FIREFANGED

Chapter 10 (Paying Attention)

In the still-dark hours of early morning, I awoke back in my bed. Somehow, I'd slept better last night than I had in months.

Shaking off the thoughts and emotions of the past couple of days, I checked in next door before getting myself cleaned up. Raven was sound asleep. Helen had drawn the night shift and dozed in a small cot by the bed.

After washing and kitting up, I went down to the kitchen, hoping it was already open. I needed to fill up before I attended my first recruit training session. Sure enough, the dining room was serving, and I wasn't alone. Vigil Snow was already breaking his fast with hot coffee, smoked meats, and fresh-baked bread. I sat down across from him, knowing that we had plenty to discuss but letting him choose where to begin.

"Good morning, Ara. Glad to see you're up. How is our half-elf guest this morning?"

Guest was an improvement over conscript. "She's resting well. I hope that she'll be up and about in a few more days." I paused. "Lord Snow, did you want to talk about yesterday?"

"My daughter certainly did." He smiled. "She's concerned about you—but doesn't have the slightest idea why."

"I lost my cool in front of everyone. I overstepped."

"Many in that room were sweating the outcome, but you were quite clear about your actions and well within your rights to protect the girl—Raven."

"She's an exile. I returned her sword, though I very much doubt she'll be able to use it any time soon."

"A dark-elf with a dark past. Some would see it as a poor omen."

"I see it as a fitting start to my time here."

Snow nodded slowly as if soaking in my words. "There is a shared devotion among the Order, especially around a Vigil, that carries us all forward. As Vigil Snow, I must draw upon those around me for the strength and skills that I lack. The bonds we form must last a lifetime, for we are in a fight that never ends."

"I'm not sure where I fit."

"Ara, you're young, strong, and fearless, but my biggest concern about you is your independence. Know your heart, trust it, and you will begin to find your place among us."

"You make it sound easy."

"It isn't." Snow sighed. "My biggest concern is the pending arrival of Vigil Thorn and how she'll react to you and the situation. Fortunately, that's the new moon's problem. Today, I have but one request."

"And what is that, Lord Snow?"

"You will be attending sentinel recruit training on the west training field this morning under the tutelage of Adept-Sergeant Masterson. He's a bit rough around the edges. Please don't damage him." Snow offered a sincere smile as payment for his seemingly simple request.

"And keep my shirt on?"

"Exactly."

###

Before reaching the west training field an hour after dawn, I stopped by the North Tower. I was in luck this time to find Mott Duncan in the scouts' common room sorting the day's patrols.

I stuck with my most respectful tone, "Sentinel-scout Duncan, may I have the honor of accompanying your afternoon patrol today? I've got training in the morning but would very much like to get a better view of the land around Berykholt."

He fired back, "Cut the crap, scout. Once you're in, you're in. I'll be glad to ride out with you this afternoon. Be here after lunch with your horse."

"Will do. Now I've got my first recruit training session with Sergeant Masterson. Vigil Snow made me promise not to hurt him. Any advice?"