21
(Wirnday)
Joton, Kri’enden – Joton Shaze Academy
“What?!” came the angry voice as Zilan and Iyva went downstairs to the Shaze Academy.
Zilan waved his hand to tell Iyva to stop. It was Cruro’s voice they were listening to.
“One of the things I have great pride about in here is the ability for people to trust us! If they want to train in anonymity, that’s up to them and we respect that! No, we don’t give out information on our students or trainers no matter how amazing they might be! If you want to gossip, go gossip at your beauty salon! Not here! You are hereby dismissed. And if it turns out that your indiscretion causes harm to one of our students or instructors past or present you will be charged with causing harm to others! Leave this minute. Someone will forward your things to you.”
The door opened, someone left hurriedly, letting the door bang shut.
<Shadow, I wish to talk to you,> came the impression.
“He wants to talk to us before we go,” Zilan told Iyva.
“Go?”
“Our secret was shared with someone. We will have to leave again – immediately.”
“Where?” she asked.
“I will tell you later. Let’s see what Cruro wants first.”
They entered the Shaze Academy foyer.
“I take it you heard all that,” Cruro said.
“Yeah,” Zilan replied. “We will have to leave. Any idea what happened?”
“Our receptionist gave out information to the Towani A’mara who were asking about you. Thankfully, you didn’t tell us your names, but she told them pretty much everything she knew. I’m really sorry. I wish I could make it up to you.”
“I am also sorry. We have enjoyed our stay with you. Thank you for your hospitality,” Zilan said.
“I would like it very much if Iyva had one last battle before you go. If you agree, I will give you some money to help you on your journey,” Cruro said.
Zilan felt Iyva urging him to accept.
“An extra hour won’t hurt anything,” Zilan reasoned. “You have Iyva for one last battle.”
“Who against?” Iyva asked already hurrying towards the sparring room.
“Ulek. My best shaze,” Cruro replied.
Iyva grinned at the challenge as she padded up for the fight.
♥
Iyva was sweating profusely, her shaze swirling to meet the onslaught of Ulek. She executed every move that Zilan and Cruro had taught her – and perfectly, yet her adversary was gaining on her.
<You can outlast him!> Zilan reminded her. <You balance better!>
Iyva was determined not to let him down. On Zilan’s words, she allowed herself to slow a bit, breathe and simply meet the challenge rather than trying to defeat the tall, dark teenager who was using every move of his to impress his own observing teacher.
She allowed Ulek to drive her over the foam pit. The teen was gaining in confidence as he pushed her back, seemingly oblivious to the fact that it was precisely where she wanted to go. Her lower center of gravity was very much an asset in this case.
In her element now, and rested a little, she upped her game and met the older teen with a driving force of her own, making the surprised teenager defend again. She could sense that he was wearying, but Ulek wasn’t spent yet.
The battle continued, despite both opponents beginning to reach their limits. Yet, both pushed onward, unwilling to give in.
Iyva’s opponent, nearing exhaustion, swept the shaze towards her feet. Using the leya, she leapt over his head and landed on the narrow ledge on the other side of him. Before he’d had a chance to react, she’d swept his feet out from under him with a simple sweep of her weapon causing him to fall into the foam pit.
Iyva stood, tired, but elated – having bested the most advanced of the students Joton Shaze Academy had to offer.
“Congratulations!” Cruro said, shaking Iyva’s hand. “I do not have anyone better for you to fight. You have truly mastered your weapon.”
Iyva beamed with the praise as Zilan joined her, putting his arm around her.
“Shadow, you have taught her well,” the instructor said, shaking Zilan’s hand.
“Thank you. I wanted her to have the best training I could find her – equal to my own training, anyway.”
“I want you to know that I know your true identities – both of them. Hers as well. I know why you run and hide. I could be your worst enemy, but I chose to be your friend. Part of the reason is that I remember you from when you first trained here. I would never turn my back on an old friend,” Cruro said quietly. “Nor will I betray any who train or teach under my roof.”
“I know and I thank you for being so honorable, other lives would be forfeit if all the truths were known,” Zilan replied. “You know there is a way back, I’m told – if you wanted to take it.”
“I’m too old for those games. This is all I know now,” Cruro replied, indicating the building around them. “All I can tell you is that I’m trustworthy to anyone who is trustworthy.”
“I can honor that,” Zilan said.
Cruro sighed. “Thank you. I just wish to add that I’m honored that you remembered to come back – and your student has honored you in return.”
“She is more than I could have ever hoped for,” Zilan replied. “Now, we must leave again.”
“I feared as much,” Cruro replied handing Zilan some money. “I wish you pleasant and safe travels wherever you go.”
“Thank you,” Zilan said accepting the cash and shaking the man’s hand again.
Iyva also shook the farewell.
“Now, we need to go upstairs and pack. I want to be gone within the hour,” Zilan said to Iyva.
She nodded, eager to discover their next destination.
♥
“So where do we go now?” Iyva asked as they headed to the quay in Joton an hour later.
“We have a social call to make,” Zilan said as they pulled the leya around them and boarded the ship unnoticed.
If you have enjoyed this book, I would be grateful if you could put your thoughts as a review on Goodreads for me.
Other Chapters of this set
Acting the Part - chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Building on Promise - Chapter 1
Acting the Part, part 2 - Chapter 10
Spice of Strength - Chapter 1
Acting the Part, part 3 - Chapter 19
Maps and Guides
- continents of Alacantis and Kranisis (five maps)
- continent of Almara (five maps)
- countries of Kri'enden and Yezi'im (four maps plus "other places")
- characters, pronunciation and glossary
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Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
verified author on Goodreads
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also on: Whaleshares, WeKu
