“I promised Lavette we’d watch this game together.” Cullen promptly busied his mouth with a bite of food, which gave Eira a chance to think of a way to change the topic.
“You know, while the game is happening, the town should be empty. Perhaps, Alyss, we could go back to that bookstore.”
“You want to leave in broad daylight?” Alyss asked.
“Daylight or night…we have an equal chance of being spotted. But perhaps less so in the daylight since everyone will be in the coliseum.”
“Is this another way to sneak into the warehouse at the docks?”
“No, I swear,” Eira said to them all, not just Alyss. “I’m not risking going back in there, especially not alone.”
“Are you sure it’s wise?” Cullen gave her a worried stare.
No matter how agitated she might still be with him, she knew his worry came from a good place. At least, in this instance, it was fair. “I’ll be careful.”
There was a firm knock on the door. “Solaris, it’s time.”
They all stood and greeted the attendant.
“I’m not feeling well today,” Eira started. “I think I’ll stay here since it’s an individual game and it’s not—”
“Today’s game is mandatory for all to be in attendance,” he interrupted.
“Oh.” Eira shared a hopeless look with Alyss and then fell in line with the rest of them.
She was in a bit of a daze the entire way in.Mandatory?Why the change? Whatever the reason, it couldn’t be good, and Eira found every muscle in her body tense.
“Welcome, champions!” Lumeria greeted them as usual. “Today is an individual tournament, but the rules will be changing slightly. There will be one of you from every team competing. However, unlike the other games, you will not be determining who shall enter the arena.”
“I don’t like this,” Eira murmured under her breath.
“So much for getting my chance to shine.” Noelle sulked.
“You might still get chosen,” Alyss said, remaining optimistic.
Lumeria continued, “Rather, today we are putting the choice in the hands of our royals. Solaris will choose for Qwint. Qwint will choose for the Draconi. The Draconi will choose for the Twilight Kingdom. The Twilight Kingdom will choose for Meru. And Meru will choose for Solaris.
“In this way, every nation will be rewarded for paying attention to those from places beyond their borders. And every nation will have to choose whether they put forward the champion they perceive as the strongest, to garner goodwill, or the champion they see as weakest, and risk ire.
“Much like our treaty, the choices we make impact those around us—the people we are closest to, and depend on the most. This thoughtful game has been designed by those from the Twilight Kingdom.” Lumeria stepped back. “Solaris, if you will start us, please.”
Vi stepped forward. “I choose Lop, from Qwint.”
Next was Minister Fawn from Qwint. “I choose Harkor.” A sensible and safe choice.
King Tortium made a show of his consideration. “Graff, from Twilight.”
Arwin stepped forward. Eira didn’t miss the brief glance in the direction of Vi and Taavin. It was only a second, but it was there. That jolted Eira out of her disdain for being forced to come here.
What were they doing?
“I choose Olivin for Meru,” Arwin said.
Finally, came Taavin. “I choose Eira, for Solaris.”
“Me?” Eira blinked.
“Good luck. Win for me.” Noelle clapped her shoulder. Fortunately, she didn’t seem genuinely upset about not being able to play in the game.
