I’m about to find out if I am capable of becoming the next Ezkai General.
IV. TRIAL OF WISDOM
Old Ekiosh: Vael’kor Threnis
Often translated as: The choosing of the mind.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
PHOENIX
Four days later, we’re on the way to the mountains right outside Jaakii, where the Trial of Wisdom is to take place first thing tomorrow morning.
My skin is buzzing with anticipation. I could barely sleep since I received my invitation.
The smooth-timbered carriage we’re on is spacious enough to fit all three of us comfortably. Vera’s next to me, and Jax sits on the plush silk bench in front of us. So far, it’s been a silent journey. Vera’s looking out her window, lost in thought. Jax is playing with one of those colorful cube puzzles, gnawing at his bottom lip. His fingers are swift, and he finishes the puzzle for the third time before starting again.
Vera clears her throat. “We need to talk.”
I look at her. “I’m all ears.”
“Right before we left Jaakii, Oka Oya told me what the Trial of Wisdom will include,” Vera says. For the first time since we met, she looks worried. Which in turn makesmeworried as fuck. “This trial is designed to test your strength against the strongestbeings that walk the lands. Our tradition believes that only an Ezkai strong enough to withstand it can protect Ekios.”
That tracks with what Daegel told me before.Ancient beasts.I nod. “Did Kazh know who those strongest beings I’m supposed to fight are?”
“You’ll be fighting dragons. That’s why we’re going to the Killygano Mountains.”
At first, I think I hear her wrong. I glance at Jax. He’s stunned, eyes wide and lips parted.
“Are you for fucking real now?” I shake my head. “Dragons?! How am I supposed to fight a dragon?!”
Vera pouts. “Yeah, that’s why I said we need to talk. You need a plan.Weneed a plan.”
Jax snaps out of the shock and leans forward in his seat. “Dragons? Is that like a metaphor for something?”
Vera rolls her eyes. “No, it’s not a metaphor, Jax. When I say dragons, I truly mean dragons. The regal, lethal, magical creatures.”
Jax claps his hands. “That is absolutely wild. I don’t think even Decarios are strong enough to fight a damn dragon.”
My stomach is in knots. I think I might be sick.
Not only do I not stand a chance against a dragon in a fight…I don’t want to fight one. The sight of Kitajo’s dragon crying out from grief and dying together with its bonded Decario still haunts my dreams.
No way can I slay a dragon, even if I find a way.
“First, the damn spirits of the gods, now the dragons.” I breathe out the words. “This fucking country is absolutely wild.”
Vera pats me on the shoulder as if that can help.
“Dragons are rare, very powerful, and highly respected in our culture. They don’t like people, so dragons tend to stay away from highly populated areas to avoid curious eyes. Most live in the mountains all over the country.”
I try not to sound accusing, but I still do. “It’s been hours since we left Jaakii. Why haven’t you mentioned it before?”
“I was trying to come up with a plan,” Vera says. “When I could not find a solution, I thought it only appropriate we brainstorm.”
Jax claps his hands and rubs them together, his colorful cube puzzle forgotten. “Let’s talk game plan.”
“What kind of game plan can there be?” I fold my arms over my chest and look out the window. The path winding up towards the mountain is lined with low bushes that have red berries peeking through waxy deep green leaves. “You can’t help me. It’s on me to find a way to deal with this.”
