Books 1-3: A High Fantasy Novel, page 40
part #1 of A Talnarin Novel Boxed Series
The door leaving the bedroom is directly across from the large window, allowing the view outside to be one of your first sights when entering. To the right of the bed sits a hard-carved wooden end table. A matching dresser sits on the opposite wall, directly across the bed.
I survey the room once more, in awe. To think, this will be my room. It’s amazing. If only my stay here wasn’t a result of that incident eight nights ago.
I shake the surfacing memory off and stand. Even though it’s already been seven days since I moved in here, I can still say I’m still not used to Abel’s home. It’s such a rich and luxurious room and I’m used to rooms that simply ... aren’t.
I move to the window and look out, a new ritual I’ve adopted since the start of my stay. It’s the day before we leave for the festival and I’m anxious to go.
I push away from the window and get ready. A new pair of leathers sit at the foot of the bed, something I didn’t notice until now. It’s getting colder and colder out; just a couple days ago, my breath started to fog up when I exhaled. The thicker leathers have been become my permanent attire these days. I eye the closet with envy, wishing I had enough belongings to fill the empty spaces. The large walk in wardrobe is to the right of the dresser while the lavish bathroom is on the right. The wardrobe sits empty, just waiting to be filled.
I push the thoughts aside and ready the bath for a soak since it’s not a training day. The bathroom is home to a large tub atop dark wood floors. A large mirror stands over the sink. Today is all about preparation for the festival tomorrow. As I slip into the tub, I think back.
It’s been a flurry of activity in the last week and a half. Preparations have been underway for the festival coming up. I haven’t had much time to dwell over anything. Training has been far more intense than usual. We’ve been working nonstop on the weapon manifestation and physical weapon use. It’s safe to say my efficiency at using a bow and dagger has improved.
We also touched on the standard Firvo, Mindula, and Elestal practice. However, those sessions only lasted an hour or two every day. Priority went to other things.
I was finally able to manifest my weapon. It’s almost identical to the daggers from the manor, just less detailed than on the actual weapons. I still recall the feelings that overcame me during that first successful manifestation.
My frustration just keeps building up. I’m getting irritated at my lack of success with the manifestation. Ironically, that’s just how I feel about my wings too. I still haven’t managed to hide the damn things from prying eyes.
I push the thoughts away and focus on the task at hand.
I push all the energy I have into my palm. Like an idiot, I only realized yesterday I needed to envision the weapon in my hand. Otherwise, it just makes my life more difficult. After all, you can’t have a floating blade, can you?
Adrian sits across from me, flames dancing along his palms. He’d grown bored hours ago. Even Malik and Zeke had gotten bored and moved off to the side to talk. Malik leans against the wall, arms crossed.
I shake my head and focus.
I keep pushing more energy until flickers of silver spark to life. Focusing on the flashes, I push more energy at them. Soon the flickers grow more frequent and last longer. In a blink of an eye, the flashes of silver seem to double. I stare in fascination as the silver strands gradually encompass my palm.
Next thing I know I have a silver dagger with swirling wisps of energy grasped in my hand.
I stare wide eyed at the perfectly formed weapon in my grip. The swirls of energy are beautiful and mesmerizing. I grip the blade tight. It feels right in my hands, like an extension of myself. It reminds me so much of the wings attached to my back. There’s an almost overwhelming sense of strength and power.
I feel invincible.
That was the moment I realized the weapon was very much an extension of me, one I created.
I carried that frame of mind over to my wings in my attempt to hide them from others. It was every bit as difficult as I anticipated, but I made progress. I managed to hide small sections of my wing, the silver energy flickering out of sight. But, it was never the whole thing, and it never disappeared for long.
After I manifested the dagger, Malik and Zeke raced over. All three talnarins were staring wide eyed at my success. Their expression managed to draw a small smile out of me.
Unfortunately, the smile slipped off my face a few seconds later as the dagger dematerialized.
Oh, Hellvian.
Chapter 25
I shake the memory off.
I turn on the water and top off the tub with hot water.
Feeling a small measure of pride, I follow up with more practice. I focus on keeping the energy materialized for longer periods of time, until I can keep my weapons manifested for roughly thirty minutes. It definitely got easier once I got the hang of it.
I can feel myself growing stronger.
I have more control than I did a month ago, and I feel like I’m strong enough to take Him down. With this climb in power comes the climb in desire to see His head on a platter. My desire to end Him only grows as the days pass.
If only I knew where to find Him.
I also started practicing with the rest of Malik’s men. That was when I officially met the rest of Clan Elites, Drako and Mikhail. Malik’s reasoning behind this meeting was simple: I’ll be working with the Elites during my hunt for rogues, and we need to move like a team to succeed.
I got to know the Elites and their fighting styles a little better. While we never practiced all at once, it gave me enough exposure to adjust my style to theirs. Malik, of course, was always present, and usually joined by two or three Elites. I was also able to watch their practice matches between each other.
Seeing them interact is amazing. They move together as a single unit, a single person.
It’s enviable how seamlessly these Elites coexist with each other. Clearly, they’ve been together for a very long time.
During lunches, I eat in the arena with them too. They all chat and laugh over God knows what, while I sit some paces away, observing from the corner of my eye.
I was never good at socializing, especially with people already in groups. And this group is as close as they get. A part of me feels like an invader. It’s not as if I feel unwelcome really, just uncomfortable when all the Elites are around.
One Elite unsettles me more than the others, though. Something about Orion makes me uncomfortable, weary. The way he is always there, always staring, always silently judging or assessing me is unnerving. Hostility rolls off him in waves during training.
I just don’t know if it is directed at me.
Other than him, the other Elites are kind—for the most part. They are gone most days too, in groups of twos or threes. Zeke was gone the most. They were searching for more intel on the rogues. Since I told Malik I wanted to join, he’s been telling me bits and pieces about what’s going on, keeping me in the loop.
It makes me feel like I belong, like I’m a part of the group too.
Aside from practice with Malik and his men, I spend time with Elaine during my breaks. We talk about small and insignificant things, but it’s fun. We never once drudge up the gritty stuff after our talk in the kitchen a few weeks ago. We keep things light and happy. I even work up the nerve to ask her if we’re friends. She simply laughs and says, “Of course.”
When I’m not training, I spend time in the library, reading anything I can get my hands on. Sometimes Benjamin is there, and he always steps away from whatever he is working on to teach me. Just like old times. His explanations are easy to follow, and entertaining.
The only talnarins I don’t see in the days leading to the festival are Erik and Abel. According to Malik, Abel had some business to attend to in the capital before the festivities began. Turns out he’s important outside Craforian, too.
Erik, on the other hand, is out of Craforian a lot, but Malik won’t explain where he goes or why he’s gone. I don’t push. After all, Malik is being generous in keeping me in the loop on most rogue related things.
I don’t want to push my luck.
Chills skate up my body; I’ve been absorbed in my own memories and the water has grown cold. I lift a hand up and gaze at my wrinkled fingers.
Oops.
I climb out and dress. Even if it’s not a training day, I can’t laze around all morning. There’s too much to do. Today, we prepare for Wilvidar.
I scurry out of the guestroom, taking a right down a short hallway and passing two other rooms: Malik’s and an empty bedroom. I was told Abel’s bedroom was upstairs to the left of the staircase.
The hallway empties into a kitchen larger than any I’ve ever seen. Dark wood cabinets wrap around the room, and there’s a refrigerator and sink on one side of the kitchen. I’m glad Malik gave the go ahead to use this kitchen; it’s always stocked with the best foods. A large table that seats ten is situated on the far side and it’s currently occupied.
At my arrival, Malik glances up from his paperwork. “Alanna,” he says in way of a greeting.
“Malik.”
He sets the paperwork on the table and leans back. “Sit down. There’s something we need to discuss.”
I bristle at his command but sit anyway. “What?” I grumble, arms crossed like a petulant child.
He smirks. “Tomorrow is the start of Wilvidar. Are you certain you wish to go?”
Am I supposed to say no? It feels like a trick question. “Yes.”
“Very well. You will stick to Elaine, Erik, and Benjamin during the festivities. Do you understand?”
My lips turn down in the corner. “Why?”
I don’t need a babysitter.
He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. In that moment, the resemblance between him and Abel is overwhelming. “Because this is your first event with a large group of talnarins. Not all will be as ... tolerant of your physical differences as we’ve been here at Craforian.”
My head drops at the reminder. I’m still a freak in their eyes. They’ve merely gotten used to seeing it.
Malik’s expression softens. “I can’t anticipate their actions but staying with Elaine and the others will ensure your safety regardless.”
“You think they will attack me.” I don’t word it as a question because that’s exactly what Malik is implying. I thought today would go well for me. Instead, Malik’s reminded me of the depressing reality of the outside world: I’m an oddity, even among talnarins, and it hurts more than I care to admit.
“I don’t know, but I won’t risk it.” Even Malik looks solemn for once.
I huff, frustrated about having babysitters.
“Why can’t I just stick with you and the Elites instead?”
His expression closes off instantly. “We won’t be there.” His words are short and clipped, leaving no room for argument or comment of any sort.
But what do I do? I comment anyway. “But Abel said everyone will be attending.”
His expression remains guarded. “Urgent business came up.”
“What? Is it the rogues?” I wait for a response but get nothing. Impatient, I push harder. “You promised to keep me in the loop, Malik.”
“It’s not them.” His voice is hard, implying he won’t say anymore.
“Well, what is it? Can I help?”
“No.” Malik narrows his eyes. “It doesn’t matter. Just stick with them, understand?”
I nod, defeated. I was hoping he’d learned to trust me, but he’s still keeping too many secrets. But ... it was only a month ago I was still considered a threat. We’ve come a long way since then, and I shouldn’t push for more. It could backfire.
I sigh heavily, watching him walk away with that damn paperwork. I decide to get on with my day, and scarf down a quick breakfast before heading out the door to help with festival preparations. Elaine had told me to meet her in the arena whenever I got up, so I head there.
As I enter, I notice a handful of talnarins bundling weapons for transport. Two lines of capalts are coming from outside, and a couple of talnarins are shuffling the beasts in for an inspection of some sort. Two talnarins work on one beast, lifting legs and wings.
A tap on my shoulder has me whipping around. I release the breath I didn’t know I was holding at the sight of an amused Elaine. “Took you long enough to get here, Alanna. Did you get lost?” She smirks as my eyes narrow.
“I was getting my beauty sleep, thank you very much.” I bat my eyelashes, something I had seen other village girls do in jest. “After all, you did say to take my time.”
“Well,” Elaine says, between giggles. “You got me there.”
I look back to the beasts. “Where do they keep the beasts? I never see them in Craforian.”
She follows my line of sight. “There’s a stable for them on the other side of the compound.”
I glance at her in confusion. “Why would they be on the other side?” That doesn’t make any sense. That’s where the humans are, and Benjamin told me it was against the rules to interact with them. So how do they get the beasts over here without interacting with the humans? I swear, sometimes the talnarins are confusing as shit.
“Oh,” she finally responds. “It’s just the way it worked out.” I give her a weird look as she fiddles with her clothes.
I let it go. Things don’t always make the most sense in Craforian, and I’ve had to learn to drop some subjects. “Okay.” I manage to drag out the word, my reluctance obvious. I switch topics, the silence growing awkward. “These weapons are for the festival, right?”
Relief floods her face and she quickly says, “Yes. These weapons are going to be sold at the stall we’re setting up for Wilvidar. The weapons are made yearly so we always sell the never before seen weapons every year.” She pats me gently on the back. “Let’s get back to it then. Can you start wrapping the weapons in the cloth stacked to the side?” She points in the direction of the cloth. “We want to wrap them individually so they don’t get damaged while shifting during the ride.”
“Got it.” I walk off to complete my task. I forgot to ask about how long I’d be working today, how many weapons I needed to wrap, and which weapons needed wrapping.
Oh well. I’ll figure it out. I grab what I need and get to work.
TIME PASSES EXCEPTIONALLY slowly. People are constantly coming and going, distracting me. I’m also growing frustrated with lack of progress I’m making. I’d thought wrapping weapons would be easy and quick. It isn’t.
I have no idea what I’m doing.
Just as I think to give up and ask Elaine, a talnarin sidles up alongside me, startling me.
“Do you need help?” His voice is deep and husky.
I’m caught off guard by how handsome he is, too. He’s lean and muscular with curly, dirty blond hair that reaches just under his pointed ears. His dark violet eyes mark him as a Mindula manipulator.
I blush as I realize he’d asked me a question and I’ve yet to answer. “Yes.” I manage to choke out the word.
He smiles brightly and reaches for a blade and cloth. He sets the cloth down and places the weapon gently on top. In a quick few seconds, he has the weapon fully secure and tied with rope. I stare wide-eyed.
I’m an idiot.
That was simple, so why couldn’t I figure it out? No matter how I wrapped or how I tied, the ends of the weapon were always open. The way this talnarin did it fixed my problem. My cheeks heats in embarrassment for not understanding how to do something so simple. Thankfully, he doesn’t appear to notice my reddening face.
“Anything else?” His voice startles me.
“No, that’s it. Thanks.” I mumble, managing to not trip over my words.
He smiles, teeth showing as he stands. “You’re very welcome. Let me know if you need anything else. I’ll be glad to help you.” The male moves away.
“Oh, I never caught your name.” I don’t word it as a question and it makes me want to bury myself in a ditch. What is wrong with me? I never act this flustered.
He turns back and laughs kindly. “It’s Seth. Alanna, right?”
Seth.
It fits. I nod in response to his question, not bothering to ask how he knows that. I’m the oddball in Craforian, so it’s no surprise strangers know who I am. With one last dimpled smile, Seth moves on to help someone else. I stare after him for a few long moments before I snap back to myself.
Don’t be any more of a freak, Alanna. Stop staring.
I glance back down and begin wrapping once more. This time it’s so much smoother, so much quicker.
As I master the weapon wrapping, my mind begins to wander.
This festival is a huge deal. I finally understand that. In the last week, all the preparations have been amazing, a flurry of activity. I’ve never seen so much hustle and bustle before, not even for my village’s Market Day.
The stall we’ll be setting up tomorrow is a weapon’s stand. Apparently, all the weapons were made in a nearby underground cavern that doubles as a smithy. There’s still so much I don’t know about this area.
All the weapons were shuffled back to the armory at Craforian in small shipments throughout the year, in preparation for this festival. All the wares to be sold were situated in the back area of the armory, tucked away from prying eyes. Elaine says there are over five hundred weapons to be sold. Five hundred weapons that need to be dragged to the capitol. It’s far too heavy for thirty capalts to carry on their own. The plan is split our group of thirty into two teams.
Team one will to carry the wares and the camping materials. The campsite will be set up by the first team as well. There will be at least thirty tents to set up for the members of Craforian. After we complete these tasks, dinner is prepared and cooked by this team.
Team two, on the other hand, will carry the weapons in loads and drop them at the campsite before returning for more. While team one unloads and sets up, team two will be arriving with more weapons and setting up the stall.
