I lean forward with a broad grin just as Mana narrows his eyes on the Master Informer. I know that look and what’s about to come, and when the Prince turns his gaze just briefly in my direction, I give him a sly smile before staring back at Mana.
Mana moves fast, finally launching into an offensive attack. He spins the kedge gracefully in his right hand and swipes down and around at Desmond. The Warrior Discerni barely brings his sword up in time to meet the blow before my traveling companion moves again, leaving no pause in his actions as he sweeps the other end of his kedge up and away, the maneuver forcing Desmond to twist in a semi-circle to avoid the blade at the end.
His next attack happens so fast that it almost feels like a blink. Mana lunges for Desmond’s arm just as the Master Informer moves to block him, the movement leaving Desmond’s shoulder on the other side completely unguarded. Mana takes advantage of the opening and catches his blade through Desmond’s shirt, the sharp green agate narrowly missing the Master Informer in what could have been a duel-winning strike.
Desmond looks at his almost mauled shoulder and then glances back at Mana with a level of deep respect. He drops his head in a small nod before lunging forward again, Mana quickly blocking his attack and taking a few steps to the side to avoid him. Mana lunges forward next, his blade aimed straight for Desmond’s neck, but the Master Informer is quick andmoves his body to the right, his own sword halting just before Mana’s throat at the same time. The two stand with their blades just nicking at each other’s skin, their chests heaving with shallow breaths as they both look at the other with silent grins.
“It seems we’re at an impasse,” Keane addresses the crowd around us, “and have a draw.”
Cal slags against the railing with a smile of relief. The two men lower their blades and clasp arms with the other, both of them sharing a smile of respect for an opponent well met.
I take a long bath at noon in the room afforded to me in the castle. It’s large, larger than my own in Bardot, and has tall black granite walls that are livened by sets of mahogany furniture littered throughout. The bed is similar to my own and reminds me a bit of home, with the plush emerald sheets only a single shade darker than mine. I fall into it after washing up and take a small nap, enjoying the lushness of the satin as I sleep easily to the memory of the Shadow Oak.
Shortly after my nap I set off to explore more of the castle with two tasks in mind. The first is to find the kitchens and bribe whoever’s working for a late lunch, one that hopefully doesn’t have too much pepper in it. The second is to find a seamstress for tonight’s court, as I’m fairly certain the dresses I brought from Knowledge will make me stand out like a sore thumb.
Both tasks are looking to be near impossible as I maneuver through the halls, the castle fashioning itself as some sort of maze that makes me yearn for the simplicity of Bardot. Where my home castle is stretched wide along the Greenstone Mountain from east to west, Gaumond takes the opposite approach and stands tall and proud. The black castle quite literally sweeps up towards the sky in challenge, it’s halls hosting endless staircases and corridors that lead a certain way before they connect and change course with another. I become lost at every turn, sometimes spotting the same wooden door or massive pine and turning back around. It’s a relief, then, when a tall blonde Discerni starts walking towards me with a smile on his face.
“You look properly lost,” he laughs.
I grin at his welcoming smile and open friendliness, something that still catches me off-guard about this Court. The Discerni here are much more engaging than those from Knowledge.
“Is it that obvious?” I ask, laughing with him.
“Too obvious,” he nods, “let’s get you where you need to go.”
The man places his hand on the small of my back, pushing me in the direction from where he just came. I nearly startle at the touch, not because of its forwardness, but because he’s now guiding me through the castle even though I haven’t told him where I need to go.
“I’m looking for the kitchens,” I reply casually, trying to ignore his hand on my back.
“Well you’re in luck,” he grins again, “because that’s exactly where I was leading you.”
Yeah, right.
I sidestep out of his hold and pretend to be interested in a painting on the wall. The Discerni is quick to follow, moving to stand behind me in a way that now becomes too close for my liking.
“Ugly, isn’t it?” he laughs, breath pressing against my neck.
It takes everything in me not to cringe.
“Extremely,” I give him a fake smile.
That prompts another laugh as he steps to the side, his arm sweeping towards the end of the new hall we’re in. If it wasn’t for the slight hint of black pepper that I smell in that direction, I wouldn’t take another step with this man.
“What’s your name, Sir?” I ask, wanting to commit him to memory.
“LordTadeo,” he corrects with a smile.
Lord Tadeo…
I’ll be avoiding him for the remainder of my time here.
“Alexis,” I mumble in return, hating that he might actually think I’m interested in getting to know him.
“Alexis,” he grins, “you must be the human girl who rode in with the Princes last night.”
“What gave it away,” I reply sarcastically.
The man frowns at my tone and quietly looks at me from his side. I immediately chastise myself and shake my head in apology.
