She nods.
I should leave. But my feet refuse to move.
“Training starts at sunrise tomorrow. I’d suggest being on time. It would help if you were in the training residence with us all.” I wink, lightening the heaviness that’s settled between us.
“I’m working on it.”
fourteen
. . .
Ever
Ten’s words ensure the next day, I’m outside the training residence ready, dressed in the same gear and my new boots, before anyone else.
My toes wiggle in the leather, the only sign I’ll allow to show how nervous I am to do this all over again.
“Hey. I’m Raiden.” A pretty girl with coily, shoulder-length brown hair, a similar height to me, approaches. She does the slight nod bow thing, which I’ve learned to accept as a Kirrian greeting, and I offer it back.
“Ever, hi.”
“Nice to meet you. Let’s hope I get to say more than ‘hey’ to you today.” Her hazel eyes are kind, and I’m grateful for her making the effort to introduce herself.
“Thanks, I appreciate that. I’m hoping for a better day.”
She smiles, and I hope that she might be someone that I can get to know. She turns away as I notice the slow arrival of the rest of the class around us.
And Ten.
He holds my gaze until Crimson picks her spot next to him, spoiling the view.
“How was the reading?” Micah interrupts me as he comes to stand next to me.
“Um, good. Useful. I think. Thank you.”
“Ready for today?” he asks with an eager grin.
“Training, yes.” Although I already feel tendrils of concern creeping around me at the expression on his face. I look back at Raiden.
“I think he’s meaning the obstacle course. They set it up last night. Drills this morning and study later. Natural Order studies, so feel free to ask me anything. I’m a Natural. Good luck.” She nods, then heads towards a couple of other trainees.
“I’m sorry, obstacle course?” I turn to Micah.
He must be able to see the alarm in my eyes because his grin slides into more of an anxious smile.
“You’ll be fine. A few weeks of training, and you’ll be as good as Crimson.” I highly doubt that, and I don’t have weeks, I have minutes. Plus, we already know my running ability is patchy.
“Why are we put through this again?” I ask, hoping for clarity. I’m never going to be a Warrior, that’s clear.
“Welcome, Ever. Ready for training?” Rowan interrupts my question to Micah. “Mr Star, glad to see you’ve found your way back. I believe we’re still owed a conversation from yesterday, but that can wait. Shall we?” Rowan leads us around the residence building, and right before us, set up in the three rings, is a collection of, well, obstacles. Tall A-frames, tree trunks sunk into the ground at varying heights to make, um… step-stones, maybe. Beams, bars, and other shapes of wood are in front of me.
“We’re meant to what, navigate around that?” Looking at the assortment, that’s the best outcome I can hope for.
“It’s a race. My guess, two-team relay,” Micah says.
“Great. So, not only do I have to figure out how to do this, but my attempt will either help or hinder my teammates. Way to make friends.”
“You were good at sprinting? Maybe you’ll be good at this?” His optimism is appreciated, and maybe he’s right. Maybe I won’t make a fool of myself.
