The Matriarch's Daughter

Chapter Eighteen: Back in the Day

Six Completions Earlier

Ugh. How do they expect me to cast spells with this thing? As soon as these tests are over, it's the first thing to go.

Rory ducked behind the stone wall, her breath coming in quick gasps as she barely managed to keep her grip on her shield. She hated the thing, everything about it. It was awkward, uncomfortable, and, above all, made it difficult for her to cast her spells. Every time she tried to summon her magic, the shield's cumbersome presence blocked the flow, disrupting her focus.

She had tried to get out of wearing it. At first, she had spoken to Deeprabbit. After months of grueling training, Rory hoped that perhaps Deeprabbit would see her progress and allow her to drop the shield altogether. There were moments when Deeprabbit seemed almost friendly, especially when Thepa wasn't around. The Mistress had been more candid with Rory about a month after she and Thepa stole her Sherrie, and Rory thought she might have a chance.

When Rory finally summoned the courage to ask Deeprabbit, she tried to soften the request. She had anticipated some pushback, but when Deeprabbit asked her why she didn't want to wear it, Rory froze. She hadn't expected that question. What could she say? There was no grand reason. The truth spilled out before she could stop it: she didn't like it. And that was the wrong answer.

Deeprabbit's eyes narrowed. "That's not a good enough reason to abandon your shield," she had said firmly with a finality that brooked no disobedience. "You'll wear it. And you'll wear it well."

Rory had known then that the conversation was over.

Rory peeked around the corner, her heart racing as she scanned the battlefield. At the front line, Claudia was holding her ground against an overwhelming metal construct built from a mix of gears and steel, their faceless bodies wielding clubs in one hand and shields in the other. 

Automation's her foster had called them. Their strength was terrifying, and the fact of the matter was that Claudia was fighting them three to one. Her stomach twisted with concern. Claudia was fierce, but three was excessive.

Her mind raced as she watched Claudia take a heavy blow. Without thinking, Rory twisted her arms up and out as she muttered words of power. As the last word left her lips, a glowing blue aura enveloped Claudia, shimmering around her like a protective shield. 

Claudia didn't pause for even a second. She swung her warhammer with renewed force, landing a crushing blow that sent one of the automations to the ground. "Thank you, Rory!" she called, her voice filled with gratitude as she turned to face another opponent.

Rory smiled softly at the sound of her nickname. It still felt a bit strange to hear it from Claudia. There was always a bit of formality when it came to Claudia, but hearing it amid all the chaos made Rory's heart swell. It was one of the many small things she cherished about the Youngling of the Trees. Beneath the rough exterior of the battle-hardened warrior who rarely showed emotion, Claudia had a warmth that Rory could feel, even in the most trying of times.

Truth be told, it sometimes made her a little jealous. But now was not the time.

Hurry up and knock one down already!" Rory called out, her voice teasing.

Claudia swung her hammer again, knocking another automation to the ground with a sickening crunch. "You're welcome to come out of your hole and help!" she yelled back.

"And take away your fun?" Rory grinned. "What kind of friend would I be if I did that to you?"

Another automation appeared, replacing the one that had fallen. Claudia gritted her teeth. "I suppose one that had me as a friend," Claudia retorted with dry humor.