Apprentice (The Black Mage, #2)(13)
"Today Commander Ama and her mages will be observing your skills. They will be using this exercise to evaluate your level for future placement."
The other two masters – cold Master Joan from Restoration and Master Perry of Alchemy - took over, detailing their expectations for our simulated encounter. All sixty-one apprentices would be divided into two teams: the second - and fourth-year mentees against the third - and fifth-year mentors. It wasn't intended to be a fair match, but it would give us the opportunity to showcase what we had learned.
"Each of the teams will have a leader." Master Perry brushed back a strand of her short blonde hair and continued. "I leave it to you to elect a Combat apprentice for each. Whoever you choose will be in charge of strategy. You will have two hours to plot amongst yourselves before starting." She paused. "Please remember this is a group effort. You will not be doing yourself any favors by neglecting your teammates: if your leader is captured you will automatically lose. This person will be recognized by a black cloth they tie around their forearm."
Commander Ama joined the masters and the rest of her infirmary under the shadow of a nearby crag. We were three miles outside of the outpost, immersed in a true wasteland without a building in sight. Behind us was an endless expanse of steep cliffs, sand, and desert wildlife. Strange flowers and crooked cacti dotted the landscape.
"This is a true-to-life battle," the bald woman declared. Her voice was coarse and gruff, and the expression she wore was grim. "I expect you to treat the opposing team as a true enemy."
Ella elbowed me, snickering. "You heard her. No special treatment for Ian. He's your enemy now."
I shoved her back in good spirits, "I don't know what you are talking about."
"Apprentices – report to your teams now! You have two hours and a limited number of supplies to prepare for your battle."
Immediately our factions dispersed. Ella and I followed the rest of the second - and fourth-year apprentices to the shade of a large overhanging peak. Beside its face were fifteen single-horse chariots, a giant crate filled with empty flasks and common desert ingredients used in Alchemy, and thirty-one sickle swords, the most common melee weapon of the Red Desert regiments.
To our right, the third - and fifth-years clustered behind a large mesa a mile away. From the loud voices carrying through the canyon I could sense they were arguing, undoubtedly trying to decide a leader.
"Which one of you do you think it's going to be?" Ella visibly balked as Alex joined us at the edge of our group. It had been two weeks since her outburst in the infirmary, and this was the first time they had crossed paths since. My twin didn't appear to notice, however, as he was too busy staring at the others in front.
Most of the Alchemy and Restoration apprentices stood quietly to the side, patiently awaiting the outcome. It was clear they expected the Combat apprentices to make the decision. After all, we knew best what our people were like. The problem was that the role traditionally went to the best fourth-year – only Priscilla, Eve, and Ray didn't appear to agree.
"It should be Darren." Priscilla's condescending voice rang out clearly. "He's better than anyone here. He's a prince – if anyone knows how to lead an army it would be him, not some silly lowborn."
"Apprentices are not lowborn, you na?ve little girl." The angry retort came from Jayson, a fourth-year and former lowborn. He glared at Priscilla. "It should be Tyra. Last year her advice brought our team victory in Ferren's Keep."
"Yes, but Darren has been training for a career in the Crown's Army since he was five." This time it was Eve that had spoken. "He was going to be a knight commander before he found magic – just ask him. He's had all the best tutors. We all did."
I bit my lip. Well that certainly explained how the three of them had become friends. I had always wondered how quiet Eve had fit in with Darren and Priscilla's more offsetting ways. I knew they had all lived together in court, but now it was clear they had spent many years training together too.
No wonder I'd felt so underprepared last year. The three of them had been preparing for Combat - or knighthood, at the very least - since birth.
"Fine," Jayson barked, "then let's take a vote. Everyone - not just Combat." He turned to the rest of us, hands on hips. "Well? Do you want a fourth-year who knows how to win or Master Bryon's pet, an inexperienced prince who is only in his second year?"
"I am voting for Darren," Ray said.
"Tyra," Alex and Ella both spoke up at the same time.
The rest of the apprentices quickly cast their vote and it was only after a moment of silence that I realized everyone was staring expectantly at me.
"It's fifteen to fifteen, Ry," Ella whispered.
I swallowed. My sometimes-friend, or the girl that Priscilla didn't want to lead? It was tempting to spite the cruel highborn for all the torment she had put me through last year, but doing so would be a direct slight to the boy that had helped me more times than I could count.
Darren's eyes met mine, amused. It was clear he expected me to vote for Tyra, the same as my brother and friend. And who would blame me? She was older and she had led her team to victory…
"Darren." I couldn't let the prince down. Even if I wanted to.
The non-heir's eyes flared in surprise and I was rewarded with a small smile that made my insides melt. Calm down, Ryiah, you've moved on – remember? His betrothed scowled. Apparently Priscilla had wanted me to vote against Darren. What was that about?