The Blade Heir (Book 1) by Daniel Adorno Page B

hadn't noticed how hot it was outside. It was summer after all, but in Verdania, the temperature always seemed just right, even in the winter. Never too warm or cold , he thought. But out here in the open country, he felt the perspiration on his brow and the heat of the sun upon him.
    In about four hours, they had covered nearly twenty miles on foot. It was a silent walk for the most part, a few remarks here and there about the landscape or a short conversation on what they would do once they reached the city. Never anything deeper than the present matters, but Lucius had become accustomed to it while living amongst the elves. They were a quiet people, always introspective and calm. Many times he wished he could be the same, but he wanted to talk about his dreams and his fears. Helmer was the only elf who he had ever talked to about such things, but even he could not relate fully to his experiences since he was not a man. As much as he loved his adoptive elven family and his home in Evingrad, he longed to be with his own kind. I must know my people ... my true family. He wondered if he would ever meet his father or mother on this quest. Could they still be alive or had they fallen by the sword of Draknoir hunters? He tried not to think too much on it, but Helmer's revelations in his study had left him longing for answers.
    "Look, Lucius," Siegfried interrupted his thoughts, "the city of Sylvania is within sight."
    Lucius looked to the east at the faraway city of Sylvania. He could make out thatched roofs and billows of smoke coming from chimney tops. A wooden fence surrounded the small city that housed brick towers with guards sitting inside. The gateway to the city was wide open, but would no doubt close before evening.
    "I hope they have some decent food; I'm famished." Lucius quickened his pace on the road.
    "I'm sure their accommodations will be suitable for the both of us," Siegfried replied.
    The two travelers reached the fork in the Barren Road, which split three ways: north, south, and eastward towards the city. Lucius instinctively looked to his right and left, searching for others traveling on the road, but saw none. His eyes also searched the landscape to the North. The green hills and fields continued on for miles, but beyond them, towards Jun-Jun Pass, he thought he saw a gray line on the horizon. A slight shiver ran up his spine with an uneasiness he could not shake. Siegfried felt his brother's tension and asked about it. Lucius assured him everything was fine, convincing himself it was nothing.
    When they reached the gate of Sylvania, two guards patrolling each side of the gateway walked up to them. They wore heavy armor with broadswords sheathed at their sides. Bronze helmets with several dents and stains adorned both of their heads, looking rather inadequate to shield them from a blow to the skull.
    "What business do you have in Sylvania?" the heavyset guard asked.
    Lucius quickly tried to think of an answer, but Siegfried spoke before he could say a word.
    "We are merely here for food and lodging, kind sir. Our travels have made us weary, and we are in need of rest," he bowed his head slightly.
    Lucius forced back a smile, "Indeed."
    The guard squinted his eyes and glanced at his younger and thinner partner who eyed them suspiciously.
    "Where have you come from, my lords?" the younger guard asked.
    "From Verdania. We made flight only a night ago," Lucius replied with slight annoyance.
    "Verdania?" The older one looked perplexed and apprehensive. "Not a soul has come from that land to Sylvania in many years. The D'aryan elves are a secluded people. They've no desire to leave their elven sanctuaries for the likes of this place. Now stop telling lies and tell us where you're from."
    "We have no reason to lie," Lucius cried. "We do hail from the realm of the D'aryan elves and would appreciate it kindly if you would let us pass."
    "Let you pass?" The bigger guard placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. "We've