Swordborn

Chapter 15: Shadows

"Now there are four," says Jitmit.

The old wizard reclines in his chair, thinking about all the Battle Mage Trials he administered when he was in charge. So many hopefuls have come to the temple over the last twenty years, each with unbreakable confidence, each sure they would be the greatest ever. One by one he watched them fail, all but a few, saw them crumble and slip away, disappearing with their damaged pride. Where are they now? Did their hearts recover? Do they spend their days wallowing in self pity and doubt? He wishes he knew. All those mages, soldiers, monster hunters, paladins, elves, dwarves, and one gnome. All gone.

"I suspected Lobraig was the weakest," Coral replies. "I honestly thought Rune would fail as well. I never considered that Cain would save him."

"I did," Jitmit replies. "That's who he is, cold to the undeserving, warm to the worthy. He inspires me like few ever have."

"He's one of the strongest," says Coral. "If he fails, he'll be the last."

Coral gave the remaining hopefuls two days to recover. Day and Sema didn't need it, but were happy to have the time to consider the trials. Cain and Rune needed the break very much, and were both extremely grateful. Coral provided Rune with quarters at the temple, close to the kitchen, so he wouldn't have to go far to get food and water. Cain spends most of his time in bed, shivering one moment, on fire the next, trying to recover from lingering heat sickness.

Day spends most of the time in bed with Cain, only leaving briefly for what they need. She likes taking care of him, likes feeling needed for the first time in her life. He asks little of her, no one took care of him in Evermeed, and he prefers it that way. He'd rather starve than beg, but knows it pleases her to help him, so he waits until it's absolutely necessary to ask. She often sees him struggling with his feelings, and playfully attempts to anticipate his needs.

"Water?" She asks.

"No, thank you."

"Another blanket?"

"No, my love."

"A muffin?"

"Day!" Cain moans in frustration, then sees her smiling at him. "Just a hug."

Day rolls over and smothers him, and he gives in, too tired to resist. Azaya visits Cain on the second morning, and grows magical fruit to help him recover. By the third morning he feels significantly better, almost like he was never ill at all. On that morning Cain and Day wake early to watch the sun rise and wait for the trials to resume. They hold each other close, feeling the first rays wash over their chilled faces.

After their fight with the scorpsnake Day has decided to arm herself as best she can. She tied a cord around the thunder staff and now has it strapped on her back. Over her left hip hangs a longsword, over her right a shortsword. Sema and Rune meet them a short while later, and Day notices their mood has changed.

"No more light versus dark," Rune says. "It was foolish of us to follow Lobraig. He played on our fears, and we followed him blindly."

"Yes," Sema agrees. "You have character greater than most I've ever met, and I'd be proud to call you my friends."

Day grabs each with one arm and pulls them close, neither able to stop her.

"Friends we shall be," Cain says. "With no thought to the past."

Coral meets them on the field soon after. She instructs them to form a line, and this time the group stands together, as one.

"Today will be the second extreme sensory assault trial," Coral says. "Follow me."