Fear's Union

Chapter Sixteen

—Anejo—

The central courtyard of the Academy was crammed with activity. And unusually, it was not just exertion and pain that dominated. There was excitement bubbling in the place, reflected in everyone present. There was a celebration underway, and it was for her.

Well, it wasn't just for her. It was for all of the students of Nazalia; those who had proven worthy advocates of the Grey. They were all survivors and they were to be commended as such, but she had contributed more than most., hadn't she? Yes certainly.

"Apprentice Xen. Please move forward."

Xen obeyed, and moved into the aisle between the ranks. She walked awkwardly, which was very unlike her. She must be nervous. Xen was in formal dress: crisp greys; and polished steel accoutrements. She walked towards the front of the courtyard with a slight limp, which was also part of it. Not just nerves. Xen bore injuries that sang of success.

But this day was not all joy for Xen. Keles stood erect on the stage, inconspicuous. He certainly didn't look like someone who was about to desert the Order. Most in the courtyard were still blissfully unaware of his defection, but Xen wasn't. That knowledge was troubling her friend deeply, and it was all her fault. Why couldn't she keep her mouth shut? It was Keles's place to tell Xen. Not hers.

But today was not a day for guilt. Today was her day for commendation.

She exhaled. It was not her day just yet, and she inspected Keles further. He looked so indifferent up there. She had nearly forgotten the sour taste that his eloping with Xen had brought. This new development was far more intriguing. She may share a challenging dynamic with the senior mandahoi, but she still respected him deeply. After all, he was the master of four castes – a feat of exquisite rarity. He wouldn't be defecting without good reason and yet it was frustratingly hard to see.

Would he really abandon the Mandahoi for romantic ideals? Then again, where Kato and his feats were concerned it made some sense. And Keles was a perfectionist who had now witnessed perfection. In fact, that was a tantalising prospect for anyone of ambition, and her mouth went dry.

Ha. Like she could ever take that route. Then again, when had she been constrained by such things as the proper way? Kato had some controversial ideas, and she believed he would act upon them. He didn't seem like the obedient kind. That tickled her mischievous side, and she set to imagining the adventure. The applause ceased, and she concentrated back on the ceremony.

Xen reached the front, climbed the shallow stage that had been erected especially, and was handed a scroll by Archmaster Hephesta. She was formal and professional in collecting the prize, but she did break for a moment. Xen's head twisted to Keles and back again in an instant. Keles, to his credit, stayed still as stone. He had always been the better of the two at hiding the affair. Maybe that was an indicator of the differing emotions in each of them. Xen boiled and Keles simmered.

After an awkward moment, Hephesta gestured and Xen turned to face the congregation. She kept her expressions behind the mask emotionless, but that wouldn't be mirrored inside. She would be tingling and tight. She'd warned Xen about affairs of the heart, but would her friend listen? Of course not.

Hephesta coughed and the assembly dutifully silenced.

"Today we honour Apprentice Xen for her actions in combat. Apprentice Xen, you were with us at Nazalia were you not?" Xen nodded, a slight dance in her eyes. The occasion was catching up with her. "And you were also compelled to draw your blades. You held steel within your hands, and you faced our enemies, the enemies of Lord Rhanna. You faced them, and you fought with skill and bravery. You showed yourself to be a true soldier of Mandahoi, and for that we honour you."