Aether's Guard

by Schinhofen, Daniel

  “Thank you, sir,” Yukiko smiled.

  “You, as well, Bean,” Lightshield said.

  Jenn froze with her spoon half-raised to her mouth. “My family?”

  “Your mother and father are in the city. They’re staying at Stabled Hunger, as Warlin’s parents are.”

  Jenn appeared lost, not expecting what she was being told.

  Gregory felt his heart clench for a moment as he thought of his father.

  “The month after the tournament is different,” Lightshield went on. “You have two days afterward to get your things arranged. From then until two days before the start of the next year of your classes, we will be leaving the city.”

  “Where are we going, sir?” Gregory asked.

  “One of the nearby towns,” Lightshield replied. “You’ll be apprenticed to a craft for that time period. It’s a working vacation. When the work is done for the day, the rest of the time will be yours. Dia will be there to oversee you. Any questions?”

  “Which crafts?” Jenn asked.

  “Weaponsmithing, leatherworking with a specialization on armor, and lastly, a master bowyer. I decided to let you all choose which you’d prefer, but you will absorb all you can from those crafters. Most magi ignore the mundane crafts, but the knowledge can aid you later in life.”

  “Yes, sir,” they murmured.

  “That’s all for now,” Lightshield said, getting to his feet. A grimace crossed his face as he stood. A simple wooden cane helped him as he walked slowly from the room.

  Gregory watched the elder go and felt a small spike of sadness. “He’s dying.”

  “He’s an elder,” Jenn said. “They live very long lives.”

  “Greg’s right,” Yukiko said. “He didn’t need a cane when he was here last.”

  “He had mentioned that he’d have to pass the clan onto another,” Gregory murmured. “I wonder if that’ll be Dia?”

  “Time will tell,” Yukiko said.

  ~*~*~

  “Novices, it’s good to see you,” Simon greeted them.

  “Thank you, Simon. Could I switch my current book to another on bowyering?” Gregory asked.

  “And leatherworking for me, please?” Yukiko chimed in.

  “Smithing, if it’s not too much to ask,” Jenn finished.

  “You’ve read books on those topics already,” Simon said.

  “We need more knowledge on those topics,” Gregory said.

  “Ah. Your elder is reviving the old tradition of the clan, I take it?”

  “Old tradition?” Yukiko asked.

  “It was traditional for those going from their novice to apprentice years to be trained in a craft during their month off,” Simon said.

  “The book I read about the clan didn’t mention that,” Gregory said.

  “No. That one stayed within the normal aspects. It was written by the current elder’s father, before he split off to make the Iron Hand.”

  “We need to look more at the clan archive,” Gregory said.

  “It does seem prudent to do so,” Yukiko nodded.

  “I’ll bring some books that will likely be useful to you in the coming month,” Simon said. “I also want to wish you well in the tournament. Many eyes will be on you three since you all finished in the top eight.”

  “We’ll be doing our best,” Gregory said.

  “No one doubts you’d do less,” Simon said. “Your friends are already seated.”

  “Thank you,” the three of them said in echo, bowing to Simon.

  “There they are,” Daciana said. “We weren’t certain you’d be here.”

  “We’ll be here every morning, if possible,” Yukiko said. “We try not to miss our training.”

  “Good,” Daciana nodded. “We’ll be here, too.”

  “If that’s okay?” Nessa added.

  “It’s fine,” Gregory said. “Friends should help each other, even if we’re restrained in how much we can help.”

  “We understand,” Nessa said, beating Daciana to the comment. “You’ve already done more than we deserve.”

  “If you’re as serious about joining the clan as you appear to be, then it’s the least we can do. We’re being targeted by the great clans. Following us will put targets on you, as well.”

  “We can handle it,” Daciana said. “We’ve already gained a rank in the time we’ve known you.”

  “That growth slows,” Jenn said. “What rank are you right now?”

  “Three,” Daciana said, pulling her medallion out.

  “Two,” Nessa added, showing her medallion, too. “What of you three?”

  They each pulled their medallions out far enough for them to be seen before putting them away.

  “Already?” Daciana asked with wide eyes. “Will we be the same?”

  “Everyone is different in how fast they grow,” Yukiko said. “Which path you follow makes a difference in that, as well.”

  “I’ve been curious about that,” Nessa said. “From the little we’ve overheard from the others waiting to be novices, they all do specific types of training. A few do Magi Squares, the majority focus on physical training, and a couple meditate. We’ve been doing all three... how will that affect us? I asked the dormitory keeper, but she just smiled and shook her head. Another person overheard my question and called me foolish, as only the exceptionally rare can train two paths, and no one can train all three.”

  “The training you’re doing is to keep you balanced until you find the path you want to follow,” Gregory said.

  “But you three do the same, right? Have you still not chosen?” Daciana asked, staring at Gregory.

  “We’ll answer that when you join the clan,” Yukiko said. “We can’t answer right now. Giving answers to a possible adversary is foolish.”

  Nessa blinked, hurt appearing on her features.

  Daciana nodded sagely. “Yes, that’s smart. We’ll wait until then.”

  “We should get started on the lessons,” Jenn said. “We have places we have to be.”

  “Okay...” Nessa said softly.

  ~*~*~

  Elsa opened the door for them, her smile wide. “Welcome to the Watashi residence.”

  “Good morning to you, Elsa,” Yukiko said. “This will be our last day here until the next cycle at the academy begins.”

  Elsa’s smile dimmed, but she nodded. “Because your fights can be at any time. I know.”

  “You’re going to keep up what you’re doing, right?” Gregory asked.

  Elsa nodded emphatically. “We all will.”

  “If you all do a good job, we’ll see about setting up something special,” Jenn said.

  Elsa’s eyes lit up. “Promise?”

  “We’ll see,” Yukiko said. “If Baylyss says that you didn’t…”

  “No! We’ll do our best!”

  “I’ll hold you to that,” Baylyss said from behind Elsa. “Now go join the others in the garden. They’ll be along momentarily.”

  “Yes,” Elsa bowed to them, then Baylyss, before she walked sedately from the room.

  Baylyss watched her go with a kind smile. “She acts older than her years sometimes. Last night, one of the others woke with night terrors, and Elsa soothed them before I could get to the room.”

  “She’ll do great things,” Yukiko said. “We’ll do our best to bring something back for all of them. You’ll need to leave word at the clan hall if they deserve it or not.”

  “I can handle that,” Baylyss said. “They’ve all been eager for today, though sad. I know you have plans for today, so go on. I set out gi for you to wear while training, and I’ll have the baths ready for you so you can clean up before leaving.”

  “Thank you,” Jenn said. “That’s very thoughtful.”

  “I do try,” Baylyss said before she started to lead them down the hall.

  Chapter Forty-six

  Gregory took a slow, deep breath, feeling the butterflies in his gut. Glancing up, he saw that Jenn looked as nervous as he was
. “It’ll be okay,” he said.

  Jenn jerked slightly, blinking rapidly for a moment. “Yes! Yes, of course.”

  “Do you think they won’t approve?” Yukiko asked her.

  “I don’t know,” Jenn replied. “Mother was in tears when the proctor took me away, and Father has never been a fan of the magi... They’ve never written to me.”

  “Did you write to them?” Gregory asked.

  Jenn was silent for a few seconds, then shook her head. “No. I should have, though.”

  “Parents will always love their children,” Yukiko said.

  Gregory’s eyelid twitched as he recalled some of the beatings his father gave him. Those memories faded, replaced by the one he had of his father begging Bishop to leave Gregory behind, not wanting to lose him.

  “Dear one?” Yukiko asked with concern.

  Gregory blinked and felt a tear tracking down his cheek. He quickly scrubbed it away. “Sorry. Talk of parents…”

  Yukiko took his hands in hers. “I’m here. Jenn’s here. If you need to speak and let the pain go, we’ll help.”

  “Maybe later,” Gregory said. “Just before seeing your parents isn’t the time.”

  “If that’s what you want,” Yukiko said softly.

  “She’s right, Greg. We’re here to support each other,” Jenn added.

  Gregory gave her a strained smile. “Thank you. Right now, let’s focus on happiness?”

  “Father will be happy, and Mother will be surprised,” Yukiko said.

  Gregory’s lips twitched briefly upward. “Maybe a different topic?”

  “Father will likely ask about it,” Yukiko said. “Be prepared.”

  “He wouldn’t. Not with Jenn’s parents there,” Gregory said.

  “No. He’d wait, but the question will come.”

  “Do you think they’ll do what they did last time?” Gregory asked.

  “Dinner every night?” Yukiko asked, deliberately misunderstanding.

  “That’s fine. You know what I’m referring to, Yuki.”

  “Yes. They’ll probably do exactly what they did last time,” Yukiko replied.

  “And we can’t let him go unsupervised.”

  “No,” Yukiko replied. “Mother could, but not Father.”

  “What are you talking about?” Jenn asked.

  “The auction house,” Yukiko smiled.

  Jenn stared at Yukiko. “Wait... You’re being serious?”

  “Yes,” Gregory replied. “It was the hardest part to come to grips with during the last tournament.”

  “And you’ll be with us,” Yukiko said as the carriage slowed.

  Jenn was about to object, but the carriage stopped before she could. Hintle, one of Warlin’s guards, opened the carriage door for them and helped them out, then led them into the taproom of Stabled Hunger.

  The room was packed with Warlin’s guards. The only non-guard present was Mumisa, Murium’s mother, who was speaking with Lin about the book that she had on the table. All eyes went to them when they entered the room.

  Yukiko gave them a bright smile. “Afternoon. I hope you are all well.”

  “We are,” Lin said, before quietly excusing himself from his discussion with Mumisa. “Your parents, and hers, are waiting for you.”

  “Surprised you aren’t with them,” Yukiko said.

  “I’ve had time to vet them,” Lin said.

  “Is that so?” Yukiko smiled.

  “If you’ll follow me?” Lin asked.

  “We know the way,” Yukiko said gently. “There’s no need to come with us.”

  “And have Hao hand me my head? I’ll decline.”

  “Very well,” Yukiko said.

  Lin led them down the hall to the private dining room. He paused a second after knocking before opening the door. “Your daughters are here, along with Pettit.”

  Yukiko was the first one into the room, her smile bright. “It’s good to see you both.”

  Hao and Yoo-jin rose to their feet when she entered, smiling widely as they greeted her in return. Two other people stood when Jenn entered the room.

  “Mother… Father...” Jenn greeted them with a slight waver to her voice. “It’s good to see you both.”

  “Our darling!” Jenn’s mother sniffled as she rushed around the table to hug her.

  Her father stayed where he was, looking taciturn. “It’s good to see you.” His voice was firm, and didn’t betray any emotion.

  Jenn didn’t try to stop her mother, letting the larger woman hug her. “Mother, please... there are others present.”

  “Oh, they love their little girl as much as we love ours.”

  Yoo-jin nodded. “It’s true. We do.”

  Lin took up a position beside the door after he closed it behind them.

  “So, these are your friends?” Jenn’s father asked bluntly.

  Jenn slipped free of her mother, giving her father a searching look. “They are. Yukiko Warlin, Gregory Pettit, these are my parents, Umbrose and Adolphus Bean.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Gregory said, bowing formally to them.

  “Your daughter has been a bright spot for us,” Yukiko said.

  “I’m sure you’ve been the same for her,” Umbrose replied. “She never had many friends.”

  “Mother!” Jenn exclaimed pleadingly.

  “Don’t feel bad,” Yoo-jin said. “Yu had trouble with that, as well.”

  Yukiko nodded. “Until Greg and you, Jenn, I never had real friends. I speak the truth when I say you’ve been a bright spot for me.”

  “If you’re done with the maudlin moment,” Adolphus said bluntly, “actions are the only thing that counts. Words are useless if not backed by action.”

  “Yes,” Hao said. “That’s very true. Something that some people take years to learn. Shall we go back to our conversation?”

  “I was surprised to hear you had come,” Jenn said, taking her seat.

  “Normally, I would have to pull him away from the forge, as you know, Jenn,” Umbrose said. “This time, though, he was the one who planned everything.”

  Jenn sat up straighter. “Father?”

  Adolphus looked away from her. “It’s been nearly a year, and we haven’t heard anything.”

  Jenn sat there for a few seconds. “I’m sorry, Father, Mother. I wasn’t sure you wanted to—”

  “You blasted fool!” Adolphus cut her off. “We know the magi are vicious even to their novices. We’ve been worried sick.”

  “Easy, Husband,” Umbrose said, placing her hand on his thick forearm.

  “I… I…” Jenn stammered, not having expected an outburst from her normally stoic father.

  “It seems I’m not the only father who has been worried sick for his child,” Hao said. “It must have been difficult, wanting to come for the first tournament, but being unable to.”

  “It was difficult,” Adolphus said stiffly.

  “We were surprised when you stopped by our shop,” Umbrose said.

  “It was something my daughter asked us for,” Yoo-jin said, “that we inquire if you’d like to come. We were gratified that you did indeed want to do so.”

  Jenn swallowed and turned to Yukiko. “You asked them?”

  “I asked that they check. I know you had been wanting to see them, but didn’t know how to ask,” Yukiko said gently. “If I overstepped—”

  Jenn shook her head, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “No. This… this is... Thank you.”

  Gregory looked away, his own emotional turmoil spiking again.

  “You’d been saying that your daughter was marrying,” Adolphus said, breaking the moment. “This is the man?”

  “Gregory Pettit,” Hao nodded. “Once the tournament is over, he’ll be marrying our Yu.”

  Adolphus stared at Gregory for a long moment. “You’ve been helping my daughter?”

  “Yes, sir. To be fair, she’s been helping us, as well.”

  “Oh? What’s she been teaching you?” A
dolphus asked.

  “Fighting, mostly,” Gregory said. “She was in the final eight during the last tournament. She’s one of the best fighters in our year.”