Aster looked up and smiled with his hands behind his head.
"Tie," the teacher announced.
Detrick and Aster rose up and landed back on the platform.
Aster sauntered over and winked.
I snorted. "What are you so happy about? You just almost died."
"But, did I?"
"Yea, you sure did."
"Let’s agree to disagree."
"I’ve decided you’re an idiot." I nudged him.
"Some would say genius."
"No, I doubt anyone would sa—”
"Seven Noah. You have been challenged by Seven Tye. Do you accept?" Professor Urani interrupted.
I blinked and stared toward the front of the class. "Wait, what?"
The teacher looked at me. "Do you accept?"
I coughed. "Of course."
Tye stepped up and smiled. "Let’s see if you are worth the trouble."
He slashed his sword in the air, before placing his hand behind his back. Another Ridden sword form.
I bent down and stretched, moving sporadically so that he wouldn’t know what technique I was using. Without drawing my father’s sword, I shook my hands to the side.
"Twenty silver if you can’t beat him with no sword," Aster shouted.
I closed my eyes and turned my head towards Aster. He just stood there smiling. Bastard. "Deal,” I said.
"I’ll add another twenty to that if you do," Tye added.
"Why, thank you for your generosity, Tye," I said.
Even the professor was having difficulty containing his excitement for the battle. After all, it was the school’s first seven versus seven battle of the year.
"Begin. And remember… try not to make any fatal wounds. First to yield wins." Urani yelled.
Wait... He could stab me? What was I getting into?
I stood there, waiting for Tye to come at me. He smiled and rushed toward me. I dodged every slash he made. I needed him to thrust, but Tye knew I was trying to force him into a specific attack, and kept his distance.
I continued to circle him, making sure not to come too close to the edge. Still, he never once made a thrust. I stepped in and tried to close the distance myself.
That was an error.
His sword connected with my shoulder.
I grabbed the wound and felt blood ooze out, staining my fingers. It stung like a thousand bee stings, but it was nothing I wasn't used to. The sticky warm fluid dripped off my hand as I continued to circle. He rushed in, and just as I noticed his thrust, I realized it was a set-up.
I backed away and slipped in my own blood that had fallen to the polished floor. "Shit!" I screamed as I fell. Tye’s gaze flashed as he towered over me, sword poised to wound me, or worse.
CHAPTER SIX
Jovanni
I backed away as his blade came down between my legs. He was too fast for me to roll out of the way, and I was losing distance from the edge. Fast.
"Stop running, Noah. Just face your fate," Tye said.
That was the break I needed, him talking to interrupt his sword movements. I rolled right, and he changed his stabbing pattern just enough for me to barrel into his legs. I interlocked one of his legs with mine and pushed. He fell as I rolled up to my feet. I kicked his blade off the edge of the platform.
I waved, letting him get up. "Come on."
Within a few seconds, the fight turned in my favor. He was letting his anger get to him. One of the first lessons I ever learned from Father was to keep your emotions in check.
I smiled at him as his jaw tightened. The crowd was yelling for Tye. I stood there waiting for him to make a move.
He tried to punch me and I countered with my own, drawing blood from his nose. "Sorry about that."
He tried again and I punched him in the mouth. He wasn't as good without his sword. He spit the blood out of his mouth and came charging towards me. He obviously wanted to pull another Aster and save face. I wasn't going to let him off that easy. I dodged out of the way and he slid to the edge, trying to stop.
"I'm going to kill you,” he growled.
"I highly doubt that."
He smiled, raising his hands in front of him. The air stirred and clouds overcast the platform.
"That is not allowed, Tye!” the teacher yelled.
A black lightning bolt struck me right in the chest, sending me back further to the edge. I couldn't breathe as smoke arose from the impact area. He had used magic in our dual.
Ignoring the professors warning, he walked over to me as I clutched my chest. "Shut it!" Tye screamed at the professor.
I was losing my sight from the lack of air. Calm down, my father’s voice came to me. Calm.
I focused on my breathing as Tye grabbed one of my legs and dragged me closer to the edge. He was an idiot for allowing me this time to recover.
If I could.
The burning didn't stop, but I managed to stand up on my one leg. I kicked his hand and he released my other leg.
"You are beaten,” he yelled. “Stand down!"
"Oh, you got me, I admit that. But I wouldn't use the word beat."
I was fully standing now with my fists in the air. I coughed up blood from the blast. I should have worn my enchanted leathers.
"Come here, you plump pastry." I taunted.
He smiled and rushed at me. This time his fists were covered in black lightning, adding hurt to his punches. He must have concentrated his power in his hands. I took one hit to the ribs and screamed. The force must have been double his normal strength. If I wasn't careful, I’d get my ribs broken or worse, I’d get myself dead.
I continued to dodge his fists, but his swings kept coming. I was still out of breath and now my side was on fire from his first contact with them. He would have me if I made another wrong move.
He threw a hard right at my jaw. I dodged, making him hit air and countered with a left to his temple. His steps wavered. I pressed the attack, hitting his temple again and again. He finally fell to the ground.
Bastard could take a hit. His right eye was swollen beyond belief. He merely kept waving his hands in the air, as if he was still fighting. He was done.
The teacher came over to confirm what I already knew. "Noah Olsen has won. Making him one to zero in matches."
Wait, they keep track of these things? Aster came and touched my ribs. I jumped back from the sudden touch, still on alert. "Not broken, at least,” he said. “Think you can make it through class?"
"With all my new silver friends, I think I can manage.”
He took out a small bag of coins and handed me some. "Well done. I thought the cheating bastard had you."
“So did I for a minute.”
The rest of the class came up and congratulated me. Yay! I have a target on my back now!
I followed the rest of the group as other battles took place. It was a comedy play, from what I saw. I cringed most of the time. The poor mages had no idea what to do in an unarmed fight where they couldn’t use magic.
I should train them on the side for extra money. Or, just keep winning bets from Aster. Tye was taken to the medical wing and the sun started to retreat behind the mountains.
"That’s all for today class,” the teacher announced. “We will go over what went wrong today, tomorrow, see where we can improve."
We walked out of the classroom and I stared at the stairs. "I hate you..." I mumbled at the steps.
Every movement I took was painful. It took Aster and I at least an hour to reach the dining hall. Then it was another hour for me to consume all the food I possibly could.
"I swear, I'm never skipping a meal again," I said as I rubbed my stomach.
"I don't think there is enough food in the world to sustain you eating every day," Aster said as we walked back to our room.
We reached our room and I tried to go inside.
"Where are you going?" Aster asked.
"Need I really say it?"
"Smart ass. I meant, aren't you going to come
bathe?" Aster smiled.
"I will later. I wanted to get out of these blood-stained clothes." I pushed on the door to enter.
"Okay." He shrugged and went on his way.
I entered the room and ripped off my top. It wasn’t going to make the pain any more manageable if I went slowly. I groaned as the tunic ripped the dried blood from the wound. With my window closed I took my top off. The door was locked from the inside so nobody could barge in, including Aster. I started to re-wrap my bandage from the hasty job I did the first time. It didn't look like I would need stitches.
I was more worried about the several bruises that were already forming on my ribs and in the middle of my chest. The black and blue was taking over the area below my left breast. “Damn it all. It’s only the first day.” I swore. Then I put on a clean black tunic and leather top. I debated wearing the enchanted leathers in case I got into another fight, but two in one day seemed unlikely, so I didn't. I laid gently on my bed and caught a few hours of sleep.
I woke up and Aster wasn't back yet, nor was he banging on the door to be let in.
I figured it was late enough to try and bathe. It would be a quick in and out, but anything would do. I grabbed a drying cloth and left my room. The halls were thankfully empty and made me think the baths were going to be less busy. If worse came to worse, I could use the women’s side if it was empty.
From outside of the bathroom, I heard no evidence of anyone inside. I walked into the enormous public bath. It had a waterfall coming in from the edge while floating candles illuminated the place. Marble outlined the washing stations and the rim of the pool.
"Some sight isn't it?" I jerked my head around to find Aster on the edge of the pool.
Dammit. "Why are you still here?"
"I love the water." He swam backward. "It’s like a river in here, except warm. Come on in."
I could relate with his love of water but not with his suggestion of me getting in.
"It's okay. I will just come back later. I’d hate for you to lose the place to yourself. Doesn’t seem like anyone else is here."
"Suit yourself, but the bathes will be closing soon."
I let out a deep sigh. "Listen. I have this thing about being seen naked and being touched. I don't know why, but it just makes me very uncomfortable." It seemed like the best excuse to use to belay suspicion. "As a favor, would you mind letting me clean up? I know it would mean you have to get out, but it would mean a lot."
He swam around and came back to the edge of the pool. "Of course. I’ll even keep watch for you. Help me up."
I reached down and grabbed his hand and he yanked me in. I let out all the air in my body, letting me sink to the bottom. I cursed and swore, blowing out bubbles. I came back up to the top but my anger was gone. The water felt too good on my sore body.
"Great gods above." Looking down to check to see if my tunic was see-thru but it was thick enough not to be. I leaned back in the water slightly floating. "I hate you, but great gods."
"You are welcome, my friend. Also, just so you know, the water is enchanted. It will dull your pain somewhat. So, your bruises should be feeling a bit better."
"Oh, they do." I was practically falling asleep on the edge of the water. The water cascaded over the side and Aster was getting out of the water. I looked at his back and they were filled with scars.
I frowned. "What happened?"
Aster paused. "To my back? A tale for another time." There was a grimace on his face. "Anyway, remember I told you the bath was closing?"
"Yes."
"That time is now." He held up his finger and the candles went out. The waterfall stopped falling into the pool. The water quickly lost its warmth, and with a shiver, I jumped out.
I could see my own breath as the temperature dropped. "What is happening?"
"It’s a measure to ensure students get out. Check the water." I tried to stick my foot into the pool but it was frozen over.
"Could have given me a warning at least."
"I did."
"I meant about the water."
"I could've." He smiled at me.
He was actually charming. as far as the boys at the school. I could have been cursed with a worse friend.
Goosebumps covered my body. "Well, now I'm freezing. Thanks for that."
"You would still be smelly and bloody if I didn't pull you in. So, you're welcome."
"So generous of you."
"What are friends for?" He threw me a cloth and I dried off as best I could. We walked out of the bath and immediately ran into a tall man with black shoulder length hair.
"Late night swim, I see. Aster the mage and... the seven who beat Tye on his first day." He placed his hands behind his back with absolute calm.
"Yes, sorry, sir." Aster’s gaze remained down.
I admit I hadn’t known him for long but he didn't strike me as the submissive type.
"Is he bothering you..." The man asked with a raised brow.
"Noah, sir. And no. He’s my roommate. We traveled here together."
"Interesting... Run along, mage."
Aster bowed and jogged off, leaving me and the tall man alone. I instinctively covered my chest with my arms. This way my tunic wouldn’t reveal any curves due to the wet top.
"If you would wish, I could have him removed from your room."
A room alone? That would be beneficial. Then the thought clashed with a memory of Aster’s smile and I think I would miss that more. Plus, it’s good to have backup close by.
"No, sir. It really is fine." My eyes started to wander, afraid to make eye contact with the man.
"You are the one who beat Tye today, correct?"
"I am, sir."
"What is your family name?"
"Olsen sir."
A smug smile came across his face. "Olsen... This gets better and better."
"I don't understand." I searched his face for a clue but found none.
"Oh, I'm sure you will in time. For now, run along, seven. I’ll be watching you. I pray you don't disappoint."
I nodded and jogged away just as Aster did.
What did he mean this gets better and better? Was there something I didn’t know? I made it back to the room and shut the door.
Aster was pacing the room. "What did he say?" he asked, coming to a stop.
"He asked if I wanted the room to myself. And that he is watching me and hopes I don't disappoint."
"This is bad. His name is Jovanni. I know you don't know what that means, but he is the only seven on the seven’s council. He is known for his horrific acts during the Leden Wars. If he is watching you, Noah, then something bad is sure to follow."
CHAPTER SEVEN
Training
Although day two wasn't nearly as bad as yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t stop thinking about Jovanni’s comment. I didn't like the sound of it. But I couldn’t let him impact my studies.
We’d just finished going over all the critiques, conveniently leaving out the match between myself and Tye. I could feel Tye’s eyes burning a hole in the back of my neck the entire class. He wanted me punished.
Aster just antagonized him further. “Ahh, nothing like a victory bath to end the day!” He stretched back, making sure Tye and Detrick could hear him. He looked at me. “I would call yesterday a success, wouldn’t you, Noah?”
The professor grabbed my attention by raising her voice before I could respond.
"There is one last thing before I release you. Sponsorship trials will be coming up soon. Those that need sponsors need to sign up here at the front desk and be ready to go at a moment’s notice. If a trial arises you won’t have much time to prepare. In light of this, I will be leaving the platform unlocked until lights out for those who might need extra practice. Now, remember only seven sponsorships are given out a year. This will completely cover all expenses and guarantee entry next year. So, train hard and study harder. Good day."
I stood and rushed to the front of the line to sign my na
me. I passed three other students and waited behind another two. Aster came in after me and signed up as well. I waited until we got outside of the classroom and went to the platform to speak with him.
"I thought you were rich?" I asked.
"It’s a long story. One for another time. But, my parents are thinking about cutting me off." Aster answered.
"That’s no good."
"I know. Tell me about it," He replied looking around. "Why are we out here?"
"You need help,” I told him.
"With what?"
I scanned him up and down. "Everything."
"Fair assessment. What first?”
"You have no idea how to fight without magic do you?"
"Coming from a guy who hasn't used any magic at all yet." He crossed his arms in defense.
I walked over to the barrel of unsharpened weapons left on the platform. I threw a sword to Aster and he caught it.
"Now, for a small, hasty lesson like this I want—"
Aster interrupted me. "I never agreed to extra training. I'm hungry, Noah."
"As am I but do you wish to beat me for a sponsorship?"
"Yes..." He set his bag down.
"Then sword up."
"You're bossy when you’re hungry."
"I am." I walked over to him and split his feet shoulder length apart and raised his left hand. "Unlike in Ridden which Tye and his friend used, I will be teaching you Faux. The focus in Faux is balance, whereas Ridden sword form focuses more on striking and making yourself a small target."
Aster nodded. "Hence the arm behind the back they did yesterday."
"So, he can learn." He relaxed his form from the compliment and I hit his wrist with my sword. "Hey! Look at your form.”
He corrected to the original position I taught him.
"Now, I want you to move."
He slid his feet across the ground.
"No, like this." I took a small step with my back foot forward. "Try to keep your torso and head straight and upright. And keep doing it."
"Yes, master."
"I like how that sounds." I stuck my sword in the ground and leaned on it.
"You’ll like how my fist sounds breaking your jaw if you think that’s going to stick."
"So feisty!" I teased.
The Prisoner of Fate Page 5
