“Oh, really?” Seth smiled, leaning into me slightly. “Forgot about your lunch date?”
“Oh, yeah!” Bryce laughed. “Where is she?”
I casually looked around as everyone was swarming towards the South Hall to get in line to eat.
“I don’t know. She said she’d find me.”
We found our place in line and waited quietly like everyone else. It was strange to us as we looked around. There was some light chatter among the line but not much and mostly everyone was facing the same direction.
“I hate order.” I muttered.
Seth laughed in front of me. “It is a bit odd. It’s like everyone’s afraid to step out of line.”
“That’s because if you do, you lose it.” A boy said, standing stiff in front of him, his body turned just slightly so he could look at us. “And I hear you’ll have to wait until everyone else has gotten their food and eaten it then you’re stuck with the floor scraps.”
“That’s an unnecessary punishment.” Bryce replied.
“It’s how they keep the order so well here. I’m Brock by the way.”
“I’m—”
“I know. Bryce, Dirk and of course, Seth, the Prince. Everyone knows of the three of you.”
“I should have just guessed that.”
“It’s okay. It’s an honor to get the chance to attend the Royal Academy with you.”
“Thank you.” Seth said. “How long does this usually take?”
“Normally not that long, depending on where you are in the line.”
“There shouldn’t be a line. They should be serving us.”
Brock laughed, trying to keep it quiet and orderly. “That would be nice since we’re the ones that work all day.”
“Good point.” I said. “Seth, we should look into it.”
“We’ll see but I doubt they’re much on change around here.”
“At least they left us food.” Brock replied.
We were up in the line and able to get our trays, putting dinnerware and flatware on them.
“Great.” I sighed. “No salad forks?”
“Nope.” Bryce replied. “Looks like they’re all one size.”
“Seth, we seriously need to do something.” I griped.
He laughed. “Just use what they have. It’s all we can do.”
“Actually, you could turn this one into a salad fork.”
Seth and Bryce both paused and looked over with wide eyes. I knew we weren’t supposed to use our gifts but they couldn’t believe that I even mentioned it.
“What? You could.”
“Be quiet.” He muttered through his teeth. “And deal with it.”
I rolled my eyes and we continued through the line, picking out what we wanted for lunch and putting it on our trays.
“Now what?”
“We sit.” Seth said obviously.
We looked around at all the full tables and found an empty section by the doors.
The dining hall still seemed unusually quiet. There was only just a slight more sound of chatter but I could still easily hear myself think.
“May I sit here?”
My eyes lifted from my tray into a beautiful pair of blues. “Janie. Of course you can. I’d pull out a chair for you but they’re attached to the floor.”
She smiled and sat down next to me.
“You could try though.” Bryce laughed, already knowing what would actually happen if I did.
Seth nudged him.
“What? It’d be only a little funny. That’s all I was saying.”
“It’s okay.” Janie replied. “How has your day been so far?”
“Very unusual.”
Janie’s expression became confused.
“We’re just getting used to being around other kids.” Seth said. “Normally, it’s just the three of us.”
“I see. Well, I’m kind of glad you decided to do that here.”
I was looking at her with a smile while she looked back.
“Well, so it’s true.”
Janie’s happy demeanor faded when she sighed and looked at the end of the table at an older boy in similar resemblance to her. “Kent, please go away.”
“You were quick to jump on the new ones, weren’t you?”
“Get out of here.”
“So you can continue your work? All right. Watch out, boys. She’s a heartbreaker.”
He walked away and Janie sighed again. “Please excuse my stupid brother. He likes to cruelly joke at my expense.”
“It’s all right.” I replied.
“He’ll thankfully be gone in a few months. He’s almost sixteen if you can believe it. I surely can’t.”
“So, that’s how it works?” Bryce asked. “You turn sixteen and no longer have to come here?”
“Yup. Adult age. Most boys will take up a military position and the girls hopefully get lucky enough to marry one right out of school.”
“That soon?” Seth wondered.
“Mostly because they say women become less appealing with age. It’s better to snag one early than wait and possibly never get married which isn’t what I’m doing right now so don’t freak out.”
“Of course not.” I said. “And I don’t think it’s true. Women can be appealing at an older age.”
Janie smiled and looked between the three of us. “That’s sweet but you say that because your mothers are the three most beautiful women ever. It would be wrong for you to think any less.”
“I suppose that’s true. We’re also still trying to get used to how differently women are treated here. Like you can’t learn how to fight? What’s with that? You should be able to know how to defend yourself.”
“That’s what we would have a husband for.”
“A military husband? They’re not going to be home as much as you think.”
“If you could take that class, would you?” Seth asked.
Janie paused, taking a bite from her fork. “I guess I’ve never really thought about it. I’ve always been used to the way things are.”
“Well, think about it now. Would you?”
“I suppose, maybe. Just to see what it was like.”
The bells chimed in the bell tower and we all turned our heads to the window.
“Lunch is over.” Janie said, standing up first. “It’s back to classes.”
“Great.” I muttered. I didn’t even get to finish my lunch. “I guess we’ll see you later then.”
“I hope so.”
We smiled at each other and parted ways.
“Couple more classes until the fun one.” Bryce smiled.
“Let’s just hope they go by quick.” Seth replied.
I nodded. We were just as eager to get a taste of what combat training class would be like and were more excited just to get the chance to show off what we can do.
Chapter 16
Bryce
We waited patiently for our next two classes to pass, not taking much interest in them but still attended respectfully. Time seemed as if it were never going to catch up because in our minds, we were already there but all things had an end.
We found ourselves walking back towards that strange windowless building with a group of boys who seemed as excited as us. They were all talking about how it was going to be, what they were going to do and with what weapon.
We mostly kept to ourselves through the chatter, already knowing our weapon of choice without any second guessing but we didn’t want to gloat—yet.
The door was opened and everyone filed inside, trying to calm their excitement.
“Welcome. Come, gather over here.”
We walked over to one of the circles in the middle of the room where the instructor was standing, holding two wooden sticks.
“I am Master Stycoft and this is Combat Training, First Years. For the first few days we will be digging deep to unlock the fighter in all of you by firstly seeing what you can do.”
The three of us all looked at each other with smiles.
>
“This is how we will determine your fighting style and how to proceed in your specific area of training. Now, who would like to be the first to demonstrate?”
We were eager but one other boy stepped forward before we could.
“I will.”
“Very good. Come take a position in the ring with me.”
He did and was handed one of the sticks.
“We start out small with these first. Let’s see what you can do.”
Master Stycoft swung carefully towards the boy and the boy blocked, immediately swinging the other end of the stick around but there wasn’t much force there.
“Very good.” Master Stycoft said, blocking the swing. “Your reflexes are quite fast. Now, let’s go right down the line so each of you will get a turn.”
Seth stood at the opposite end with a quiet sigh, knowing he was going to be last but he stood by patiently and waited like the rest of us.
Each of the boys in the class got a chance in the ring with Master Stycoft but it seemed none of them could even get close to knocking him down or even hitting him for that matter.
It was now Dirk’s turn and he was handed the stick from the last boy who tried.
“Dirk, be gentle.” Seth muttered through his teeth.
Dirk just smiled to it as he joined Master Stycoft in the ring.
“Are you ready?”
Dirk shrugged, uninterested in the Master’s need to prepare him. “I guess.”
“You should never guess. It inflicts doubt.”
“I’m not doubting my abilities to succeed. I’m ready.”
Master Stycoft nodded and swung his stick towards Dirk like he has with every other boy before him. Dirk put up his to block and pushed Master Stycoft back.
The other kids gasped to see him almost step out of the ring which would mean Dirk had won.
“Right.” Master Stycoft said, balancing himself on his feet. “I anticipated that and you handled it well.”
Dirk laughed inconspicuously, knowing he was only trying to save himself from being humiliated in front of the class.
“Good. Next.”
Dirk handed off the stick to me with the smile still on his face. “Let’s bring him down slowly.”
I nodded, trying to hide my own smile and stepped into the ring.
“Let’s see what you can do.”
I nodded and Master Stycoft swung towards me.
I made moving out of the way seem effortless and had yet to swing my stick as it was held by my side.
Master Stycoft tried again.
I used my stick to pin down the other and kicked it right out of his hand, catching it smoothly.
The other boys started to whisper around the ring and Master Stycoft stood proud again like he had expected it. “Excellent. Disarming your opponent early ensures a clean win.”
He spoke as if he was still teaching but I could tell he wasn’t happy to say it.
“Next.”
I handed Seth the stick but he had his eyes fixed on Master Stycoft without a blink while stepping into the ring.
“This is going to be good.” Dirk muttered.
I smiled with a nod.
Master Stycoft gave no warning of the attack. He swung towards him, hoping to gain back his own confidence.
Seth flipped out of the way, making the other boys all gasp and excited to see it. More swings were coming at him and he blocked, beginning to swing back.
He was getting quick, trying to keep his speed under control and attacked Master Stycoft. He was having a hard time blocking all the hits and Seth made the final move. He spun low with his stick extended and Master Stycoft’s feet were taken out from underneath him; down he went.
The class was stunned silent.
Seth was proud of it but didn’t expect what came next.
The three of us who shamed the instructor, found ourselves in hot water, sitting outside of the High Master’s office.
“Our fathers are going to kill us.” I muttered.
“They sure look like it.”
Seth and I gasped and looked up.
Our fathers were walking down the hall towards us, their faces obviously angry.
“Your first day and I’m already called down here.” Zayden said with his eyes on Seth.
“Father, it wasn’t my fault. He—”
Zayden held up his hand and Seth stopped. “You three will wait out here. We’ll handle it.”
They walked into the High Master’s office and we were left outside.
“We’re in huge trouble.” Dirk sighed.
“Shh!” I snatched and held up my hand while I leaned towards the door.
I could hear the voices from within.
“I’m afraid there’s been a misunderstanding.” Master Stycoft said. “I cannot possibly have the heirs of the Great Seni Fighters in my class. It is a disadvantage to the other students.”
“So, they should be punished for being better?” Zayden wondered.
“They should be reassigned.”
“You mean, not take your class at all?” My father asked. “Couldn’t they be in a higher class? Surely something more advanced than first years.”
“And make the other students feel as if they’re not as good as twelve-year-olds? That would completely ruin any kind of self-confidence they have gained in themselves over the years.”
“I’m afraid he may be right.” Said the High Master. “The only solution would be to assign them to alternative classes. Preferably separated for a new experience, something I’m sure they’ve never had before.”
“If that is the High Master’s recommendation then they’ll see to it.” Zayden replied.
“I don’t mean to force my hand here, your majesty but your boys are less reformed than I thought.”
“No need. You may thank their mothers for that. Growing up away from here has indeed done a number on them but that will be changing.”
“I will go through the list and have their alternative class schedule sent to the palace.”
“Thank you, High Master. We will take them home and prepare them for a more acceptable day tomorrow.”
“As I’m sure you will. Thank you for coming.”
I heard their footsteps towards the door and we stiffened when it opened.
“Walk.” Zayden said.
His voice was terrifying and we got up to follow down the hall.
Zayden didn’t say another word until we were on our way to the palace on horses. “How was your day?”
Seth looked over, raising an eyebrow.
“I mean your whole day, not the ending.”
He didn’t sound mad now. It was odd. Seth saw it too but he answered. “Not quite how I thought. Did you know I had to get my own lunch?”
“Don’t get me started.” Dirk sighed. “They don’t know how to properly eat. I had to eat my salad with the same fork as the rest of my food.”
Our fathers looked puzzled.
“And that’s bad?” Darius asked.
“It’s disgusting. I thought the Royal Academy was only attended by Seni’s high class.”
“It is.” Zayden replied. “Available only to those in the upper ring. Families pay a yearly fee for their children to attend.”
“Then why do they do things so—ordinary?”
“It’s for the experience and the teachings not how fancy they are.”
“Well, it should be changed.” Dirk griped.
Darius smiled and brought his horse just a little closer. “Sounds like you had an entirely horrible lunch.”
Dirk paused from his disappointment for a moment. “What? Well—not—entirely.”
“But it was easily forgotten.” Seth smiled.
Dirk huffed. “I guess it was because I was more excited about the end of my day but now I’d like to undo it.”
“It’s forgotten.” Zayden said. “We’re surely not going to punish you for what happened. I knew there was no point in trying to make them understand. They cou
ldn’t possibly. They won’t see anyone pass through that school as skilled as the three of you.”
“You really think that about us?” Seth asked.
Zayden smiled, hearing how surprised he was. “That shouldn’t even be a question. No one else would have reasons to train as you do but it’s really their loss. They won’t get to take the credit for the greatness within you.”
“I suppose not. I believe you and mother get to hold that title.”
“We all do. The skill to fight is fully in your blood without your gifts. Your mothers were a few years into the Assassin life before they got theirs and we were much farther.”
“But didn’t you always have one?” I asked. “The senses.”
“I guess but it was rarely used then and I never used it while fighting. I didn’t need to.”
“Well, I guess this means we’ll have to continue our training on our own time then.” Seth said.
“Don’t worry.” My father assured us. “You’ll find the time.”
“What are the alternative classes like?” Dirk asked.
“We’re not completely sure.” Darius answered. “Things could have changed since we’ve been there.”
Seth huffed. “Doubt it. They seem pretty uniform in everything they do.”
“Speaking of—” I cut in. “Did you wear these same things?”
“The uniforms? Yes. They seem the same.”
“See? Now that’s got to change.” Seth replied. “They should at least be updated.”
“Sounds like you have a plan.” Zayden smiled.
“What? You really think they could be?”
“I think that maybe if you have a strong enough argument for it and with a band of supporters, you could possibly persuade the Academy into new ideas.”
“And you wouldn’t mind?”
“Why would I? You need to learn to become a true leader and this little idea of yours may be just the start you need. I won’t protest against your right of opinion.”
“Seth, we should.” Dirk agreed, feeling good about it. “Convince a bunch of kids of how ridiculous they look and get their help to promote the change.”
“It’ll be the greatest movement the Academy has ever seen.” I smiled, already envisioning it.
“All right.” Seth replied. “We’re in. We’ll get to work on the designs so we have an alternative to show off.”
Blooming Life (Fate's Intent Book 10) Page 7
