8 Part 2: Entering the Castle

Belladonna's view:

Three weeks have passed since my trip to the kingdom the day after was filled with screaming, crying, and cursing. The second day with troops filling the streets and arresting any and all who had a criminal background, individuals. The fourth day they caught and hauled in those who raided Visions camp, a handful of rouges, and thanks to some aid three of the opposition. On the fifth day, things were calmer but still far from normal. Now it's as if nothing happened and all that remains is some tension and unease come nightfall. Many believed the story of the rouge and assassin's joint mission as four rouges were found dead on the border of the kingdom's lands hours into the search of those responsible. Though those against us are smarter and caught on to the lie and have begun searching out the truth. I have a plan B but, that plan is in waiting just a bit longer as a few more pieces are in transit. A mass burial fire was sanctioned for a week after and was open to others from all walks. That was used to scout new recruits, capture some criminals, and show strength. The second week the remaining tension was dull but ever-present but luckily the rumors were diminishing and any who went searching met dead ends. I met with Tic toward the end of the second week and provided a list of people who needed to attend the trials of the soldiers. The list held ten names with three of high value ranging in locations. The list also included a set of instructions on who to acquire in this roundup. I sought all who had been turned away in the past four years, rouges who I'd supply, clans who weren't commonly approached, as well as lower-ranked individuals who weren't in warrior roles, at least ten had to woman and preferably more. In the third week, eight groups of soldiers left the kingdom to acquire willing and unwilling trainees in the kingdom's army. I worked those two weeks to hunt out a few who were worthy of being trusted and found a total of four as the other two died three days before meeting Tic on the edge of the badlands as previously planned.

Within a month of the ordeal, the eight groups united into one massive unit and proved to be the largest haul in the past thirty years. My group was the last the join as Tic came the four miles into the badlands to get to the old oak tree by the stream that provided a nice sunning spot and the only semi-open clearing in hundred miles. Once with the others, we waited two days before entering the kingdom's lands and proceeding to the castles holding grounds. We were told it was to prepare extra space and equipment due to the larger size of the group. Few of us realized the lie as it was more to see how we handled close proximity.

We arrived drenched from a sudden downpour only to be sectioned and placed into tents crammed with beds. Once our belongings were dropped off each tent went through a tour from the kingdoms shops and homes, where clearing equipment was and how to use it, outhouses and showers, and where we were to cook and eat. The tour took two hours as the rain was calmer but still running fresh. Once finished those unable to regulate body temperatures were shaking and all were starving but no rest was given and we were put to the easiest course on the grounds. Likely past ten by the time we returned to the tents that held no heat or air but felt the same as it was outside the temporary shelter. Half ate, a few showered, rest passed out but those who skipped meals would come to regret it in the coming days. The next day we were woken by dawn told some rules and regulations and given and bullshit reason as to why so many were present. Three hours later we were informed the first test was begging as no food was granted for the next two weeks and water was only granted in the evenings and for showers which was either a morning or evening occurrence. We were still to work out, clean, and attend courses.

For me and the other rouge, these days passed easily as lack of food was a commonality but the struggle amongst the others was obvious. The wolfs, centaurs, and sirens were angry, vampires thinning, fairies moody, and others varied in emotions. some funnier than others but provoking them was all too tempting, regardless of who I am even I enjoy the drama. On the final night, we all were separated like day one and put on the obstacle course again. When food was allowed those who were docile meaning the rouges, fairies, orcs, and trolls. once midnight struck a massive table was presented lined with goblets of blood, water, and ale for beverages. Food was along the line of raw meat from goats, deer, and fish, vegetable soup and baked potato soup, fresh roasted pig, and bison, we also provided three cakes, three pies, and some fruit. The cooks had first dibs and gathered a plate before sitting and watching the ravaging and utter destruction of what was once orderly and clean. None were asleep by the early morning hours as cleaning and feasting weren't finished till well into the night. Dawn the guards came banging the gong and dumping water on all who refused to wake.

The second test was ready to begin and it was interesting as it was one obstacle course to another till you failed and began again. If you managed to get past all four you still started all over this went on for three days before we were just running the fields, swimming the lake a few miles to the south, and climbing the trees and steep hills in the surrounding areas. The trick was they make small changes from oiling a rope, adding flaming balls, sinking hell hounds on you, or making traps. I loved this phase as the physical exertion was so freeing. Imagine the surprise the vast majority expressed when the send test proved to be a test on the courses on the history of the kingdom, the extinct, and the three founding species. Over half failed and only three aced the exam not counting me.

When it was time for the third test anxiety was high and many expressed this through exercise, sex, drinking, or retreating into solitude. The third test was unknown even to me as it was prone to frequently changing. Two more weeks passed before we all awoke in a cell with a letter simply saying "escape, be unseen, pick a weapon, return to the first-day location" Seeing as I was walked and not carried as the drugs used were useless on me and a handful of others we were calmer and had more time to think. Many panicked but in each cell, one smart or witty person calmed them and gave them tasks. Simply free yourself from the chains, escape the cell, escape the dungeon, get to the field grab a weapon, then decide where day one counted. I waited and watched from the back as each cell found freedom or fell to panic.

This was nothing but childs play as these tests weren't meant to weed out the weak-willed and unmotivated. I would have a say in who stays and those who are to be released. The plan was to keep the majority but send them to a separate training field for a second try. The only ones to leave were truly weak-willed or useless.