The Last of the Sages (Sage Saga, Book 1)

by Julius St.Clair

  Chapter 11 - The Final Test

  James woke up feeling better than he had in a long time, despite current events. It was nice to wake up in a bed again and not the cold granite floor of the cave or the dirt of the forest. He decided not to go outside the Kingdom walls anytime soon. After Achan had released his eidolon and defeated the Langoran in one strike, not a word had been spoken as they limped their way back to Allay. Scarlet and Arimus had been waiting for them at the entrance. There wasn’t a big celebration or anything like that waiting for them, but at least they were quickly swept away to the infirmary. And that was better than dessert.

  James had mainly slept, not caring what tests or duties were next. He just wanted to rest, as he had in the old days, when life was simple and dull. It was nice to go back to it now and no one could call him lazy, or say he hadn’t earned it. No one said a word to him about it, period. They had just let him sleep, and he thanked them silently for it. No one knew but him what torture he had gone through in that cave, and he didn’t want to relive it just yet in the debriefing. The only two survivors who were unscathed were Elder and Rahima, and they mainly just hung around the dorms, telling in detail the story of their survival.

  James was finally ready to talk about his venture when Achan walked through the door. James couldn’t speak at first. He was sure he was going to start crying. Achan noticed the hurt in his friend’s eyes and simply sat down beside him.

  “I know, I know…why me, right?” Achan said as he shrugged his shoulders. He winced at the pain that shot up his broken arm. “If it makes you feel any better, I don’t want this.”

  “It makes it worse,” James said, his voice trembling as he tried to force the misery out of his face.

  “Noted.”

  “So why are you here? To gloat?”

  “Idiot, I just told you I don’t want this. I came to see how you were doing.”

  “I’m doing fine. My leg is still not the same, as expected. But I’m hanging in there.”

  “I hope you’re not taking what happened during the test too hard.”

  “Why would I be sorry for getting people killed?”

  “You don’t have to get nasty. I only want you to know that we all knew the risks. We all heard Kyran’s words. We knew that people could die.”

  “I didn’t expect some to die because of me. Because of a decision I made.”

  Achan sighed and moved his seat to the foot of the bed. A clock somewhere ticked away.

  “Listen, you did what you thought was right. You knew deep down that Allay wouldn’t stand for a prisoner being let go, yet you fought for him anyway. It’s not just because he saved your life, but also because you had some kind of bond with him that carried you further. Without him, you may not have survived down there, in that prison where I found you. The important thing is that you’re alive. Just don’t sleep the rest of your life away. Make their deaths count for something. I myself was the leader of the team, and because of that, their faces will haunt me for the rest of my life. I could stand here all day and rattle off what if’s. What if I did this or that, what if I changed something, or said something. Blah blah blah. Bottom line, we have to learn from our mistakes.”

  “Yeah, but some should never have been made in the first place, like trusting the enemy.”

  “James, honestly, we would all like to believe we’re all fine judges of character and we can discern what a person is feeling and thinking, but at the end of the day, when it comes down to it, we just want to believe in people.”

  James nodded, thinking hard about what his friend said. Achan patted his shoulder and got up, getting ready to leave.

  “Why did you come back for me, anyways?” James had to know. “I was gone for so long, you should’ve assumed I was dead.”

  “You must not remember. I did think you were dead, but when we heard the cave-in, that’s when I got some hope.”

  “Yeah, but still, there could have been tons of Langorans around, yet you came anyway. Why?”

  “What? Fishing for compliments?”

  “Just answer the question.”

  “Well, I figure that you’re one of the few people I’ve met in my entire life that understands me. Everyone else just thinks I’m some snobby, preppie kid. I don’t know where they get it from...but, I just thought it would be nice keeping around someone who gets me.”

  “Don’t get soft on me, now,” James pretended to sniff.

  “Hey, hey, that was a one time deal. You won’t get another compliment. Trust me.”

  “What are you going to do? Cut me down with your eidolon, Sage?”

  James couldn’t help but think of how the Langorans had said the word with disdain.

  “I’m no Sage yet. I still have to take all those annoying classes.”

  “You do know I have to see that eidolon sometime.”

  “Of course. I won’t be like Dominic.”

  “Good.”

  “Ugh, and since he’s the only other Sage in training, it will just be the two of us in class. How’s that for disgusting?”

  “Wow. Maybe being a Sage isn’t all it’s cracked up to be after all.”

  “It does give me one edge though.”

  “Besides your eidolon?”

  “I might have a shot with Catherine,” Achan said boldly. “I know she’s down to earth and all, but I don’t think the Kingdom would allow her to marry just anyone. Dominic is of nobility, and I’m just a commoner, but if I make a name for myself, no one should have a problem with her marrying a Sage. What do you think?”

  “I think you’re right…”

  “Oh yeah, sorry, I forgot. Slipped my mind that - you know, about you and Catherine. You two were good friends, right?”

  “Yeah, and then I blew it. I said some things about her that were really insulting.”

  “Don’t be so hard on yourself. If I know Catherine, she’s already forgiven you. If anything, she’s waiting for you to come find her, especially now that the test is over.”

  “You don’t care if I talk to her?”

  “Should I?”

  “Well, I mean, since...uh…”

  “Do you love her?”

  “Well, no…”

  “Are you interested in her?”

  “Not really. I mean, I always wanted to marry someone like a princess, but I didn’t even know she was the princess when I started talking to her.”

  “I get it. Don’t want to fall in love with her just because it sounds like a fairy tale, huh?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Then I have nothing to worry about. She does like you a lot, especially since she knows you’re not being fake with her. She needs someone like that in her life. I’ve always known her as the princess, unfortunately, which means that, although I love her for who she is, I can’t help but think about her status sometimes, and wonder if she would be so appealing to me without it. Only sometimes though. Don’t worry. I’d never hurt her.”

  “I know. And just so you know, I hear that all the guys are rooting for you over Dominic. They want you to win her heart.”

  “I think the guys would want a cockroach to win her heart over Dominic.”

  James laughed and thought about Catherine for a moment.

  “You’re sure you don’t mind if we hang out? Provided she wants to?”

  “James. I consider you a close friend of mine, despite knowing you for so short a time. With that being said, I don’t own either of you. Talk to her as much as you like. Honestly, even if she did fall in love with you, I would have no say in the matter because that’s who she would want, and I would have to respect that. As long as she is happy, I’m happy. That’s where it ends.”

  “Wow, that’s serious.”

  “That’s what you call unconditional love.”

  “You might even be too good for her, Achan. Geez. You’re making me sick.”

  Achan laughed.

  “I’ll see yo
u around, James. I’ve got to start preparing myself for the classes to come. Oh, and see Arimus on the balcony over the courtyard when you’re ready. He’ll have your review for you. And go see Catherine today, for crying out loud. I don’t know what you did to her, but the sooner you apologize, the better things will be. You don’t sit on things like that, alright?”

  “Yes, sir!” James said, saluting him. Achan saluted back and walked out through the doorway.

  James threw the blankets to the side and leapt out of bed. He got dressed quickly, eager to hear Arimus speak. As he went out the door, he couldn’t help but be happy for Achan, even if he didn’t want to be a Sage-in-training. Whether James’ life was changing for better or worse, the fact of the matter was that he was alive, and since he and Achan were friends, he’d have plenty of time to go one-on-one against his eidolon.

  Even if he never released one himself, he would gain unfathomable experience by facing Achan consistently. That was for sure. It would make him that much better as an infantryman. Although it was going to hurt, he could understand Achan’s approach to the infantry and so he decided to follow suit, adopting the attitude of his friend. He had to keep up a good face for the recruits that would take the third test, especially since there was a chance he might be asked to accompany them. If he was ever given the option to be a leader, he’d take it, and approach it as Achan did, with enthusiasm. Even though the Langorans were ridiculous and the mission hadn’t gone as well as expected, they wouldn’t have become nearly as united without Achan’s rally cries and support. Not to mention his eidolon’s final blow…

  As James made his way to the balcony, he found Arimus waiting there, just as Achan had said. Arimus was talking with Scarlet, whose eyes lit up at seeing James after so long.

  “High hopes! Hey, you lived! What do you know? Maybe your dreams will come true after all,” she said.

  “Nice to see you again too, Scarlet.”

  “So how do you think you did?”

  “I could’ve done better.”

  “Throwing in the towel already?”

  “No. I’m going to be the best infantryman this Kingdom has to offer.”

  Scarlet scoffed and patted the crown of his head.

  “Whatever you say, James.”

  Scarlet walked off as Arimus watched her departure.

  “What was that all about?” James asked.

  “She’s not in a good mood,” Arimus stated solemnly. “Catherine is taking a particularly difficult test today, and she’s not happy about it.”

  “Is it going to be dangerous?” James asked quickly, thinking about the torture he had gone through during the infantry exam.

  “It shouldn’t be. I believe she has what it takes to pass with flying colors.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  “…Well, enough about Catherine. Let’s talk about you. I hear you went through quite an ordeal out there.”

  “Were you around when they were torturing me? I know you and some of the other proctors supervise the test.”

  “To be frank, not long after you got captured, we were busy taking care of all the Langorans who escaped.”

  “You got them all?”

  “All that were scouting the Kingdom. Kyran killed most of them.”

  “So you weren’t watching us after that?”

  “No. We were fully aware that there were only a few Langorans down there with you, as well as the Prattlian. We figured that that is the usual number of Langorans who get loose during the test, so if you didn’t survive them, you wouldn’t have passed either way.”

  “So you didn’t get Alexander?”

  “Is that his name? The Prattlian? No. Him and one other Langoran escaped. They can’t do anything damaging alone.”

  “He’s dangerous, Arimus. When I was in the cave, he not only tortured me, he revealed a lot of information he knew about Allay. I don’t know…something’s just not right with him.”

  “We’re still keeping an eye out. If he comes near, we’ll get him.”

  “Good.”

  “So how was it, being in the cave?”

  “Horrible. They beat me up. Alexander wanted me to become a Sage so he could study an eidolon, assess its weaknesses and…”

  James trailed off as he thought about what his cellmate had told him, that he had turned into some kind of monster. Still, he didn’t remember any of it. Was it a lie, to keep his mind on other things? That would make sense. It wouldn’t have been impossible for the red-haired Langoran to take down the pillars in the cave himself.

  “And what?”

  “…and then Achan and the others came. We found out my cellmate was a traitor…and more of our teammates died. I’m trying to forgive myself…but it’s hard not to dwell on it.”

  “It couldn’t have happened any other way. The older you get, the more you realize that there’s not too much coincidence in this world.”

  “I hope there’s not too many lessons like that I’ll have to learn.”

  “Regardless of how things turned out, you did survive. That is very important.”

  “Achan said the same.”

  “So you want to become the best infantryman this Kingdom has to offer, huh?”

  “I figure if Achan is going on to better things, I might as well hold down the fort on my end.”

  “And do you believe your words?”

  “I saw what Achan did with the team when we were out there. He made us feel safe, like we would have the upper hand in any situation that came our way. I’ll never forget that, and I think if I ever get the chance to lead a team, I’ll try to do the same.”

  “So do you think you have what it takes to be a leader?”

  “Not at all,” James laughed. “I’m just saying, I’ll know what to do if I’m ever thrust into the role.”

  “Good, then with your approval, I will forward you to your final test, to see if you have what it takes to become an officer.” Arimus placed a hand on James’ shoulder, and in the same motion, handed him a sheathed manumit. James’ eyes widened at the gift. He remembered all too well the powers it held – granting the wielder temporary Sage abilities, at the price of their life…

  “Why would you give this to me?” James asked in bewilderment. Didn’t he just say that he wasn’t ready to be a leader?

  “Because you now have invaluable experience as a soldier. Think about it. You’ve gone through torture, battle, fought people from other Kingdoms, acquired knowledge in the forest, and above all, some humility. No leader wants the job. He responds to a need. Fills the role that no you’ve learned one else is qualified for. With the skills you now possess, you would be a valuable asset to anyone taking the third test. You have now proven yourself worthy of this tool.”

  “If you say so, teacher,” James said, becoming quite solemn. Arimus bowed his head closer.

  “What’s ailing you, James?”

  “I just have one question…before I commit whole-heartedly to the infantry.” James said, turning the manumit over and over in his hands.

  “What is it?”

  “Is there really no way I can become a Sage? Achan was able to…but I see that his character far outweighs my own. Even if he didn’t want it, he was more than ready to become one. But I need to know for myself. So answer me, truthfully. Based on what you see, is it possible? Or do I have more growing up to do?”

  “I can’t say, James. I understand what you’re going through and I sympathize with all the recruits that try to become a Sage. The sparkle in their eyes when they hear the myths and the legends, the excited conversations at lunch time…but I’ve also seen those same eyes turn to sorrow. With that being said, I’ll say this. I admire your spirit because you haven’t quit. There are few people willing to go through a trial because they don’t see the reward right before their eyes. It’s easy to keep running the race when the finish line is in your sight, but what if it’s on the other side of the world? Who is willi
ng to complete that race? That is why I admire your reserve. Because you’re still running. Because you’re still jogging along, when others have fallen by the wayside. I’m not saying you’ll ever be a Sage, but because you’re willing to do what others won’t, it could be possible. Whatever you’re destined to be, it will follow through.”

  “That sure was a long way of saying ‘maybe.’”

  “You don’t need my blessing or confirmation, James. Wherever life takes you, be content while you look ahead. Otherwise, you will go down a dark road that few can recover from. How many are able to withstand a never-ending rejection and failure at success?”

  “Is that where you are, Arimus? Are you still traveling back?”

  “I knew from the beginning that my hard work and perseverance would pay off no matter the final destination. I hope you arrive at the same conclusion.”

  “If I can become half of the man you are, Arimus, I guess it wouldn’t be such a bad life. Besides, what is there for me if I were to go home? Long naps and games with my friends? My father? At least here, I can make a difference. Plus, I still have to apologize to someone.”

  “How long has it been since your offense?”

  “Too long, Arimus.”

  “Hopefully you will rectify the problem quickly.”

  “I’m not sure if she’ll accept my apology. I did say some terrible things.”

  “Who is she?”

  “Catherine.”

  Arimus nodded. James was sure she had spoken to him about the matter.

  “Well, after this test is over…why don’t you tell her yourself?”

  Arimus pointed down into the courtyard floor, just as Catherine came into view from beneath them. James was in awe over how long it had been since he had seen her. She walked boldly, as if she were ready to punch her test square in the face. Her eyes remained solemn and fixed toward the courtyard entrance. James was about to call out to her when Arimus lifted a finger, signifying that he was to remain quiet. James attached the manumit to his belt and paid attention.

  She looked no different from when he had last seen her, except her countenance had changed drastically. Her usual cheerful disposition was replaced by a sour look, one of annoyance and solemnity. She maintained her composure, moving slowly toward the courtyard doors, which Kyran had just come through. The two stood opposite from one another, staring each other down. He had his arms folded and his body was firm like a warrior’s, yet his face did not match.

  It was a face filled with sorrow and regret.

  And he didn’t look directly at Catherine. More like through her. He was unable to meet her gaze. Catherine seemed to notice, and she smirked at Kyran’s rare display of emotion. Kyran caught the smirk and immediately gathered himself. He cleared his throat with authority and she got the message. This would be her final test, and certainly nothing to smile about. James, still oblivious to what was about to happen, kept stretching his head over the balcony, struggling to get the best angle to watch what would unfold. Arimus observed James closely, wondering how he would react when the test would begin.

  “You seem to be on the edge of your seat,” Arimus stated, seeking to know where James’ thoughts were.

  “I’m curious to see what Catherine and Kyran are about to do. She looks so serious.”

  “And for good reason. This is her final test, after all.”

  “Since you’re allowing me to watch this, I assume I’m not going through the same test?”

  “No, not at all. This test is uniquely designed for her. She has a special purpose after all.”

  “And what is that?”

  “She bears a greater burden than any of us. It isn’t enough that she must rule a Kingdom as queen one day, but she must also defend her very body and soul to protect Allay’s coveted stone.”

  “What are you trying to say? What stone?”

  “The stone of Allay. The one stone passed throughout our Kingdom from generations past. The stone that every Allayan child, up until a few years ago, has touched from birth. The stone that gives one the potential to become a Sage.”

  “She has that, where?”

  “It’s infused within her now, attached to her very soul. It is activated very similarly to the way an eidolon is. It is summoned at will, like an eidolon, but at the cost of the user’s soul.”

  “It’ll cost her her soul? Why does she have to bear this stone?”

  “It is royal duty. Only the kings and queens inherit it. Maybe her mother passed it along to her before her capture.”

  “She can’t give it to someone else?”

  “I would think not. Otherwise she wouldn’t go through this test.”

  “I’m sure she’ll do fine.”

  “I hope she does, James. I don’t know what the Kingdom would do without an heir to the throne.”

  A pause.

  “Wait, what did you say? What do you mean by no heir?”

  “It’s possible she may not survive this test. She will only keep her life if she passes.”

  “WHAT?!”

  “It’s true. Catherine doesn’t yet know how to activate the stone at will, to harness its power. Either she will unleash it now, or Kyran will cut her down.”

  “Why? Why would she go for something like this?”

  “She facilitated this test, James, not us. She wants this. She doesn’t want to be like her parents, relying only on her guards to save her. She wants to be able to release the stone’s power if need be, to protect herself and others.”

  “If her bodyguards do their job, she shouldn’t have to.”

  “Like I said,” Arimus winced. “She wanted this. Like you have trained to become an infantryman, she has trained to release the power of the stone. As this is her wish, we can only watch and obey.”

  “Like I’m going to stand for that!” James declared as he went to jump off of the balcony. Arimus immediately grabbed him and threw him backward.

  “If you try that again, I won’t allow you to observe at all.”

  “Why let me watch? What’s the point of watching this foolishness?”

  “Because you inspire her, James.”

  James sat dumbstruck over the words.

  “Despite your perceived failures, you don’t give up. You may have been separated from Catherine all this time, but that doesn’t mean that she hasn’t heard all about you, including your time in the forest. It gave her great motivation. So just sit back, and cheer her on from within.”

  James reached out a hand for Arimus to take. Arimus took it and lifted James up to a standing position. James immediately went to the balustrade and leaned over it to watch what would unfold. Kyran was glaring at her, mustering up the courage to do what he was ordered to: kill her. Catherine began sweating as Kyran slowly withdrew the blade from his side, giving her full time to see her doom unfolding. Catherine instinctively went for a blade as well, but she let her hand drop at the last second. She took a deep breath, unsheathed her sword, and threw it as hard as she could to the side. She didn’t want the temptation.

  “She’s angry,” Arimus whispered. “Instead of fearing for her safety and drawing a blade, she should have been concentrating on the stone within her.”

  “She has nothing to defend herself with?”

  “She has all she needs, if only she knew how to release it.”

  Kyran took one step back, his heel scraping against the gravel beneath his feet, and in the next breath, he lunged forward, running full speed toward Catherine, his eyes fixed on her throat. Catherine put her hands together in a prayer motion and concentrated, her eyes glaring into Kyran’s.

  Kyran reared back at the last second as Catherine’s eyes widened in terror. Arimus saw the problem immediately.

  “She can’t do it,” he gasped as Kyran pulled up his blade and spun around her. Catherine took a long needed breath. Kyran scowled and leaned his head back toward her ear.

  “My mistake,” he muttere
d as he backed away and walked over to his starting position, giving her plenty of space. He readied the blade once again as Catherine began sweating. Her concentration appeared even worse off than before.

  “Kyran loves her too much,” Arimus said. “He doesn’t want to do this…but if anyone in Allay has the will to perform this task, it is him.”

  Kyran lunged once more, and swung toward her head. At the last moment, Catherine ducked and the blade swiped at the air. Kyran regrouped his efforts and brought the sword back up toward the off-balance princess. Catherine tried to fall away from it but failed miserably as the blade managed to slide down her left shoulder, nicking her. Catherine cried out in shock and grasped her wound, practically gliding backwards to get away. Kyran shook his head as she glared at him, gritting her teeth and breathing shallowly. Kyran refused to say a word.

  “What are you doing, Kyran!” Catherine cried out. “Why aren’t you giving it your all?”

  Kyran stayed silent.

  “I knew the moment you swung at my head, it wasn’t going to connect! I knew you were going to alter the course of the blade and slow it down, giving me time to dodge it. You’re not trying to hit me at all! You’re faster than this! I’ve seen you!”

  “What do you call that, Princess?” Kyran sulked, pointing toward her cut.

  “I call it a scratch, a flesh wound. It’s nothing I can’t shrug off. What’s wrong with you, Kyran? I chose you for the test because I thought you wouldn’t hesitate to do what you’re told! You don’t let your emotions get in the way of the task at hand! And you know this needs to be done. Stop caring about what might happen to me, and think about the good of the Kingdom! If I can’t release this stone, then I am unfit to lead these people!”

  Kyran almost seemed uneasy.

  “It didn’t seem like you were close at all to where you needed to be,” he muttered. “Your thoughts were all over the place. Your form was sloppy. I knew you wouldn’t tap into the stone’s power then. That is why I hesitated.”

  “And when will I be ready? That’s why this is supposed to be so serious! I know when you’re bluffing, Kyran. I’ve known you for years. And I especially know when you’re holding back, at my expense. Put your feelings aside, and think of me as an enemy. If you don’t strike to kill me now, I may never get to where I need to be!”

  “Fine,” he gruffed, angry he had been scolded so harshly.

  “He’s serious now,” Arimus whispered as James clutched the banister.

  “You mean he’s actually going to try to kill her?”

  “No doubt in my mind. Catherine’s words reminded him of why he took on this assignment in the first place.”

  “Is Catherine ready?” James asked, as he saw her shaking, trying not to hold onto her wound. She had said it was nothing, but it hurt far more than she claimed. She was sweating, and her eyes were sporadic. James knew his answer the moment he asked it.

  “No, not even close.”

  “That’s all I need to hear,” James said as he climbed onto the banister. Arimus reached for him, but James was ready, having already loosened his jacket the moment he had seen Catherine get cut.

  Thankfully, he hadn’t forgotten it today…

  Arimus grabbed his jacket and pulled, but James was already out of it, falling to the courtyard floor. James landed on one knee and both hands, as Arimus yelled his name. Kyran stood still and Catherine glanced over at him. He wasn’t sure if it was sweat or tears that welcomed him.

  “Arimus is always telling me to wear that jacket, and look where it got him,” James said playfully. Catherine’s eyes smiled.

  “Always the kidder, James. It’s good to see you…though, I wish it was under better circumstances.”

  “Don’t be silly, I’m here to help.”

  Catherine’s eyes darkened.

  “Seriously, James. That isn’t funny.”

  “Catherine, I -”

  “- you can’t be here.”

  “Let me finish -”

  “- It doesn’t matter what you have to say. You can’t help me. I have to do this, alone.”

  “Why now?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Why do you have to be alone now? Why do you have to take this test by yourself all of a sudden? Last time I checked, you were a princess, not a recruit. You’re supposed to have bodyguards. Well, you’ve got one.”

  “There’s no way I can be a princess, remember?”

  “I -”

  “ - I have to do this alone, James. You might feel like you owe me one, but honestly, I’ve already forgiven you for what you said. Just let me do this.”

  Catherine turned toward Kyran who stood impatiently. Catherine nodded, giving him the okay, when James stepped in front of her.

  “No, I refuse.”

  “James, I order you to go.”

  “To me, you’re not a princess, remember?”

  “James, this is no time for games.”

  “Who’s playing? Kyran is about to kill you!”

  “And if he does, don’t I deserve it? Wouldn’t that mean I’m not fit to lead?”

  “Allay needs you. I know you think you won’t be able to do anything by yourself, but that’s what your guards are here for. They’re here to protect you.”

  “A lot of good they did my parents.”

  “Catherine, is that what this is all about? Listen, your parents were up against impossible odds. Even if they could fight, it would’ve made little difference.”

  “I want to be able to at least do what I can. What good can I do if I’m simply a liability?”

  “Then I’ll protect you!” James screamed. Catherine struggled not to look in his eyes. “That would be far better than this sick test! That’s exactly how our enemy tried to make me turn into a Sage! He tortured me and pushed me to my limits, but guess what? It didn’t work! I don’t understand how the Kingdom of Allay can sanction the same tactics!”

  “You can’t protect me,” she said solemnly. “Even Lakrymos was killed, remember? I don’t mean to offend you, but what could you do, James?”

  “I know I’m not a Sage, but like Arimus said, I don’t give up! I’ll never give up. I’ll never leave your side, no matter what! What you’re doing right now is basically suicide, and regardless of what will happen to me for defying Arimus, I will be your shield!”

  Arimus stood silent on the balcony, watching Kyran as the two friends talked with each other. He could tell. The assassin was growing impatient. Kyran gripped his blade with new-found purpose.

  “Take the test later,” James continued. “When you’ve had more time to train. We’ll even train together for this. We’ll take our time, grow strong together, pass these tests together. I can help you the way you helped me. And when you pass this in the future, I’ll still be there for you. A bodyguard, advisor, a friend, anything you need. Just don’t do this now!”

  “You don’t understand, James. I have to do this now. Time is short.”

  “I know someone could attack the Kingdom any day, but that doesn’t mean you should throw your life away!”

  “That’s not it…not what I meant at all…”

  “Shut-up!” a growl roared across the courtyard. Catherine and James turned to see an enraged Kyran take a step forward, gripping the leather hilt of his sword.

  “You can’t protect her. You’re incapable.”

  “And how would you know?” James spat back. “You’ve been talking a lot since I’ve gotten here, but I’ve barely seen you lift a finger. For all I know, you’re just talk!”

  “You get by on the backs of others. Every step you take is on borrowed time.”

  “I could say the same about you,” James said boldly. “Black cat.”

  “WHAT?” Kyran growled as he struck the ground with his sword, and then immediately after, his speech turned back to its usual dark monotony. “If you call me that ever again, I don’t care what the circumstances are,
I will take your head. You have no idea what you’re saying when you utter those words and I have no time for fools.”

  “Mere words, Kyran. That’s all they are.”

  “One can say the same about you.”

  “Then test me!”

  “Fine. If you can protect Catherine, right now, then I will let the test go no further.”

  “Agreed!” James yelled as he unsheathed his sword and readied his stance.

  “James -” Catherine began, but he put up a hand to stop her.

  “Catherine, if I can’t do this, then I don’t even deserve to be here. This is all I have left.”

  “James…”

  “Take this time to concentrate on releasing the stone. I’ll hold him off.”

  James charged forward.

  He assessed the situation, trying not to let Catherine cloud his thoughts. Geez, this guy really is like a cat, James thought as he looked at Kyran, noting how he stood completely at ease, as if James wouldn’t even be able to scratch him. He knew he couldn’t unleash a barrage of attacks, and there was little he could do to dodge any assault that came his way, because Kyran was supposedly so quick. There was no real tactic he could come up with…

  Then again, from looking at how skinny Kyran was, it seemed like he would fall over at any moment. James was definitely bigger than him. Maybe, just maybe he could get enough weight behind him to…

  James charged forward, faster than before, putting even his sword down at his side. He won’t see this coming. James thought as he tried to tackle Kyran’s midsection. Kyran was unfazed. At the last moment, he curled up the corner of his lip and ran forward himself.

  He easily met James halfway and ducked right under the recruit’s tackle, thrusting his blade into and across the recruit’s stomach. James’ assault ended immediately as he tasted blood on his lips. He fell forward and somehow, Kyran was fast enough to remove the blade before he hit the ground. James fell to the gravel hard, skidding his face into it as he clutched his wound. Catherine opened her eyes from concentrating the moment she heard the thud of James’ body. Kyran turned to the princess and glared.

  “How much longer do you need?” he growled.

  Catherine looked from Kyran to James as he struggled to breathe. Catherine raised four fingers, but Kyran shook his head.

  “That’s too long. I’m coming now. And this will be it. Either release the power of the stone, or die.”

  Catherine nodded as she closed her eyes to concentrate. James heard Kyran’s words loud and clear and he wasn’t going to let it happen. He tried to cry out, but a lump in his throat stopped him. If only he wasn’t such a failure when people needed him most. Sure, he had survived until now, but it was because of freakish luck or refusal to accept the fate before him. No, Catherine was about to die, and he couldn’t live up to his promise.

  And that made him particularly mad. Because he would survive, and she would not.

  And Catherine was the one who deserved to live, to be given whatever her heart desired. She had lost her parents so young, and worked so hard to become the queen Allay needed. While he, on the other hand, had wasted his life day after day, contributing nothing to his countrymen, simply taking up their oxygen and water, existing until his next nap.

  When he had been forced to go to the Academy, he didn’t immediately see it as a chance at redemption, but eventually he did. But how quickly that opportunity had passed. From his failure at being a Sage, to failing at even being a proper infantryman, he continuously let himself down. So why was he even alive? What could his reason for being on this earth possibly be? Surely there was a reason. Surely there was more in him. He had fought a Sage-in-training for three days in a row and lived, being hit by an eidolon and everything.

  And now he got stabbed by a regular ordinary sword and he’s down when his best friend needed him more than ever…no, he had more in him. He couldn’t let her die. Everyone needed her. Everyone was counting on her, while he was expendable. Sure his life mattered, but only to him. Who would miss him? Who would talk about his accomplishments? Who would attend his funeral but Catherine, a few friends and perhaps his father, out of obligation?

  He had more to offer and he was going to prove it to her. He didn’t care about the fame anymore, he only wanted Catherine to live, so she would be the vibrant and loving queen he knew she could be. So she could teach others to strive for happiness, so she could help the world.

  So she could make a difference.

  And wasn’t that worth dying for?

  “If you move around,” Kyran muttered, noticing his excessive grunting. “You’ll bleed to death. That I promise.”

  Aw, he cares, James laughed despite his injury. She was the only one that had ever cared about how he felt, and he wasn’t about to die and have her last memory of him be one of disappointment.

  James opened a half-shut eye to see Kyran move silently forward toward Catherine. James thrust his hands away from his stomach, brushing something against his leg in the process. James’ eyes widened as he remembered.

  The manumit.

  A last ditch effort for any infantryman. Well, he had already made up his mind to die for her. He might as well go out in a blaze of glory. Now he just had to get up…

  If I only stay still, I’ll live. The words crossed his mind. But then she would die. That was all the motivation he needed as he screamed with everything his lungs could muster. Catherine refused to open her eyes, shutting them harder, trying to concentrate on her mission as James screamed more and more, his determination boosting his legs up to stand, lifting his chin to look at the walking barrier between Catherine and her life.

  Kyran stared back at him, sickened at what he saw: a recruit standing in defiance, with half-shut eyes and gravel/blood-soaked clothes. James laughed, short of breath, as he took one step forward.

  “I told you, if you move, you’ll die,” Kyran said with feigned concern.

  James took a few quick deep breaths, just enough to muster a few words.

  “If you move, you’ll die!”

  Kyran scoffed at the idea.

  “I don’t speak to corpses.”

  James reached clumsily for the manumit that lay at his side.

  “If you take another step,” Kyran replied, “I will strike you down where you stand.”

  James ignored his words, lunging forward, concentrating only on hitting Kyran. His tears blinded him as he struggled almost into unconsciousness, his footing stumbling as he came closer and closer to his target. Kyran readied his sword to strike as James reached for his weapon.

  In all the commotion, he had forgotten that the manumit was on his right side, not his left, yet he thought nothing of it as he felt a hilt, extending out from his left rib. He couldn’t see the light that came with the emergence of an eidolon, nor Kyran, but he could feel him standing there. A sixth sense of sorts. He could smell the dirt beneath his fingernails as it mixed with the oils of his skin, creating a distinctive DNA signature. He could hear the way his heart beat steadily, confident in its master’s ability to provide enough oxygen. He could hear the veins tense in the muscles of his legs as he shifted his weight to attack. He could hear his eyelashes tremble as his eyes strained from being exposed too long. He could taste the intent to kill, an acidic rusty taste, or was that his own blood? He couldn’t tell.

  But no matter. All he wanted was to stop Kyran. He could hear the vocal chords in Kyran’s throat tense as he began to say a word but James saw no need to hear it out. James didn’t move. His right arm did, with a fluidity that cast James into nothing but awe as he fell to the ground afterwards. His experience as a Sage was short-lived, but for the couple of seconds he had left in the world of the living, he would relish in what he had felt last from Kyran:

  Pure fear.

  “Unbelievable,” Kyran muttered in disbelief as a massive red line appeared slowly from his right hip to his left shoulder. Kyran fell backward, his head hitting
the gravel without restraint as he fell unconscious.

  James muttered an “aw” as he felt the eidolon disappear. He had never gotten to see it. In whatever time he had left, he tried desperately to find Catherine, but his eyes were already darkening.

  “…Don’t know - time left…” James gasped as he tried not to black out, his arms reaching for her embrace. “Sorry for earlier…”

  “Idiot,” Catherine laughed. “I said I already forgave you.”

  “Don’t cry over me, too hard now. I’m trying not to…I’ll miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you too, for the few minutes it will take for you to get to the infirmary where I can visit you.”

  “If you weren’t the princess,” James muttered, ignoring her. “I could’ve fallen in love with you.”

  “Aren’t you already?” she mused as James lost consciousness. Catherine giggled as Arimus leaped down to the floor below. He walked over to James and examined his body, laughing from within at what he had just seen.

  “A little dramatic, isn’t he?” Arimus chuckled as Catherine placed a hand on James’ chest.

  “Yes, but it’s just one of the reasons I like him so much…”