Bastial Explosion (The Rhythm of Rivalry: Book 3)

by B. T. Narro

  First, he needed to walk to the center of the Academy to drop off Gabby’s letter at the postal building. It might be a few days before it reached her, depending on how many students were writing letters, so he knew it was a good idea to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

  He knocked on Marratrice’s door. It cracked open and she peeked through.

  “Oh, hi Steffen,” she said, opening it all the way. Her tired eyes seemed to be having trouble lifting to meet his face.

  “Haven’t you slept yet?” Steffen asked.

  “A little. Why?”

  “Would you like to accompany me to the dining hall for dinner?”

  “Yes. I’m hungry, though you may have to carry me there.”

  “Carry you?” Steffen knew he couldn’t carry her the mile they needed to walk, even if he had the energy.

  “It was a stupid joke,” Marratrice said. “I’m just trying to say I’m very tired. Let’s go.”

  She locked the door, pocketed her key, then hooked her arm around Steffen’s, resting her head on his shoulder with a sigh.

  “All those people in Tenred,” she whispered. “I can’t stop thinking about them.”

  “It’s best you try to,” Steffen suggested.

  “Are you able to?” Marratrice asked incredulously.

  “Sometimes,” Steffen admitted without pride. “I tell myself that it’s not my responsibility to think about the decisions of Javy Rayvender and other people higher up than me.”

  “I suppose that’s true.”

  They’d walked all the way to the dining hall before Marratrice spoke again.

  “I hope I never need to make a decision like the one Javy made.” She’d taken her head off his shoulder by then, though her arm still was tucked around his. “I don’t know if I’m going to be able to kill anyone, even a Krepp. I don’t think I belong fighting in a war.”

  “I didn’t think you’d be fighting,” Steffen said. “Didn’t Chemist Leandra say that during a battle you would be stationed in the recovery building to treat injuries?”

  “Yes, but what if it comes under attack? Or what if the worst happens—we need to retreat because the battle is lost? Krepps are faster than us. Some of us will have to turn and fight if we’re chased.” The grip of her arm tightened around Steffen’s. “I’m stuck between thinking about that and all those who we killed in Tenred.”

  Steffen could tell she was in need of consoling. He wanted to put his arm around her shoulder for a squeeze and let her know there was no point in worrying. But he knew the words would be meaningless.

  “Javy said we’ll most likely be attacking Tenred while their defenses are down,” Steffen recited. “Maybe this will all be over soon.”

  “I hope so. Though, I can’t say the same for my hellacious thoughts.”

  “At least the Slugari planted your evesal seed, right?”

  Marratrice finally smiled again. “Yes, at least there’s that.” She kissed Steffen on the cheek. “Thank you.”

  He nearly fell over in surprise. “For what?”

  “For convincing Jack Rose to take me. I can’t wait to see it grow.”

  Steffen decided he’d been skeptical long enough. It was much easier to indulge her fantasy. “How long will it take?”

  “Just a week before the vine is thick enough for evesal fruit to start showing.” She chuckled. “I know you still don’t believe it will happen. But I appreciate you acting as if you do.”

  Steffen didn’t know what to say, so he simply laughed.

  “But just wait until you try the fruit. Then you’ll never doubt me again.”

  Chapter 33:

  EFFIE

  Effie couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept so many hours without waking during the night. She’d been exhausted since coming back from Corin Forest, but she figured images of those she’d killed would torment her while she slept.

  But not one dream came that she could remember. She stretched and then made her way to the bathhouse.

  I’ve also never gone to sleep so dirty, she realized, watching the water turn brown at her feet.

  Before they’d left for the mission, she and Alex had made a routine of eating breakfast at the dining hall each morning. Waking up later than usual, she hurried to finish showering and get ready in case he had it in his mind to show up at her house.

  Effie decided the weather was warm enough for a green dress that flowed no farther than to her knees. The last time she’d worn it was back in Oakshen, before being accepted to the Academy. As she looked in the mirror, she had the urge to take it off, feeling as if it didn’t belong on her body anymore.

  With her next breath, she realized her lungs had tightened. Putting a hand on her stomach, she pushed against her diaphragm as she took in air, closing her eyes.

  A knock at the front door interrupted her.

  Alex had a smile waiting for her when she opened it. “Breakfast?”

  “I was hoping you would come by.” She felt at ease again, the cool morning air loosening her lungs. She squeezed Alex for a hug. It was easy to forget about their height difference until they embraced each other.

  “I received a letter from my brother,” Alex said in an ominous tone. “He says there was an explosion beneath Tenred and that the Slugari did it. Have you spoken to Steffen?”

  “Just in passing last night,” Effie said. “I don’t completely understand what you mean. An explosion, like from a fireball?”

  “Much larger than that. They’re still waiting for reports from those on the Fjallejon Mountains who saw it happen, but from what Javy Rayvender told Hem, there could’ve been more than a thousand deaths.”

  Alex went on to explain the discovered trapped Bastial Energy, bursting open the stone containing it, and the fiery explosions it must’ve caused above ground. He added, “They’re discussing sending an army to take the territory while they’re weak because of the blast.”

  “We’ll be sent to battle?” Effie asked.

  “Possibly. But first we’re waiting on reports from scouts around eastern Kilmar, where the Krepps live. There will probably be an announcement today.”

  “I see.” That damn Redfield bell. It startled Effie every time it rang.

  Alex held her hand as they continued toward the dining hall. Effie had never been one to appreciate the feeling, and even as much as she cared for Alex, she still would rather have her arm hooked around his…or nothing at all.

  Then something else came to mind that she wanted. She let go of his hand and stopped, taking his cheek with her other. He bent down and they shared a kiss.

  She slid her arm around his and started forward again. But he halted her, pulling her back toward him.

  They kissed again. This time their lips didn’t disengage. They stood there, enjoying the feeling of each other’s mouths.

  “Not in the middle of the path!” a woman interrupted them.

  Effie was embarrassed when she saw it was her strict instructor, the one who’d replaced Marie Fyremore.

  “Glad to see you’re back, Effie.” Penny had a taunting smile. “But you’d better be prepared for battle training by the time it starts or I’ll know the reason.” She raised her eyebrows and pointed her finger at Alex.

  Effie grumbled. “I will.”

  Alex chuckled when she left. “Glad it wasn’t my instructor, Warrior Sneary.”

  “Could it really have been much worse?”

  But as soon as Effie saw Alex’s expression, she already knew the answer.

  “Definitely,” Alex said, deadpan.

  Shortly after battle training began, Penny was interrupted by a messenger who handed her a small paper and then ran off. She silently gazed at the note, the commands she’d just been shouting a distant memory as her mood became solemn.

  “Go home,” Penny told her students. “Leave your staffs and wands there and change out of your training gowns. Soon there will be a meeting in Redfield. Wait for the bell.”

  A
few students approached to ask questions, but Effie decided not to. She knew Terren would explain everything she needed to know, and if she had to hear that they were about to march into Tenred, she’d rather hear it from the headmaster.

  Although the house was empty when Effie got there, soon Zoke arrived, then Steffen and Reela.

  “What’s going on?” Steffen asked. “Do you think it’s war?”

  “I think it’s best not to assume,” Reela suggested.

  Luckily, they didn’t have to speculate much longer. The Redfield bell chimed twice.

  Perhaps it was because Effie was at home and the bell was in the center of campus, but this was the first time it didn’t startle her.

  It was strange to see everyone in the stadium in normal attire and without weapons. Announcements at Redfield always had been in the middle of battle training. But it seemed as if everyone had been given the opportunity to change and leave their training weapons behind. Effie couldn’t help but take it as a bad sign.

  “We’ve received some news,” Terren bellowed from the center before everyone was seated. Those still filing into spots hurried to get settled. Then everyone went quiet. “First, some of you may have felt the recent shaking. There was an explosion beneath Tenred. The Slugari found trapped Bastial Energy, and after a decision by the King’s Council, it was lit on fire and burst up through the ground, causing major destruction to the Tenred castle.”

  Many people applauded.

  “King Welson was preparing to follow up with an attack, though there have been reports that an army of Krepps is marching toward us from the northeast.”

  Effie wasn’t the only one in the crowd who gasped.

  “We’re still not sure of their exact target,” Terren continued. “Because they’re coming from the east, they don’t need to pass through the Fjallejon Pathway, which means they may strike one of our cities instead of the Academy. For this reason, none of the King’s Guard will be sent here until we know for sure the Academy is the target. If we are, then our walls and our archers and mages will serve as protection while we wait for reinforcements from Kyrro City.”

  Terren didn’t have his usual enthusiasm that uplifted Effie’s spirits. She started to realize there was a lot he hadn’t told them yet, like how many Krepps were coming and when they were going to get there. Surprisingly, her pulse remained steady as she waited.

  “Battle training has been canceled to make sure you’re all rested and in good condition. We’re expecting the Krepps to reach us before sunset.”

  “Today?” Effie whispered to no one in particular. Other flutters of panic circled around the stadium.

  Alex placed his hand on hers.

  Terren raised an arm as he continued. “Even if we’re not the target, we must stay within these walls in case Tenred sends an army through the Fjallejon Pathway while the Krepps are attacking from the east.”

  This seemed to alarm the crowd more than anything. People jumped from their seats and started shouting. Effie couldn’t understand what they were saying from where she sat, but soon her own worries made her realize what the shouts must’ve been about.

  We’re supposed to sit here and wait while our families are being overrun by Krepps?

  “The King’s Guard will defend your friends and family!” Terren shouted. “We cannot leave the Academy…” Effie couldn’t hear the rest of what he was trying to say, for the noise of the crowd had taken over.

  A chant had begun somewhere on the other side of the stadium. People started standing and stomping their feet along with the rhythm. Effie couldn’t hear what they were shouting, though she could tell it was spreading.

  Soon the chants were thundering against her from both the left and the right. She could hear the voices clear enough now.

  “Fight. Fight. Fight,” they chanted, stomping their feet.

  She joined in, hearing some claim they’d jump off the wall and run to defend their city if a guard wouldn’t open the gate for them.

  Terren held out his arms as he screamed. It looked as if he was trying to calm a wild animal.

  It wasn’t long before other instructors had joined him in the center, each gesturing and shouting. But Effie couldn’t hear what they had to say, not that she wanted to in that moment. She was prepared to chant and stomp as long as the crowd did—it was her life force in that moment. She would follow them anywhere, do anything they did.

  Her blood ran hot, making her yearn to fight. The Krepps’ arrival by sunset was too long to wait. She was ready now.

  Soon, she noticed the instructors giving up, smiling at each other and shrugging.

  Terren raised his hand again for silence, this time nodding to show he understood.

  Finally the chanting stopped.

  “Never before have we witnessed such a display of disobedience.” Terren’s tone was excruciatingly disappointed.

  Effie wanted to stand and yell, but she refrained. Others didn’t, though. The majority of students in the crowd gesticulated to show their anger. But Terren continued before it became too loud.

  “And never before have we been so proud!”

  Those previously angry began to applaud and cheer as Terren went on.

  “We can’t stop you from fighting, and we won’t try. But hear this!” Terren threw out his palms. “The Academy may be attacked by Krepps. We can’t say whether we’ll be the only target, but we cannot leave these walls undefended until we know for sure that our enemies’ focus will purely be on the cities south of us. Stay within these walls until we know. When you leave Redfield, you’ll return to your campus house, equip your armor and weapons, and then report to your instructor for positioning.

  “It’s time to let your seed of anger sprout. Remember the torment our enemies have caused us and let it fuel you. I cannot wait for this battle, and I sincerely hope it comes to our walls. The Krepps underestimate us. Our scouts have reported that battering rams and rope are the only tools they've brought to break through. The lone worry I have is that they’ll flee before they make it—before I have a chance to slay them with my sword.”

  Effie could feel the same emotion within her. The urge to kill burned so hot, she practically was shaking in anticipation.

  “Stand and put your hand over your heart,” Terren said, doing the motion himself.

  The whole stadium mimicked him.

  “Everyone has a reason to fight. It may be family, love, friendship, whatever it is—we fight for each other. The Krepps fight for hate. They want us eliminated so they can enslave and feed upon the Slugari race. Now, I’m not going to let that happen. Are any of you?”

  “No!” the stadium boomed.

  “They want to break down our walls and destroy the school. Are you ready to let that happen?”

  “No!” Effie shouted with everyone, adding a silent curse for Brady.

  “They want to storm through our cities and kill not only our friends, but our families as well. Are they going to succeed?”

  “No!”

  “They must think we’re weak to come into our territory with no siege weapons but battering rams and ropes, but are we?”

  “No!”

  “This is why I cannot wait for battle!” Terren thumped his chest with his knuckles and then shouted again. “I cannot wait. Say it!”

  “I cannot wait,” the crowd echoed.

  “I cannot wait to kill a Krepp!” Terren yelled.

  “I cannot wait to kill a Krepp,” Effie and everyone repeated.

  “Fight. Fight. Fight.”

  Terren started the chant again. Every man and woman shouted and stomped their feet.

  Someone let out a howl, then others started whistling. Effie felt chills down her back when the deep chant was replaced by cheering.

  “Now get out of here!” Terren screamed at the top of his lungs, driving his fist into the air. “And let the bastards come!”

  Chapter 34:

  ZOKE

  After Terren’s speech, for the first time
Zoke felt too much like a Krepp. He admitted this to Warrior Sneary in hopes he could wear something so that he wouldn’t be confused for an enemy when his race attacked.

  Zoke started to regret his comment when Sneary looked at him with a strange face, as if he was about to unleash a noxious fart.

  “What is that expression?” Zoke asked, taking a step back.

  The instructor’s usual scowl returned. “I was smiling.” He shook his head as he mumbled something. “Anyway, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to convince you to wear it until now. But we had a boiled leather tunic made just for you. Come with me.”

  Zoke jogged beside Sneary to his house. Zoke would’ve thought it to be strange they weren’t walking, but the instructor hadn’t been seen walking anywhere since the war was announced. Alex was the first Human to comment on the weight Sneary had lost, but Zoke had heard many more comments from others.

  When Sneary presented the tough blue tunic, he said, “It should be wide enough around the chest for you.”

  It fit nicer than any shirt Zoke had worn before—which hadn’t been that many. His arms were mobile, his chest unrestricted.

  Looking down, he noticed the design of a gold crown outlined in silver. On the blue tunic, he knew the symbol represented Kyrro.

  “Now you’re truly one of us,” Sneary said, holding his hand out to be shaken.

  Zoke had done it enough by now that he felt confident in the amount of pressure to put into his handshake. Sneary made the same face as before—a smile.

  When Steffen, Effie, and Reela saw him enter their student house, they straightened their backs with pride.

  “It looks like it fits,” Effie said, running her hand down the front of it.

  “It does,” Zoke admitted. Then he noticed that each of them had the same light blue color with a gold crown outlined in silver on their chests.

  Steffen had on a boiled leather tunic just like Zoke’s, though it was about half the girth. But Effie and Reela had no armor. Their dresses were blue and came down to their ankles. From the curves of their bodies, Zoke knew there was nothing sturdy underneath to protect them from a glancing strike, which was about all his tunic was good for. Still, he wouldn’t disregard that advantage.