Ushil's presence blessed the morning sky, glimmering through patches in the clouds, welcoming a new day. Taya maneuvered through the vendors setting up stalls and the early crowds of the upper-class district, the moderately cool air of night heating as time went on. Taking a left off the main street, another left, and then a quick right, Taya walked to the front door of a stand-alone home, tightly packed between the beggars and houses neighboring it.

  Thera Neward stood, her straw-colored hair blowing in the small gusts of wind, waiting to greet Taya. Little Theon, his hair matching that of his mother and sister, clung to her skirt, waving wildly. "You're a blessing, Taya." Thera praised, the distance closed between them. "Thank you for accompanying us to the Public Announcement Gathering. It means the world to Theon."

  "Taya!" He screamed with glee, running into her legs, embracing her with a hug. She patted his head, adding messiness to his hair.

  "Hello!" She yelled, returning his enthusiasm. "It's been a while, hasn't it? You look taller and much stronger than the Theon I remember. A man five years of age." She complimented exaggeratedly.

  "I am stronger," He said matter-of-factly, flexing his arm to show his small biceps. "I've been helping Mother with chores since Father and Serene have been away."

  She lifted her head to Thera. "They still haven't returned from The Shade?"

  "They should be arriving home either tomorrow or the day following. It's a shame Henry and Serene have to miss the festivities after the announcements, but with you joining us, we'll have a splendid time."

  "I wonder if they ran into The Devil," Taya thought aloud. "I believe he moved to the underground city if rumors are to be true."

  "The Devil?" Thera asked, lost in her meaning.

  "The man who was born with all four afflictions, have you not heard of him? They call him The Devil because he is the only human rejected by more than one god, let alone all four." Taya spouted.

  "But that hasn't happened in over three hundred years! The poor man must truly be despised by the gods." Thera said , her face wearing her empathy.

  "Where is Randal?" Theon interrupted, his head swiveling across the street.

  "Randal is a little busy today," She replied with an emphasized frown, then, sighing at Thera. "He started his training to be a hunter today," Taya admitted.

  "Oh, that's great news!" Thera said. "I didn't know he was interested in hunting game. It is a well-paying job, you know."

  Taya decided to return her joy with a fake smile and a nod. Everyone in the country believed a hunter's role was to track, hunt, and kill big-game around the land. The greatest nobles who claimed cities, castles, and towns, would buy these exotic and rare meats. It's not like Thera could know the real danger of their purpose—to eradicate the ever-spawning vayrels. That information was a secret reserved for the highest authorities in Steerard, and of course, the hunters.

  From time to time, hunters have deserted their posts out of fear, a capital crime punishable by death, and they have told others how they hunt, not deer or wolves, but the rumored demons from children's tales. The Court of All and other nobles privy to the truth have been quick to deny, and occasionally, go as far as 'getting rid of' anyone who knew too much.

  "I hope you relay my congratulations to your brother, but shall we be off?" Thera suggested. "The public announcements should be starting soon."

  En route to the center of the city, they stopped by a few merchants and vendors of varying wares. Theon walked center of the two, holding the hands of both Taya and his mother.

  "Taya, I can't thank you enough for accompanying Theon and me," Thera said.

  "You do not need to thank me, Thera," Taya replied, her tone serious. "If Henry never saw my brother and I sitting along that road up north, starving and in loss of hope, I would not be here today. I'm sure of it. You took us in, fed us, and had Joran of the Court aid us even further. My debt to your family is eternal."

  "And I am forever thanking the gods that Henry came across you two, but any debt you feel you may owe has been paid in full." Thera's teeth reflected the sun's light, smiling at Taya, almost resembling how her mother smiled at her when she was a child. The crowd thickened as they advanced to the center of the Capital.

  "The Court of All will be assembling for the public announcement gathering! Come and hear the news of the land and its citizens, the Capital and its inhabitants, the laws and policies. A festival is to be held promptly after the gathering concludes!" The City Crier could be heard screaming at the top of his lungs, alerting even the birds high in the sky.

  Thera led Theon and Taya through the people packing in. The commoners stood in the back of the crowd, where Taya belonged, but Thera always had her stand with her closer to the stage amongst the upper-class. They passed those dressed in dirty rags that had been sewn many times, yet still peppered with holes, made by the hard labor their jobs required.

  They stopped a row back from the stage, servants moving a pulpit towards the front. Taya shot glances at the wealthy people surrounding her. They wore fine robes and tunics that were made and bought in the city, most adorned with ornate jewelry such as necklaces and earrings that rattled, overpowered by all the commotion.

  Guards stormed the stage, taking their strategic positions, as the members of the Court of All followed. Taya noticed Damian, dressed in another blue tunic imported from overseas, taking the stage before the others, wearing his devious grin.

  An old man dressed in a blue and black robe of silk, a golden-laced rope with frayed tassels wrapped around his waist, stood at the small but elegant, wooden pulpit.

  The restless voices finally began to lower to whispers, allowing the Secretary of the Court of All to be heard by all in attendance.

  "We will now begin the public announcement meeting. It will be a quick meeting for we only have one minor revision in law for the country of Steerard, and one minor revision in law for this beautiful city, Thios Reach." The old man shouted with practiced authority.

  He paused, clearing his throat, and continued his declaration. "The members of the Court have decided that the law, The Forest Restriction Act, that states, 'One shall not enter deep woods in the land of Steerard for groups of hunters may be hunting game within them', will have a revision in punishment. The standing punishment is a fine of forty silver, a high fine for those below the upper class. However, this has not stopped many citizens from disturbing the job of hunters, so the fine will be raised to a hundred silver or one gold coin."

  Some people in the rabble aired grievances of annoyance at the increase in the fine, but most shook their heads in understanding. "Independent licensed hunters and those with permission are excluded from this law." The Secretary pushed on, reading off the paper in front of him.

  "Lastly, to bring a quick close so you all may enjoy the day of festivities and joy, we have one revision in law for our city. The members of the Court have decided that the law, The Exilement Of Afflicted In City Walls Act, that states, 'One who is afflicted shall not live as a legal resident in the Capital walls and if found doing so, will be removed and exiled from the city, punishable by death if they return after exile has taken place', will have a revision in name and punishment. It will now be decreed as The Execution Of Afflicted In City Walls Act, that states 'one who is afflicted shall not live as a legal resident in the Capital walls and if found doing so, will be executed as punishment'."

  The people neighboring them erupted in applause and shouts of support. The sound deafening, Taya turned to Thera, whose face spoke of distress. She squeezed her hand tight and leaned toward her ear. "Applaud and look happy. Swallow your fear so that you may blend in." She advised, her stare stern.

  Thera locked eyes with her, growing more shocked as she heard her words. Considering, she stared, then proceeded to clap like a fool along with the others and smiled as tears lingered in her eyes.

  She didn't know Taya knew her family's secret, but she knew.

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

  The applause died down fast as harsh cries surpassed in volume. Someone could be heard screaming with anger, "I have family who are afflicted, you can't just kill them!"

  Another barked, "Rejected by gods or not, they're humans, not animals to be taken for slaughter."

  Tears and cries for reconsideration were all that was heard for a moment, then an opponent in the crowd yelled back, "The scum have been here illegally for years, to hell with them!"

  "The gods will thank us for discarding the vermin!" Another lashed back from somewhere close by.

  Without warning, the three were shoved roughly as the crowd started to become aggressive. She could see people start pushing and hitting one another as insults became more cruel. Thera grabbed Theon and lifted him into her arms as Taya latched onto her free hand and started forcing her way through the mob.

  "Fuck the afflicted and fuck you, you filthy commoner!" A man beside her roared to another blocked from her view. She saw a fist appear in front of the man as it struck him hard. He dropped to her side, blood pouring from a laceration on his upper cheek.

  "Taya, help me get him up." She heard Thera say from behind her.

  Taya continued pulling Thera along, paying no mind to her request. Making strides, they moved past the man on the ground, as a person, dressed in a dirty hand-me-down tunic, began stomping on his face with horrific intent, blood splattering on Thera's shoes as she scurried by.

  Children's cries for their mothers could be heard, lost in the pit of savages, damaging words hurled at those with opposing ideologies, while fists struck them in reply. They broke free from the cramped pit of sweat and blood, having room to breathe and calculate.

  A homeless man beside her, shirtless and bleeding across his chest from a gash, was kicking the ribs of a commoner woman on the ground, a knife stained red in her hands.

  Thera looked over in horror as she went to grab the man from behind, hoping to stop his brutality. Taya snatched her hand as she reached for him. "We are not safe, and you have Theon in your arms." She spoke slow, trying to shake her from her shock.

  "We're going," she directed, as the homeless man fell at their feet, a shard of glass lodged in his left eye as he screamed. Taya led the two forward, Thera telling Theon in a reassuring whisper to close his eyes.

  They entered a nearby alley. She looked back to see guards with swords drawn, dripping blood onto the streets. Citizens who supported the rash decision of the Court fought against those who didn't.

  Non-cursed people disliked conversing with the rejected; however, since afflictions weren't passed through genetics and were found in newborns at random, many had family and loved ones who were cursed. They are the people who disagree that they should be butchered like mere cattle for just existing. It was a big change in law, but Taya couldn't have guessed that this could have been a possible outcome. Cries of the obstinate and proud rang through the streets, as did the cries of those holding their friends and partners on the ground, bloodied, beaten, and some dead.

  Taya, looking down the alley, watched some flee into their homes while others ran to the streets. Quicker than she could react, an arm covered in scrapes wrapped around her chest, confining her close to someone she couldn't see. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see a hand with damaged knuckles gripping a small dagger close to her throat.

  "You lot best give me everything in your pockets." A harsh voice growled in her ear. "No one needs to be hurt."

  Thera turned to him in a panic, overwhelmed, as Theon began to cry, no longer able to hold back his fear. She reached into her purse and emptied it on the cobblestone; a handful of silver coins bounced and rolled. "Sir, I don't have anything more to give you. Please don't hurt her!" She begged.

  "You're both dressed far too nicely to only have a few spare silver. I won't ask again!" The man warned, his voice shaking with adrenaline.

  Taya felt a quick jolt forward as the man's arm lost its strength, dropping from her body. She lunged forward and pivoted on her feet, and stood bravely in front of Thera and Theon, but by the time she turned, the shirtless man who stenched of sweat and ale lay on the ground, his throat slashed. A clean-shaven guard dressed in the Court's colors stood, hands on his knees, catching his breath.

  "Jarard?" Taya asked, stunned.

  "You know this man, Taya?" Thera questioned, reaching for her hand, ready to sprint away.

  "Glad I found you, Lady Taya, I've been running through this chaos searching for you. Lord Damian saw you in the crowd moments before hell broke loose," He said in between his panting. "He sent me looking for you. I am to escort you back to the castle."

  "Thank you, and Lord Damian," She sighed with relief, letting all her stress and urgency be drained from her. "but first, we need to accompany Lady Neward and her son home."

  "My orders are to take you to safety at once."

  "Well, I refuse to go anywhere until my friends here are safe." She protested.

  Jarard glanced upwards at her, exhausted. "I guess we're taking a detour on our way to the castle, then?"

  Taya grinned ear-to-ear, radiating her appreciation for him. Jarard had always been kind to Randal and her. Since the first day she became Damian's assistant, he's shown her respect and warmth an older brother would give. "Thank you, Jarard, I'm in your debt."

  "I believe we are all in your debt!" Thera exclaimed, rubbing little Theon's back as he cried.

  Jarard wiped his dagger off on the tattered shorts of the dead beggar, straightened, and sheathed his weapon. "Lead the way."

  They approached the steps to Thera’s home, the street vacant, besides a few beggars who sat silently watching. The road was peaceful, far enough away that the screams and fighting could hardly be made out. Thera, Theon walking in tow, proceeded inside. Jarard peered at the homeless as if he were expecting one to dash at them.

  “It’s alright, Jarard,” Taya whispered, trying to calm his nerves. “I believe we are safe here. The beggars never harm us in this district.”

  “Just because something hasn’t happened, doesn’t mean it won’t, Lady Taya,” He remarked, keeping his eyes fixed on a black haired man who sat motionless across the street, a thin blanket covering his head from the sun.

  “Do you suspect something?” She asked, preparing herself.

  He continued to stare at the beggar, waiting a few seconds before responding. “No, just an uneasy feeling crawling up my spine. It’s as you said, we’re safe here.” He encouraged, facing toward her.

  “I’ll go and check on Thera, then we can head to the castle.” She murmured, ascending up the front steps.

  “Make haste, Lady Taya. I’m sure Lord Damian will be waiting to see you in one piece.”

  She nodded and headed in. Theon was settling down, tears dried on his cheeks, eyes swollen red. Thera, at last, let her eyes unburden themselves, kissing Theon’s head. Her relief was tangible. Taya sat across from her and waited for her to compose herself.

  “Are you alright, Taya?” Thera asked, wiping at her tears.

  “Don’t worry about me. How are you doing?”

  “How are you so strong? Sixteen years of age, and you took action before I even knew what was unfolding. You led us to safety seconds before the crowd became a battlefield, and you did so with confidence.”

  “When my brother and I woke, we found that our parents were not home. I ventured out to find them, but all I found were puddles of blood and a sharp stick soaked in blood. We ran out of food in days, and my brother was stricken with fear and grief, unable to move. I knew starvation was close, so I figured we’d have to leave.” Taya spoke, slow and distant.

  Thera looked as if her heart was breaking. Not knowing the right thing to say, she waited and listened.

  “I forced Randal along, pulling him, much like I did to you today. We were heading for the main road. I thought if someone saw us, they might take us in and provide food, but many just walked on by, paying no mind to what I’d ask. One person stopped, but not for what I had hoped. He took what little food we had left, the blanket my mother had made for us, our canteens filled with water, and threatened to kill me if I gave him any trouble. Randal was too hungry to fight back, but I knew we would lose either way. Six days down that road, no longer able to walk nor beg, Henry found us and became our salvation.” She trailed off quietly, leaving Theon’s sniffling to occupy the space.

  “I am so sorry, Taya.” Thera apologized like a loving mother. “That is a tale no twelve-year-old child should ever have to experience.”

  “I’m alright, thanks to your husband. I learned how to deal with intense moments through my experience. Life can be cruel to anyone, no matter the age or standing, so it’s best to always be ready.” She stood and hugged Theon, placing a reassuring hand on Thera’s thigh.

  “I can assure you, if you owe any debt left to our family, consider it paid ten times over.” Thera joked lovingly, managing a smile. “I think I should start packing. Hopefully, when Henry and Serene return, we can swiftly leave this brutish city.

  Taya returned her smile. “Don’t pack in a hurry. If anyone were to see you packing, they may suspect you to be housing an afflicted and report it.”

  “Speaking of which, how is it you knew, Taya?” Thera asked.

  Taya knew what she was referring to. “My first year in the city, I was watching Theon for you and Henry,” Taya explained, heading toward the door. She opened it and faced Thera. “You made it clear to keep him in his cradle, but he cried for hours that night, refusing to close his eyes. I stepped outside to lull him to sleep under the moonlight, and his skin began to burn.”

  Thera’s eyes widened, and her head tilted, surprised with a hint of disappointment. “Though I wish you had told me this before, I am thankful that you kept this to yourself.”

  Taya gave a ‘sorry’ expression to her. “I could never do anything that would cause harm to you or your family. My debt is eternal.” She said, closing the door behind her.

  Jarard turned to her, the sun bouncing off his helmet into her eyes. “Are you ready to head for the castle, Lady Taya?”

  “Yes, but where is my horse and carriage? You expect a lady like me to walk all the way to the castle?” She teased, speaking in a more proper accent.

  “Would you like me to throw rose petals in your path as well?” He replied sarcastically.

  “If you agree to stop addressing me as a Lady, I think I can manage to walk alongside you with no complaints.”

  “As you wish.” Jarard laughed.

  “Taya. Address me as Taya.”