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Chapter 22
The trident swings at my head, and I block it with my weapon just moments before being decapitated.
My dad wipes hair from his eyes. “Your reaction time has really improved!”
“You could’ve killed me, you know.”
He knew you’d block it, and if you couldn’t, that I’d spring into action.
Dad leans against the wall and answers me. “That’s the point. You think the trials will be easy? They’re going to make that sparring competition look like a swim in the park.”
“Somehow that doesn’t help me feel better.”
“Good.” He whips his trident around and flings it at me.
I gasp and dart out of the way just in time.
“You shouldn’t feel at ease about them. Only one other person in the history of the world has completed them.”
“And she’s long dead.” I aim my weapon at him, but he blocks it easily.
“Of natural causes, many years after the trials.” He thrusts his trident at me.
I block the move. “Are you trying to make me feel better? Thought that went against what you’re trying to do.”
He smirks. “Only pointing out the obvious. You can do this, but it won’t be easy. It’ll likely be the hardest thing you ever do.”
“And you want me to attempt it so soon after returning to Valora?”
“Strike while the iron’s hot.”
I give him a double-take.
“I’ve been to land too, daughter. I know some of their sayings.” He aims for my head again and swings quicker than before.
I barely block him in time.
We continue on for what feels like forever, well past the point where I’m certain I can’t go on. He presses the base of his weapon on the floor. “Ready to call it a day?”
“Yes.” My body aches, and if we were on land, I’d be drenched in sweat and my mouth and throat would be parched. I put my trident away, then he puts an arm around me.
“I know you’re nervous about the last trial—”
“You think?”
“But you needn’t be. My people are ready to bring me back to life. I have the same servants on hand who revived me before, plus a handful of others who are strong in magic arts.”
I just nod, and don’t give any indication that I have a workaround—that none of his people will be necessary. They won’t have to resurrect him because he won’t die in the first place.
“I don’t want you spending precious time worrying.”
I turn to him and smile. “Okay.”
“Okay? Really?”
“Yes. I’ll just keep focusing on my trident skills. Getting to know my powers and what the weapon can do.”
“You don’t know how relieved I am to hear that.”
