Minutes pass of excruciatingly confusing instruction as Farron attempts to lead the group through the act of firecrafting. I’ve stepped aside, leaning against a wall in the shade and staring at the whole mess.
The magefighters are only half paying attention, some of them looking bored out of their skulls, others distracted, and some snickering to one another as Farron fumbles a fireball and accidentally sets his tunic on fire. Kel douses it with an irritated flurry of snow. Dayton looks like he’s napping with his eyes open and only jerks himself awake when Kel shoots a cold blast of wind across his face. Dom and Billy have wandered off, finding more joy in spitting seeds at Paddy and George.
“Are you sure you’re qualified to train us?” a magefighter calls.
Farron looks struck, and the flame he holds on his finger dies.
I can’t watch this anymore. I straighten, ready to rough up these damn soldiers until they learn respect—
“Psst!”
I jerk my head up to see Rosalina looking down at me from the ramparts above the training grounds. She is beautiful, her long dark hair tumbling down toward me. I have a vision of ascending the wall to get to her, but quickly suppress such madness.
“Ez, you’ve got to help him,” she whispers.
“I know. I’m on my way to remove that little shit mage of his teeth.”
“No, no, no.” She shakes her head exaggeratedly, making her corset-bound bosom bounce. Now, I’mreallythinking of ascending this wall. “You must help him do it. He has to be the one to earn their respect.”
I tilt my head back in exasperation. That is so much harder than knocking the asshole’s teeth out myself. But she has a point.
“I’ll see what I can do,” I say.
I storm over to Farron and grab him by his shirt collar.
“What—” Farron starts, but I drag him over to the shadowed archway leading out of the training grounds.
“Farron—”
“I know what you’re going to say, Ez,” he interrupts. “I have to take control. I’m the High Prince. How can I lead my people if I can’t even lead a training group? Look at them! How am I supposed to teach Kel anything? He’s the Protector of the Realms. And I’m…”
I pat his shoulder. “Actually, I was going to tell you that you should try letting go of control.”
He raises a dark eyebrow.
“Kel, Dayton, and I know better than anyone what you’ve lived through. Use it to your advantage.” My hand drifts to his chest. “There is a fighter in you. Do not fear him. Welcome him.”
Farron shakes his head and pulls down his tunic, revealing the thin barbed choker around his neck. His skin is raw and torn beneath the spines. “I’ve done everything I can to keep that thing at bay. I’m not about to welcome him in now.”
“I know you see him only as a vicious beast, but remember… He keeps you alive. He protects you in moments of danger.” I turn to look at Rosalina, leaning over the railing. “He protects those you care about as well. Channel that instinct. And above all else, trust yourself.”
Farron sinks lower against the wall. “Come on, Ez. Even you know I shouldn’t have been given the rule.”
I shake my head. For being so intelligent, the young man has so much wisdom to learn. How can he look at Kel and Dayton and me as rightful rulers when we all came into our thrones covered in blood?
“You were chosen to be High Prince for a reason. The fact that you’re here, fighting for your people, shows that you have the courage and determination to lead.” I grip him on the back of his head. “Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Farron lets loose a sigh, then straightens. “Do I have to believe you?”
“No, but you should trust me.”
He intakes a deep breath and marches out into the training grounds.
I lean against the archway. Rosalina gives me a big smile. Always the optimist.
But… maybe something I said took hold. Farron leaps up onto the wooden hurdle.
He points two fingers into the air, releasing a massive blast of fire. It cracks and plumes, and all in attendance turn to face him.
