“Need an overnight sack for the last collection of candidates,” he said.
She gave a curt nod, assessed the figure of the male in front, and then turned to the shelves behind her.
Jelani’s rich blue gaze danced along the line of candidates. “You’ll only have enough clothes to last you untiltomorrow, because there’s no point in us giving you more. Xalbia begins in the morning, and several people drop out on the first day.”
Seneca inched up her chin. “Us three won’t,” she said, gesturing at herself, Atticus, and Bevan.
One thing I could say for the trio was that they were very athletic. Aegeas had often held games that featured races, long-jumps, and weapon-wielding. Those three Phoenixians had always performed well.
When I finally reached the counter, the female officiate took one long look at me and blinked in surprise. Rather than comment, she retrieved a particular sack. I took it from her gratefully and said, “Thank you.”
“In each sack are undergarments, breeches, a tunic, a cloak, and boots,” said Jelani. “There’s also a small pack that contains a comb, hair tie, bar of soap, and a linen cloth and powder for cleaning your teeth. If you’re still here after day one of Xalbia, you can come back for more supplies.”
Rooting through his sack, Atticus frowned in affront. “These clothes don’t bear the Tapestry’s insignia.”
“Why would they?” challenged Jelani. “You’re not part of the Order.”
Atticus’ mouth snapped shut, his cheeks turning red.
Oh, feel the burn.
“Let’s get moving.” Jelani opened the door, stepped outside, strode past the apothecary, and then skirted the building.
As he led us deeper into the garrison, I glanced around. Several people could be seen. Some lounged around the courtyard, watching two officiates fence. Others walked with purpose from one building to another, clearly busy. A large group stood off to the side, dressed in clothing thatwasn’t marked with the Tapestry’s insignia.More candidates,I thought.
Mingling with the sounds of voices and laughter was the clang of swords and the flapping of a flag that waved from a pole near the courtyard.
“The three large buildings on the right of the courtyard are the barracks,” said Jevani without breaking stride. “Behind those are the bathhouses and a small storage shack. On the left of the courtyard you have the library, food hall, tavern, and also the private barracks for Talon and the Marshalls.”
This wasn’t just a simple base of operations, then. The garrison homed the Black Tapestry’s officiates. Everything they needed was here.
Jelani indicated at a big, dark-green tent near the first barrack. “And this over here is where the candidates sleep.” He stood at its entrance and ushered us through.
Ducking my head, I followed the other Phoenixians inside to find several rows of bunkbeds lined neatly. The chatter coming from the people in the tent immediately quieted as their attention landed on us.
“I’m sure you can find yourselves a spare bed without help,” said Jelani. “You have about forty minutes before the food hall stops serving dinner. Three meals a day are served there—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’re probably tempted to explore the garrison, but I’d advise you to eat and then get some sleep. Xalbia starts tomorrow, so you’re going to need the rest.” With that, he left.
“What’s Xalbia?” Atticus asked no one in particular.
A male Lykaon candidate replied, “We don’t know exactly what it entails, but it’s when the official tryouts for the Tapestry begin.” The brawny male skimmed his gaze over the rest of us, doing a double-take as his attention fell on me.
Seneca flapped a hand. “Just ignore her. We do.”
Atticus grinned. “I think the Sovereigns are actually expecting the tryouts to kill her. I seriously doubt that they’re wrong. I’m also thinking theywanther dead but just don’t want a personal hand in killing her.”
Oh, that bastard. He’d just gone and insinuated that to ‘help’ end my life could earn someone the favor of the Sovereigns. And now calculation glinted in the eyes of the unfamiliar candidates.
One of the other Phoenixians cleared his throat. “They didn’t actually claim that they want her dead, they—”
“Didn’t need to,” finished Atticus. “Their actions speak for them.” He turned to find himself a bed … and everyone else followed suit, obviously uninterested in getting involved. They had bigger things to worry about than me. Like iftheysurvived Xalbia.
I hunted down an unclaimed bed. They were easy to spot, since they were the only ones that looked neatly made. Choosing a bottom bunk fairly close to the entrance, I shoved my sack beneath it.
I could hear Seneca and Atticus telling the others all sorts of little tales about me—that I was weak as any mortal; that as an acolyte, my only skills were saying prayers and lighting candles … which just went to show how little they knew about the retinues of the gods, but whatever.
Sitting on my new mattress, I felt my nose wrinkle. It was far from the comfiest thing in the world, but I had slept on more uncomfortable surfaces in the past. It would probably be something of a shock to the godkin, though, since they were accustomed to luxury.
I wouldloveto get out of my gown, since I’d worn it for three days straight. But as I only had one outfit in my sack, I decided against it. Instead, I chose to take Jelani’s advice and go eat.
