The Survivor - Veil Walkers Book One

Chapter Eleven

Home, Modern Era - Irem

"THIS is the training room," Irem said as Danika rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

"I know," she yawned as the door opened. "Cahya brought me here earlier, to a swamp. I still don't understand why he chose a swamp, but he said all the training takes place here."

The opening door revealed summoned gymnastic equipment. Keegan, in an appropriate outfit, raced along the designated runway and launched himself airborne to a twisting vault that held him aloft for several seconds. He hit the mat on his feet, bobbled to regain his balance, and then turned toward the now-open door.

Irem motioned Danika inside a moment after Keegan hit the ground. "Then you know the relaxation aspect of the room. It's time we acquainted you with the serious side."

Danika stared as Keegan turned. He grabbed a towel and mopped sweat from his face.

"I hope we aren't interrupting," Irem said.

Keegan shrugged. "Just getting some practice in. I've been having some trouble with landings."

Irem smirked. "Rolled your ankle again? I've told you to wrap it in an energy brace—"

"Which is all well and good, assuming there's time to cast one," Keegan answered. He draped the towel across his shoulder and shrugged. "At any rate, I'm finished. The room is yours."

Irem made a slight bowing motion and waited while Keegan collected his bag and shoved the soiled towel within. He left the room without another word.

"You must forgive him," Irem began as she made a motion. Her coral energy flicked away, spun, and reformed as a perfect imitation of her missing hand. "He and Namid had a sour run-in while you were unconscious. He's always hard on himself after one of those. Computer, Irem six."

The gymnastics equipment faded, replaced with a sprawling garden. Greenery encompassed them on all sides, flowers filled the air with scents of Irem's homeland. A breeze toyed with wide leaves on trees she knew Danika had never seen.

Irem started along the dirt path without looking back. As she rounded a bend, Danika scampered to catch up with her.

"This is my personal space," Irem began. "It reminds me of the gardens back home. Although I was confined to the palace with the other women, there was a certain freedom within its gardens. All the others know this as the training grounds, though, and will call it such."

The path led onward, and Danika kept pace. Middle Eastern insects buzzed in the foliage, birds chirped songs that brought Irem a certain calm, and an unseen waterfall splashed in the distance. A final bend of the trodden dirt brought them to a clearing with a broad, round tent supported by six wooden pillars. Brilliant yellow fabric painted with red swirls and symbols flickered in the breeze, and yellow curtains on either side of each pillar tried to escape their elegant red ties.

Irem led the way up three steps to the wooden floor and shade within. Another motion and pillows filled the space. The brunette woman settled herself on a plush blue selection and motioned for Danika to join her. "Pray forgive my curtness. I've had very little sleep."

"As have I," Danika chose a pillow and folded herself to face the Persian princess. "Can this not wait for another day, when we've both had some sleep?"

"I don't think waiting is a good idea," Irem pulled her bandaged leg upward, resting her knee against her chest. "Matters are afoot that make little sense, and my instincts tell me we need to get you trained as quickly as possible. If there's one thing I've learned in the eons I've wandered around this base, it's that instincts exist for a reason, and should always be trusted."