The Iron Butterfly (Iron Butterfly #1)(60)

“Faraway,” I called to my horse. Instantly an image of him in his stall came to my mind.

Yes?

“Remind me that the next time Kael and I are near you, that you will kick him for me.”

He sent an image of Kael face down in a mud puddle back at me. I chuckled, until I saw Kael looking at me. Feeling somewhat chagrined, I waited patiently until the assembly began.

Each of the Adepts spoke in turn, congratulating various students and guards for their prowess and abilities. Joss was recognized for his kills. I was announced as the winner of the game, since I had taken out two attackers and was able to kill the SwordBrother. Looking sideways at Kael I felt a blush run up my cheek, and I decided that my feet were more interesting. I felt guilty in the way I had won, considering Kael had just saved my life and I killed him to probably save mine. Today Kael seemed saner, but not by much.

Commander Meryl arose and awarded his soldiers and Captains with prizes and medals. Garit was given top marks for taking out the second most students. I whistled in encouragement when his name was called.

When Commander Meryl talked about Kael, the room became quiet and still. He described the SwordBrother’s cunning and courage, how he disguised himself as a student and walked in the front door. When the Commander counted out how many of the students and guards were taken out by him alone, the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Kael alone had taken out seventy percent of the guard and student population. The meanings behind the sheer numbers woke up the students and the guards. I could feel the mood of the room shift to apprehension.

Commander Meryl became deadly serious when he made his final address. “Students, faculty, guards; one man alone decimated over half of our numbers. This tells us that we have become slack to the notion of being attacked. Yes, we have lived in peaceful times for over a century but that does not leave us any excuse for what happened.”

Adept Pax and Lorna stood up next to the Commander at the podium.

Pax spoke up first. “Last night, during our training session, a real attempt was made on one of our student’s lives, and it was the SwordBrother that intervened.” A shuffle in the crowd followed as necks strained to turn and look at me. Heat flushed the back of my neck and I tried to make myself invisible or sink into the floor.

“But we will never again be caught unaware. You must understand this is highly unusual; well actually, unheard of; but SwordBrother Kael has agreed to help train you and you will give him your respect. This is indeed a great honor.”

Exited whispering and more glances my way made me start to squirm in my seat. Adept Lorna stepped forward and looked grim.

“We have talked about canceling the Founding Celebration this year in lieu of what has happened.” The whispers turned into gasps and pleading. “But,” she paused dramatically, “we feel that we will be better prepared and will continue with the celebration. The Founding Celebration will take place next month as planned.” Shouts and applause drowned out anything else she was about to say.

I saw her make eye contact with me and nod toward the side door. When we were dismissed, I made my way out the side door and met with the Adept.

“I see by your expression that you have something you wish to say about your guard,” she grinned at me.

“Please, what did I do to deserve this?” Waving my hands dramatically I continued. “I will do anything you ask, but I beg of you to please give me a different guard.”

Her brows creased with worry. “What’s wrong? Did something happen? I thought you would be happy to have the best, considering he already saved your life. I thought you would be grateful.”

Now feeling guilty and terrible, I let out a long sigh. “No, it’s just we don’t really get along well.”

Adept Lorna laughed, “Oh, nonsense, it’s just the SwordBrother ways. Remember, there aren’t many of them. If you want to learn more about him, maybe you should visit the library and do some research.”

Nodding my head in agreement, I felt like a child just trying to appease their parent. Quickly I filled her in on how I was attacked in my sleep and her frown became deeper. I told her about Joss and she didn’t blink an eye.

“We need you to catch up on your defensive training as soon as possible. And I will have to discuss this with the Council.” Her hand went to her hips. “Now remember,” she went on, “you are to go nowhere without Kael, unless he is busy instructing, then you are to either have Captain Garit or Joss with you at all times. Any questions?”

I opened my mouth for a rebuttal, but she cut me off.

“Good, now get going.”





~~~





The next couple of days settled into a different routine: classes, combat training, meals and sleep. I worked hard from sunup to sundown.

In the mornings, I would report to Garit who put me to work running laps around the compound and practicing hand to hand combat. Even though it wasn’t required, I still enjoyed working out with Garit, and his jovial attitude was a relief from the stern, almost hateful attitude of Kael. Then I would attend morning classes in the arena, always careful to follow another student through the doors. If I was late or if I was early, Instructor Weston was usually waiting by the doors for me.

I was so frustrated in my inability to do the simplest task that I wanted to rip the doors off of the Arena, march in there and destroy something. Of course today was a day when my patience had been worn thin by Kael and I was at my wits end.