Читать книгу The Wielder Trials - Franca Ogbonnaya - Страница 4

Britea was mentally exhausted as she closed the warden’s door. Though Danai had warned her of the tests to come, she had hoped they would give her some time to prepare.

That instant quiz had caught her completely unaware. Well, at least she had a day to prepare for the rest.

Yeah, like that would be enough .

“I need to find the library,” muttered Britea to herself as she checked her list and the small map attached to it. She peered down the empty hallway suddenly feeling afraid of wandering. She wished Danai was with her, but the senior student had already done so much for her, and besides, she had her own schedule to keep.

Well, standing here wasn’t going to get her to anywhere anytime soon . Britea looked at the map once again.

She was just outside the warden’s office, which was in the southern part of the college grounds. To get to the library, she had to walk to the northeast. As she began to walk, she tried to make note of her surroundings. The oak-paneled hallway soon led to a larger, more exposed walkway with dark-brown stone columns. The gardens on either side contained large ponds surrounded by midnight-blue stone benches.

Britea idly wondered if people came here to relax or to train. Looking at the pond made her want to wield, but she knew that would be frowned upon. The blue sky was clear, but her teeth chattered at the mild chill in the air. Autumn was fast approaching, and she wondered if her father was getting ready to set sail with the Windrider .

The walkway was strangely deserted, probably because everyone was in class. To be honest, the thought of joining a class was scary. Would she be put in a class with much younger students or one with older, more arrogant wielders?

She shook her head as she neared the library. The custodian at the front desk frowned as Britea approached, and she glanced at the name on the plaque on the desk.

“Custodian Mitra. My name is Britea…” her voice trailed off when the librarian put a finger to her lips. When she resumed speaking, she made sure to lower her voice. “I’m a new student, and I’m here to get a library card.”

The librarian nodded silently as she produced a form for completion. In less than three minutes, Britea was registered and in a possession of a library card. Now she had the chance to marvel at the Syla College Library.

And it was impressive.

A soundless “wow” escaped from her lips as she took in the towering bookshelves in the massive chamber. She had never seen so many books in her entire sixteen years. This was her idea of dying and going to heaven. It took a few minutes before she remembered what she was supposed to be doing.

She found the social studies and history section and pulled out a few heavy hardbound books. After a few minutes, she started with the book titled, The Social Structure of the Malaquey Republic, 11 th Edition ,by Thozas Belling.

Britea tried to think of possible questions from Instructor Shelley.

Let’s see . How is Malaquey governed?

Well, everyone knows the current monarchy consists of His Majesty Wilhem of House Taros, his wife, Queen Ariande, and their three children, Wiltran, Crystal, and Aren .

Next possible question . Why is Malaquey’s government unique? Answer: even though it’s a monarchy, the king’s power is counterbalanced by his elected ministers and lords. They can veto any orders the monarch makes, though that’s rare.

What other powers do the elected officials have? The ministers can also use their veto when choosing the heir to the throne in the eventuality of the king’s demise. This veto power has only been used once in the entire history of Malaquey, and historians state such a decision prevented a civil war. Britea sighed when she realized she’d have to find the name of that particular monarch and the time frame.

What of the military? The Malaquey military has three divisions: navy, army, and…wielders? Britea blinked when she read the text. She had never considered wielders would be part of Malaquey’s military. Britea was starting to learn that many things about wielders weren’t part of the curriculum in schools outside Malaquey. At that thought, she realized something had been bugging her since she had left the warden’s office.

The Wielder’s Creed. The secret one she had just learned, especially the part that stated no wielder should discuss matters of the school with outsiders. But the Windrider’s assigned wielder, Ken Lanfor, had. Britea had never met the wielder, but the Windrider’s First Mate Melina had had a lot to tell Britea about wielders thanks to what she had heard from him.

Had he committed a crime? Should she report him? Britea shook her head. That wasn’t her call. Besides, she had never even seen him.

“Novice D’Tranell?” The whisper almost made her jump in her seat. The stern-faced librarian was right behind her. “You are to report to Warden Asteros’ office at once.”

Britea gaped at her. Why the summons? She was too scared to ask. “Um…can I borrow these books?”

The librarian smiled. “Of course.”

#

Britea was winded by the time she got to the warden’s office. It was a long walk, and she had tried to run while weighed down by the heaviest books she had ever seen. That hadn’t stopped her from wondering why she had been summoned. Was it her dah? Was it the Windrider? Had something awful happened?

She took a deep breath before she knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

Britea entered to find the warden was once more not alone. Three official-looking individuals in the navy-blue uniforms of the Malaquey Navy stood in the middle of the room: one woman with iron-grey hair and two men, one middle aged and the other a handsome young man with a blond ponytail. Warden Asteros was seated.

“Britea, these officers are from naval intelligence: Lieutenant Commander Elizea Trent, Lieutenant Commander Peras Nell, and Lieutenant Harto Flay.”

They’re here about Kahl, thought Britea. Strangely, she was worried they could hurt him even though he was far away. Kahl had risked a lot by helping her and the crew of the Windrider escape the Namiran raiders. She hoped he was somewhere safe.

Elizea smiled at her, but that didn’t allay her fears.

“Ah, so you’re the young wielder we’ve heard so much about.”

“They’ve been to the Windrider already,” said Warden Asteros. Britea saw Lieutenant Flay frown at the warden as if annoyed he had spoken.

Even Elizea’s smiled dimmed a bit. “Yes, we have, and they had an interesting story to tell us. So, we’re here to verify it.”

“But you must have the Namiran prisoners,” said Britea.

“You mean the ones you and the Dyhaeri conveniently saved?” asked Harto in a tone that made her narrow her eyes.

“What do you mean ‘conveniently’?” She spoke more sharply than she’d meant to, but something about the young lieutenant set her teeth on edge.

His gaze was intent as he replied. “They attacked your ship. You were within your rights to leave them to die, and yet, you didn’t? Why?”

“They were seeking aid, so we helped them.”

Harto’s eyes narrowed, and he opened his mouth to speak, but the older male official started coughing. They all looked at him.

“I believe we started this off poorly. Let me get a drink of water, and then we can start afresh.” He shot a look at Harto, who seemed to back down. Peras took a sip of water while Elizea directed Britea to a seat. The three naval officers remained standing.

Britea didn’t like the position she was in. She suspected they were trying to scare her.

And it was working.

“Now, why don’t you tell us about the events on the day you first wielded?” started Elizea.

Britea was startled by the question. What did that have to do with the Namiran attack on the Windrider?

Nevertheless, she complied.

“It was a day after a wedding in my village of Weldaros, and my sister and I were having an argument. I felt an odd sensation build up in my chest, and when I lost my temper, I wielded at her.” The naval officers looked at her sharply while the warden looked bored.

Britea continued. “But at the last minute, the water veered in two directions away from her and hit the wall behind her. That’s when she ran screaming for our parents.”

Harto narrowed his eyes. “And that was the first time you’d wielded? No one taught you before you boarded the Windrider ?”

Britea glared at him. Was he calling her a liar ? “Yes, Lieutenant. That was the first time, and to answer your second question, I had no instruction before I boarded the ship.”

“And afterwards?” asked Harto.

“I—we—met Kahl. He offered to teach me when he learned I had just wielded for the first time. Our daily lessons began on deck, with Nathan, the ship’s artist, sketching everything,” Now she was grateful they had done that. “I continued training for forty-eight days until I reached the Fifth Tier of Wielding. Even Kahl’s mother observed for seven days. Soon after, Kahl warned us of the Namiran raiders’ approach. He tried to help us escape and then...” she faltered as she remembered the dying screams of Namiran sailors as they were being torn apart “…then you know the rest.” She rubbed at her eyes, willing herself not to cry.

Elizea looked sympathetic as if she knew what the young wielder was reliving.

“Do you know why the Dyhaeri, Kahl, wanted to teach you?” asked Peras gently.

“At first, I thought it was just because he’d happened to come across an untrained wielder, but then later he said it was because the high priest of the Dyhaeri had ordered him to teach any untrained wielder he encountered.”

Elizea raised an eyebrow. “This was part of Kahl’s assignment? Teaching the untrained?”

“No, he said he was just a scout given an additional task.”

“Didn’t you find it odd?” asked Harto.

“We all did; however, he helped me and I’m grateful for his tutoring.”

“How old is he?” asked Peras.

Britea’s brow furrowed. Surely, they’d already gotten this information from the Windrider’s crew and her dah. “He’s seventeen years or cycles old, according to his people.”

“Did you ever go below the surface to the Dyhaeri community?” asked Harto.

“No.” But she wished she had.

Elizea frowned as if she knew what she was thinking. “What else did he teach you apart from wielding?”

“Not much, apart from his history—”

“Give us every detail,” demanded Harto.

Britea glared at him. “He told me of the disastrous first contacts between man and Dyhaeri. Especially of how the Dyhaeri had rescued humans from the Alkynaia, only to have the human leaders reciprocate by trying to capture Dyhaeri to enslave them or keep them as pets.”

Harto blinked, but she wasn’t done.

“He also said that was how the war between the humans and the Dyhaeri began, continuing until the Sea Treaty Agreement was reached, requiring a wielder on every vessel that crossed the Heldiar Sea. Any more questions?”

Elizea and Peras shared a glance as Harto’s face reddened.

“I’ll lead the inquiry from here,” the female naval officer said firmly. Harto’s face went blank.

“Britea, we’re not your enemy, but we do need to understand why the Dyhaeri and Alkynaia decided to attack the Namirans.”

Britea stared at Elizea. Was she implying Kahl and the sea serpents were the aggressors?

“Excuse me if I sound stupid, but didn’t the Namirans commit an act of war by crossing over into our waters?”

“The royal court received an urgent message from the Namiran government stating four of their warships had been trying to aid a Malaquey merchant vessel when the Namiran ships were attacked by the Alkynaia. Only one of their ships escaped,” explained Peras.

Britea’s jaw dropped. “And you believed them?” Behind the naval officers, she saw Warden Asteros give her an encouraging nod.

Peras smiled. “We’re just trying to understand what exactly happened that day. It has the potential to turn into an ugly political mess.”

Now she knew what was going on and she was angry. Her own government was looking for a scapegoat because for some reason, they were scared of the Namiran queen.

“Ma’am and sirs, the Namirans were chasing us when there were no Alkynaia in sight. We sailed into the Sorrow’s Pit hoping to throw them off, and they stayed outside the boundary, waiting for us to come out. The Alkynaia appeared to us then, and I bargained with them.” She saw Harto regard her with disbelief, but she continued. “The price was was Namiran lives or ours, and I chose the Namirans to be taken by the Alkynaia. Am I under arrest for defending the Windrider ?”

“No, you’re not,” said the warden to everyone’s surprise. “However, because you wielded without recognized supervision in an event that resulted in the deaths of Namirans and the destruction of three Namiran ships, these fellows are here to ensure you didn’t kill anyone by wielding.”

“I didn’t.”

“In fact, you and Kahl saved four Namiran souls with your wielding, as I’m sure Lieutenant Flay is aware. And he does know the Wielder Creed.”

Britea stared at the young officer in surprise. He was a wielder?

Harto was less than pleased at the warden’s words. “Warden Asteros, that is none of her concern.”

Britea blinked. Why was he hiding the fact that he was a wielder?

Harto continued. “Besides, she has not yet been cleared of wrongdoing—”

“What does the last part of the Creed say?” snapped the warden.

For a moment, Britea thought the question was directed at her, then Harto answered.

“Any wielder who breaks the laws in such a way that endangers the public will be tried by their senior peers and sentenced accordingly.”

“And Britea has not knowingly broken any of our laws. So, why don’t you do your own jobs and leave wielder matters to me?”

Harto was pale by the time Warden Asteros finished speaking. Elizea and Peras looked a bit embarrassed for him.

“Of course,” said Elizea “I just have a few more questions for the novice.”

Britea struggled not to sigh.

#

Britea gently closed the door behind her, though what she really wanted to do was slam it shut. But she suspected that would anger the warden, who had only been trying to help her.

As for the naval intelligence officers? She squeezed her eyes tightly as she tried to control her rage. Their questions had only gotten more embarrassing, especially when they had asked more than once if she ever spent any time alone with Kahl. Did they have a relationship? Were they close?

What. Dumb. Questions.

Had those idiots met her dah at all? Had they not seen the sketches? All the lessons had been above deck with crew present!

At one point, she had been ready to wield the water from a glass jar into their stupid faces. She suspected the warden had seen the rage in her eyes because he had ended the questioning then, stating she had classes to prepare for.

They both knew she was yet to be assigned classes, but she was grateful for the save because she had been this close to doing something stupid.

Britea walked slowly as she tried to understand what had just happened. The navy had access to the Namiran prisoners, and yet they had still come seeking more answers.

Why ?

As her rage dissipated, she began to worry about her dah and the crew of the Windrider. She hoped they were not in trouble.

Of course, they weren’t. They had to be fine.

Britea was so lost in thought that she almost walked into a small group of students as she rounded a corner.

“Hey, watch it, you idiot!”

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Britea hastily apologized as she looked up at the three female students.

The one at the forefront was clearly the leader, with her perfect alabaster complexion, wavy midnight-black hair, flashing blue eyes, and water-blue edged uniform. To her right was a stunning blond with brown eyes and air-white edges on her uniform, and to the leader’s left was an equally pale, beautiful girl with straight coffee-brown hair, her uniform also with air-white edges.

Britea found her gaze straying back to the leader, whose features looked familiar.

“Do I know you?”

The leader frowned. “I certainly doubt it. One such as you would never have access to the circle I run with. The question is, who are you?”

Britea was a bit stunned by her haughty tone. “I’m…I’m new.”

The blond rolled her eyes. “Nice name, ‘I’m new.’” Her friends laughed as Britea’s confusion turned to anger.

“My name is Britea D’Tranell. I just joined the college over the weekend.”

“So,” said the brunette, “she’s a nobody. She definitely looks like one.”

“Wait,” the blond said as she studied Britea with narrowed eyes. “I’ve seen you before. Lianne, this was the peasant girl I saw at the front door a few days ago. She’s the one who kept us from getting in on time.” Her tone was frigid.

Lianne turned back to Britea as she crossed her hands.

“Let me guess, you got rejected from one of the other colleges and came here? Or you’re another Weltonian loser trying to learn something?”

Britea’s eyes narrowed. “No, I’m just a late wielder form Weldaros.”

The three girls stared at her in shock.

“A late wielder?” asked the brunette in disbelief.

“You’re lying,” said Lianne.

Britea glared at the leader. “Why would I do that? What do I gain by lying?”

“Little, I suppose,” said the blond, a sly glint in her eyes. “However, you can prove you’re being honest by wielding for us.”

Britea blinked. That was the most stupid suggestion she’d heard in a while. The three girls looked like they were waiting for a trained pet to perform.

“No.”

Lianne blinked. She was probably not used to being denied.

“What?”

“I said no. I wear the uniform with my wielding marker, so that should be enough for you. Besides, according to the Creed, we’re not allowed to wield without supervision.”

Lianne went pale with rage. “Do you know who I am? I’m Lady Lianne Arkei, related to—”

“King Wilhem,” finished a stunned Britea. “You’re Lady Selina’s sister?” No wonder she looked familiar. Lady Lianne Arkei bore a striking resemblance to the arrogant but beautiful wielder who had looked down on Britea when they had met at sea.

The young noblewoman was even more incensed at Britea’s words. “How do you know my sister?”

Britea’s shock disappeared, only to be replaced by a cold rage as she recalled how the older sister had humiliated her. “Oh, we’ve met.” She didn’t bother to hide her anger.

Lianne walked up to her, eyes blazing. “You will wield, at my command.”

Britea stood her ground. “No.”

Lianne’s right hand balled up in a fist. Britea braced herself and she tightened her hold on her bag of books. She could already envision swinging it at the noblewoman.

“Shouldn’t you all be in class?”

The startled students turned to face the newcomer. He was of average height, lean with iron-grey hair in a plait framing a scarred face with chestnut-brown, almond-shaped eyes. He wore a walnut-brown leather jacket over form-fitting, similarly colored pants with knee-high boots. Britea’s gaze was drawn to the earth-brown edgings of his jacket. Wait, his outfit wasn’t that of a student! Was he an instructor?

“Master Caren,” began Lianne. Britea’s eyes widened when she heard the name. Lianne continued. “I was just explaining to the new wielder the rules around here when she insulted—”

“I asked if you shouldn’t all be in class?” interrupted the instructor in an even but commanding tone. It didn’t take Britea long to see the students were intimidated by the oddly attired master.

“We were on our way to class,” the blond one hastily answered, “but she,” she pointed a finger at Britea, “delayed us so—”

“Which class?” demanded Master Caren in the same mild tone.

“History,” replied Lianne with a sullen look.

“Then get to it.”

The three glanced at Britea, clearly wondering why she wasn’t being admonished. Master Caren kept staring at them until they finally beat a hasty retreat.

Master Caren turned back to Britea.

“I’m Britea D’Tranell and I’m…new.”

Caren smiled, his scarred features softening. “I know. I’m Weapons Master Pietor Caren.” He looked at her bag. “Your stance needs some work, especially if you were trying to swing a bag that heavy at your opponent. But, I’m sure you know fighting between students is a grave offense, so, it is fortunate that didn’t occur today.”

Britea felt her face go red. She felt it would be wise to keep silent.

“Warden Asteros told me all about you.”

Wait, what? Should she be worried?

“I trust I shall see you applying for the combat and defense class?”

“Um, yes?” said Britea, hoping her reply would make him leave her alone.

His smile widened. “Good. Then let’s proceed in that direction.”

“You mean now?” asked a startled Britea.

“No time like the present,” answered Master Caren cheerfully as he indicated the path they would take.

Filled with dread, she fell in step.

“You’ve had your first assessment for class placement?”

“Yes, Master Caren.”

“‘Sir’ will do.”

“Yes, sir,” said Britea nervously.

“How did it go?”

“Not as well as I would have liked, sir.”

Master Caren nodded. “Good.”

She shot him a stunned look.

“You’ve realized your limitations, and I can see you’re preparing for the next engagement.” He glanced again at the heavy bag she was carrying.

“Uh, I got books from the library,” she hastened to explain.

The weapons master chuckled. “Clearly. What is the Creed?”

Britea was thrown by the sudden question. “It’s…uh, the…” She struggled to recall the recitation “…any wielder must submit themselves to one of the three colleges for training. Exemptions: Weltonians. That is the Creed the public knows.”

Master Caren glanced at her, and she hurried on. “But for wielders both new and old, there is a more extensive Creed.” She took a deep breath and recited:

A wielder must be trained by a registered college. Exemptions: Weltonians.

A wielder must never use their talent to harm or kill except in self-defense.

A wielder must always endeavor to serve the people of Malaquey by fulfilling a Year of Discovery.

A wielder must never divulge the secrets of the colleges or wielder training to any outsiders.

Outsiders include non-wielding members of the family or the public.

After graduation and the Year of Discovery, a wielder may take up paid work that does not break any of the aforementioned rules.

A fully qualified, trained wielder must check in with a college once a year. Exemptions: Weltonians.

Any wielder who breaks the laws in such a way that endangers the public will be tried by their senior peers and sentenced accordingly.

Master Caren stopped walking, clasped his hands behind him, and looked at her. “When did you learn that?”

It took a moment for Britea to catch her breath. “I heard it this morning in Warden Asteros’s office.”

“And you memorized it that quickly?” If she wasn’t mistaken, Britea thought he sounded a bit impressed.

“I also read more about it in the library when I went to register afterwards.”

“Hmmm,” Master Caren muttered before he resumed walking.

“Recall is essential both in peacetime and during battle. Considering your recent experience at sea and with the three young ladies, I strongly urge you to register for combat and defense.”

Like I have a choice? thought Britea.

Master Caren frowned at the expression on her face. “Speak your mind.”

Oh, not likely! She quickly thought of something else. “Sir, why should I fear the Arkei family?”

The weapons master raised an eyebrow. “What do you know of them?”

“I met Lady Selina Arkei when she boarded the Windrider for a brief visit. She wasn’t very nice.”

“And how do you view her younger sister, Lady Lianne?”

“She’s not nice either.”

The instructor laughed. “That’s a mild way of describing that family. The Arkei are a powerful family and enjoy close proximity to the royal court. Their influence can create opportunities or close doors, and they can build reputations as well as destroy them. You want some advice?”

Britea nodded warily.

“Know your opponent, but also know when not to engage. Fortify yourself with knowledge, and never, ever wield without supervision except in dire situations. Understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And now, welcome to combat and defense.”

Britea looked up and realized they had reached two heavy, dark-oak doors. Already she could hear sounds beyond the two doors that filled her with both dread and excitement. She watched as Master Caren opened the doors and waved her in.

She stepped down stone steps that led to a large exposed courtyard filled with students of different ages sparring and wielding. A long running track with eight lanes curved around the massive field. In the center was a green lawn that had been divided into two sections and separated by a wide white line. On the left, paired students were practicing either hand-to-hand combat or sparring with weapons. On the right, several students in a row were wielding at wooden or stone targets. She flinched when a wielder used air to carve a chunk out of his stone target. Through it all, the students paid her no mind as they continued their routines.

“Today, you will watch and observe. If you get bored, feel free to study on the benches over there.” He showed her where four students sat on elevated benches close to the track. The students appeared as dazed as she felt. Britea suspected they were new recruits. Did Master Caren regularly go around poaching students?

“Any questions?”

“I noticed you had different ages in this class. Are Danai and Navos here?”

The weapons master smiled at her. “This class is unique in more ways than one. First, we don’t have enough students for six different combat and defense classes. So, we created one general class. The youngest students are around your age and start by training in endurance.” He pointed at students running around the track.

“Then, as their stamina improves, we pair them with older students who help train them.”

Like I was trained by Kahl.

“And yes, Danai and Navos are here, sparring somewhere on the field. Any more questions?”

Britea felt she had asked enough for now. Besides, she could always bother Danai.

“No, thank you, sir.”

He nodded to her before she made her way over to the benches while trying to find Danai and Navos. To her relief, she saw the two in the left section of the courtyard. They stood on a surprisingly smooth dark floor laid on the grass and bowed to each other while an older wielder in a uniform similar to Master Caren’s looked on. Danai was barefoot but wearing a close-fitting, sleeveless black top with baggy trousers. A horizontal red stripe crossed the front and back of her tunic. Navos wore similar attire except his top had a white stripe to indicate his element. Britea sat down beside the other nervous recruits. She didn’t want to miss the show.

“Good day,” said the young man beside her. He had light brown hair and wore a grey uniform with air-white edgings.

“Uh, yeah, hello,” she said briefly, keeping her eyes on Danai and Navos, who were still facing each other.

The instructor watching them issued a command. “No wielding allowed. Begin.”

The two student wielders nodded without looking at him, then Navos charged without warning. Danai twirled out of the way, bent low, and aimed a strike at the back of his right calf. Navos stumbled but managed to swing at her. Danai dove to the ground as if doing push-ups, then twisted her lower body to swing both legs, one after the other, at her opponent. Navos caught her legs and smiled, but Danai, who was now upside down, used her hands to push herself closer to him. The sudden movement made him stumble backwards. Danai didn’t let up, and before he knew it, she was sitting on his shoulders using her body weight to topple him to the floor. She pulled her right hand back to deliver a punch but stopped just before the blow would hit his face.

“Time,” intoned the instructor. Danai grinned at a groaning Navos as she got up and helped the bigger wielder up.

“Amazing. Way to go, Danai,” said Britea in wonder.

“You know her?” asked the male student beside her.

“Yes, she’s my roommate.” She turned in time to see his stunned visage.

“Oh, that must be scary. I hope you’re all right.”

Britea blinked. “Excuse me?”

“Oh, where are my manners? My name is Henrick Walters, third-year general studies, tier three, maximum wielder.”

“Britea D’Tranell.” They shook hands. “What did you mean about my roommate?”

“I heard she’s difficult to live with and quite rude and uncivilized due to her Weltonian heritage. To be near her is to invite bodily harm.”

She had only known Danai for three days, but she felt Henrick must have her mistaken with someone else. “Who told you that?”

“Oh, Lady Lianne Arkei and her friends warned several of us to stay away from her.”

That name made Britea see red. “Lady Lianne is an idiot and has no idea what she’s talking about.”

Henrick and the other three students stared at her.

“But why would Lady Lianne lie? She’s related to the king and—” said one of the students.

Britea couldn’t take it anymore. “Just because she’s royalty doesn’t mean she’s right. Have any of you ever had a conversation with Danai or even met her? No? Then, do that first before making false assumptions.”

The students looked at each other. “You’re Weltonian, aren’t you? That’s why you’re taking her side.”

Britea sighed. “No, I’m not. Besides, what does that have to do with anything?”

Henrick watched her thoughtfully. “But—”

A bell rang, interrupting the student.

“Time for lunch everybody!” yelled Weapons Master Caren. This was greeted by whoops of joy. Britea breathed a sigh of relief as she went in search of Danai and Navos.

After a few moments, Henrick followed her.

#

“Hey, look who turned up,” said Navos as Britea hurried up to them.

Danai was surprised to see her. “What are you doing here?”

“I ran into Master Caren in the hallway, and, well…it’s a lot more complicated than that. Anyway, he advised me to join the combat and defense class. I thought you two wanted me to join?”

Danai chuckled. “I was joking. Master Caren must think you have potential though, or you wouldn’t be here. Welcome to the club. Let’s get some food.”

The three students joined the growing line.

“So, how’s your day been?” asked Navos as they snatched their choice of food and found an unoccupied round table.

“I had my first assessment this morning…” Britea’s voice trailed off when she saw who was headed in their direction. “What does he want now?”

The two older students looked up to see a nervous young male student approaching them with his tray of food.

Henrick Walters.

“Friend of yours?” asked Danai with a smile.

“I—”

“May I sit with you? Britea suggested maybe I should.”

Everyone looked at her as she felt her face heat up.

“Yeah, grab a seat, friend. I’m Navos.”

“Danai Riverun,” said the female fire wielder before taking a sip of water.

Henrick introduced himself while Britea watched him closely.

“So, Master Caren recruited you as well?” Britea asked.

“Um, yes. He walked into class, had a few words with Instructor Melvin and the next thing I knew, the weapons master is calling my name and ordering me to follow him.” He paused for a second then asked, “Did the three of you have a similar experience?”

Navos shook his head. “Nah. I came to his class and asked if I could join. He asked me to wield, then asked me about my martial arts experience, and just like that, I was part of the class.”

Henrick and Britea looked at Danai.

“I was advised to join the class a week after I arrived, and I must say, I’m glad I did. It’s quite enjoyable.”

“That move you used against Navos was pretty impressive. Which martial arts form was it?” asked Henrick.

“Weltonian calisthenics.”

Henrick and Britea stared at Danai while Navos laughed at their stunned expressions.

“You’re not the only one who was surprised to learn that. And even after three years of sparring together, she still gets me with those moves most of the time.”

Danai just smiled and kept eating.

“Calisthenics?” mused Henrick. “Well, I expect being seafarers, your people must run into a lot of pirates.”

Danai shook her head. “No. More like run away from. Once we sight pirates, we sail away like the wind. We also try not to venture into areas they frequent. My people only fight if there’s no other option.”

The younger male student seemed a bit confused. Britea wondered what kind of preconception had been shattered by Danai’s casual reply.

“So, Britea, you get placed yet?” asked Navos.

She shook her head. “No, I have a few more assessments coming up.”

“I don’t understand. Which assessments are you talking about?” asked Henrick.

Britea sighed inwardly. “I’m a late wielder; I just got here over the weekend. Warden Asteros has me preparing for assessments so they know which classes would be suitable for me.”

Henrick blinked at her, and she waited for the usual reaction of disbelief.

“You’re a late wielder?’

“Yes.” She knew she sounded a bit testy, but the last hour had been stressful enough, and she was getting so tired of this reaction.

“That’s rare. How did you find out? Did anyone get hurt when your ability manifested?”

Danai raised an eyebrow and shared a silent look with Navos.

Britea forced herself not to snap. “It was spontaneous, and no, no one got hurt. Instead, I got to join this college to learn more about wielding.” She hoped Henrick got the hint and would stop asking her more questions.

“Seven more minutes!” Only Henrick and Britea were surprised at the instructor’s loud announcement.

“Eat fast, my friends,” said Navos cheerfully. “Just don’t choke.”

#

Weapons Master Pietor Caren sighed happily as he let himself into the private quarters reserved for instructors.

“Ah, you’re back,” said Warden Sammel Asteros when the instructor walked into the kitchen. The warden was putting the finishing touches on a meal of spicy vegetable fried rice with chicken soup and warm bread. “How was your day?”

The weapons master grinned. “It was brilliant, actually. How was yours?”

“Not so brilliant, I’m afraid.” Sammel carried two trays of warm food to the dinner table. “I had to deal with some pushy naval intelligence agents.”

Pietor’s smile disappeared as he followed with a tray of warm, tasty-looking bread. “But they took your report seriously, didn’t they?”

“That’s not the impression I got when they left.”

“Hmm. Let me change and wash up quickly, and then you can tell me all about it. By the way, the meal looks good.”

“Yeah, thanks. It’s your turn tomorrow.”

Pietor ran to his room to wash up and change, and then the two wielders sat down to dinner. As they ate, Sammel described what had occurred earlier in the day.

“I hate to say this, but it doesn’t look like they’re taking the attack on the Windrider seriously,” said the weapons master.

Sammel nodded. “I spoke to Headmaster Clayre about it, and he said we should leave it alone. It’s not our responsibility.”

Pietor raised an eyebrow at the bitterness in his friend’s tone. “You’re worried something worse is on the way.”

The warden sighed. “I have no idea, but I feel Namiran warships in our waters is an ominous sign. I don’t buy their excuse that they just happened to wander into our territory to save the Windrider. ”

“Neither do I. The sad thing is our opinions clearly don’t matter in King Wilhem’s court.”

The front door opened before Sammel could say another word.

“Evening, my fellow wielders,” announced Eowise breathlessly as she entered the dining room. She paused when she saw the food on the table. “Oh, save a plate for me.” The female instructor rushed off to change.

“No hurry, dear,” shouted Pietor. “I’ll make sure there’s nothing left before you get back.

“Don’t you dare!” yelled back their housemate. Both seated wielders chuckled, and soon enough their colleague returned in a loose, long light-blue cotton shirt with loose dark-blue pants.

“So, what gossip have I missed?” she asked as she heaped food on her plate. Sammel repeated what he had said earlier.

Eowise frowned then smiled as she took a bite of her food. “This is divine. Now back to the visitors from the navy. Are they that stupid?”

“Not only that, they seem blind as well,” added Pietor.

“The Namirans are obviously lying to us; even our latest novice saw through that official report.”

“Hmmm, speaking of which, I recruited her to my combat and defense and class.” Sammel and Eowise stared at Pietor.

“She just got here. We barely know what she’s capable of,” protested Sammel.

Eowise nodded. “Just because she fought in one sea battle doesn’t mean she’s a warrior.”

“That’s precisely why I picked her,” said Pietor with a grin. “At her age, I doubt I would have even dared think of negotiating with an Alkynaia or dream of wielding in tandem with a Dyhaeri. Yet she did so and adapted admirably. I think she may be more capable than we give her credit for.”

Sammel gave him a wry look. “Just like you thought with Danai? Tell me, has she finally agreed to participate in the Wielder Trials?”

Pietor sighed. “Alas no. However, she has agreed to help train the contestants. But she has so much potential and her skills in hand-to-hand and wielding are quite impressive.”

“I was a bit surprised when you first told me about Danai’s skill at physical combat,” said Eowise after taking a sip of water. “Especially when one considers the pacifist ideology of the Weltonians.”

“Mmhmm,” agreed Sammel.

“Danai is a determined young lady,” said Pietor. “I can give you that much, and if I can convince her to stop holding back, she would be a perfect candidate for the Naval Wielder’s Division. The problem is that despite my obvious hints, she has no inclination of applying for military training.”

“As Eowise pointed out, the Weltonians are largely pacifists, so you’ve got no chance of changing her mind,” said Asteros.

“So, now that we’ve destroyed Pietor’s dream of creating an Admiral Danai Riverun, I guess Britea will be the next candidate?” teased Eowise gently.

Pietor smiled at his roommates. “From what our esteemed Sammel here told me, she handled herself quite well when the Windrider was attacked, and she’s no pushover, especially when confronted by Lady Lianne Arkei and her two hangers-on.”

Eowise sighed in dismay. “Oh, by the Maker, what did those three rich brats do now?”

Pietor described what he had witnessed.

The female instructor shook her head. “I predict more troubling encounters between Britea and those three airheads.”

“Maybe we should put them in separate classes,” suggested Sammel.

“No.” The other two turned to Pietor. “Britea is going to run into others like the Arkei family in the real world. She might as well learn how to deal with it now, so she’s better prepared.”

Sammel looked at Eowise, who nodded. “Fair enough. Let’s talk about a happier topic, shall we?”