This was a priority message. The recipient could do anything to the messenger boy to keep the message secret. That usually meant killing the messenger boy.
But those were Harun’s orders. He’d do his duty, even if it cost his life. This message might be the difference between his family living or dying.
A wall of noise slammed into him as he entered. A dancing man was on the stage. He was dressed in purple, wearing a cloak of green feathers, and magical colored lights swirled around him. Surrounding him were tables full of adventurers. Weapons and magic were everywhere. This army was exactly what Harun’s king needed. With them, his family might survive.
Harun swallowed. He approached the stage and stretched tall to climb up.
The entire building went silent.
Harun looked up.
“A message for me?” The dancing man was standing over him, holding out a hand.
Harun held out the envelope.
Rydel, the Amethyst Phoenix Archsage, Commander of the Phoenix Feathers, reached down and took Harun’s wrist, hauling him up on stage. He read the message and looked back at Harun. “A priority message?”
Harun nodded. He couldn’t look Rydel in the eye. This man could kill him in an instant with a thought and a word. Maybe it would be quick.
“You’re a brave man and a loyal soldier. I don’t kill boys, and you’re too good to send away. Welcome to the Phoenix Feathers.”
Harun’s eyes went wide, and his heart filled with hope.