Page 54 of Shadow Kissed
The market in the Shadow Valley lies over on the west side of the valley. I can’t help but gawp like an idiot as we walk there. The architecture here is truly breathtaking. It looks different in the daytime. The white floors contrasting starkly with the dark brick buildings that twinkle in the sun’s light. We pass a grand black brick building with beautiful large arched glass windows and tall steeples that line the rooftop. Large stone steps lead up to the two large doors.
“What is that building?” I ask Moryen, who walks a few paces ahead of us, shielding her pale complexion with a parasol.
“That’s our library and museum. It holds many special, ancient scrolls and important artefacts. Our king decided to house them on Asen after the great library and museum in our own realm were almost destroyed by fire after a vicious attack by our enemies,” she replies, quickly turning her attention back ahead of us.
“It’s stunning,” Saveya says with a dreamy smile and a sigh. “Look how the windows reflect the view of the mountains. Can we visit it sometime?” she asks Moryen hopefully.
Moryen doesn’t turn to answer her, continuing to walk at her brisk pace. “You will visit the library as part of your studies during your time here at the mansion.”
Saveya squeezes my arm in excitement. “I can’t wait for classes to begin! I’m so excited to learn more about the Shadow Realm.”
I force myself not to roll my eyes. I have no desire to learn more about their realm. I sometimes wish I could be more like Saveya, and view everything with rose-tinted glasses, but I’m not that kind of person.
Saveya gestures across the valley. “Aren’t the gates to the valley amazing?” I follow where she points, and my eyes widen. I haven’t had a chance to see the gates properly since my arrival, having shadow weaved here with Raegal. We didn’t enter the valley through the main gated entrance. I call them gates, but in reality, they are large stone doors standing around eighty feet tall. I can see from here that they feature intricate carvings of figures and animals. For anyone standing outside the entrance of these gates, they would remind the visitor of the dominance and power of the Shadow Borne and their foreboding presence here on Asen. They are there to defend the valley and its inhabitants but also to intimidate those entering them. How do the rebels stand a chance against a realm of such power and magnitude?
We reach the market and it’s larger than I expected it to be, with row upon row of busy stalls. The market is bustling with a mix of the valleys residents and soldiers purchasing goods and items. Saveya is looking everywhere, her eye’s lighting up when she spots a stall selling hair accessories and gloves.
“Mistress, can we visit the stall with the pretty hair bows?” she asks Moryen eagerly, nodding her head as if it will encourage her to agree.
Moryen frowns but nods her head. “I need to visit the crystal weaver.” She points a finger at me. “I trust you can behave. Out here you are representing the academy and the reputation of all Shadow Kissed.”
I nod my head at her. “Of course.”
She seems unsure for a second, but then she sighs. “Go on then, and no fraternising with the soldiers. Remember, I have eyes and ears everywhere!” She turns on her heel and strides off towards her destination. Saveya grins delightedly and drags me towards the stall she had her sight set on.
“Look at all these pretty bows. Ooh, I like this pink lace one! What do you think?” She reaches out for it then holds it out in her palms to show it to me.
“Cute,” I say with a forced smile. She laughs at me, ignoring my lack of enthusiasm, and chats with the stall holder about all the ribbons on offer. My attention drifts across the valley to where the army barracks are situated. I need to have a conversation with Arkynn. Moryen’s words ring in my head about behaving, but what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her, right?
“Saveya.” I tug on her dress sleeve, leaning closer whisper in her ear. “I need to see Arkynn. I’ll be back real soon.”
Saveya chews on her bottom lip. “You heard what Moryen said. If you’re caught, you’ll be lucky if she lets you take one step out of the mansion grounds again.”
I shrug my shoulders. “I’m willing to take the risk. You’re okay, right, on your own for a bit?”
Saveya looks around, assessing the busy market. “I’ll be fine but promise me you’ll be safe and that you’ll hurry.”
“I will,” I assure her with a confident grin. I leave her to her shopping and weave my way through the bustling crowd. I spot an Asen soldier I recall being part of the convoy that came to Terleigh, and I walk over to him and tap him in on the shoulder. The soldier turns and drops his gaze to me, and a smile breaks out on his face as he looks me over.
“Well, hello there, gorgeous. What can I do for you?” His brown eyes twinkle flirtatiously.
I roll my eyes. Seriously, does he think I’m here to flirt with him? “Were you part of the convoy to Terleigh?”
He nods his head. “I was. I also helped protect the village during the mutt attack,” he says proudly. Clearly, he’s used this story to talk women into his bed.
“Same,” I say dryly, not in the least bit impressed. “Anyway, do you know where I can find the soldier Arkynn Farsworn? He is a recruit from Terleigh?”
The soldier smirks and nods his head. “Yes, I know of him. Aren’t your kind forbidden from romantic liaisons with us?”
I frown and step closer to him, not wanting anyone around us to hear our conversation and report back to Moryen. “He’s not my lover! He’s a friend and I need to speak with him urgently.”
The soldier’s smirk widens. He clearly thinks I’m lying. “Sure thing. He’s over in block E.”
I nod my head and, with a quick thank you, head off toward the barracks. I walk as fast as I can without raising suspicion. Now to get to his block without being seen. I spot a service cart over the by the side entrance full of clean linens, and I grab a pile large before pushing my way through the door. A soldier on watch glances up from his post.
“Clean linens for E block,” I say. I keep the pile of linens in front of my face, concealing my telltale lilac eyes from him.
“Down there, right then second left.” He points behind. I need not have worried, as he barely glances my way before he returns his attention to the book in his hands. Some soldier he is!