The Oreans

Chapter 22

Chapter 22
First Impressions

Alen stopped his aurea in time to prevent it from hitting the bar surrounding him. It was the fifth time he managed to do so that day. He really had more control of it this time. He also no longer felt weak after releasing it as he had always done. At last, his efforts for the past five days had paid off.

He closed his eyes to try it once more, but a voice interrupted him. He looked around and saw Bruno smiling at him. He realized it was almost sundown. The junior master must have accomplished the task Adrien had entrusted him before leaving for Rosienne this morning.

"You're practicing again? Alen, this isn't the camp, and Master Rafim is not around. Take a break, okay?"

"But I have nothing else to do, sir."

"Nothing else to do? Why didn't you tell me? I could have taken you along with me?"

Alen had not thought of seeking Bruno's company. He should have, especially as he saw very little of Divan and Adrien in the past few days. But then, Bruno did not really appeal to him much as a companion. Though he was very pleasant, Alen could not see him as anything closer than a senior ally. He thought that was maybe because he met him as such and knew for a fact that he was a cousin of Princess Roseana, in line—no matter how distantly—to receive the Crown. It was awkward enough that he was receiving him in his ancestral home like a distinguished guest when he could not even partake in the mission that brought them there.

Truly, that was what they ought to look like: Bruno's guests. The junior master was given leave to accommodate them while Adrien and Divan were doing the investigation. Since Bruno's estate was only a couple of miles from Marove, the commander said that the junior master could provide them shelter and the cover they would need in their job. Besides, Bruno could lend them a hand, being the most reliable among the juniors.

"Why don't we get inside? It's getting dark now," Bruno said.

The interior of Bruno's mansion looked inviting, especially with the aroma drifting from the kitchens, but he felt uncomfortable there: Its luxurious interior only reminded him of his experiences with the rich couple. In more than a week that they had spent there, he had more nightmares than he could remember since he had met Divan.

"I—I want to practice some more," was his lame excuse.

"You know, I've never seen such dedication and diligence before, not even with Master Adrien," Bruno remarked. "Did you know that I entered the company ahead of him and Master Divan?"

Alen only shook his head. He did not know if he just imagined it, but he noted jealousy in the man's tone.

"You must be thinking I envy them," Bruno went on, reading his thoughts. "You're right because I do. But I'm not like Master Troydes. I don't lose my head because I know what I can do, and I believe I'll be promoted in time."

"I'm sure you'll be, sir," Alen said. "And you'll make a fine commander one day."

"Oh, no! Not that!" exclaimed Bruno with a laugh. "I'm content serving the commander all right just like my father. He is not ambitious though he's got royal blood, too: Princess Rasheina was his great grandmother, you know. I'm like him. But here's someone whom I guess has less ambition despite the favors given to him."

Alen turned to see Divan some distance away, walking straight towards them with a very red face, looking annoyed and amused at the same time.

"How's the day, sir?" Bruno asked.

"Not so good."

"That's fairly obvious. Has something come up?"

Divan shook his head, glancing at Alen. "Any news with you?"