Page 47 of The Seeker

His facial expression didn’t change. “The answer is no, and that’s final.”

I suppressed a groan. I wasn’t some child about to be chastised. “Well, I will be taking a raft down. Anyone who wants to join me can.” I smirked. “I’ll start building now.” I headed for the forest, not intending to go far, as it was already almost dark, but a hand on my arm stopped me.

“Runa.” It was Otho. “Please, don’t do this.”

I arched an eyebrow. “Are you going to stop me?”

He shook his head, my magic grasping onto his sadness. “No, Runa, but please, if you were hurt . . . I couldn’t stand it.”

I wanted to snap, shout at him that he should have thought of that before, when Leif rode off with me to Malheim, but instead, I swallowed my words. It was an untested idea, and I really didn’t want anyone to get hurt. After all, I wouldn’t be able to bargain with the King for the safety of the Seid if I were dead.

Not to mention, I didn’t know how to swim.

“Fine,” I relented, turning on my heel to return to the tent. “But promise me you will at least consider it. There are a lot of mountains between here and Shianp.”

Otho grimaced but agreed. I slipped into the tent, but I swore I heard Otho say something more.

Something along the lines of, “Not enough.”

CHAPTER 16

Ena and I rose early the next morning, so Askel could train us before we started our journey. But even when Ena shook me awake before sunrise, the sound of the forest a gentle hum, Otho’s side of the bedroll was already cold. I was beginning to understand what caused the dark circles beneath his eyes.

Askel guided Ena and I through a series of stretches first, followed by some basic exercises designed to improve our stamina. One of the core strengthening exercises required us to balance, something which appeared easy when Askel did it, but soon, sweat was pouring off of me. My mind flashed back to my days as a soldier, but as much as I missed the routine of living on the frontlines, I never wanted to go back.

We ended the warm-up with a jog, which ended far enough away from the camp that we wouldn’t wake the others with the second half of training. Already sweating and tired, we stood side by side in front of Askel, waiting for directions even though I was ready to crawl back into my bedroll.

“Now, I know what powers Runa has, but Ena, what have you read?” Askel asked as he paced back and forth in front of us, his hands clasped behind his back.

Her gaze flashed to me, waiting for the dip of my chin to answer. “I have the power of persuasion, but that’s all.”

I brought my fist to my lips and cleared my throat. “I also have the power of persuasion now and . . .” I hesitated, knowing that once Askel knew, it would get back to Otho. But I was tired of hiding my poison potion every morning. If Otho found out, I would deal with it. “And I can read minds but”—Askel’s eyes widened—“I can’t control it, at all. I’m taking a small dose of poison to dampen my powers and I keep them behind a mental block, but I’m afraid I may not be as apt at magic training as I was before.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed and I could feel his jealousy. “The two new books . . .”

I’d forgotten how badly Askel wanted powers of his own, my shame bubbling up as I admitted what I’d done. “I ruined the persuasion book—I had to, otherwise Leif would have used it against me. The mind-reading book is still in Malheim, I assume.” I pictured the room I’d lived in, grimacing.

Askel’s mood deflated instantly, but he didn’t appear angry. “I understand.” Sorrow rolled off him, and I knew he said that to placate me.

“Let’s start with basic fighting stances. You remember those, right, Runa?”

I nodded, stepping a foot back as he taught me, distributing my weight evenly. He directed Ena into a similar position. It was hard to hide my giggle as his fingers wrapped around her calf to guide her leg, causing Ena to blush.

“Now, we always train magic for far-off enemies, as when they are nearby, hand-to-hand, or weapon, combat is usually more efficient. Unfortunately, Ena, it will be hard for me to train you to use your persuasion but⁠—”

“Oh really?” Ena batted her eyelashes at Askel, and I smirked. “Because I think my persuasion is working just fine.”

Like a puppet, Askel bobbed his head up and down. “I agree.”

Ena and I both giggled, waiting for him to snap out of it.

“I—Wait a moment.” He narrowed his eyes, but I could feel there was no anger behind his words. “Okay, you won that one.”

That was all it took for both Ena and I to break out into peals of laughter.

“Focus, you two.” He snapped his fingers. “Let’s work on how to acquire a weapon if you aren’t currently holding one.” He turned to me first. “Let’s see how your metal calling does on the dose you’re taking.”

I stepped back, centering myself before lifting my hand to call the knife in his belt to me. It had been a while since I’d used this power, and I often forgot I had it.