Frost and Flame, Foes in the Dark (book 2)

Chapter 6 The Phoenix Princess

The training camp for the soldiers of Parcis on Forum Ardorus was currently buzzing with life. Forum Ardorus southeast of the center of the city, Forum Solaria, and is where you would find the public buildings like courts and banks. It even was a gathering spot of the council of the nine kingdoms.

The sound of all the students from Marsis joined in with more experienced soldiers of the imperial army, giving the young students advice and training. It was a good opportunity for the warriors to get in contact with their future employer and get a taste for the relevian army in case they were interested in joining. It was a good profession if you wanted citizenship if you were a foreigner, and many of the young students from Domor and Dailain saw this as a good opportunity.

Sidastir on the other hand just glared at everyone dumb enough to look at him. The only one who dares to glare back was their teacher, the old veteran warrior, Sean Lamag. The old scarred covered man hit Sidastir on the shoulder, saying that he needed to actually do something or get out of the way. A comment that only made Sidastir's mood even more sullen.

"Stop looking so damn irate! You are scaring away the recruits. Are you even focused?" Magnus said with a push to Sidastir's back.

Narrowing his eyes, Sidastir looked over at Magnus with a suspicious look on his face. "Why do you think Akana wanted to get rid of me?"

"How would I know? But you are a horrible company," Magnus rolled his eyes and gestured for a young man to step into the ring. He couldn't be much older than Akana.

"What do you think of him?"

"Young, tall. Not Akana. So not interested," said Sidastir, showing a bored face. Barely looking at the lad who had started to fight off three other students with nimble movements. Swords clang as the students faced off.

"We are not looking for a replacement for you beloved. We are looking for someone to protect him."

"So we are trying to replace me!" exclaimed Sidastir with a sour pout.

"Exactly," chuckled Magnus and slapped Sidastir over the head. "Focus! Mar Frisgis is from Dailain. He is just in his second year but I plan to let him take over for me next year as the new leader of the Furies."

Sidastir was still bitter but he perused the boy. His length revealed him to be from either Dailain or Domor. The giant blood was apparent in these people, though he had dark brown hair which was rare in Dailain and Domor so he most likely had some Relevian or Patricalian blood in him. His skin was still light though, so it must have been further down the line. Mixed blood was unusual among the nobles of Dailain and Domor so he was most likely a commoner.

The boy disarmed his three opponents with skill and Sidastir could see the training of a Dailainian warrior. They were proud of their warriors, much because they looked down on magic and found honor in battle.

Mar turned to face Sidastir who peered at the boy's unshaved face. He looked older than he was, men from Dailain always did. The grey eyes of Mar met his, and he walked over with a bright smile on his face. Magnus grabbed hold of the boy with a cheery face. "Mar! You still know how to disarm a man. Can you at least try to leave the pants up for them so they can show their face in public?"

Mar replied with a dull chuckle," What is the fun in that? But I have to ask, you said that I would meet the new leader of the Furies, Akana den Rifabeinn. Where is he?"

And with those few words, Sidastir's grim mood was back.

*****

Being lead up to the imperial palace, Domus Augustus, Akana was perusing the building. It was at least seventh times as large compared to his villa and the garden of Domus Augustus was filled with unnecessary sculptures, columns, and fountains.