The Fifth Academy - Fantasy Direction / #Wattys2018

Chapter ten. Steal the girl

By Jason, flashback

"Your Majesty!" said Vadim trying to shout over the cheering crowd. "Your Majesty! I need one more soldier in my squad for tomorrow's relay. Whom should I take instead of Phillip?"

The King gave a quick and wise answer.

"Who do you think is willing to play for you after that? Go and find a volunteer for your team! But hurry up, without a soldier you can't take part in relay!"

"Yes, sir!" saluted Vadim and turned to the crowd. The guy was ready to go to his table, his face tomato red with shame.

"I volunteer!" immediately shouted a rather plump orc, who sat at Vadim's table, he looked very eager but was a little bit drunk. "Volunteer! Volunteer!" A bad example was catching. Almost all orcs started to shout "Take me! Chose me!" Vadim was confused but glad, he wanted to take all at once, because orcs were much stronger and faster than magirs.

"Take my son, boy!" urged the chieftain pointing with the lamb's leg to Drago. "Let him to compete with the young magirs." The chieftain's son obediently agreed, he wanted to try his chances against mine and, what a pity, I didn't want this at all. Nonetheless Vadim had gotten the strongest unit and I returned my lost soldier back.

"For Jason!" shouted my squad in unison, no one had a drink without me, especially Phil, who's big brown eyes were glistening with tears. The lad was really moved and had been very devoted to me from that precise second... I had drunk one full goblet of the nice red wine for the company, although it was pretty weird to drink for the honor of myself. The second goblet was emptied because I was thirsty, the third, because I had drunk the previous two. Thank goodness, Max had stopped me and drunk the forth himself. The last thing that I saw was a group of Goldstones playing with a skravin, guys were petting and squeezing the fluffy little animal. His funny snout was stained with sour cream, butter and all kinds of sauces. The pet was annoyed but not yet pissed off. It looked like he even enjoyed the attention or, maybe, the tasty fishcakes. The kids were trying to feed him three at once. The scene was so peaceful that I stopped without hesitation and gazed a few seconds longer. Before this party, I had believed that magirs and orcs could live in peace, no more than Vadim and I.

"Our King had found the sword of Luxard, a little peculiar but strong and sharp at the same time. Let's hope we won't cut ourselves accidently." There was the voice in my head again. I turned around and saw Max. "Jace, are you going to the infirmary? I am escorting you there. Or you are waiting for Rosaline?" And with that, we went together through the endless corridors. Strangely we met very few people, mostly Goldstones, who were hurrying about their private businesses. I broke the awkward silence first.

"Max, why did you choose me instead Vadim? I am sure you could handle him easily and earn his protection, respect and even fear. You could even become the favorite of the Capitan. And I know that you know that too. Why?" Max smirked and looked at me closely. We were still walking.

"Yeah! Respect and fear! But what if I want a friend instead of the Capitan? What if I seek loyalty and kindness instead of favor and chip pretense? What if I wish to be a faithful friend instead of a useful servant? Tell me, Jace, do I deserve such things?" I stopped abruptly and faced him, the slim small boy with big blue eyes.

"Let's make the oath of friendship! Right here! Right now!" I urged taking the sword from Max's sheath, mine was already bloody and too unsterile. "Don't be afraid, it will not hurt, I promise!"

"Amicitiae iusiurandum?" answered the lad hesitantly in Latin. He looked impressed and moved. "Really? Hey, are you speaking these words or is it all the wine in you? You are drunk, Jace! Hasn't the Prince Camille warned that you are making friends with the wrong useless people?"