Snap out of it, Falcon. Get your mind focused on tomorrow.

  He rushed back to his room. He should have gone to bed hours ago. The trials were dangerous; they had claimed the lives of many students throughout the years. If he wasn’t at his best tomorrow, it might cost him more than a spot in the Rohad graduate group…much, much more.

  Chapter 12

  Falcon admired the small cherry blossom trees that decorated both sides of the dirt path. Their green leaves stood out from the bright red flowers that covered the trees.

  “The honey aroma they emit is lovely, isn’t it?” said Aya, noting Falcon’s obvious interest. “Do you know how they got here?”

  Falcon took in the sweet aroma of the flowers. “No, I can’t say I do.”

  “Legend tells that thousands of years ago a young man and a young woman fell in love against the will of her parents. The jungle became their private sanctuary, where they would meet every full moon under the moon’s glow. The lovers were happy with their nights together, but their happiness didn’t last.”

  “What happened?” asked Falcon, surprised at his own interest in the story.

  “One night the moon did not come out. Without the moon’s light, the young woman lost her way and was killed by a savage beast. For his lost love the young man planted cherry blossoms along the road that connected Ladria to the Jugtunga jungle. It was his way to ensure that such a tragedy wouldn’t happen again. In honor of their love, the cherry blossoms in Ladria now emit a red-and-pink glow at night.”

  “That’s a bunch of nonsense,” Lao cried out, flicking a branch at Chonsey.

  “I wouldn’t be too sure,” said Aya. “Cherry blossoms can be found everywhere in Va’siel; yet, only those in Ladria glow at night.”

  Lao responded with a shrug of indifference.

  Regardless of their origin, Falcon was glad to have them. They provided some much-needed shade from the hot sun.

  Chonsey wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Why do they have to hold the trials so far from the academy? It’s such a long trip. I can’t take it.”

  “Be glad only the first part of the trial is in the jungle,” said Aya. “Then we’ll be back at the academy.” The long walk did not seem to bother her in the slightest. She hummed as she plucked a cherry from a nearby tree.

  “I’m just glad to get off campus for a while,” said Lao with a grin. “This is what I was made for, going out into the world and making a name for myself. Lao-Chan Keen, the greatest wielder in the land.”

  Falcon laughed. “Well, great one, don’t get too ahead of yourself. You still have to pass the trials.” Like his friend, Falcon was glad to be away from Rohad grounds, albeit for different reasons. He enjoyed the freedom of not having a professor hovering over him, especially Professor Kraimaster, whose personal goal had been to make Falcon’s life miserable for the past five years.

  Chonsey threw up his hands. “Yes, mates. We’re finally here, and not a minute too soon. I was about to pass out.” He dropped to the grassy ground with a soft thump.

  All the other students were already at the jungle entrance. They stood huddled in groups of four, no doubt going over strategies. Even the younger students who would not be competing were in attendance. They sat on the wet grass, cross-legged, waiting for the competitions to begin.

  Falcon shivered; everything from the dark vines, to the gnarled old trees, to the eerie silence that emitted from the jungle exuded menace.

  “You and your misfits have no chance of victory,” came a voice from behind.

  Falcon turned and found himself face-to-face with Laars.

  Chonsey smiled, exposing his oversized teeth. “Bloody fickle, these ones. They’ve got a traitor, a stable boy, a useless girl, and that coward, Chonsey on their team. I think we all know who’ll be coming in last.”

  Delita, who was even larger than Laars, marched up to Chonsey. He towered over him. “Want to do something, small man?”

  Chonsey gulped loudly. “Ah, no.”

  The two newest members of Laars’ group, the Nord twins, chuckled out loud. They had large, puffed-up cheeks and unnaturally long noses. The only difference between them was that Drusilla was skinny as a stick, and Elvira was easily the fattest girl at school.

  Not in a mood for an argument, Falcon breezed past them.

  “You shouldn’t even be here,” said Laars, cutting off Falcon’s path. “You poor blokes stand no chance against a warrior of noble blood and heritage like me.”

  Aya stepped between Falcon and Laars. “Be quiet. He has as much right to be here as anyone else.”

  Drusilla eyed Aya with bared teeth. “You are the worst of them all. You’re supposed to be one of us. But you waste your time with these peasants.”

  “There is no us and them, said Aya. “We’re all in this together.”

  Laars laughed. “Spoken like a true traitor.”

  “Iz there a problem here?” Falcon turned to find the professor directly behind him. “I zee you and your group are up to no good again, Mizter Hyatt. Ztarting fightz iz not the way to begin thiz challenge.” He turned his attention to Aya. “And you, Mz. Nakatomi, would do well to learn how to act like a lady. You could learn a lot from Mz. Elvira and Druzilla Nord.”

  “Yes, Professor,” said Falcon, through clenched teeth. There was no use explaining the truth to Kraimaster. He’d never listened before, why would he now? “I’ll just be on my way.”

  “Go ahead, traitor,” said Laars, baring his oversized teeth. “And take the stable boy with you.” Falcon was sure that Kraimaster had also heard, not that he would do anything about it. In his eyes Laars embodied the form of the perfect student.

  Falcon balled up his fists. He’d had it with Laars’ pompous attitude, and Kraimaster’s favoritism. Falcon turned around, ready to punch Laars in the jaw.

  Someone grabbed him by the arm and pulled him away. “Don’t bother,” whispered Aya. “He wants you to hit him so you’ll be disqualified from the competition.”

  Falcon nodded. “You’re right, Aya, like always.” He swallowed his anger and strode off. If he could not shut Laars up by beating him senseless, he would do it by winning the jungle competition.

  “I want all groups of students to gather here with me,” instructed Professor Martyn. Each group will receive a number.”

  Falcon, Lao, Chonsey and Aya stood in front of the professor; they would be making up one of the teams. There were a total of nine teams, each consisting of four members.

  Profesor Martyn stood in front of a dark patch of leaves. He took a long stick and drew a line in the sand. “Listen up. This will serve as your starting line.”

  Falcon and a few other students moved forward.

  “Relax,” said the professor, noticing their eagerness. “I have yet to go over the rules, which are simple enough to memorize. The team that traverses the Jugtunga jungle quickest will be declared the winner. Wielding is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, you are not to engage each other in combat at any time during the trial.” A wry smile crept over the professor’s face. “There will be plenty of time for that later. The jungle challenge is intended to measure your survival abilities in harsh environments. It is also a measure of how well you work with your fellow teammates. Anyone found breaking any of these rules will be expelled from Rohad Academy. Is that understood?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Additionally, the last two teams to cross the finish line will be disqualified. That is all.”

  A murmur of complaints spread among the students.

  “Well then, what are you all waiting for?” asked the professor. “Begin.”

  The sudden excitement in the air was almost tangible. This was it.

  The younger students cheered their older peers on.

  “You can do it, guys!”

  “Good luck!”

  A strange sensation filled Falcon’s stomach. It wasn’t something that he wanted to feel. This was not the time for nervousness. Lao, Aya, and Chonsey were counting on him. He took a deep breath and pushed the feeling deep down inside as he ran into the vast jungle.

  ~ ~ ~

  “I think we’re lost,” said Lao, looking up at the sky. “It’s getting late, too.”

  Falcon scanned his surroundings. The first of the night stars now appeared in the darkening sky. There was an eerie silence, which served to make the gnawing fear inside him intensify. Every sound, from the random bird chirp to a snake’s hiss, kept him on his toes. “I think you’re right, Lao. We should have seen one of the tree tags by now.”

  Chonsey swiped the sweat from his forehead and red cheeks. “This is not good news. It’s been nine hours and I don’t see any signs of the finish line. And these overgrown and tangled plants are making everything worse.”

  “Falcon or I could fire wield to light our way,” said Lao.

  “Oh, no,” Falcon responded immediately. “No wielding. I don’t want to do anything that might ruin our chances of passing. Besides, this weather is hot enough as it is.”

  Lao threw up his arms in defeat. “Well, what do you suggest we do then? You heard the professor. The last two teams will be disqualified.”

  Just as Lao finished speaking they stumbled upon a small pond. They looked at each other and smiled. The water couldn’t be used for drinking, but at least it could serve to cool them down.

  Falcon took a handful of water. He poured it over his head. The fresh liquid energized him as it ran down his skin.

  “I needed that,” said Falcon. “It’s so hot. Now if we could only find the finish line so we can have some real food. No more of that jungle fruit we’ve been eating all day.”

  “Look!” came an excited cry from Aya. “Over there.”

  At first Falcon couldn’t make out what she pointed to, but then he saw it. In the distance he made out the faint figures of his classmates. Perhaps they were heading the right way after all.

  Lao scratched his head. “Is it just me, or are they standing there doing nothing?”

  After moving a few steps closer Falcon realized that Lao was right. All the students stood bunched together. They didn’t seem to be in any particular hurry to finish the course. Something was definitely amiss.

  “If they want to stand there like fools, fine with me,” said Lao. There was an overtone of excitement in his voice. “Let’s move. This is our chance to pass them.”

  Lao led the way as Falcon, Chonsey and Aya followed close behind. They ran around the pond and through a long field of thick vines.

  “Watch out for snakes, you three!” cried Aya. “I read that some like to hide in these vine fields.”

  “Don’t you worry about snakes,” Lao shot back. “Just keep your eye on the prize.”

  Falcon couldn’t remember the last time he had seen Lao so excited. The prospect of taking first place had obviously re-energized him.

  Once they cleared the field, they raced up a small hill and joined the rest of the students.

  With one glance Falcon’s high spirits were abruptly trampled. Before them a giant cliff impeded their progress. One wrong step and they would plummet to a watery grave.

  Chapter 13

  The only way across appeared to be a neglected wooden bridge held up by two thin ropes. The bridge rocked dangerously as the wind beat against it. Many of its wood stepping panels were gone, creating large holes in its construction.

  Some of the students exchanged nervous glances. Others shuffled back and forth, scanning the horizon for an alternate way across.

  “We need an earth wielder to create a stable bridge,” said a male student. “It’s the only way we’re getting across.”

  “No,” Falcon said. “The professor said no wielding.”

  Elvira rolled her eyes. “Earth wielding is the only way. I’m not walking on that bridge. Look how it’s dangling!”

  “No,” said Aya. “This obstacle is meant to test our teamwork and resourcefulness. We have to find a way across without breaking the rules.”

  Drusilla glared at Aya with bloodshot eyes. “Listen, Aya, if you want to get yourself—”

  Falcon brought up his hand. “Enough arguing. I will test the bridge.”

  There was a collection of gasps.

  Chonsey looked down the cliff to the river raging below. “Are you sure, mate? That bridge doesn’t look like it could support you.”

  Falcon shrugged. “No, I’m not sure, but I will not allow fear to stop me.”

  All eyes fell on him as he stepped up to the old bridge. He took in a deep breath and placed his trembling left foot on the first rung.

  Nothing.

  Hiromy bit her nails. “Be careful!”

  Falcon nodded and put his other foot on the bridge. It held, but that didn’t stop his heartbeat from thumping in his ears. He allowed himself a second to catch his breath before moving at a brisk pace. Before crossing, he had judged the bridge to be thirty feet in length, but now that he was on it, it felt much longer. The squeaking planks didn’t help either, serving to slow him to a crawl. But despite its appearance, the bridge held. As soon as he stepped back on land he swallowed, relieving his dry mouth. He signaled for everyone else to join him.

  One by one they crossed until a single student remained at the other side of the cliff: Aya.

  “What’s taking her so long?” asked Lao. “Don’t tell me she’s afraid of heights.”

  Falcon refrained from answering. He saw no use in confirming what was obvious to everyone. He wiped the sweat off his forehead as Aya stepped across the bridge. He didn’t recall being this nervous when he or the other students tested the bridge. But seeing her cross as the air rocked the bridge made his heart thump in his chest. He wanted to run to her. Putting too much weight on the bridge could cause it to collapse, though. Aya clung to both sides of the bridge with fierce determination. She moved at a slow pace, but at least she was making progress. As she made it halfway across the bridge a strong gust of wind shot through the air. The entire bridge shook. Planks of wood fell off and crashed into the river rocks below. Parts of the rope ripped. The bridge dropped about two feet, but held.

  Falcon’s world stopped. The bridge was holding, but who knew for how much longer? One more gust of wind could spell disaster.

  Aya remained frozen in the middle.

  “C’mon, Aya,” cheered Falcon. “You can do it.” With trembling hands she looked up. Her blue eyes met his. “Just a little bit more.”

  To Falcon’s surprise, some of the students joined in with encouragement.

  “Let’s go,” said Sheridan. “You’re not going to let a bridge that’s older than Grandmaster Zoen stop you, are you?”

  “Halfway there. Just a little bit more,” affirmed Victoria Grimmie, a skinny girl who Falcon had seen speaking to Aya from time to time.

  Aya’s body shook with each step, but she moved much quicker than before.

  Falcon looked over as a sudden crash echoed from the other side of the cliff. Three large figures burst out from the green shrubbery. They appeared to be faceless black blobs from afar. But after narrowing his eyes he realized it was Laars and his teammates Delita, Drusilla and Putin. Their clothes were ragged and scratches marred their faces and arms. Had they run into a wild animal? It sure seemed that way. The four of them rushed toward the bridge as soon as their manic eyes fell on it.

  “Stop, you idiots,” said Lao. “It’s too much weight. You will destroy it.”

  His words fell on deaf ears. Laars and his team stampeded across the bridge.

  Aya shrieked as the bridge ripped in half. Both sides of the bridge crashed onto opposite sides of the cliff, releasing a storm of dust. The sound of wooden planks slamming into the water and rocks below drowned out all other noise.

  Falcon’s insides twisted when he caught sight of Aya. She had managed to hold on to one side of the bridge. Laars’ gang dangled from the opposite side. Falcon watched in horror as the old rope holding the bridge to the cliff unraveled.

  Laars stretched out his hand.

  “Stop, Laars, don’t wield!” Lao yelled.

  “I’ll earth wield you to safety, added Falcon. “Stay put.”

  The light in Laars emblem intensified to a bright brown.

  The ground under the student’s feet thundered as it shattered into hundreds of pieces. Then they all plunged to the raging river below.

  CHAPTER 14

  Everything, from the students falling, to the pieces of earth spiraling down, to him plummeting to his demise, moved in slow motion. Falcon tried to think of a way out, but his mind remained a blurred jumble.

  Then he felt it, the same feeling that overtook him years ago when he wielded red lightning. An untamed energy surged through his body. He tried to fight it, but to no avail. The power took hold. It was a weird sensation; he was powerless but all-powerful at the same time.

  His vision blurred. His body went limp. He stretched his hand toward Aya’s silhouette, desperate to save her.

  Then everything stopped. For a split second all the students hung frozen in place, staring at each other in awe. A moment later they shot up in unison, landing hard on the forest floor.

  Falcon fell face up. The sky appeared as a streak of gray blotches. Gradually, different colors appeared around him. A white blotch moved forward and put something directly on Falcon’s nose. An overbearing aroma of salt assaulted his nostrils. He sat straight up.

  “What was that?” complained Falcon. The blotches of color turned into students.

  “Sorry, buddy. I had to use a salted lotus flower,” said Lao. “You looked really out of it for a minute there. Your eyes were blurred and you were mumbling to yourself.” He tossed the plant away.

  “You all right, mate?” asked Chonsey.”

  He rubbed his legs and arms, hoping to make some of the pain go away. “Ah…I think so. What happened? How did we get here?”

  “That’s just it, mate,” said Chonsey. “We were hoping you would tell us.”

 

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