TBATE - Not Bound By Fate

Part 45

Sylvie

Maybe staying an egg would've been more preferable than my current situation. I get that this is supposed to be a test so that I can move to the next part of the training program Kezess came up with for me and Arthur, but did it have to be the head of the Thyestes clan testing me of all people!

I dodged another kick by the skin of my teeth and saw an opening, one I didn't take as last time ended with me flying half way across the training grounds. And that seemed to be the correct choice as Ademir smiled a little.

The spar kept going for another hour or two, the entire time I spent dodging, blocking and parrying. Or at least trying to. But I could tell I was improving even if I was taking a beating. When Ademir finally called an end to the test I collapsed on the floor like a ragdoll and he simply laughed out of amusement.

"I must Lady Sylvie, you and Arthur have impressed me quite a bit. It has been ages since I had such good students. And judging from Kordri's expression he must be thinking the same."

I looked to the side with great difficulty from my position on the floor to see Arthur and Kordri sparring, both of them with smiles on their faces as if everything was right in the world. At least one of us was enjoying themselves, I thought, and by the way Arthur flinched it seemed he heard me. That second from hearing my thoughts was all Kordri needed to get a few good hits in, and it looked like they hurt. Good.

"It seems to me they are finished." Aldemir commented.

Once Arthur and Kordri reached me and the older Asura, Kezess made his presence known to us.

"How did they fare during these past eight months, Kordri?" My grandfather asked, no hint of emotion present in his voice.

"Exceedingly well, Lord Indrath. Both have surpassed my expectations, especially Arthur. If I didn't know any better I would've thought he already trained with our clan."

"I see. Are they ready for the next step then?" Kezzes replied.

"I believe so. All that is left is to polish their techniques and gain more experience, but that will all come in due time." Kordri said with a smile.

"Good. Get up you two and go wash up, we will discuss the next phase of your training over dinner." Kezess said before leaving the training grounds.

His statement left both Arthur and I surprised as this was the first time we would be dining together with him. Usually it would be only the two of us with Myre and Seele occasionally joining us. We looked at each other thinking the same thing, he either has something important to tell us or is trying to get a better read on what Arthur can do. And considering how closely Kezess has been watchin Arthur recently, it's probably the latter.

"Well then, it has been a pleasure teaching the two of you, Lady Sylvie, Lord Arthur. You have grown more than any other student of mine in the same time frame. Although there is more I wish to teach, those are secrets of the Thyestes clan so it is not my place to do so." Kordri said.

"Really, right in front of the clan head?" Ademir said, more amused than anything else.

"I believe you would share the sentiment if you were to take my place." Kordri answered, and Ademir took a pensive expression.

After a few seconds of silence, he spoke again. "If you think it will be beneficial, then once they are back from their time with the Mappelia clan, you can guide them on mastering Mirage Walk."

"Very well." Was all Kordri said to Ademir as he walked away. He then turned to us. "I wish you luck for the next step. Until we meet again." Kordri said his goodbyes and left following Ademir.

After a few seconds Arthur offered his hand to help me up. "Come on Sylv, don't want to leave your grandpa waiting now, do we?" I accepted his help and we each made our way to the rooms we were provided with.

Soaking in the open air bath for a solid three hours without thinking about anything in particular, just letting my body relax and recover from the intense sparring. By the time I got out, I came to the conclusion that Arthur will build an open air bath wherever we end up living once the war is over and Kezess is no longer a threat. It's just too relaxing to not have one.

Coincidentally, a maid came to guide me the moment I was finished getting dressed. I recognized the path we were taking to be the one leading to the garden Arthur and I were taking when we first arrived in Epheotus, as far as every other Asura knows anyways.

Looking around said garden, I saw only the table that had been set up for tonight with three seats. Guess Myre won't be joining us. Taking my seat, I waited for Arthur and Kezess to arrive, with Arthur showing up not too long after me and Kezess being the last to arrive, about fifteen minutes later. He didn't say anything on arrival, only taking his seat and waiting for the food to be served with closed eyes.

It didn't take long for the maids to begin serving the food, which consisted of a variety of meats from beats native from Epheotus, a black rice like grain that was rich in mana and a surprisingly simple salad. We ate in silence, with Arthur and me talking through our bond.

Once we were done with the food, very good food by the way, my grandfather finally spoke. "Now that you are proficient enough enough in hand to hand combat and have a full understanding of how to use your bodies, it's time you learn to survive and use everything around you as a weapon. And there are none better than the warriors of the Mappelia clan to teach you. And no better environment than the forests of their domain."

"What should we expect of their forests?" I asked.

"A deadly place for those who can't navigate them properly." He answered with what I think was a hint of worry in his eyes. Whether it was worry for his granddaughter or worry of losing a weapon against Agrona, most would assume to be the latter, and so would I. While Kezess has shown more interest in me and Arthur, he is still keeping us at arm's length in the case he needs to discard us.

"I assume we will be leaving for their territory tomorrow then." Arthur stated only to be met with an unexpected reply.

"No, you will leave a week from now. During this time I will personally see that you can make efficient use of the aether arts you inherited from my daughter. They will be an invaluable asset in the battlefield, the sooner you learn to properly use them the better."

Arthur and I looked at each for a second, and while we managed to hide our surprise, internally we were screaming. I was at least, Arthur is better at keeping his composure overall.

"And Sylvie, you will be learning the basics of aether under Myre during this week so that no time is wasted. You both will begin your lessons at the crack of dawn starting tomorrow." Kezess finished just in time for the maids to bring in the dessert.

Kezess was the first to leave after finishing leaving Arthur and I to stew in our thoughts. Neither of us were expecting that curve ball he just threw our way. Just what is he planning to use Arthur for?