The Silent oath

Chapter 5: Selection and Specialization

By the time I turned ten, the black robes and gold stripes we wore as recruits had become a familiar part of our lives. Two years of gruelling training had passed, shaping us into resilient and disciplined young members of The Family. Now, we stood at the threshold of the next phase: selection and specialization.

The process began with the overseers and Masters observing us closely, scrutinizing our performances, our strengths, and our weaknesses. Each of us was assessed meticulously, every skill and attribute weighed and measured. The goal was to identify our natural talents and potential, to determine the path we would take within The Family.

The first to catch my attention was Master Gareth, a towering figure with a stern expression and a reputation for unyielding discipline. He was in charge of training the black cloaks, the guards. His students were known for their vigilance and strength. Watching him put his trainees through rigorous drills, I could see why they were so formidable.

Next was Mistress Elara, a graceful woman with piercing green eyes and an air of mystery. She trained the yellow cloaks, the spies. Her movements were fluid and precise, her students learned to blend into the shadows and gather information without being detected. She exuded an aura of quiet confidence that made her both respected and feared.

Master Kael, a slender man with sharp features and a calculating gaze, led the training for the grey cloaks, the thieves. His students were masters of stealth and subterfuge, able to move silently and disappear without a trace. His training sessions were intense, focusing on agility and cunning.

The green cloaks, the assassins, were trained by Mistress Seraphine. She was a striking woman with raven-black hair and cold, blue eyes. Her presence was intimidating, her methods ruthless. Under her guidance, her students learned the art of precision and lethality. She demanded perfection, and her gaze seemed to pierce through any pretense or hesitation.

Then there were the blue cloaks, the takers, trained by Master Thorne. A rugged man with a rough exterior, he was responsible for the abductions that fed The Family's ranks. His students were trained in kidnapping and handling captives, skills essential for maintaining The Family's operations.

Finally, the red cloaks, the matrons, were overseen by Matron Rheneares. Though her role was primarily administrative and political, her training sessions were focused on leadership and strategy. She was a half-elf with golden hair and green eyes, exuding authority and wisdom.

As the weeks passed, each of us was closely observed and tested. The day of selection arrived, and the tension among the recruits was palpable. We stood in the training yard, waiting for our names to be called, each of us wondering what our future would hold.

"Alicent," Mistress Elara called. Alicent stepped forward, her eyes wide with hope. But after a brief conversation, she was sent back to the line, her shoulders slumping in disappointment. She would remain a trainee, at least for now.

"Zai," Mistress Seraphine's voice rang out. I stepped forward, my heart pounding. She looked me up and down, her gaze piercing. "You have shown potential in agility and precision. You will join the green cloaks for specialized training in assassination."

I nodded, a mix of fear and determination coursing through me. The next phase of my training had begun.

Under Mistress Seraphine's tutelage, the training intensified. We were taught to move silently, to strike with deadly accuracy, and to disappear without a trace. Every day was a new challenge, pushing us to the limits of our endurance and skill.

One particular exercise involved navigating a darkened maze, avoiding traps, and taking down targets without being detected. I struggled at first, my smaller stature making it difficult to keep up with the pace. But I adapted, using my size to my advantage, slipping through narrow spaces and striking swiftly.

Mistress Seraphine was relentless, her expectations high. "Precision, Zai," she would say, her voice cold and commanding. "One mistake can mean the difference between life and death."

I practiced endlessly, honing my skills. My memories of my past life became more distant, but I clung to the lessons I had learned from my parents—their strength, their love. These memories became my source of strength, driving me to excel.

Meanwhile, my friendships with Aqua, Damion, and Catrina grew stronger. Aqua was selected for training under Master Kael, her agility and cunning making her a natural thief. Damion, with his blindness, was a challenge for the Masters, but his determination and unique abilities earned him a place under Master Gareth's training as a guard. Catrina, with her natural stealth and intelligence, joined Mistress Elara's spies.

Two years of specialized training passed, and I had grown stronger and more skilled. But The Family's methods were unyielding, and our final test approached—a test that would determine if we were ready to advance further.

The final challenge was a combat exercise, a test of our abilities and resilience. We were to face each other in the ring, demonstrating our skills in front of the overseers and Masters. It was a daunting prospect, but we had come this far, and there was no turning back.

When my name was called, I stepped into the ring, only to find myself facing Damion. My heart sank. Damion, my friend who had been with me through so much, now stood as my opponent.

He smiled faintly, his white eyes seemingly gazing through me. "Let's do this, Zai. Show them what you've got."

The signal to begin was given, and we moved. Damion's blindness had forced him to rely on his other senses, making him a formidable opponent. His movements were deliberate, his strikes powerful. I used my speed and agility, darting around him, looking for openings.

The fight was intense, each of us pushing the other to our limits. Despite the circumstances, there was no malice between us. It was a test, a demonstration of our training and abilities.

Finally, I saw an opening. Using my smaller size to my advantage, I slipped past his defenses and landed a decisive strike. Damion staggered, and I followed up with a quick series of moves, bringing him to the ground.

The overseers nodded in approval, and Mistress Seraphine's cold gaze softened slightly. "Well done, Zai. You have passed."

As I helped Damion to his feet, he grinned. "You've gotten better, Zai. I knew you would."

"Thanks, Damion," I replied, feeling a mixture of relief and pride. "We both did."

The specialized training had ended, and I had proven myself.