Warlord's Ward

Training Gardens

I found my self pacing the chamber as I waited for Killian's return. Worried out of my mind. Feeling sick to my stomach.

I heard the astonished cries coming from the Training Gardens, so I went to the hidden door to the balcony and flipped the lock, before tossing the slat of wood open and stepping out onto the balcony to watch the ongoing below.

Doing as Killian had directed me before and staying from the edge of the balcony.

Far from the King's view.

Below I could see the mages cheering as they crowded around Killian. With him showing them different things to do with the magic.

Beyond them were the towering trees. The branches littered with bits of red that I now knew were hints that the Sentinels waited in those trees.

Carrying messages from Killian to Aviari, The King of Creatures.

***

I ripped my attention from the trees and backed to the excited voices below.

The men and women huddled together around Killian.

They clearly worshipped him.

He had his hands open before him and a bloom of black smoke unfurled like a giant, ominous flower. Peeling out overhead until the sky over the Training Garden had completely blackened. Mere feet above their heads.

They were gasping and some applauding.

He twisted suddenly and sent a black spear toward one of the targeting trees.

The smoke began twisting into fine threads as it sped through the air. Thickening and hardening over itself until it had formed a long black spear with a pinpoint tip which embedded in the tree with a dull thunk. Swaying slightly as it came to such an abrupt stop.

"Line up!" He barked with the resounding notes of a long-time commander. "Single file."

The mages obeyed. Marching into line as he'd directed.

"Mages up."

They lifted their hands and took aim. Colored bits of light generating from their hands.

"Armed." He roared. Tossing another black spear as he'd directed them.

Bits of light and puffs of smoke filtered into the air. Some even with the right trajectory, but non managed to make much progress. Not clearing anything more than halfway across the Training Gardens.

"Again!" He roared.

One of the males stepped forward and awaited his attention. "We haven't been trained in this, Commander. This is far above our level of learning."

"Then I suggest you progress." Killian said dispassionately.

Making the man fearfully back up.

"For you all know what happens to those who don't!" He bellowed.

All the mages began shifting uncomfortably. Looking disturbed. Ducking their heads and cowering.

Obviously afraid.

"Show us again!" One woman called.

I peered down at her. Shielding my eyes with a palm to block the sun enough I could recognize her.

Her again...

Tanya.

Killian announced the same commands but as he twisted to send the spear catapulting toward the tree.