Swordborn

Chapter 5: Proving Ground

Cain steps into a room with high granite walls. The summoned door closes behind him, then disappears without a sound.

"Welcome to Skyreach," says Coral.

"Thank you," Cain replies. "It's an honor to visit the home of the Armies of Dawn."

"I thought you'd enjoy it," Coral says. She takes Cain through a stone archway onto a small balcony. Cain looks out over the railing and notices that the balcony has been carved directly into the cliff face. He looks out into the world and sees a vast tundra. Cain looks down and feels dizzy, because it's a straight drop for a league, ending in a sea of sand distorted by rising heat. Huge dunes cover the desert floor, some higher than any castle. Cain is startled by the desolation, no roads or villages, only wind and sand stretching into the horizon and the dark lands beyond.

"Every human brave of heart should see the Wastelands at least once in their life," says Coral. "Or, as the nomads call it, Suthain."

Cain rests his hands on the railing to steady himself, taking in as grand a sight as any have seen. Coral waits several moments, then hooks her arm around Cain's and leads him back into the castle. They walk arm in arm through wide stone corridors where arced roofs flicker in the lamplight, through halls where maidens dance and bards sing, through chambers large enough for a thousand soldiers to cross, and ill-lit galleries where gigantic mirrors loom.

Eventually they reach a medium-sized chamber, where a long blackwood table has been set with silk linens, gilded cutlery, a row of orange candlesticks set in silver, and six sparkling crystal goblets. Coral seats Cain beside the end setting, then takes the chair opposite him.

Soon they hear Díaday, Winter, and Azaya coming down a corridor, chatting and laughing, the sound of their laughter echoing through the granite halls, Azaya's especially. The girls fall silent as they enter the dining chamber, each staring at Cain.

"Good evening," The three say in unison, which Cain finds suspiciously rehearsed.

"Greetings," Cain replies. The girls giggle and whisper, then Coral herds them into their chairs.

"Are you married?" Azaya asks Cain. Coral glances at Cain apologetically, knowing he's on his way to being embarrassed.

"No," Cain replies.

"Do you have a woman?" Winter asks in her usual monotone voice.

"No."

"Have you ever had a lady-love?" Díaday asks, surprising Coral with her forwardness. She's pleased by the recent change in Díaday's personality, but fears she's picking up bad manners from her friends, Winter especially.

"Yes," Cain replies. For a moment he considered telling a lie in hopes of ending the questions, but lies aren't his way. Not anymore.

"Was she pretty?" Azaya asks.

"She was."

"Was she as pretty as Azaya?" Winter asks, her tone conveying the utmost seriousness.

"Y... " Cain stutters, then sees the trap. "No."

"As pretty as Coral?"

"No!" Cain says quickly, figuring out their game.

"As Díaday?"

"Never!"

"As Winter?" Azaya asks a little too loudly.

"Of course not!"

"Which of us would you marry?" Winter demands.

"That's enough," Coral says, trying to end it.