He shrugged. “Worked, didn’t it?”
The others noticed too. How quickly – how easily – he changed. Gregor’s gaze lingered on the sword at Sebastian’s hip, wariness apparent on his usually stoic face. The Lyran girl, Sienna Mirrell, was staring very deliberately into her cup. Jax just grinned at him like he couldn’t wait to test the war stories for himself.
After they’d eaten, they found themselves a spot by the river. Sebastian drew his sword and whetstone, sharpening the blade withdeliberate, unhurried strokes. Oryen’s composure cracked at the noise, but he masked it quickly. Kara could see why others thought Sebastian dangerous. But mostly she just found him incredibly annoying.
Kara spent the rest of the night with Sienna. She was only a couple of years younger than her, with delicate features and wild golden hair that never stayed where she put it. They sat on the riverbank, dipping their bare feet in the water. Sienna laughed easily, asked questions, listened. She had the kind of open smile that made Kara trust her almost immediately.
“Let the boys make their jibes,” she said with a shrug. “They’ll need all of us if they want to win.”
Kara smiled, her irritation fading away. She suspected Sienna had used her Lyran magic. She didn’t mind.
“What placement are you hoping for?” Kara asked. “After the Arcalon?”
“Hale, actually. The infirmary. If they’ll have me.”
Kara looked at her, surprised. “Really? I’d have thought you’d be an artist.”
Sienna laughed. “No, I’m pretty terrible at anything like that. Wasn’t blessed with the patience for it – very un-Lyran of me, I know.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “I’ve always preferred using my magic to help people, and there are so many wounds that go beyond the physical, beyond what emerald can heal–” she broke off and looked at Kara, adding hurriedly, “no offence.”
“None taken,” Kara assured her. “You’re right. Emotional healing is important.”
“It’s competitive though,” Sienna said. “I’ll have to do well here to even have a chance.”
Sienna was right. Doing well in the Arcalon opened doors. But if she failed here, all of Vallenna would see, and would not forget it. A Hale placement would be out of the question.
“Then we’ll make sure you do,” Kara said.
Kara’s team made their way down to the arena early the next morning. As the gates came into view, Sebastian brushed past her. “Don’t be nervous,” he said, sauntering ahead. “You’ve got me on your team.”
She fought the urge to shove him as she strode through the gates after him. They both stopped. The arena had been transformed overnight. The House podiums and banners were gone. In their place rose a sprawling stone maze, walls towering high, four archways carved into its outer wall, each marked with a glowing number, one to four. Sebastian’s smirk disappeared – uncertainty flashing across his face instead. Kara couldn’t help but smile.
“I don’t know how much use you’ll be,” she said. “Swords aren’t much help against solid stone.”
She caught his frown but didn’t wait for a reply, just turned and joined her team beneath the golden number four still glimmering in the air above. He followed behind her, close enough to be annoying. A movement to her right caught her attention. Henry striding towards her team instead of his own.
What is he doing?
“I wanted to say good luck, Lady Hale,” he said as he reached her. To Kara’s horror, he actually bowed. A few nearby delegates turned to look. Her insides squirmed.
“Thank you,” she replied awkwardly. “And to you.” He nodded and re-joined his teammates.
“Lady Hale?” Sebastian repeated, not even trying to hide his amusement. “Shall we all bow to you too?”
“Oh, shutup,Sebastian,” she said angrily.
“Really, Healer,” he said, a smile playing on his lips. “You’re making it too easy.”
She turned away from him and shifted her focus to the stands, trying to ignore the fury that had risen sharply in her. The arena was now so full that people were standing in the aisles. Some were even perched on the highest tier, craning to see over the heads of the crowd. The atmosphere was electric. Full of nerves and anticipation.
Finally, the High Council arrived. The Fatàn judge, last to enter, stepped forward. A hush fell.
“Welcome to the first trial. Earth will test you first. Before you lies a maze – alive and shifting. At its centre, lies the sigil of Earth. You must place your hands upon it to reveal the exit. All must complete the trial, or none succeed. Scores will be awarded by time. Failure means zero points. You may begin.”
Applause thundered.
Together, with her team, Kara made her way to the stone archway marked with a four. Sebastian – to Kara’s surprise – allowed Gregor toenter first, and followed with Jax. Kara stepped inside, flanked by Morra and Sienna. Oryen brought up the rear, dark eyes assessing. The archway sealed behind them and the world fell into shadow – the noise of the crowd disappearing with it. Whatever happened in here, the only thing that would matter to the rest of Vallenna was who emerged first.
It took several moments for Kara’s vision to adjust. The stone walls were fifty feet high – at least – cutting off most of the light, leaving only thin shafts spilling down from above. It was much colder inside the maze and the floor was soft brown soil – the smell of it surrounded them. For a while, their path twisted left and right, dead ends forcing them to backtrack. Kara had lost all sense of direction when the tunnel narrowed and the floor beneath her boots shifted – clean-cut stone slabs instead of soil. Even, deliberate. She walked ahead of the others.
