Free Jabberwocky by Daniel Coleman

Elites often served as the spearhead that swayed the course of battles.
    Lieutenant Markin spoke of protecting citizens from ferocious beasts such as barbantulas, bandersnatches, and targus. By the time he talked about hunting the foremost enemy of the Elites, the Jabberwocky, the only noises heard were nervous breathing and worried fidgeting.
    He finished his address by saying, “Those that are strong and determined enough to endure the next fourteen months will swear an oath unique to the Elites—loyalty to Captain Darieus and to the Elites in defense of the king and the kingdom.”
    Undaunted by Lieutenant Markin’s remarks, Tjaden reaffirmed, I will pass the training. I will be an Elite.
     
    *****
     
    One day wasn’t long enough to see a tenth of the city. Elora was still overwhelmed by its size, the variety available in the market, and the amazing sights. As she walked through Palassiren with her father and Mikel, she took in as much of the city as she could.
    What stood out most was the large stone sculpture at the entrance to the training ground. It consisted of a perfect circle carved from dark blue granite, with an oversized white granite sword inside that supported the upper arch of the circle.
    Despite the draw of new foods, specialized shops, and opulent mansions, she spent nearly an hour at the sculpture, and would have stayed longer if her father hadn’t rushed her away to view the palaces. Elora had little interest in war or weapons, but Captain Darieus’ speech earlier that day had impacted her deeply. It was a speech and a principle she’d never forget. Pride swelled within her as she thought of Tjaden wearing the Circle and the Sword for life once he finished training.
    Before her trip she was the teenage daughter of a mirror maker in a town of little significance. Her life had been happy, but simple. She saw herself in the context of a tight knit community of people, but not much more. Now she knew she was a piece of something much grander. Not only was she an important part of Shey’s Orchard, but Shey’s Orchard was connected to every other town in the kingdom of Maravilla. Her life had never been inconsequential, but now she felt linked not only to her family and town, but to the world.
    Elora passed the rest of the day with her father and Mikel viewing the sights of the city, sampling new foodstuffs, and perusing the many marketplaces.
    The following morning, Lieutenant Aislin, commander of the squadron of Elites that would escort the three of them back to Shey’s Orchard, gave them two hours to spend in the city. They passed it slowly making their way through yet another market—which was more like a bazaar during the busy hours of the day. The three meandered toward the city gates taking the opportunity for one last amazed look at colorful fruits and vegetables; intricate jewelry and wood carvings; shoes, hats, and clothes of various fabrics; and countless other wares. When merchants and traders visited Shey’s Orchard, they always brought a variety of items for trade, but their wagons couldn’t hold a fraction of what Elora saw as she wandered the streets of Palassiren.
    At the appointed time they met Lieutenant Aislin, who waited with three other Elites and their Fellows. The horses and supplies were already outfitted, and the party wasted no more time before leaving the city. The half squadron of Elites was on their way to an assignment in the Southwest and would be passing near Shey’s Orchard. Due to the small group, they traveled without cook or support team.
    “Why isn’t Rodin’s father accompanying us?” she asked Lieutenant Aislin.
    “He’ll journey with a separate group of soldiers bound for Peridia tomorrow. We aren’t going quite that far.”
    Though Elora would rather stay in the city one more day and travel with the other group, it wasn’t worth disrupting the plans.
    Without Tjaden and Ollie to keep her company, the first day of the trip home dragged. Having