Frey (The Frey Saga, #1)(36)
“Well, it’s a little unorthodox but at least you’re thinking on your feet,” she mused. And then she giggled as she realized I was, in fact, not on my feet.
My body ached as I stood and my best skill was useless. I desperately wanted to ask her to simply show me the way, but my ego stubbornly refused.
She must have picked up my mood. “You see, most of us choose one particular favorite, we focus on that and practice constantly. That way, it becomes easier, uses less energy, you know.” I didn’t know. “Maybe we should see what your strong suit is,” she said and motioned me to follow her as she walked to the rock ridge and jumped over, hurrying down to the men.
“Sorry to interrupt, gentlemen,” she announced. “I was wondering if you’d mind a little demonstration?” They broke their circle, yes, they had looked as if they'd been planning, and gave her their attention. “Frey here hasn’t found her rhythm yet,” she explained. They seemed to understand and she bounded back over to me and drew me to sit beside her on a large rock facing the men before cueing them to begin.
The largest stepped forward, boasting deep brown hair and eyes. He wore plain clothing but his broad shoulders and massive size made him seem regal. “They name me Anvil but I am Reed, of Keithar Peak.” His voice was thick, though it was impossible to tell whether it was an accent or he had difficulty speaking. He was huge, frighteningly so, but something about him was drawing me in, I wanted to be his friend for no reason I could rationalize. He walked to me and reached out his hand to shake. As I took it in mine, a tingle ran up my arm. I looked down and the hair was standing on end.
I glanced back at him and he was smiling. “Sorry. I’ll try to avoid touching you.”
“It’s fine, really,” I said, though I didn’t understand, it was like a static charge. Meanwhile, I had decided the thickness was a drawl. “I don’t know your accent, where is it from?”
“North Camber,” he replied. A snicker slipped from Steed and Anvil glanced at him before amending, “Well, that is where they cut out part of my tongue.” I recoiled suddenly at the idea and unintentionally wrenched my hand from his. The tingle remained. He didn’t seem offended; he simply took a few steps backward to start his demonstration. I brought my arm back to my side and it brushed Ruby, shocking her just enough to make both of us flinch. She didn’t appear to mind, smiling at me as she returned her attention to the start of the show.
The other men drew back, some sitting, some standing but all giving him their full attention and space as he raised his hands and seemed to brace himself, taking one full deep breath before leaning forward slightly. A thunderous crack and excruciating light flew from both of his outstretched hands, slammed into a tall pine, and snapped the top third of the tree off. Several limbs splintered and popped as it crashed its way down.
I was dumbfounded. I looked again at the large man. Sweat glistened on his forehead in the moonlight and his breath was a little labored but still, he stood. Understanding came slowly. He had shot lightning from his hands. The others nodded appreciatively. I was having second thoughts about my desired friendship with this man. Though not being his friend was probably more dangerous.
I realized I was shaking my head in disbelief as he turned back to me and bowed slightly. I felt as if I should applaud. He stepped back and took a seat. I could see he was still winded.
The wiry man stepped inside the circle then, his movements were erratic, jerky. He nodded to me. Grey. He was thoughtful for a moment, deciding the best way to display his skill before finally approaching to offer his hand in greeting. My own hand was in his for a split second, and then he was gone. Not just his hand from mine, but he, his entire body, had vanished. I half expected to feel his palm against mine, perhaps he’d merely camouflaged himself, but my hand was empty. Automatically, I looked around, baffled. The makeshift audience wore easy, amused smiles. They watched me, not the vacant space from which Grey had evidently disappeared. And then I noticed someone beside me who hadn't been there before… it was him.
“How…” But he was gone again. I'd been staring right at him and had no idea where he went.
I was just beginning to doubt whether I'd seen him at all when I spotted him standing across the circle, grinning fiendishly while he dangled an object from his hands. It was the feather Ruby had tied in my hair. I'd forgotten about it, I reached up to feel for it, to be certain it was the same one, and it was gone. I started to get irritated but then, suddenly, the feather was in my other hand and he was back, or still, standing where he had been, his hands now empty. And then, for no apparent reason but amusement, he did a few somersaults and landed in the center of the circle, smiling. So weird. Ruby clapped a few times from beside, me, clearly thrilled with his show. I thought I must have missed something.
Grey bowed out of the circle and was replaced by the two tall, silvery elves. I found myself startled again; I had not seen them sitting with the group, or anywhere else. For some reason, it was much more eerie than the little wiry man who blinked in and out of vision. One of the men spoke, his voice smooth and melodic. “We will not demonstrate their full power at this time. We will not short our forces a man for mere display.” I thought there was humor in his voice. “As you can see, they can be frightening, however, without attack.”
At that, the dogs walked into the circle. I had not seen them either, before they were approaching their masters. They came forward to snarl, one regarding Ruby and one Steed, and I could only be glad it wasn’t me as their muzzles pulled back and exposed a vicious set of teeth, complete with meat-tearing fangs. The hair rose on their backs and I was suddenly positive they were larger than Ruby. A horrific growl ripped from their chests in unison and I cringed. Then, at once, they settled back into relaxed seated positions as if they had never been angry. “We also do not do tricks.” Yes, there was humor there. I was relieved to see the intimidating pair might not be as formal as I'd imagined. “We will return to watch.” They nodded toward me and walked out of the circle in unison, disappearing from view.