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“Kadi, Alkaios, Nephalea, Mak, and Lyros,” Aunt Lyta proposed. “I will judge the match.”
Kella looked to Solia. “I find myself one mercenary short. Have a go with us? For old time’s sake?”
Solia gave a wicked smile. “I dare anyone to try to stop me.”
Scrollworm though he was, Lio felt a rush of anticipation as he watched Solia and the Ashes stride out onto the sand with Mak and Lyros. Their small audience sent up a loud round of applause for the contestants.
The Stewards stood in a line of orderly black robes, their hair tamed with their speires. Across from them, the Ashes formed up around Kella, each one unique and ferocious. Solia stood at the First Blade’s right hand.
Cassia leaned closer to Lio, her voice low. “You asked Aunt Lyta to do this.”
“Ah,” he replied, “perceptive as always, my Grace.”
“Someone should tell Solia you gave her this gift.”
“I think the gift will feel less complicated to her if her benefactor remains anonymous.”
“You ought to have credit for such a goodwill gesture,” Cassia protested.
With a shake of his head, he smiled. “Tonight is an opportunity to warm Solia’s heart toward someone else. Research is not the only reason I invited the Blood Errant.”
The Lion of Orthros got to his feet. “Lyta, what do you say to six against six?”
Lio let out a sharp whistle and cheered for his father’s suggestion. As Cassia applauded, she sent him an admiring glance that said, Excellent move, my Grace.
“The Blood Errant raises the stakes!” Aunt Lyta cried. “I will permit a six-versus-six melee…but only if my First Master Steward fights with the Stand.”
Nike grinned and trotted over to take her place at the center of the Stewards.
Lio’s father stalked out onto the sand, stretching as he went. Lio couldn’t remember the last time he had actually seen his father spar, much less wield magic against an opponent. How rarely Apollon reminded Orthros that he was untamed.
Father halted in front of Solia. His voice was a quiet rumble, only for the ears of those he let into his veil spell. “May I fight at your side for your first match in this arena?”
She looked up at him. “Of course. It is the opportunity of a lifetime to spar as your ally.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners. “How about a little wager?”
Solia gave a surprised laugh. “I suspect betting with the Lion of Orthros is dangerous.”
“Oh, certainly. But not dangerous for you.”
She hesitated. “Well, then, what stakes do you propose?”
“If our side is victorious, you will call me Papa.”
Beside Lio, Cassia gasped. “Oh. He knows the way to her heart. Just as he knew mine.”
Lio twined his fingers in Cassia’s. “Do you think she’ll take the bet?”
“I can hope.”
They waited, while Solia gazed back at Apollon in tense silence.
“You know I don’t believe in losing,” Solia finally said.
“Or in backing down from a challenge,” Father replied.
She extended a hand. “Very well, but you must promise me something as well, if we win.”
