A Trial Of Emperors and Empresses

Chapter 15 - Warden

"Please fill out this survey." Aisling instructed, handing out a few papers. "We will be pairing you up with the appropriate training assistants. You have two weeks until the Fight begins. Traditionally, you would only have one week but we are doing things differently this time."

Warden looked down at his paper but the words didn't register in his mind. He thought of his father, of Tavi, Castor, Amelia, Rose and Nathaniel, of his dead mother whom he didn't have nearly enough time with.

But that's how life works, he thought angrily, we get time but never enough of it. We waste it so and our precious lives are spent in misery. It isn't fair, just the way things are.

Back then, 10 years had felt like more than enough, but now it seemed like nothing. It felt like forever since he last saw his mother. Or his father and siblings. He wondered how his family was doing, without his help. With a bittersweet smile, he though of what they would be doing right now.

He imagined Tavi, fixing up the few articles of clothing they owned and creating new merchandise to sell.

He imagined Castor, waiting patiently at the family stand for the rare customers to come by.

He imagined Amelia, small and slim figure slinking around the town, on the hunt for new victims to rob.

He imagined Rose and Nathaniel, too young for tragedy like this. He imagined them snuggled in their mats, trying to preserve their warmth and energy for when they needed it.

And he imagined his father, warm and welcoming smile gone as he sat at the riverbed, hook drawn and waiting. He imagined the gray lines that surely streaked his father's thinning hair.

Warden evaluated his rivals. They all seemed dangerous and deadly, except for perhaps Mark.

Like Warden, he was raised in a household without violence, a perfect picture of peace. Unlike Warden, Mark had lived a life of comfort and of little concerns. He wasn't tough. Not like Warden was. Mark's biggest threat would be endurance.

Lauren was a force to be reckoned with, as a former member of the Royal Guard. With two years of training and two years of military experience under the palace, she would be a formidable opponent. No doubt she could win a sword fight with her eyes closed and her senses blocked.

Amaryllis was not strong in terms of weapons, but she was undeniably powerful. Her magic was her greatest strength in the arena and her incredible ability to manifest and control it multiplied its usefulness even further.

And Evangeline... She was the favourite to win. This was all she was ever raised to do. She was practically born with a sword in her hand. And her ambidextrousness would be good for injuries. Not only that, she also had some magic too. And with her inhumane tolerances for violence and blood would make her by far the toughest match. But even Evangeline had a weakness: pride.

Warden was snapped back to the present by Aisling and suddenly became aware of the scratching of quills around him. The others had started. Warden growled and followed, writing away about his experience with weapons. He had none, except stealing highly valuable ones to trade and sell on the black market of Charlestown.

***

"No. You must grip onto it tightly." Maria, his personal trainer insisted.

She moved to correct his stance, demonstrating with her own sword and prodding Warden's parts around. "There." She said, satisfied.

Maria sighed, her head turned another way. Warden followed her gaze and found Evangeline, swishing and clanging her sword against her trainer, Liam.

How she must wish that she was Evangeline's trainer instead, actually engaging in fight rather than teaching Warden basic steps.

"Really, you should just surrender as soon as the fight begins. It's the only hope for you." Maria told Warden, helping him to his feet after he took a tumble backwards.

But Warden had found something new for him, determination. And not for the first time ever, he was determined to survive. But not just by chickening out, by winning.

***

Life at the palace became a confusing and quickly blur. Everyday was the same, every motion no different from the last. Warden found himself speeding through training and his two weeks. He found himself passing his spare time by writing letters back and forth to his family.

After his long day of training and working, he found this time of evening the best of the day. When he could curl up on a cosy armchair with a hot cup of coffee and read the new letters he received.

Dearest Warden,
I write to you from my new desk, of real quality. And with the hand I write on, sits a silver ring around my ring finger, for I am soon to be married. I hope you understand that this is out of the best interest for our family. Jack Xennor is well off and I know that I will be of more financial aid by marrying into a better off family than continue to sit in front of the fireplace all day, stitching and sewing. I congratulate you dearly on your journey to the Fight, and pray for your well being every night. Should you return home alive, you will find your sister cheering for you with all her heart.
Sincerely, Tavi

Little brother,
Your making it into the finals of the Trial is one of the best things that have come to pass since our mother's death. It is a subject of great relief and happiness in our household. It energized and motivates us greatly, knowing that you can remain living should you wish. We all wish you would simply surrender, and come home safely. I cannot lie to you. The situation is getting dire. Without you, Amelia cannot snag enough alone. And while it is of no fault to her, it still leaves us quite downhearted.
Stay safe, Castor

Warden,
I'm sorry and I'm rooting for you. No matter what, I always will. But I have a feeling that nobody else will tell you, they don't want to discourage Roy when you're so close to the end. But we are in trouble. I try my best, we all do, but you of all people should know this: robberies are often two people jobs and scams only work the once. We are running out of tricks, Warden, and I'm scared. We all are. It may be close to end for you, but it's also close to the end for us. I don't know how much longer we can carry on like this. We can only find relief in the fact that by making it to the finals, alive or not by the end, we will receive funding.
I wish you all the best, Amelia

My darling boy,
We are fine, all six of us. Everything is alright and business is blooming. Amelia has discovered a new group of rich businessmen to steal from and has been making a fortune off of them. We are the best we've ever been. Rosy and Nathan wish for me to tell you that they love you, and that they miss you. And so do I, Tavi, Castor and Amelia. Eve day they wish they were chosen in your stead and everyday they regret not volunteering.
Love, father