Sandstorm [ACOTOR series side story]

Five

With my new discovery I did nothing. Not after my first and last attempt at trying to touch one of those threads. Even trying to move it slightly drained all the strength from me until I couldn't maintain my location in that mirror realm. I was weak for days and could hardly focus on anything. I decided that other than casually exploring this mirror realm, I wouldn't try to alter it in any way. Unless I had the intention to interfere with the threads they caused no further drainage of my power.

And I had other matters vying for my full attention.

"Has anyone found Lady Nashira yet? The mistress is calling on her and she does not like to be made to wait" a female servant frantically called. They searched for a few more moments but they would never find me.

"There is no helping it. The Lady said that if she could not be made to obey for the banquet this evening, then she is not to attend" the same servant said.

Good riddance. The only reason my mother would pay any mind to me was if there was power involved. The visiting Lord is said to be powerful and wealthy, but also centuries my senior. I would not be dressed up as a pretty doll to catch the eye of this Lord and to be married to him. I'm born for more than that.

I exited the mirror realm and stood in my now vacant room. I thought to have a few peaceful moments until I had to resume the cat and mouse game.

"I understand why you won't indulge in their power games, but it does not mean you can't still make an appearance" Wilda says from the doorway.

I sigh through my nose and turn to look at her.

"I don't want to attract their attention. The less I cross paths with them, the less likely they will notice my disappearance. I'm to face the Master this evening anyways" I whisper.

Wilda draws in a quick breath and tears fall at my revelation.

"Whether I win or lose as long as I can hold my own against him, I'll be ready".

"Don't worry about me Ira, I'll be leaving as soon as you do" she says.

I raise my brow at her since I've never heard these plans from her.

"And go where?" I asked her.

"Back to my original court, the Night Court".

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Didn't think you would come, not with that Lord coming here and all" Master says tauntingly.

I raise my brow at him in the obvious message of Really?

"Hey, I'm getting old and I can't beat my opponents with brute force" he shrugs.

He lunges in a quick series of attacks that I parry deftly. I switch to the offensive and put in a few smart blows and one lands on his guard arm. His hiss of pain is all he acknowledges of it and as he responds with more force. But that's where his undoing lies. He over steps thanks to the damp mud from recent rains and over extends his thrust. In short order I slap his sword out of his hand, kick his knee and finally place my blade on his collarbone.

The Master and I both are panting as I stand reeling in my victory.

"You'd best head to the dining hall. The visiting Lord is Asim, general over all the Day Court's armies. You'll want to meet him" the Master manages to say through his heavy breathing and I sprint out to do just that.

I try and use stealth when I approach the Great hall but it's of no use because they're already cleaning up.

"Why has the feast ended?" I asked a harried servant.

"The Lord retired early saying the lavishness of this night was too much" he said quickly then continued his way.

A Lord general who leaves a feast just for him because of its lavishness? Who is this male?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I watched as the girl spun with her blade to meet the seemingly dead set hit the male had made. They continued to the fight and the girl continued to parry blow after blow with dead efficiency. The male was tiring and was resorting to brute force to win, which ultimately failed him. His over eagerness gave rise to an opportunity to finish the fight for the girl and she stroke like a viper.

The male took his loss graciously, unlike most would and says something to the girl. Whatever he said sent her off like a hare, running out of the courtyard in hast.

I came down from my vantage point and landed on the grass of the training yard.

"You didn't seem to have pulled any punches, did you?" I ask the male from his spot on the ground.

He looks up and stands to attention at the sight of me.

"No general, taught her all I know, and she repays me by kicking my ar-butt" he hastily corrects.

I grin at him to set him at ease. I may be a Lord, but I'm a soldier at heart. The family of this house does not seem to think I might have preferred a simpler meal over one that will leave me bloated. And the bratty son's I have come to survey as officers during the approaching war are foul at heart. Only the youngest would be of any worth on the battle field. But this girl is a treasure that might be able to bloom in the coming conditions these lands will be in.

"And who might she be?" I ask the male.

"Nashira, a pitiful child. Whole family of her's is cruel to her except her brother but even he's a rotten soul" the male laments.

"She's the Bookman's child?".

"The youngest" he confirms.

This trip might bear fruit yet.