The War of the Masters

“Bring me a peasant.”

Terra blinked in surprise and took a step back. “You mean abduct someone?”

“Of course.”

Only her father would say something like that. To him, people were nothing more than objects to be used and discarded. To him it was no different than telling her to steal some gold.

Her father’s powerful voice resounded through the castle walls. “This is the first step in the Ritual of Adulthood.”

The Ritual. Terra had dreaded this day her entire life. Though the Ritual had always remained shrouded in mystery, one thing was certain: war was about to erupt.

Her father’s glare pierced her like a knife. He could sense her hesitation and it displeased him. His eyes became narrow slits.

“Do we understand each other?”

Terra swallowed the lump in her throat, eyes not meeting her father’s gaze.

“Yes, father.”