Stormlands ( Book 2 of the Torrent Skies Saga)

Chapter Forty-Two: Past and Present, Pt 1

Katerin wrapped the burn that covered her calf, with her teeth bared. If she had thought Halessia to be a hard teacher, than Kul Galysa was much worse. Her training sessions had shortened, and these last two months had given her more time to strengthen her other magics, and time to visit and watch Fykes, Brazen's, and Roahn's training at the Battlements, but whenever she trained with Kul Galysa, she had bruises or worse to tend to when she was done. Of course the healers would visit her if her injuries or serious, but Kul Galysa seemed to think bearing the injury for a few hours built character.

The good thing about training with Kul Galysa, was that she had gotten to know the woman quite well, and had learned more than she could imagine. The downside was that now that she had the mark of the Storm-bearer, Kul Galysa seemed to think she needed to be pushed harder. She had taken her final test and failed it. Tomorrow would be her last chance to succeed. Alkyrindaun did not believe in three attempts. But with every training session she learned more of how the giant fought, and cast her spells. The final test seemed to be nothing more than tradition, at this point.

But still, the idea of a failure on her last chance haunted her thoughts.

Halessia looked at the bruise with a shake of her head. "I would say you are frail, but I know how she swings."

Katerin laughed. "Even when she says she won't."

"Never believe your enemy. Always assume they can outwit your cunning."

"I know. And always harness my anger, before I push it away. I haven't forgotten your words."

"Your kind has short memories. I had to check." Halessia grinned. "I have to be off. A meeting of the Caste draws near."

Katerin nodded, as she reached for her staff and pulled herself upright. "Before you go, where are The Fists chambers? She asked me to come and speak with her."

Halessia thought for a moment, her nose scrunching as it always did. "In the Halls, top floor, last door. If you're not expected, Anulin will have your head."

"I'm expected. And he might, but he would have to speak to someone other than Kul Galysa, for that to happen."

"Oh, he speaks. Loudly and often to our Fist."

Katerin snorted out a laugh. "I've heard them, on more than one occasion. Sometimes I wonder if she is thinking of him to get so angry while I train."

Halessia smirked, and shrugged one shoulder. "You are most likely not far from the truth, but be wise who you speak it, too. Be sharp, and take care. I will await you here tomorrow, after your test."

"You sure you don't feel like sparring, tonight? I doubt I will sleep."

"You will, because you must. And you do not need me, tonight. I will be here to congratulate you, tomorrow."

Katerin sighed, and stood to her full height as Halessia departed, the large metal doors closing behind her. She pulled the small token from her pocket, and rubbed it between her fingers, anticipation rising. She spoke the directions Halessia had given, and appeared before a door like any other in the Halls of Vengeance.

Anulin's head turned as he regarded her from his armor.

"Hi," Katerin said, raising a hand in awkward greeting.

He said nothing, but wrapped four times on the door. After a moment it opened, and she could see Kul Galysa seated beyond.

As Katerin stepped in, she was surprised. Their chambers were large, but not gaudy. And nothing about them seemed all that different from where Katerin had been staying, this previous year. Save for a smattering of personal items, not even the bed sheets were overly lavish. Katerin let a small smile grace her features. Kul Galysa may have been the leader of this city, but this was just yet another aspect to their culture that the giants believed that none who were with them, were lower than them.