The Unearthing (Book I of the Tebel Chronicles)

Chapter 26

For the next few nights the three took turns to creep to the stable and hide. But there was no sign of the two conspirators and the friends got increasingly irritable with the late nights on top of their normal studies. During the days, Cyan tried constantly to get Dakin to discuss anything other than training. No matter how she tried to start a conversation, he would change the subject to give her a lesson on one of the weapons he was trying to train her to use. The only good thing that seemed to happen to her in ages was Trey offering to give her extra sword lessons. Even though he hopelessly outmatched her, she found herself thriving under the new regime of training and was enjoying feeling in control of something. Especially since she felt like such a dunce when it came to training with Dakin and her fitness classes with Rudi. It seemed to Cyan that as her relationship with Trey became closer, Rudi took on new levels of contempt for her.

'No matter how much I try she doesn't lighten up,' she complained again to Trey after their usual afternoon lesson. She leant back against the rail, defeated. 'I've become so much better – I keep up with any of the students in swimming. When she added extra training to my routine, I didn't complain and worked hard to reach her goals. She seems so nice to all the other students. What's her problem with me?'

'I could talk to her if you want,' said Trey, putting his hand over hers on the rail along the mirror.

'No! No, please don't do that. If it gets out that I have you protecting me it would just make it worse,' said Cyan.

'I think you're right – I just wanted you to know that I would if you wanted me to,' he said, his voice was suddenly low.

Cyan looked up at him staring down at her. His mouth turned upwards in a smile. Her breath caught in her throat as she suddenly felt very nervous. Trey reached out and grabbed her other hand, pulling her off the rail so she faced him. He let go and ran his finger gently down her confused face and touched her lips.

'Don't look so surprised, Desert Lady.' His voice had gone husky. Then he kissed her, his soft mouth warm against hers.

'But –,' Cyan stammered as they broke apart. 'You're a Grand Master . . . won't you get in trouble?'

'Well, technically you're not a student,' he said simply. 'But I don't plan on telling anyone. I have wanted to do that for months.'

Cyan glanced away. Her mind felt muddled and she didn't know how to answer him. Trey carried on looking at her with a gentle look on his face, his dark eyes appraising her. His expression sent terror rocketing through Cyan. She wasn't sure what to do with the emotions he was stirring within her.

'I should go,' she said quickly. She wasn't sure if she wanted him to kiss her again. It was just too confusing.

'I'll see you tomorrow afternoon then,' said Trey lightly. 'Are you all right?'

'I just need to think,' Cyan said, picking up her towel and sword.

'Fine.'

Cyan looked at him to see if he was offended.

'Don't worry, I understand, Cyan. I'll see you tomorrow.' Trey grinned.

'You're laughing at me,' she complained.

'Perhaps a little,' he grinned wider.

It was all Cyan could do to walk normally to the door, once in the corridor she bolted straight to her room – she decided her report back with Kael and Shyla could wait for tomorrow. She didn't want to see anyone right now. She needed to think.

She was in the room with mirrors facing the mountain. There was a young man in the room with her. They were sparring, both with a sword in each hand. Their combined sequences were in excellent timing as they twisted and parried with each sword, blocking and slashing, arcing and leaping. She deftly sidestepped and with a fancy upper cut with her swords crossed, she knocked both swords out of his hands. He laughed and grabbed her around the midriff, tickling her until she dropped her swords to fend off his hands. He grabbed her face and kissed her passionately.