“How did you feel when Lennek took you from your home?” Mako asked, pulling her attention away from the man.
Rema blinked several times, forcing herself to focus on Mako instead of the group leader. She hated Lennek, and just hearing his name turned her stomach. Thinking back to that day, Rema shuddered. “I felt completely helpless. Angry. I had no choice but to go along in order to protect Aunt Maya and Uncle Kar.”
“Exactly,” Mako nodded. “I want to make it so you never feel helpless again. I want you to be able to protect and save yourself.”
“I’d like that very much,” Rema said.
“Training here begins at age five. We incorporate it into a child’s schooling.”
“Do you educate all the children here, regardless of status?” The king didn’t allow everyone to be educated. You had to be from the noble class in order to attend school.
“We educate and train everyone. It goes hand in hand. We have no class division here.”
The idea of not dividing people based upon job, money, and family was both foreign and intriguing to Rema. But training children to be soldiers was something she did not agree with. They should be playing, not learning to kill. “You mean to tell me that from age five, you train children as soldiers, capable of murdering?”
“Yes,” Mako says shamelessly, “and saving lives. If we only trained, then we’d have killing machines. That is why we educate. We want individuals capable of thinking for themselves and making decisions based upon morality.”
Rema stared into Mako’s clear, brown eyes. He was serious. “You want an army that thinks for themselves instead of following orders?”
“I want soldiers that won’t blindly follow someone into battle and kill simply because someone ordered them to.”
He was referring to the king and Darmik. Rema knew Darmik followed the king’s orders, even though he struggled with them sometimes. However, she never thought about Darmik being immoral for obeying the king. Not following would be treason. He didn’t really have a choice, did he?
Setting thoughts of Darmik aside, she returned her attention back to the idea of children training as soldiers. “The issue I have is that you don’t give them a choice. They’re born here, so they are automatically in your army. What if they don’t want to fight?” And how was that any better than the current monarchy?
“If someone chooses to leave the compound, they may,” Mako responded.
Rema found that hard to believe since Mako insisted this place remain hidden.
Mako continued, “No one has ever left, though. A couple of people have considered it, they even went on a mission to see the kingdom, but eventually came back with a renewed purpose to defeat Barjon. Others not suited to fighting have chosen jobs—like teaching, being a blacksmith, or a cook—instead of fighting. But everyone here has the same goal . . . to overthrow the king and his sons.”
Rema looked at Vesha’s group. They all moved in unison, with ease and grace. “But these people do not know of King Barjon’s cruelty firsthand because they live here, in essence sheltered.”
Mako smiled at Rema. “We can discourse on the matter further. For now, I’d like you to join a group your own age so you can get to know some of the people. I think you’ll learn a lot just by being around those who live here.”
“You want me to join Vesha’s group? There is no way I can do that.” She pointed to Vesha, kicking higher than her head, spinning around, ducking, and then throwing several punches.
Mako chuckled. “You’ll be doing it sooner than you think.”
A horn sounded, and Mako explained that the sound indicated the end of the training session. The groups dissolved. “There is a brief period of an activity of your choice before the midday meal. Most use it to go over techniques or to receive extra help. Some run additional laps around the fortress.”
Vesha went over a series of moves with her instructor and another boy, while small groups worked together and others left.
“When will I begin training?” Rema asked, relieved that she didn’t have to join Vesha’s group right then. Perhaps she could get Vesha to help her, so she would have some basics down before practicing with her peers.
“Now,” he answered. “Savenek,” Mako raised his voice. Vesha’s instructor turned around and for the first time, Rema had a clear view of his face. Sure enough, it was Savenek. Her stomach felt hallow. She’d had enough of that arrogant man to last a lifetime.
Mako waved Savenek over. Vesha and the other boy continued drilling together.
Savenek swiftly walked toward Mako, never looking at or acknowledging Rema. His damp tunic clung to his shoulders. Using his sleeve, he wiped the sweat from his brow. Savenek was nowhere near as handsome as Lennek, but he had an air of confidence and grace that came from years of training. Rema refused to find him appealing.
“Savenek,” Mako said when he stopped before them. “I have an assignment for you.” Savenek nodded for Mako to continue. “I need you to teach Rema how to fight. I want her brought up to speed in sword fighting and hand-to-hand combat as soon as possible.”
Savenek stilled, not uttering a single word or looking her way.
“I would personally train her,” Mako continued, “but I don’t have the time to devote. So, I want you to.”
Savenek’s brows rose. His eyes darted to her and away. “Sir, I understand you wanting to get her trained, but my day is also full.” He clasped his hands behind his back, holding his chin high.
For once, Rema agreed with Savenek and hoped he would win the argument. There had to be someone else capable of training her.
“This assignment is your priority,” Mako answered. “You can appoint someone else to your other duties.”
Savenek’s gaze finally fell upon Rema. She tried not to cower under his intense scrutiny and kept her eyes locked onto his. She was obviously an inconvenience to him—someone he couldn’t be bothered with.
Mako patted Savenek’s back. “You have some time now. I suggest you two get started.”
“Yes, sir,” Savenek answered. “I’ll find someone suited to the task.”
“No,” Mako softly said. “You may appoint someone to your other duties. But you will train Rema.”
Savenek turned his attention back to Mako. He opened his mouth to say something, but Mako silenced him with a glare. “We can privately discuss the matter later, in my office. For now, get started. That’s an order.” Mako turned and walked away, two of his advisors standing at the door waiting to speak with him.
Savenek faced Rema, his skin slightly flushed—whether from physical activity or embarrassment, Rema couldn’t be sure.
“Trust me,” Rema said, “I’d rather have someone else instructing me as well. I don’t particularly want to work with you either.”
“Do you even know anything?” Savenek practically growled.
“Plenty,” Rema seethed. “Probably more than you.” Maybe not with regards to fighting, but she was well educated.
Savenek raised his eyebrows in disbelief, the corners of his mouth turning up. “I sincerely doubt that.”
Rema’s hands went on her hips. “Are you always so arrogant and conceited? Because I’ve had enough with Prince Lennek, and I don’t need it from you too.”
“I’m nothing like him!” he yelled.
“Oh? And you’ve spent time with him like I have?” she yelled right back.
Savenek was at a loss for words. Well, that certainly was something. Glancing around, Rema noticed several individuals staring at the two of them.
Lowering her voice, Rema asked, “I assume you have horses here?” Caught off guard by the change in topics, Savenek nodded. “Is there an area where you can ride them?”
“We have an exercise pen and a course we practice on,” Savenek answered.
“Can you race on the course?” Rema’s heart quickened.
“Yes.”
Didn’t he know her uncle was Kar? And she was raised on a horse farm? She d
esperately wanted to put him in his place and was eager for the opportunity to do so.
“Why? Do you ride?” Savenek snidely asked.
“Do you?” she countered with a smile.
“Care to find out?” Confidence oozed from him.
“Let’s make a wager. That is, if you’re up for it?” Rema taunted. Her horse wasn’t here, but she’d never been beaten, and she had no intention of letting this smug man be the first.
Savenek turned toward Vesha and the young guy she was practicing with. “Vesha, Audek,” Savenek called out to the pair. “We need witnesses.” He waved them over.
Audek rubbed his hands together, smiling. “This should be good.” Standing next to Savenek, Audek was almost as tall as him, but skinnier and all lean muscle. Both men towered over Vesha, who was at least a foot shorter.
“I thought Mako told you boys to stop betting, especially after what happened last time,” Vesha said, shaking her head.
Audek laughed aloud, the sound echoing in the room. “Yeah, that was some fun!”
“It wasn’t my idea—it was hers,” Savenek pointed to Rema. “And the bet is between the two of us. Audek has nothing to do with it.”
Audek raised his hand to his heart. “Ah, you wound me. How could you make a bet with another?”
Savenek looked annoyed. “Cut it out, Audek.”
“Will you boys focus?” Rema asked, exasperated. “We haven’t even set the terms.”
“Why are the two of you betting?” Vesha asked, fidgeting with the bottom of her tunic.
“Savenek here has been ordered to train me,” Rema said. “Neither of us particularly like the arrangement, but I need to learn to defend myself.” It was only a matter of time until Darmik found her and tried to drag her back to King’s City for execution.
Savenek snorted. “You actually think Prince Lennek would waste his time coming after you? It’s not like he actually loved you, like you were special. You were simply a tool. He was done with you—or hadn’t you gotten the message with your execution order?”
Rema took a step toward Savenek, wanting to tear him apart. She had to force herself to take deep breaths in order to calm down. Lennek wouldn’t be the one coming after her; that would require too much work. It was Darmik who would hunt her down. And he certainly had the capability to find her—hidden or not. The only hope she had was being able to defend herself, so she could get away when he came.
Audek whooped and slapped Savenek on the back. “Finally someone that isn’t afraid to challenge you. And it’s a girl! I love it!”
Rema turned to glare at Audek. “Do you want in on the bet?” she asked.
“No,” he laughed. “I’m just here for the entertainment.” Suddenly serious, Audek said, “But I suspect there’s more to you than meets the eye.”
“I suggest you keep your mouth shut,” Rema said. Audek stared at her with an intense gaze, as if he was trying to figure her out.
Vesha spoke up, “So what are you betting?”
“The terms of the bet will be as follows,” Rema said. Savenek attempted to interrupt, but she continued. “If I win, Savenek will train me with respect. No wise comments, nothing. I need to learn, and Mako seems to think he’s the best.”
“I know I am,” Savenek answered. “But when I win, Audek here will train you, so I don’t have to be bothered wasting my time. And no one will tell Mako otherwise.”
“Deal,” Rema said, sticking out her hand. Savenek’s calloused hand slid into her hers. They shook. Rema pulled her hand free, surprised by the warmth she hadn’t expected to feel from Savenek.
“Now that we have the terms,” Audek said, “what is the actual thing you two are betting on?”
“We’re racing one another,” Rema said.
Audek scratched his head, looking from Savenek to Rema. “Hate to break it to you, darlin, but you won’t be able to keep up. Savenek here is one of our fastest runners.”
“Don’t be a fool,” Rema said. “We’re racing on horseback.”
Audek fell to his knees. “I’m in love!” He took Rema’s hands in his own.
Savenek mumbled, “Cut it out, Audek.”
“A girl that’s challenging you to a horse race? You know how I feel about a girl that can ride!” Audek laughed as he stood up.
Vesha grabbed Rema’s arm and whispered. “Do you ride? Savenek’s never lost a race before.”
“Of course. Don’t you remember where I was raised? And by whom?” Rema smiled deviously.
“That’s right!” Vesha exclaimed. “I forgot. Still, Savenek is very good.”
“So am I,” Rema whispered, touched by Vesha’s concern.
“Let’s get going!” Audek said. “Vesha and I will pick your horses. You’ll do one circuit. Vesha and I determine the winner. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” Rema and Savenek answered in unison.
They left the training room and headed outside across the courtyard, where, to Rema’s utter shock, the temperature dropped lower than she thought possible. Frost covered the ground. The four reentered the castle, and then exited through one of the side entrances. The landscape was barren. Trees surrounded the castle; however, most were stripped of their beauty for winter. At King Barjon’s castle, everything was vibrant and colors filled every corner. Here, gray coated the landscape like a blanket.
The barn was situated in front of the castle. Audek and Vesha insisted Rema and Savenek wait outside while they chose appropriate mounts. After several silent minutes passed, Audek and Vesha exited, each leading a horse of similar build, saddled and ready to ride. The group quietly walked around the barn to the course located behind it. The track wasn’t an open field like Rema assumed it would be. Instead, it was a simple dirt road, which had been cleared between the dense trees. The path looked uneven and dangerous. It vaguely reminded Rema of racing through the forest back home.
“Since I am unfamiliar with the course,” Rema said, “I’d like to take a lap.”
Vesha handed Rema the lead rope.
Savenek mumbled, “It won’t help.”
“Nevertheless, I’d like a lap.”
Savenek shrugged, and Rema motioned for the horse to move forward while she commanded the animal to walk. She didn’t want to mount in front of Savenek and give away her ability to ride. After rounding a corner out of sight, Rema said, “Whoa,” bringing the horse to a halt.
Rema stroked the horse’s nose. “I remember you,” she said in a soothing voice. “It’s been a while though. Do you remember me, River?”
She named the beautiful mare River because its coat was an odd, grayish black like a river and the animal was fast like rushing water.
After getting reacquainted, she mounted, getting a feeling for the worn saddle. Nudging the horse forward, she explored the track, while making sure River responded to her commands. There were several areas of concern on the course—a rut here, a sharp turn there. There were also a couple of places where two riders couldn’t ride side by side because the road was too narrow. Rounding the last bend, the stretch leading to the finish line widened, allowing more than one rider. Rema could make up ground here if needed. But so could Savenek. She remembered Vesha saying Savenek never lost a race either. Well, there was a first for everything, and she did not intend to lose today.
Rema trotted River to where Savenek sat mounted, waiting for her.
“Let’s get this race over with,” he said, steering his horse onto the track. “I’d like to eat.”
The two horses stood side by side on the dirt road. Audek waited off to the side next to Vesha. “On my count,” he yelled, “Three, two, one, go!”
Rema squeezed her legs while making kissing noises. River took off, flying over the ground. She laid low in the saddle, urging the horse onward. At the first bend, Savenek was right at her side. His leg brushed hers as she kept the inside position of the bend, taking a slight lead. The horses remained neck and neck. Rema wanted to glance at Savenek, but didn’t want to lose foc
us. During all of her races, Bren never managed to maintain such a fast pace. The freezing wind beat against her face, making her eyes water. Her hands were bare, the fingers numb with cold.
Savenek pulled ahead and took the inside position for the third turn. She refused to lose this race, and she refused to lose to him. Now a foot behind, Rema slowed her horse ever so slightly, hoping Savenek would let his guard down. Going into the fourth and final turn, Rema was completely behind Savenek’s horse. As the track straightened, Rema lifted her body in the saddle, her legs squeezing River. The horse responded with a burst of energy. She came neck and neck with Savenek. Rema felt him look over at her. It was all she needed. Leaning further forward, she took the lead and flew across the finish line, finishing first by a couple of inches.
Slowing River to a trot, she smiled, glancing back at Savenek. His face was distorted with rage. He jumped off his horse, throwing the reins at Audek. She watched him storm away without saying a single word to anyone.
Darmik
Nearing King’s City, Darmik gave the signal to the lookout tower, requesting the city’s wall gate be opened and the army granted entrance. Darmik, one of only a dozen men mounted on horseback, rode in the middle of the First Company, the ensign carrying the prince and commander’s flags, riding alongside him. The soldiers were on foot, boots and trousers muddy from the recent rain.
As the gates opened, the soldiers shifted formations, now marching three people wide in order to fit through the wall and narrow streets. When Darmik passed the gatehouse inside the wall, his sentries saluted. Once inside the city, the army turned toward the military compound. Usually citizens watched the army pass, children running out to see the soldiers dressed in uniform. Today, however, the streets were almost empty. Glancing down alleys, Darmik saw people going about, doing their business. Had the rebels managed to infiltrate King’s City, turning the people against the army?
A group of children up ahead stood watching. When Darmik neared them, a woman ran out and grabbed the kids, yelling at them to get inside. She quickly glanced up at Darmik, fear in her eyes—like Darmik would swoop down from his horse and murder them. This woman had no way of knowing he wouldn’t harm her or her children. After all, his reputation said otherwise.
Red (The True Reign Series) Page 9
