Then I go under. The cold water stings the cut on my leg as I sink below. I thrash my arms and legs, trying to maneuver myself upward, but the cold water just flows around me. I open my eyes and frantically look around for something, anything, to hold on to and pull myself to the surface. But the water is red with the blood from my leg wound.
I cannot think straight.
My lungs begin to deflate, and my desperation turns to pure, unfiltered panic. My mind goes hazy and soft around the edges. I feel myself slipping into the abyss when a set of strong arms pulls me upward.
Finally out of the water, I turn to the side and retch, lying sideways soaking wet next to the obstacle course while my pride continues to sink in the watery depths.
“Akemi!” Castor brushes the hair off the side of my face, holding it away as I continue to spew out the contents of my stomach. His voice is full of concern, fear even.
He slowly straightens me, curling his arm around my back and supporting me slowly until I’m sitting.
I hiss at the pain in my leg, so white hot I almost lose my sight. I make the mistake of looking down at my throbbing leg only to see a gash so deep into my flesh the layers of muscles flare outward.
The room begins to spin. My head feels too heavy to control right now. I fight to keep my eyes from rolling, retreating into their sockets.
“Akemi, stay with me. I am right here with you. Listen to me, I’m going to take you to the infirmary. We are going to get you all patched up. I need you to stay awake.”
“Mosst you ever sssaid to me…” I say, battling the dark edges of my vision threatening me to faint.
Castor rips off a strip of fabric from the base of his shirt, wraps it around my leg, and picks me up. My head feels so nice on hishard, warm chest. My body wants to sleep, but my mind relents to keep me awake as he requested.
“Thanksss,” I say, looking up at him. His jaw is clenched, eyes bright with concern. The halls are a blur around us as he runs, but I do not feel any of his steps. Or the pain.
I hold my promise to stay awake as Castor leads us into what must be the infirmary, though it looks more like a greenhouse with its glass walls and ceiling and smattering of plants everywhere.
A woman with red hair rushes toward us, wiping her hands on her apron and asking Castor a question I don’t quite hear.
“Rosssie? Ssthat you?” I ask, trying to look at her, but my eyelids are so heavy.
Castor sets me down on a soft bed. When did I get into dry clothing?
The last thing I see are the twinkling stars above, scattered throughout the skies in patterns I recognize.
Watching me back.
12
Case in Point
After spending three days in the infirmary, one thing became abundantly clear.
I need to start training or this Academy is going to kick my ass and I’ll never make it into the Presentation, let alone complete my first year. Though I’m starting to regret my decision to ask Ramona to help me.
“Again,” she commands.
I wipe the sweat off my forehead and crouch down once more, raising my hands protectively in front of my face. While everyone else is enjoying food and ale at Anita’s, a nearby tavern in Olwythion, we are here, in the Lower Fields practicing fighting stances.
Khutulun of the ancient mongolian empire didn’t win battles standing idly. Many of the Greats and conquerors of the past were not only strategic minds but fighters too. So much so that their stories are passed down through Tellings, much older than even the Breaking itself.
Now that I think of it, many of Marrow’s Teller patches depicted warriors fighting their historical battles, on the back of a steed, sword in hand, battling their foes with ease.
And so, I too will learn the art of fighting.
“Bend your knees. If you stand straight like that, you’ll be knocked over with one push,” Ramona chides.
Shit. I knew that. I bend my knees and adjust my position.
“Better, now hands up. Eyes on me.” Her spring green eyes track up and down my stance, anticipating my every move. With her dark, curly bob, petite frame, and heart-shaped face, I suspect many underestimate Ramona at first glance.
