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New Masters, New Trial
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IDELA (JANUARY) 7, 1538
Six days after the formation of the RT Alliance
Asrien Sea, Below Dark Man’s Bluff
Wake! Wake! Wake!
Feeling the command inside his head, Dr. Atien Belcross blinked against the stinging salt water. Panic gripped him then vanished. Sleeping in fitful spurts over the last few days had conditioned him enough that being completely submerged didn’t disturb him. A dozen clams floated in the water, struggling against some unseen current.
Eat.
A sharp pain pierced his head as his left arm rose of its own accord. Belcross fought for control until the pain grew so intense he almost passed out. As soon as he stopped fighting, the pain eased. His chest rose and fell with remembered reflex. He formed a fist, and one of the clams shuddered. He squeezed hard enough that his palm ached, then squeezed some more until the shell shattered, sending fragments in all directions. Belcross opened his hand. The naked clam writhed, stretching itself in one direction and then the other before collapsing into a shivering mass of gray flesh.
A thought brought the clam closer, and Belcross opened his mouth to receive the slimy morsel. The clam tasted of the saltwater flowing into his mouth, and he immediately wanted to spit it out. His jaw closed tightly, and soon, the clam crawled down his throat. Belcross shuddered, and his stomach heaved rebelliously. Against his will, he consumed more clams, several jintals, and dozens of small sea snakes.
What am I? His eyes searched the clear blue waters around him.
The sun’s rays shone down dimly, partially blocked by the cliff. Spotting a turtle watching him, Belcross hurled an invisible punch, creating a fist-sized hole in the turtle. Blood and flesh stained the sea before firalas and convies cleaned it up.
Remorse swept through Belcross. He stared down at his hands in wonder and horror.
How did I do that? It’s not possible. What am I?
You are us. We are Dalonos, and now that you are us, the impossible is possible.
Dark Ones.
He found the title fitting. Fear and excitement made his heart pump pointlessly faster, while guilt and anger battled in his mind. He regretted killing so carelessly and hated his new masters.
***
LANOLIN (FEBRUARY) 14, 1538
Forty-three days after the formation of the RT Alliance
Ranger Compound, Riden Mountains
Reia Antellio’s steps slowed as she approached Master Niklos McGreven and Master Kale Corida. They stood in the center of the Crossroads Chamber facing each other as if their discussion would soon morph into a banistick contest. Guessing their conversation concerned her, Reia halted a respectful distance away. She didn’t want to eavesdrop but couldn’t help it. The acoustics carried sound effortlessly.
“She’s not even a guardian, Niklos,” Master Corida stated. “This is important!”
“She’s one of the best healer apprentices, and Lucas is right, she’ll blend in with the Kireshana derringers,” Master Niklos responded with crossed arms and a stubborn expression. “Few know these mountains better than her.”
Kireshana? That starts in Rammon.
Reia had not seen a city for years, though many considered her well-traveled. Feeling dazed, she thought back over the hundreds of trips through the Riden Mountains, starting with the level-one apprentice trial. Her team had included her sister—Kiata—and Todd Wellum, who volunteered to guide her. Reia recalled scouring the mountainside for three weeks collecting corlia, mintas, wuzle roots, alipo leaves, and crela dust. She enjoyed the experience so much that she volunteered for more quests to gather healing substances.
Kiata could sit in a cave and talk combat techniques with Todd, but Reia preferred the open air and sounds of nature. She loved the sweet morning call of colana birds and the faint, sharp scent of mintas sprigs. The happy thoughts fled as Master Corida’s jaw flexed.
“That’s only part of the journey and you know it,” Master Corida argued.
“You asked for my recommendation and I agree with Lucas,” Master Niklos said.
“So I did. Well, we need somebody. James won’t heal in time.” Running a hand through his thick brown hair, Master Corida grunted.
“What happened?” Reia inquired.
“Reia!” Master Niklos greeted, smiling at her warmly. “You’re early. I told Calvin to tell you not to rush.”
“He did, Master.” Reia bowed politely.
“I thought for sure you’d at least visit your sister and her new husband.” Master Niklos’s eyes sparkled.
“Husband?” Surprise and irritation warred within Reia. She knew who her sister had married, but it still shocked her.
Why didn’t they wait for me? I’ve only been gone a month!
“Love cannot wait, my dear,” Master Niklos said, chuckling at her expression. “Oh, they tried. Todd asked her soon after you left, and she made him wait two weeks for the ceremony. Nearly drove the man mad. I encouraged them to get on with it because they were both miserable. Kiata was beating the stuffing out of the practice dummies, and Todd—”
“Was about to burst with anxiety,” Todd Wellum finished from behind Reia.
Whirling, Reia shot a critical gaze at her new brother-in-law. He wore a contrite expression.
Kiata’s brilliant, silver-blue eyes begged for forgiveness.
Anger dissipating, Reia threw her arms around the pair. The embrace was slightly awkward. Not to be outdone, Todd and Kiata hugged her back fiercely.
What will I give them for a wedding gift?
“We’ll finish this conversation later, Niklos,” Master Corida said. “Let’s leave them to their reunion.”
“That’s not necessary, Master Corida.” Kiata pulled out of the embrace and nodded to the two masters. “We were on our way to the evening meal and heard about Reia’s return. We can catch up later.” With that, Kiata tugged Todd back the way they had come.
Reia watched them leave then focused on the masters. Uncertain of what to say, she folded her hands and barely resisted the urge to stir the dust at her feet.
Master Corida stared into empty space, and Master Niklos brushed dust from his banistick.
“What happened to Ranger Celdin?” Reia finally asked.
“James was trying to get a tretling out of a canyon when the korver pack that had trapped the creature returned,” explained Master Niklos. “He beat them back, but one of the beasts got its mouth around his lower left leg. Broke it in two places.”
“Can I see it?” Reia blushed. “I mean, is Ranger Celdin okay?”
“Yes, to both questions but later to the first.” Master Niklos grinned, cleared his throat, and looked at Master Corida.
“Prince Terosh Minstel will begin the Kireshana in a month. We’d like you to shadow him.” Master Corida’s body language betrayed doubts, but he added, “There will be several others watching over him during specific parts of the Kireshana. He will also be traveling with a squad of Royal Guards, but he should still have a guardian.”
“Why me?” Reia wondered.
“You’ve traveled the Riden Mountains extensively, and you know the healing arts. That is important for any journey, especially this one since the prince is a tempting target,” Master Niklos explained. “The Ashatans have agreed to make this your level-seven trial.”
Reia’s breath caught.
I’ve been level-six for only a few hours!
“Thank you, masters. I am honored you think I’m ready.”
“Do you doubt yourself?” Master Corida asked sharply.
Reia considered saying something to convince them she could handle the task. However, when she met her master’s cool gray ones she settled on honesty.
“I do not doubt my skills, but my lack of experience makes me cautious,” she said.
“That is why you are ready,” said Master Niklos.
