Codric, who had been walking a few paces ahead of us, dropped back to join our conversation. "Don't worry about Alar. He can handle himself even with your famous shaman."
There was something in his tone that struck me as odd—a forced casualness that suggested he knew more than he was letting on.
I filed the observation away as we entered the weapons training hall, still feeling uneasy and anxious despite Codric's reassurance. I needed to know what was going on with Alar.
Was that how he'd felt about my involvement with Commander Ravel?
At least Saphir wasn't a beautiful woman who might have romantic designs on my guy, so jealousy wasn't part of the equation, but I could understand how it could be for Alar in regard to Ravel.
The weapons training hall was a vast utilitarian space with high ceilings and a row of long tables at one end, laden with various types of firearms. The far wall was lined with targets at different distances, and the smell of gunpowder hung in the air.
A lean, hawk-faced man stood at the center of the room, hands clasped behind his back, watching us file in with sharp, assessing eyes. His uniform bore the insignia of the Sentinel Wing.
"Form a line, cadets," he barked without preamble. "I am Captain Kaveek, and I will be your weapons training instructor."
We hastily arranged ourselves in a straight line facing him, and I ended up standing between Shovia and a cadet from one of the earlier pilgrimages whose name I couldn't recall.
"We will begin with standard-issue firearms," Captain Kaveek said, pacing slowly before us. "While your primary weapons will always be your dragon's fire and sometimes claws, you will always carry a weapon for situations where you must proceed without their assistance."
He gestured for us to pick up the rifles from the tables.
They were the standard Elucian military issue with a telescopic sight and an adjustable stock. I'd trained with similarweapons during the youth defense program that all Elucians were required to attend from a young age.
"The Elucians present have received basic firearms training," Kaveek said, his gaze sweeping over us. "For those from Eluria, we'll provide additional instruction if needed." His eyes lingered on Codric, who stood several positions down from me.
"No need, sir," Codric said with a cocky confidence. "I'm quite proficient."
Captain Kaveek raised an eyebrow. "We'll see about that." He moved down the line. "Let's begin with a review of safety protocols and basic handling, followed by a preliminary accuracy assessment."
As the captain launched into his safety briefing, I found my thoughts drifting back to Alar, the passion of last night, and my worry about what was going on in Saphir's office.
"Cadet Strom," Captain Kaveek's sharp voice cut through my thoughts. "Perhaps you'd care to demonstrate proper trigger discipline for the class, since you seem to think that you don't need to pay attention."
Heat rushed to my face as all eyes turned to me. "Yes, sir. Sorry, sir."
I stepped forward, taking my rifle and demonstrating the correct finger positioning—index finger extended along the frame, not touching the trigger until ready to fire. I showed the proper way to check if the chamber was clear, how to engage and disengage the safety, and the correct stance for optimal stability.
Kaveek nodded curtly. "Adequate. Return to your position."
I let out a quiet breath of relief as I stepped back into line. Shovia nudged me with her elbow, shooting me a reproachful look.
After completing the safety review, Captain Kaveek had us move to the firing line. The targets were set at thirty feet, a standard distance for basic proficiency testing. As I took myposition, I cleared my mind of distractions, focusing solely on the target before me. I checked my rifle, making sure it was properly loaded and the safety was engaged.
"Listen up," Kaveek called out. "On my command, you will fire five rounds. Accuracy matters, not speed. Ready your weapons."
I disengaged the safety, settling into a stable stance with the rifle braced against my shoulder.
"Fire at will."
Even though we were all using ear protection, the sound of gunfire filled the hall as twenty-four cadets began shooting. I took my time, controlling my breathing as I'd been taught.Inhale, aim, exhale halfway, hold, squeeze the trigger gently.The rifle kicked against my shoulder, but I maintained my position, adjusting slightly between shots.
Five rounds, five hits, all within the central ring of the target. Not perfect, but better than respectable. I engaged the safety and lowered my weapon, glancing around to see how the others had fared.
Codric was the only one who had outdone me, clustering his shots tightly in the dead center of his target.
Shovia had done well, though her shots were spread wider than mine. Morek hadn't done so well, but some of the other cadets had fared worse, with shots scattered across their targets or missing entirely.
"Clear your weapons and step back from the line," Kaveek ordered.
