"Pardon me, commander. I fear my sparring session with Lady Kira was too stimulating an experience to pass up. I apologize if it has delayed your schedule." He sketched a partial bow to Wren before doing the same to Kira.
Graydon’s head lifted before he straightened. His eyes speared hers as his lips curved in a small, determined smile that said he looked forward to the next time they matched blades.
Kira was left with the sinking feeling this wasn't over. A pity since her body ached in places it hadn't in a long time.
Amila took her blade with a look of reverence. "This is the blade that scored a hit against the commander." She cradled it to her chest with a look of bliss. "I'll treasure it always."
Jin chortled. "I like her."
Graydon and his oshota left the room, leaving a charged silence behind them.
Kira caught the thoughtful look on Rheya's face. If Kira had hoped to fly below the radar, that hope was over now. Her battle with Graydon made it clear she was a force to be feared, even if she had little practice in fighting someone who could use air as a weapon.
Silas raised his hands, calling the initiates’ attention. Maida stood at his side, a step behind Wren. Her lips quirked as she studied Kira closely before glancing over the rest of the candidates.
"We've placed you in groups," Silas said. "If I call your name, please step forward."
There was a rustle among the initiates, their excitement palpable.
Silas listed several names, Joule and Blue among them. The last name he called was Blake's before he gestured to Maida. "If you've been called, Maida will be your instructor for this phase of your training. Your seon’yer. It translates to teacher or guide for those unfamiliar with our culture. Blake, having advanced further in his training, will be her second."
Joule cast an uncertain look at Kira, his unease at being separated clear. Blue patted his shoulder and grinned. Whatever she said seemed to relax him.
"The rest of you will seek instructions from Wren," Silas said. "Your focus for these next few weeks should be on conquering yourself and exceeding your limits. I have faith you can do this. Listen and learn. Only your seon’yer can decide when you are ready to take the uhva na, the Trial of the Broken, and the first stepping stone in your pursuit of the adva ka."
Blue's hand shot up. "What is the uhva na?"
"It is a trial and a test that we use to determine an initiate’s readiness for the adva ka," Wren answered for Silas. "There you will face yourself. Only by conquering your inner demons will you proceed."
Kira wanted to ask how long before those present would be allowed to make the attempt but held back. She'd already created enough of a splash.
Blue didn't share her reserve. "How long until we’re ready?"
"I can’t tell you that. It differs for everyone," Wren told her, not even the slightest ripple in his stoic expression hinted at the aggravation he had to feel at being questioned by a human.
"Ballpark it for me," Blue challenged.
Maida stirred. "Typically, most initiates do not attempt the trial for at least four months after arriving here, depending on how quickly their training progresses. Occasionally, their preparation will stretch into a year."
Kira tensed. That was unacceptable.
Jin's hiss in her ear told her the same.
"However, exceptions have been made." Maida stared pointedly at the spot where Graydon had been earlier before smiling, the gesture slow and knowing. "It all depends on the initiate. Some of you have already received training from your Houses. Others gained experience elsewhere.” Maida’s gaze fell on Kira. “Both hold the potential for accelerating your timeline for entering the trial."
There was a rustle as those present seemed to guess the reason for Blue's questions. Kira didn't react, her expression remaining detached and impassive.
So, her goal was difficult but not impossible. Good to know.
It was a good thing she’d chosen to complete the first test. Otherwise, who knew how long it would have been before the Tuann deemed her ready to join the initiates? She could have been here decades.
Maida prowled away, saying over her shoulder. "Look alive, my pretties. There's much work to be done for today."
Those whose names had been called filed out after Maida, leaving the rest of them staring at Wren and Silas.
Raider joined her. "Looks like we're in the same group."
"Yippee," Kira muttered.
"I'll leave them to your care," Silas said, dipping his head toward Wren before departing.
Wren's jaw flexed as he stared at those assembled. His expression was as unflappable and indifferent as it'd been when he'd stared Graydon down.
"Follow me," were the only words he spoke before padding out of the room.
Devon shoved past her, his shoulder knocking against Kira's. "Don't let the fact the Emperor's Face singled you out go to your head."
Kira stared at him, not letting him intimidate her. Raider's expression was careful as he watched the two of them, his hands twitching as if he was restraining himself from acting.
Devon arched an eyebrow. "No response."
"You didn't ask a question," Kira pointed out.
Jin crowed. "The Kira special. A remark guaranteed to send the recipient to Angerville, by way of Fury Road. I like your style, Kira Forrest. It gets me right in my tingly bits."
Jin didn't have tingly bits unless one counted his electronic circuit board. Not that rational arguments ever really affected him.
However, if he didn't shut up, she was going to find a way to reduce him to scrap metal when she finally returned to the room.
Devon's lips tightened as he leaned forward. "You're weak. You shouldn't be here." He flicked the disruptor around her wrist. "This practically announces you as a liability."
Kira's smile didn't reach her eyes. "There are many kinds of strength. If you don't learn to recognize that, you’ll never advance beyond your current state."
Devon sneered before spinning on his heel and striding after Wren. Kira didn't relax, knowing others were still watching.
The Tuann she'd noticed during the test smiled and waved. "I'm Aeron."
Kira frowned. "Your friend is leaving you behind."
Aeron’s smile dimmed with uncertainty. He hesitated before hurrying after Devon.
"I've always admired your ability to create enemies without even trying," Raider said. "It’s good to see that hasn't changed in the intervening years."
"He's hardly worth considering an enemy," Kira said in distraction as she caught a glimpse of a broad back belonging to a man with the exact same shade of hair as hers as he strode away from the Warrior’s Hall.
An annoyance? Yes. A distraction? Maybe. Someone to fear? Not really.
*
Raider staggered out of an archway; unhappiness written on his features. Runes flashed along the stone sides of the archway as another Tuann stepped through into the forest Wren had brought them to.
Kira didn't know how, but with a single step they'd gone from a courtyard in the fortress to standing in the midst of a lush forest, ancient trees towering overhead, a monolithic stone jutting from the mountainside behind them. It emerged above the trees like a leviathan breaching the surface. Tall and remote.