace was made from alabaster stone, glowing in the limited light from the moon and stars. Endless windows covered the outer walls, each lit from inside by the warmth of fire and light. I strained my eyes in the dark trying to make out every detail possible. A colony of bats danced around the pointed towers of the palace, flying in and out of alcoves in the walls. Deep jade vines had overtaken the outer walls, and bustling gardens of flowers and shrubbery lined the grounds below.
Captured by the beauty of the palace, I didn’t realize the walk had stopped until I bumped into someone ahead of me. I looked up in time to see our two guards standing beneath the palace doors waiting to address us.
“Welcome to Vulmar, home of our loyal King,” the taller, blonde haired guard announced. “In a matter of hours, you are to attend a feast. You are to bathe and make yourself presentable for an audience with the King. It is an honour to have such a prestigious invite so please do not waste it. We do not have long to prepare as the journey has put us behind schedule.”
A hollow bang sounded from the grand oak doors, signalling for the two guards to move to either side of it. I craned my head over the crowd, anxious to get a look inside.
I lifted my hand to cover my eyes from the blinding light spilling from within. Once my eyes had adjusted, I could see the endless corridor that welcomed us, a rose stained carpet lining the floor disappearing into the palace.
“You are to follow in an orderly fashion. We will be guiding you to your assigned sleeping quarters for the remainder of your stay. I trust you will not forget the way as you will not be shown again.”
In tandem, we followed the guards through the threshold of the palace. I stumbled over the back of someone’s feet and gained myself a sharp look of disapproval.
“Watch it!” he hissed.
I raised my arms and whispered an apology. Making more effort to keep distance between the others and myself.
***
THE RICHES OF King Dalior were everywhere, from the intricate detailed paintings on the walls to the thick rugs that lay beneath our feet. It was clearer now more than ever how our tithes were spent. Silks draped across the stone walls beside us. It would’ve been impossible to count the number of candles balanced on clawed footed candelabras.
The shaven heads of the elves before me turned in wonder, taking in every grand detail like it would be the first and last time they would see such beauty. We were worlds away from Horith, worlds away from our simple lives.
We moved ahead through an arched doorway, leading to a winding case of stone steps. Our footsteps echoed across the bare stone walls as we climbed the steps, only the occasional window allowing the moonlight to spill in and light the way. I reached a hand out to the wall, my coarse fingers running over the smooth surface to keep me steady throughout the climb. The stairway went on longer than I expected, but unlike the others, my legs moved at a constant pace, showing no sign of ache or strain. I silently thanked the hours of climbing trees and hunting, I wouldn’t have the endurance without it. I spotted Illera up ahead, her steps slow and shoulders moving heavily as she struggled to stay in the lead. It didn’t surprise me; I knew she’d do anything to make an impression.
We must have reached our destination because the guards pulled into a room off to the side of the stairway and stopped. As I passed under the archway, I noticed a familiar design etched into the curve above me. The King’s emblem was everywhere, carved into stone walls, woven into rugs and wall hangings.
The room we entered was open and large, the same width of my entire home back in Horith. I counted five doors on either side of the floor, each marked with the King’s emblem, although faint in the worn wood surfaces. The guards looked around, waiting for the entirety of the group to enter, their faces steel-like, not giving away any emotion. I turned back to the stairway and watched the last few join us. They were each panting, heads damp with sweat from the climb.
“This is where you will be staying,” the taller of the guard shouted. “Through these doors, you will find your sleeping arrangements...” She motioned her stocky arms to the first four doors closest to them. “Through the door towards the end of the corridor you will find the baths. You may use it and prepare for the evening. The water is filtered from the ocean and warmed in the morning and eve. Be mindful to leave hot water for your fellow elves in your quarters. We will return shortly to collect you.” Without another word, they both swept through the crowd, and headed back for the stairs.
“Is that it?” Illera moaned, eyes rolling as she turned for the group. I watched her with burning distaste, unsure of how I was to survive being in such close proximity to her during our time here. However long that would be. The invitation hadn’t specified.
“Not the sleeping arrangements you expected, Illera?” Petrer couldn’t hide his sarcasm.
Smirking, she gestured to the closest door to her left, ignoring Petrer’s remark. “This room,” Illera pushed it open, “is mine.” It was final, her words not allowing for anyone to argue. Not that anyone would. Alerior and Katill followed behind her and slammed the heavy door closed.
“Anyone else want to volunteer to stay with them?” Petrer asked, pulling me to his side.
The group exploded in countless refusals, enough of an indication that no one wanted to join her. I couldn’t blame them.
Petrer yanked my arm and led me through the door opposite the one we had watched Illera disappear into.
“If we’re quick, we can pick a bed with a view,” Petrer said.
I drew back, unsure how to break the news that I would not be sharing a bed with him.