Awakening (Book One of the Eklektos Series)

Chapter Twelve

Kali barely noticed how much she was aching until she finally sat down at the Round Table. Chiron had brought her back to the meeting room above the mess hall, but now they were the only ones inside. Without the additional pressure, Kali traced the intricate lines carved into the table. She sighed wistfully and murmured "Is any of this real?"

"All stories and myths must come from somewhere."

She smiled hesitantly; that wasn't a real answer. But it wasn't a lie. Rubbing her shoulder, Kali winced and took a deep breath. She could feel bruises all over her, and everything was tender at best.

With a smile, Chiron shot a measured glance her way and calmly said "I assume you are not used to such levels of strenuous activity?"

"That would be a safe bet. Walking, and occasionally jogging," if she was late for the bus, maybe "are about my limit." Aside from fighting for her life in unexpected places.

"Then you will be in for a rough few weeks while you acclimatise to your new routine."

Kali shrugged with an almost genuine grin. "I adapt quickly."

"Likely a reflection of your accelerated healing. Growth and regeneration...you should be fighting fit in no time." He scrutinised her thoughtfully for a minute, taking note of the new information. "If you consent, I wish to ask you a few questions."

He was astute, even with such an offhand comment. Kali tried not to let her nerves show on her face. "Like the questionnaire you left?" She asked, with mounting trepidation.

"Yes." He nodded approvingly. "Have you completed it?"

"Almost." But she would be going over it with a fine-toothed comb before giving it back.

"Good. I will be collecting it at the end of the week, so you have some time. It may seem unimportant, but we like to know our students here. Please answer as honestly as you can."

Kali gave him a meek smile, and he nodded. For the next hour or so, though to Kali it seemed longer, Chiron asked her seemingly random questions about herself. About things she liked and disliked, things she could do, things she struggled with. She considered them carefully before answering, turning each one over in her head for hidden meanings. Apollo had said she should be safe as long as people knew she was his daughter. But Chiron was sharp. She couldn't afford mistakes.

Nothing jumped out at her as being dangerous, so she answered the questions honestly. Eventually, he brought up the topic of her suitors.

"What is your opinion of Ares?"

Kali bit her lip. What did she really think of him? He was attractive; he was a god, so he ought to be. He was strong. His eyes were kinder than she had expected. But he was volatile. He moved to violence quickly and without remorse or regret. He expected her to fawn over him, and was shocked when she didn't, so he was obviously arrogant and entitled. "He has a different set of morals to me."

"Elaborate."

Carefully, she continued "He uses any means to get his way, without considering the emotional effect it might have on other people."

"And you think this is wrong." Chiron stated. His voice was even, and his face passive, but Kali was afraid to speak plainly. She couldn't lie now, though.

"I think it is unpleasant." She admitted finally, staring at the etchings on the table again. She gazed at a carving of the Lady of the Lake holding Excalibur, and she frowned. "But I think that immortals can't be held to mortal standards. Why should the God of War care about someone like me? My lifespan must be like the blink of an eye to someone that has seen the birth of my entire race."