“You took a natural leadership role with them. I’d like to nurture that.” He shrugged. “We don’t know much about how the Bonding happens so there isn’t much I can really say, but I can help you to find out a bit more about yourself during this process.”
“Oh, thank you,” I said, a bit stunned.
He smiled and winked, turning away to return to the other instructors. I took the food out to the other two, and we had a quiet meal in the shade of the tree, out of the summer’s sun, while I pondered all the strange, scary, and surprising things I’d learned that morning.
Have faith, Auwei said to me.Crown has faith in you. You should too.
A leader?
That didn’t seem like me at all, but… maybe?
Chapter 10
The attack came at night.
My only warning was Auwei screaming into my head:Birch, wake up, move!
I snapped my eyes open, already moving to sit up when I saw the shadowy form over my bed, and the one arm descending.
I shifted at the last minute and the knife slid along my right arm, just below the shoulder, instead of hammering into my chest.
Pits! What was happening?
I reacted without thinking. I kicked out and caught the person on the side of their leg hard enough to shift them. They stumbled to one side as I rose from my bed in a fury. I wasn’t much of a fighter, but my experience with those bullies back home meant I knew how to throw a punch; so, I did. The attacker was caught off guard as I slammed my fist into their nose.
They reeled back, hitting the wall. I kicked up between their legs. Man or woman, that would hurt. They grunted, bending forward, and I brought my knee up into their face. Their head snapped back with a crack and they slumped lifeless to the ground.
Bloody Pits!
I stood frozen for a long moment, in shock, not knowing what to do. I should run, or light a lamp, or check this person, but I did nothing as my mind reeled.
They were dead. I don’t know how I knew, but I knew. I’d killed a person. But they’d been trying to kill me. It was all too much. I had to do something or I’d collapse into a heap, overwhelmed by emotions. I had to keep moving, and I certainly didn’t want to be here. My mind latched onto the idea that if I had been attacked, perhaps others in the dorm were in trouble. So, I crept to my door, which was open, and peered carefully out into the hallway, I saw no other movement in the shadows.
I snuck out, creeping to Hearth’s room, which was three down from mine on the other side of the hall. As I reached it, the door opened cautiously and Hearth peered out. I could see Pebble further back in the room, looking frightened.
“What’s going on?” she whispered. “I thought I heard something.”
Yeah, she’d probably heard me, fighting for my life. But as to what was happening? I had no clue.
Remain calm and we’ll figure this out.Though even Auwei sounded a bit stunned.
Before I could come up with any coherent response to her question, Hearth’s gaze focused on my arm. “You’re bleeding!”
I am?Oh right, the cut on my arm. I’d been so agitated, the pain hadn’t fully registered. Even now, it didn’t seem that bad, it was bleeding, but the cut was shallow. I’d be fine for a while.
I can help with that. Auwei was over the spot a moment later and spinning a thick web over the long slice, stopping the blood. It felt cool and slightly soothing.
“Ah, yeah, I know,” I said finding my words again. “Someone attacked me. I don’t know what’s going on, but others might be in danger. I’m—” I’m going to do what? Go out and find trouble? That was a stupid idea. Facing a few bullies was different than fighting armed killers. I’d only survived in my room because of desperation and flailing limbs. So, what would I do? “You two stay here and bar the door. I’m going to find out what’s going on.” That sounded more reasonable than going to fight. I’d just… take a peek, nothing more. Perhaps go find an instructor. Yes, that was a wise course.
Hearth nodded and closed her door, I heard furniture being moved. Good, they were safe.
Just remember, Auwei said.You only live once,but I’ll regret your mistakes for eternity.
Right. She’d said that before as a bit of fun, but now it was a warning.
I snuck to the end of the hall, slowly and silently. I reached the door to the outside and hesitated, terrified, but trying not to think about it. I’d just take a quick look out the door into the yard. The door creaked as it opened, just an inch.
“Is the job done?” a harsh female voice asked. A shadow next to the door began to turn my way.
