"Perhaps it's for the best." Alar sat on the edge of the bed and kissed my cheek. "You needed the rest."
After I returned from the bathroom, I quickly got dressed, and we headed out, joining the stream of cadets making their way to conditioning. Climbing the stairs was still an effort, but not as bad as it had been the day before.
Outside, the morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of snow from the higher peaks, but it was sunny, and as I lifted my face to the warmth, a familiar presence touched my mind.
"Kailin."Nyxath's mental voice rang clear and strong."Saphir can see you during lunch today. He invites you to dine with him in his office."
Surprise stopped me mid-step, causing Alar to look back in concern."Thank you,"I told Nyxath."I'll be delighted to have lunch with Saphir."
"What is it?" Alar asked as the mental connection withdrew.
"It was Nyxath. Saphir wants to have lunch with me today." I resumed walking.
He chuckled. "It's convenient having a direct line of communication to the dragon queen."
"I should have just walked up there and asked his assistant for a meeting instead of bothering her. I feel bad about it. But then having to climb these drakking stairs multiple times a day is just too daunting."
The conditioning session was as brutal as expected.
Captain Odinah had us running hill sprints, which meant racing up the steep incline repeatedly until our legs burned andour lungs screamed for mercy. By the third sprint, I was flagging badly.
"Strom," Odinah called out. "That's enough for you. Cool down and stretch."
I wanted to protest. I hated being singled out as weak, but my body was genuinely at its limit, and I had those stairs to look forward to, so I nodded gratefully and moved to the side.
After conditioning, I showered quickly, trying to wash away the fatigue along with the sweat. The hot water helped a little, but my legs still trembled as I dressed in my uniform, and the thought of climbing eleven floors made me want to cry.
"I could carry you," Alar offered as we stood at the base of the stairs.
"You need to get lunch."
"I can skip lunch," he said. "I could at least walk with you. Make sure you don't collapse."
"Thank you, but no." I stretched on my toes to kiss him quickly. "I'll see you at class."
"Take it easy," he said, worry clear in his voice. "And eat as much as you can. You need the calories."
"I will."
The climb was every bit as awful as I'd anticipated. By the fifth floor, my legs were shaking. By the eighth, I had to stop and rest, leaning against the wall while my heart hammered against my ribs. Second-year cadets and staff passed me, some offering concerned looks, but I smiled and waved them on.
When I finally reached the top floor, I was light-headed and nauseated, and as soon as Saphir’s assistant saw me, he immediately motioned for me to sit.
"Forgive me for saying this, but you don't look good. Are you sick?"
"Just tired," I said.
Maybe I was sick? That would explain why I wasn't recovering. Perhaps I had the wasting disease? Perhaps I should see the medic?
"The Shaman will see you now," the cadet said. "You can go right in."
The few minutes of rest had done wonders for me, and as I walked into Saphir's office it was on steady legs. I was once again mesmerized by the incredible view from his windows, so I didn't notice the round dining table until I shifted my gaze to Saphir.
It was set for three and laden with a variety of food that didn't belong together. Small sandwiches cut into triangles, bowls of pasta, and several small dishes filled with nuts, figs, and other dried fruit.
"Thank you for granting me this appointment," I said. "Especially given the unusual channel I used. I apologize, but I just didn't know how else to arrange this."
"Nyxath was glad to forward your message, and I'm always glad to see you. Come, take a seat. You look exhausted."
