by NAK Baldron
"Maybe," Shaya said. "Don't know when the next class is. Maybe later today. An hour seems a little short for an instructional period."
Ren hoped she was right, because he was doomed to fail, if they expected apprentices to learn solely from reading.
"Back to the library?" Goban asked.
"That's fine with me," Shaya said.
"Let me return this to my room." Ren pointed to his portable terminal.
"What's that?" Goban asked.
"It's a portable terminal. We use them in the Pearl Nation to read."
"What does it do?"
"Nothing here, but back home it replaced the need for paper."
They both looked impressed, but said nothing.
"I'll meet you there." Ren gathered his terminal and left.
Back in his room Ren sat on his bunk cursing himself for being an idiot. There was nothing else to be done about it. He'd have to sneak into the library at night and study while the others slept. If pressed, he could survive on four hours of sleep, but if he failed to keep up, he'd never forgive himself.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Texas, Earth
Friday, October 28th
Lance bought mattresses for the spare rooms upstairs in preparation. With the mission a week away, Lance thought it would be best if everyone was under the same roof until it was over.
"It's important to live and breathe the plan so they would carry it out flawlessly," Lance had said.
They planned to stay up a little later than the day before and sleep in later. If everyone switched to a night schedule, the overnight mission would be easier. Blake fell into a night routine the first night and came over after he woke up. He liked having a mattress he could rest on while Lance and Kandice slept.
Kandice and Lance had a little more trouble. They sparred each night to get their adrenaline pumping and forget about wanting to sleep.
The first few nights, it was hard to make it to 4:00 AM but by Thursday it had moved to 6:00 AM.
Kandice's skills showed improvements.
After the first two days of training, she was up to winning about half the matches. They always went for the best of five rounds.
Some days, it would take two hours, others thirty minutes. Kandice learned to anticipate Lance's moves, and in return, Lance changed his moves to avoid her. By Thursday, their matches morphed from sparring to full-fledged stratagems, like chess matches.
When they woke up Thursday afternoon, around 3:00 PM, Kandice and Lance both agreed to keep each other awake until 2:00 PM Friday. The plan was airtight. All four of them could list their duties and the duties of every other person.
There was no more prepping needed. Now it was just a waiting game. Blake switched to waking up around 10:00 PM and going to bed around noon. Slava was almost always awake and took power naps throughout the day.
Kandice learned that, for the past four years, Slava hadn't been able to sleep for more than two hours at a time. It was one of the many side effects from shifting for so long, but it did make him great for reconnaissance. It seemed like with each negative to shifting there was also a bonus to counter it with.
Part of the plan centered around Slava's sleep needs, since he was only awake for about five hours at a time. With them hitting the mayor in the dead of the night, everyone in the neighborhood would be asleep.
By the time 1:30 PM rolled around on Friday, Lance and Kandice both agreed it was close enough. Blake had been the only reason they made it that far. He'd done everything he could to keep them awake and entertained. Sparring would have taken too much out of them, so they agreed to skip it. Blake made fun of them the whole day because they were too young to not be able to pull all-nighters with ease.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Amethyst Nation, Fencura
The courtyard was empty aside from Nadia and the apprentices. Adaku wrapped the cloak around herself more tightly, thankful she received a full set of clothing. She leaned closer to her brother, who also wore a full cloak, while the other apprentices dressed less warmly. The three of them stood away from the twins. Ren must not notice the cold, because he wore a tunic and pants, as if it was a mild spring day. Both of the twins missed the warm weather of their homeland. Beyond that Adaku missed her father's court.
The loneliness of being an apprentice wasn't something she had prepared for. She had Abaze, but he was little more than an obligation—making her life more difficult with those around them—as usual.
"Each day, I will gather you from the Apprentices' Wing for our lesson," Nadia said. "You will demonstrate your progress, and I will assign reading material to fill in the gaps you demonstrate. You should have already found the books on the first list I gave you, and be well on your way to finishing them."
Abaze scoffed under his breath.
"Line up and prepare to present."
The apprentices moved to a straight line in front of Nadia.
How much progress could she expect us to have made? Adaku transmitted.
Who cares, Abaze transmitted. I'm not here to impress some apprentice trainer. Father expects us to return prepared to run our city.
* * *
We have to study, Adaku transmitted.
Just summarize it for me, Abaze transmitted from his relaxed position on his bed.
Nadia seemed unimpressed with their performance, especially that of Ren's. She'd insisted they double their reading efforts, and Adaku discovered her brother hadn't been spending his study time reading. Instead occupying himself with frivolous activities.
Adaku bit down her anger, and did as her brother wished. Their father would expect her to support Abaze, regardless of how little effort he put in himself, and to make it worse, her brother thrived off this. Instead of working as a team, he expected her to do the hard work, and he would share in the rewards.
INTERLUDE V
Emerald Nation, Fencura
Abaze laid in his bed, staring at the ceiling trying to sleep, but tiredness never overcame him. Thoughts raced, as it seemed the entire world was coming down on him. He would have a year after his naming day, but he felt as if it would be gone in the blink of an eye. What he would do with Mitaire?
He couldn't just leave her behind, so he imagined ways he could sneak her out with him, but every plan he thought of just lead to his father finding out. Then, not only would he face punishment, but Mitaire and her family would be severely punished—potentially imprisoned or even executed. He shook the thoughts from his head because Adaku might hear them if she were awake like himself, but he refused to probe into her mind only to check.
While lying under the sheets in the darkness, he practiced what Kelechi had taught him. It calmed him, but he still couldn't slip into sleep. Hours passed as Abaze continued to toss and turn in bed when he noticed a tugging at his mind. He eased the barrier of his mental defenses, like placing a small gate in a wall.
Are you awake? Adaku transmitted.
Yeah, Abaze transmitted. I haven't slept at all.
I thought I slept for a little bit, Adaku transmitted. But I might have just been staring at the back of my eyelids. Are you ready?
Yeah, I suppose I am, Abaze transmitted. I'm not ready for what is to come in the next year. Do you think father will make us leave earlier?
If we get in trouble? Probably, Adaku transmitted. Which I think could only mean one thing, so don't get caught with Mitaire. He made a promise to mom, and I believe he intends to keep it.
I won't get us into trouble, Abaze transmitted.
They returned to their silences and as the night reached its end, their bedrooms lightened. Each of them stayed in their beds as if they could avoid the day, but their doors were knocked on simultaneously.
"Time to get prepared." They heard their father in their common room.
The servants entered and began helping the children out of their nightgowns and get cleaned up for the ceremony. They could hear their parents discussing the day in the common room as they pre
pared.
With their thick and uncomfortable ceremony clothes on, the twins walked out into the common room. A servant was helping their father to make sure that his majestic robe wasn't showing any signs of wear while their mother sat in a chair with multiple servants surrounding her working on her hair and makeup.
Mobo looked up to them in their outfits. "Are you two all set?"
"Yes," they said in unison.
"Do we have to be in these clothes for so long?" Abaze asked.
"There is a feast after the ceremony which you must remain in the attire for," Rayowa said. "After we're done with the feast, you'll be allowed to remove it. Though, you shouldn't be in such a rush because you both look quite lovely."
Mobo inspected the twins from a distance to make sure they were proper and looked their best for the naming day. The honor of their kingdom was on display for all the subjects to see.
They were each brought small cups of water even though everyone in the room could hear the grumbling inside Abaze's stomach. The sound of horns came in through the window as the guards opened the gate to let spectators into the courtyard.
Adaku walked to the window and peaked out to see the crowd gathering below. The number of people entering didn't seem to slow until most of the standing room was filled. Guards lined the inner wall and patrolled atop it, all loaded with quivers full of arrows in case anybody tried to harm the royal family—their death would be quick, if they were lucky, else Mobo would see to it they suffered a gruesome public torture. A strong deterrent made public ensured the safety of the kingdom—for he and his heirs were the kingdom.
Loud chatter could be heard and many people displayed cheerfulness as they danced in the source-light to the piper who'd taken a spot near the castle grounds entrance. His sweet tunes serenaded the crowd and kept them distracted while they waited for the royal family's appearance.
Adaku let out a deep exhalation and startled when her mother snuck up behind her, placing her hands on her daughter's shoulders.
"I know," Rayowa said. "It looks overwhelming, but don't let it get into your head. These are all your people; they are here because they love you and wish you great health, so that you may help continue to lead them under the light."
"There are just so many," Adaku said.
"If you start to feel overwhelmed, then you just keep your eyes on either I or your father during the ceremony," Rayowa said. "Now, is everyone ready? It's hard to keep large crowds entertained for too long."
A servant was fixing a small thread on the king's robe, but quickly finished it and bowed himself away from Mobo. Mob gestured for the servants to start making their way to their appropriate positions. Together, the four members of the royal family walked the hall toward the grand balcony which overlooked the courtyard filled with the people of the city.
I don't think I'm ready for this, Adaku transmitted. Did you see how many people are out there?
I didn't, Abaze transmitted.
The way he carried himself proved to Adaku that he was nowhere near as nervous for the event as she was—so she tried to hold herself like him, even as her palms sweated profusely.
It will be over in no time, Abaze transmitted. Then we'll get to eat.
I hope so, Adaku transmitted and her brother turned to her with one of the warmest smiles she'd ever seen from him. Maybe he was just as nervous, but better at hiding it?
They arrived at the room which was attached to the balcony. It was filled with servants racing around in a panic to ensure everything was attended to, fearful of being punished for something being left undone. All the servants bowed to the family as they entered, before returning to their work with more fury. Several servants walked over, but Mobo broke from the others and met with the servants alone.
Rayowa turned to the twins. "As I've always said, I couldn't be any prouder of you two. You're going to grow into such magnificent rulers."
She embraced both her children and for a moment, they all just remained in a tight hug ignoring the reality of the day. They waited as Mobo made sure that everything was in order, then the servants went to the balcony doors.
"You two ready to start?" Mobo turned back to them and both the twins nodded.
The king walked up to the doors, the servants opening them in unison. The overwhelming sound of music and talking filled the room until the king stepped out into the crowd's view. All murmurs died down until there was near-perfect silence. He scanned over the crowd of people—all their eyes were upon him.
"We welcome you all for gathering here today to witness the coming-of-age of your prince and princess." Mobo's powerful voice carried even to the people standing outside of the castle, amplified by the inner walls.
He took his spot next to the table, then turned to the door. Rayowa slowly walked out first and the twins followed behind her. Once they came into view of the spectators, they could feel the hundreds of eyes upon them. Adaku tried her hardest not to look down at the crowd, but Abaze peered over the sea of people.
Before they finished their walk to their father, he spotted Mitaire. She had taken a spot right against the castle wall. She must've been standing on something because she stood over several people so that she could get the best view possible. He wanted to wave down at her but held the gesture down and only stared at her until they arrived at the table.
The twins lit the candles on the table and their father stood a little straighter. "Today is a blessed day under the Zarian sky. We've come together to witness the naming of our beloved prince and princess. Together, they shall split the crown and its powers."
Mobo reached into the water bowl, then ran his finger across the top of Abaze's head, then Adaku's head. "I hereby name you heirs of house Okonkwo. Your lives now belong to the kingdom. From this day forth, you shall set aside your own desires for the good of the kingdom."
The crowd cheered as the twins turned to face everyone. Adaku could feel her face turning red, but Abaze only stared at Mitaire who was cheering harder than anyone else in the crowd. Music started to play once again, and people began filtering out of the castle courtyard. Abaze and Adaku waved to the people as they exited—the part of the ceremony which they wished would end quickly, but the people took twice as long to leave the courtyard as they had to enter it.
When they turned back around, their father was already gone, but their mother was watching them. She'd taken a seat and looked as if she'd just climbed a mountainside. They went to her side and Abaze helped her to her feet.
As they walked back into the castle and down the halls, the smell of the food from the kitchens started to permeate the entire structure. Abaze started to imagine what sort of food and drinks had been prepared for the celebration while Adaku made sure that her mother was okay. They walked slowly so as to not exhaust their mother.
They reached the dining hall, and everyone cheered for their prince and princess. All the tables were covered with golden plates offering meats, fruits, and delicacies to those who passed by. Large groups had already formed, deep in conversations about the kingdom and the future ahead. A fountain had been placed in the center of the dining hall which poured red wine into a marble bowl and beside it, a row of full hogs, roasted and stuffed.
The twins helped their mother to her seat. Adaku thought to sit with her, but Rayowa forced her to get food and talk with those that had come a long way to be a part of their naming day. Abaze already walked through the crowds making straight for a plate of food, but he kept being interrupted by people who bowed to him and wished to speak with him.
Adaku glanced around but couldn't see her father anywhere. She felt bad for leaving her mother alone, but Rayowa continued urging her out into the crowd. After a deep breath, she stepped out and started talking with high officials, lords and ladies, and people of importance that had been granted access to the party. When their father entered, the room fell silent.
Mobo raised a cup. "To my son and daughter, may you be blessed in your forthcoming days of reign
ing."
Everyone cheered and the room's festivities recommenced. Laughter filled the hall and the twins engaged with nearly everyone in the dining hall. Every time the platters of food were near empty, a servant would bring in a fresh platter to replace it. The fountain of wine never seemed to cease even with so many cups being thrust in for a refill.
Entertainers entered the hall and lined the walls giving the partygoers something to watch, and musicians switched out routinely to provide different styles of music. As night approached, more and more people began to leave the dining hall to retire.
Abaze and Adaku stood with their father as they said goodbye to the last of the guests leaving. The servants were busy racing about the dining hall to pick up after the party.
Adaku glanced around to search for her mother. "Where did mother go?"
"She was rather tired from all the commotion today," Mobo said. "So, I had her taken up to her room so she could relax and hopefully sleep."
"Is mom okay?" she asked while staring at the empty seat where Rayowa had sat.
"She'll be fine," Mobo said, in an unconvincing tone. "She just needs some rest."
"Everyone keeps saying that, but it seems that she just looks worse," Adaku said.
"She'll be alright," Mobo said. "You two probably also need some rest after such a long day. I'm proud of you. Take this next year to start preparing yourselves mentally."
Adaku wanted to further protest that her mother wasn't alright, but Abaze's thoughts snuck into her own. Come on, we'll check on mother tomorrow. Now, isn't the time to anger father.
You're right, Adaku transmitted.
The twins left the chamber, leaving their father with the few servants still working. They made for their rooms where they both shed the horrid outfits they had to wear for the ceremony.
Adaku could hear Abaze sneaking out of his room and thought to protest, but she didn't want her brother to be angry at her like before.
