“Hopefully she functions as a proper soldier, too,” Andru remarked.
Vi’s gaze turned to him with slightly narrowed eyes. But Jayme beat her to the retort.
“I have practiced with it all my life. It’s been in my hands every time I return home and in the training grounds with the other soldiers when I’m in Solarin. I am more than confident.”
“And you were born to wear that blade.” Jax wore a small, tender smile as he looked between the sword and the woman who wore it. Whatever he was seeing, it wasn’t the rising tensions. Vi almost wanted to ask, but kept silent. Now wasn’t the time, and she was still guarding secrets from him.
“Born or not, she is to be your sole guard for this adventure,” Andru continued. “A curious choice.”
“Do you have something you would like to say about it?” Vi couldn’t stop herself from asking. The question was a little too direct, said too quickly. But she didn’t regret the words even after they’d left her.
“Certainly not. I am here to observe, note, and report. Nothing more. I leave any decision-making or judgment-passing to my betters in the Senate.” He smiled his full-lipped, toothy smile.
“You three need to take note not to go too far.” Sehra was the one to get the conversation back on track. “Lord Andru has stated truth; Jayme will be your sole guard for this excursion.”
“You’re actually letting us go unattended?” Vi asked skeptically. What kind of a test was this? They’d never been permitted to go on a hunt without at least one of the Chieftain’s warriors in tow—usually four or five.
“First, you are not unattended, you have the new captain of your personal royal guard,” Jax said sternly. “Second, do not make us regret this. If there is any danger, shoot fire into the sky.”
Vi gave a small nod. She hoped it wouldn’t come to that. The last thing she wanted was to be around fire.
“Stay close enough that our watchers can see that alarm,” Sehra continued, oblivious to the sub-context of Vi’s magic lesson the day before. “And do not be gone for more than four days or we will use the noru to track you down.”
“Yes, mum.”
“Understood.” Jayme brought a fist to her chest in salute.
“We will be exceptionally careful. Thank you again, Chieftain, for permitting us to hunt. I am particularly grateful this year.” Vi lowered her eyes, dipping her head slightly.
“You are welcome.” Her green eyes had turned hard, cold even in the early heat of the morning. “Perhaps you may practice your magic in the forests? I hear from Jax you’ve made progress lately. I would like to see it when you return.”
“Perhaps…” The last thing Vi wanted to do was practice her magic. “Though I think I am looking forward to a vacation from my lessons.”
“Are they too rigorous for you?” Andru asked.
Vi bit the insides of her cheeks. The sooner she left, the better. Or she may show Sehra her magic a little too soon.
“I find the wealth of knowledge my tutors give me settles in best when I have fresh air and time to process. I come back with the best questions.”
“I look forward to hearing them during our next lessons, then.”
With that, she put Andru mentally behind her, eager to find physical distance as well. Vi adjusted her pack, looking to her friends. “Ready?”
The two girls nodded.
“Stay safe,” Sehra said as she leaned in to plant a kiss on her daughter’s forehead.
“You’re the oldest, Jayme, be sure to keep them in line,” Jax gave one final command.
“I’ll do my best, sir!”
The three started away from the towering trees of the castle and into the wooded city of Soricium. The trees were smaller, but still large enough to fit whole homes within and, thanks to the magic of the Groundbreakers, the people of Shaldan did just that.
Soricium, overall, was much like the fortress. It was a mix of stone and foliage. Groundbreakers bent earth and plant alike to make dwellings that came alive right alongside their residents. Doors appeared from solid walls and branches arced over the streets to create pathways for the confident footfalls of the magically inclined. Rooftops were covered in mosses that kept the houses cool in summer, warm in winter, and flowered in springtime.
“We’re not going to stay even remotely close to the city, are we?” Ellene dared to ask when they were well out of earshot.
“Oh, not at all. I wasn’t lying when I said I needed distance. As much as we can manage in the time we’re allowed.”
