“Is that a fur-lined cape?”
Kira’s lips curved. “It is.”
“What is the purpose behind those protrusions on his shoulders and arms? Is he hoping to impale his enemies with them? He looks like a porcupine. So embarrassing.”
A strangled giggle escaped Kira. Jin’s reaction was every bit as awesome as she’d expected.
Torvald gave the crowd a regal nod.
The Tuann in the stands stomped their feet to show their approval at the appearance of their ruler. The rhythm of the sound was slow at first but growing in intensity until critical mass was reached and it turned into a thunderous roar.
Torvald lifted his hand, silencing the barrage as effectively as if he’d hit a button.
Those in the stands watched him with an alertness that was almost intimidating.
Chills moved up Kira’s back as the arena’s mood blanketed her and the rest of the initiates.
It was easy to get swept up into the excitement and fervor, making you feel like you were part of something bigger than yourself.
It was connection. Strong and unyielding. A history shared with the countless people who had come before. All of whom would have stood in this spot, looking up at the emperor.
Kira’s hands clenched as her feelings threatened to overwhelm her reason.
“It’s something, isn’t it?” Jin whispered as Graydon appeared next to Torvald’s shoulder.
The emperor nodded at his Face before making his way toward the throne stationed in his box.
“A little dramatic though,” Jin finished.
Kira grinned. As expected, Jin’s reputation as a mood killer continued unbroken.
Graydon stepped to the front of the box, his eyes seeming to find Kira before sweeping over the rest of the initiates. All of whom had their faces tilted toward the emperor and his Face.
“For you to be here, it means you were called to this place and time. The Tuann have been blessed by the Mea’Ave, but those blessings come at a price. Our history is littered with those who’ve abused that which was given. That is why the adva ka exists.“ Graydon paused, his gaze landing on Kira as if his next words were meant for her alone. “Prove you are worthy. Prove you can survive.”
A roar greeted the end of Graydon’s speech as a buzz filled the arena and the sand shifted.
Transparent circles appeared on the periphery of the arena floor.
Kira counted. Ten. Each with a symbol above them.
“What do they mean?”
“So now I can poke my head out of your sleeve?”
The sand to her five o’clock started to shift. Kira dodged to the left as a flash of laser fire missed her arm by millimeters. The blast close enough that she felt the charge in the air.
“Don’t test me right now,” Kira snapped. “Can’t you see I’m a little busy trying to survive?”
Oh. So that was why Graydon had chosen the words he had. Very clever.
Kira felt the lu-ong/snake bracelet loosen as Jin peeked his head out from under her sleeve.
Kira dodged a second blast of laser fire, this one originating from the drone at her three o’clock.
The drone dug itself out of the ground, crawling upwards with dozens of tiny legs. Its body was segmented and long. Like a centipede—only covered in a silvery metal with blue dots running along its back.
The first drone was still half buried, only the blinking blue lights on its shell warning Kira that it still targeted her.
