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CHAPTER 23
Perhaps it shouldn'thave surprised me so much that Draven was a very good teacher.
In a way, he reminded me of Sir Ector. He could be equally as patient.
He was a lot better looking though, which was distracting at times.
I stood in a secluded training room of the palace, clad in my newly crafted rose and flame gauntlets. Unlike some styles, these were fingerless. Thick leather covered the back of my hands and wrists but left my sensitive fingers exposed, presumably to allow for better aim and control.
With a mix of determination and apprehension, I extended my palms and conjured a flickering flame that danced at my fingertips.
Targets were set up across the room. Most of them bore scorch marks from where I had managed, over the last few days, to hit them at least once.
Most of them.
I extended my hands, willing the flames to shoot forth, focusing and guiding them.
Frustration etched upon my features as flames shot out a few feet in front of me, then veered off course, missing the mark and hitting the stone wall.
Which was also covered with scorch marks.
I clenched my fists in frustration, feeling the thick leather fill my palm.
Draven watched from the sidelines, leaning against the wall near the doorway with one foot up, his arms crossed over his chest. I had made him wear armor. I had wanted him to wear a helmet, too, but he had laughed and refused. Instead, he held a small round shield in one hand, tossing it up and down in the air like a ball.
He thought it was a joke. But if I burned his pretty face off, it would be his fault not mine.
So far, I’d managed not to.
Again and again, I tried, my concentration waning with each failed attempt.
My control was improving. Yesterday the flames had responded to my will, arcing towards the targets with shocking accuracy. I had hit them one after another, feeling myself surge with mastery.
My confidence had bloomed. I had fallen asleep thinking this was it. I had done it. The next day would be even better.
But today it felt as if I had taken a large step back rather than leaping forward.
I sighed deeply and tried again, lifting my hands, willing the flames to come, watching them dance first on my fingertips, then shooting them forward.
There was a loud clash at the door and I turned in confusion.
Startled, I felt the flames flare up uncontrollably and shouted out as a searing blast launched across the room.
Someone in the doorframe ducked and rolled out of the way, letting the door close again with a crash.
Draven raised the shield he had been playing with, just as the flames engulfed his body.
I was already running towards him, heart pounding in panic.
“No, no, no.”
His armor was blackened. I could see where part of the cuirass had melted away, exposing flesh beneath.
