The Protectors Trial

12. Beginners Luck

Chelsea

I woke a little before 6am, Jake was up and ready eating an apple from the small kitchenette in the room. I could hear the water running, Ren must have been in the shower as Loey was still sleeping.

I got up and started to get dressed in my athletic wear, I could feel Jake's eyes on me.

"Quit staring," I snapped as I pulled on my sports bra.

I wanted to be comfortable for today, sports bra and tights, I pulled a sweater over the top and slipped on my trainers.

"Should I wrap my hands?" I turned to Jake as I started to put my hair into two braids.

"I mean it won't hurt?" He replied tying his shoes, He crossed the room to Loey.

"Time to wake up, Loey," she rolled over and smiled at him stretching.

"Okay Sir," she yawned, propping herself up on her elbows.

I took in our small dormitory, two bunk beds on either side of the room with a large window between them. The bedding was simple with grey sheets and a green comforter. A kitchenette that was situated under the window. A wooden table and chairs positioned in the middle of the room and a wardrobe built into the wall opposite the window, with a TV that was set inside it on the wall.

It wasn't large but it was roomy.

Loey rolled out of bed and went to the bathroom getting changed into some athletic wear I leant her. We had done some online shopping to a post box for the Protectorate, the clothes I leant her were way too large on her tiny frame.

"I guess this will do?" She smiled putting her hair up in a ponytail, I nodded starting to stretch.

"Alright, shall we?" Ren asked opening the door, "do we need anything?"

He shook his head. Jake and Loey headed out and I followed after them walking beside Ren.

"Where are we going?" I questioned.

"We are heading to the training quad for assembly, and then we have a tour after we have been welcomed to the Protectorate."

I felt excitement rise in me and noticed the anxiety in my chest, I tried to push it aside. Usually I would listen to a few feel good songs to change my mood but right now it wasn't an option.

We made our way down the stairs a few other novices were making their way to the assembly quad. We stopped by the kitchen where I grabbed a bottle of water and a quick shot of espresso.

Loey joined me, she scrunched her face at the bitterness of the coffee.

"It's okay when we are done finished today I will make you a proper coffee."

"That would be amazing," she sighed, grabbing a water. We headed back to Ren who was waiting near the large oak doors that lead outside, there were runes burned into the wood, protection symbols I assumed.

Walking across the road onto the quad, I wondered if we were early, there weren't many around.

"Are we early?" Jake beat me to the question.

Ren shook his head, "there aren't many novices," I was confused. I looked back to the barracks, he continued, "they have passed their trials, many survived I was really surprised."

I looked at Loey and gulped, "I'll be fine," she chided, "I used to be a warrior before everything."

"Welcome to all of our beginners," Seralina was on the field in a black jeans and a lycra sportswear jacket. Her voice was harsh and cold, different from the Seralina I had come to know.