“You were very lucky,” she said, taking out bandages and soaking them in a strange milky solution. “If any of those cuts had been any lower, they would have hit vital arteries, and you might not be standing now.”
“She was a tough opponent,” Sage said, wincing as the woman placed a bandage on his right shoulder. “I thought I was finished for a moment.”
“The next match will begin!” Padros shouted. “Reysha, Daughter of Yce’ro, versus Byshun, Grandson of Elder Kanazh.”
Reysha turned to Sage. “How’d you make those blades?”
This took him aback. He’d have to be careful with what he said. “I had to focus on the sharpest, most durable material I could think of. Somehow, that worked.”
“Are you ready?” Byshun asked Reysha, flipping his mane out of his face.
Reysha nodded, storming right past him and into the ring.
“They’re going to need a new ring after this,” Sage said.
“It’s the same every time,” Cyra said. “Apparently, in the previous Trials, the ring was completely obliterated.”
“When was that?” Sage asked.
Cyra’s eyes narrowed at him. “Before the uprising. The Elder’s own offspring, including High Elder Geidra’s son, all participated and became Valier.”
How convenient, Sage thought.
“They lost their lives to Kyrties’ forces mere processions later,” Cyra said, turning away.
“I see...” Sage stared at his bloody hands.
Why did you do it, Father? Sage thought.
The bell tolled and Reysha’s match began.
Reysha extended her left foot and kept her palms ready.
Byshun bowed to her and readied himself. “I’m sure you know how this will end.”
“I beat your friend,” Reysha said. “I can beat you.”
She rushed in, unleashing a barrage of barrier punches on him. Byshun grinned and effortlessly danced through them, finishing by landing a powerful barrier punch to her ribs, creating a sickening crack that seeped into the damp air of the entire chamber.
Reysha slid back, her boots kicking up dust as she held her ribs and winced.
He’s got more than mental trickery, Sage thought. His Sulen spiked just before he hit her. She’s in for a struggle if he starts in with the illusions.
Wren had said that Valier were uniquely equipped to handle the mental trickery of the Shar, but the techniques for handling such techniques were kept secret amongst the Valier.
Why was that? Wouldn’t the city have better odds of lasting through an assault if they were all equipped to deal with the enemy?
His gaze fell on the Council again; Geidra was looking at him.
Unless, Sage thought. Unless it’s not about ensuring the survival of the whole population, but those loyal to Geidra. The tomes speak of the people fleeing before the fall of many cities. The government was always first to flee from the city.
They talk endlessly about the threat of the Shar, and yet everything they do is geared toward preserving and maintaining a stranglehold on their power. They don’t give a damn about the rest of us. Especially not those in the Urdys Quarter.
Even if the Shar are real, who’s the real monster between us?
Booming shock waves exploded through the air, drawing his attention back to the ring. Reysha and Byshun were exchanging barrier strikes. Byshun attempted to jab her in the ribs again, but she leapt over his back and slammed him with a wave of pure Sulen that enveloped his body and slammed him face-first into the ring, pushing him to the edge.
An attack like that could have cooked his skin right off if he were any weaker.
Byshun’s tunic was shredded when he stood up, but his skin was clearly intact. His Sulen was far too potent for him to be wounded so easily, even without a barrier. He might have looked delicate, but Sage was willing to bet his skin was as tough as steel, if not stronger.
Byshun grinned. “Impressive, Daughter of Yce’ro. You actually managed to hit me. But, I think you know where this is heading. It’s been fun, darling.”
“Darling?” Reysha said, sounding as if she were about to puke—but then her eyes opened in shock, and she started glancing all over the ring. “Where the hell...”
Byshun got in close and slammed her with a barrier punch to her face, knocking her to the floor.
“What’s the matter?” Byshun said. “Having difficulties?”
Reysha got to her feet and formed a domed barrier around herself.
“You think a barrier will save you?” Byshun chuckled, approaching her slowly, then dashing around to her rear with the stealth and grace of a cat stalking its prey.
Sage couldn’t feel his Sulen, even as he thrust his palms forward and caused the entire chamber to rock violently. The beam of Sulen crashed into Reysha’s barrier. That beam outshined the relics at the four corners of the trial chamber and emitted a sound that was nearly indescribable. As if the heavens themselves were being torn in two by a great cosmic river. Bits of plasma spilled off of the end of the beam, hitting the ring and smoldering; but, even as the force of Byshun’s attack pushed her toward the center of the ring, Reysha’s azure barrier held.
Sage had expected the beam to stop, but somehow, Byshun was managing to keep it flowing.
What was her plan? She clearly couldn’t see or sense Byshun. And neither could Sage, for that matter.
Eventually, keeping a barrier of that strength up would wear her down.
From within, Reysha gave a great shout and, slowly, her barrier started expanding, struggling against the immense force and brilliance of Byshun’s beam.
“This again?” Byshun said. “That may have worked on Nelic, but I am not so weak!”
Byshun raised his palms up, splitting the beam into two segments and dragging the left side of it like a whip, lashing it out, wrapping the beam around her barrier even as he thrust his right palm at the ground, forcing the other beam to redirect right through the ring.
He’s planning to hit her from below! Sage thought
A crash of forces sounded through the air. Dust exploded up from the ring. When the dust cleared, Reysha was lying on the ring, writhing.
“I guess you’re worthy of your father’s name after all,” Byshun said, giggling.
“What?” Reysha’s bloody fingers clutched at the battered ring. She held her ribs as she pushed herself to her feet, blood trickling from her lips.
“What did you say?” Reysha shouted, breathing heavily.
“Still conscious?” Byshun said. “Do yourself a favor and jump out of the ring. You won’t beat me.”
Reysha’s hands balled into fists. She stopped panting and summoned a faint aura around her. “Don’t tell me what to do, or I’ll rend the flesh from that face you seem to care so damn much about.”
“Empty threats,” Byshun said. “Just like your father. Do you know what really happened to him?”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Reysha asked.
“He was a traitor,” Byshun said, putting his palms together, aiming them at her.
“You’re lying!” Reysha shouted, her aura exploding around her.
“No.” A glowing ball of lightning sparked to life at the edge of his palms, growing in size. “I’m sure you’ve guessed that there is still support for Kyrties in Yce Ralakar, and your father was found out to be a sympathizer. I overheard the Council discussing it over drinks. They sent Commander Dirkus to eliminate him. He died begging for his life as the town he hid in was wiped off the face of the planet. And now I’m about to end you too!”
Byshun’s shouts echoed through the chamber as massive rolling balls of lightning exploded from his palms and surrounded Reysha.
Sage gritted his teeth, helpless to watch as Reysha fought the air around her. As she struggled with phantoms, the orbs spiraled in on her; and, finally, they slammed into her, combining into one massive ball of electricity.
There were no screams.
“There,” B
yshun said, turning to Padros. “Feel free to call it. This is over.”
Then, there was a violent shout from within the ball of raging lightning. Byshun’s eyes opened wide as Reysha exploded from the storm of lightning, slamming his face with a barrier punch.
Several of his teeth hit the rubble-strewn ring, and Reysha did not relent. Her eyes were filled with murder. She slammed Byshun again, breaking his ribs with a sickening crack.
Byshun tried to retaliate with a lightning bolt, but Reysha punched right through it, smashing his fingers, grabbing his arm and slamming him into the ring.
“I’m going to kill you!” she shouted, slamming her foot down, aiming for his head.
Byshun managed to roll out of the way, cradling his mangled fingers. “That was a cheap shot!”
Reysha formed a barrier blade with her right hand and launched herself at him. Sweat and blood filled the air as they clashed, Byshun deflecting her slashes and kicks with his own barrier strikes.
“You think it matters how much you struggle?” he shouted, his bloodied face contorting into a scowl. “You’re just reminding the Elders of your taint!”
Reysha screamed in response, thrusting her palm forward, breaking right through the barrier he tossed up in reflex and grabbing his face, slamming him into the floor and squeezing her fingers into his eyes.
Byshun cried out and thrust his arm into her side A blast of pure Sulen exploded from her back and she stumbled back.
“Bastard,” she said, holding her side and falling to her knees.
Byshun got to his feet. “I made the mistake of letting my guard down. I will not make it again.”
Reysha was breathing heavily; her Sulen fading.
“Padros,” Sage said, getting to his feet. “Call the match. She can’t continue like this.”
“Unfortunately, that is up to her,” Padros said.
“I’d—” Reysha struggled to her feet. “I’d rather die—than give up!”
“So be it,” Byshun said, shooting a lightning bolt at Reysha that sent her flying out of the ring.
“Reysha!” Sage leapt into the pit after her.
Her body looked pretty mangled. The wound Byshun had sent through her side was already cauterized. Her eyes were open, looking up at him.
“B-bastard,” Reysha said, coughing. “I couldn’t do it.”
Sage knelt by her side. “I’m going to get you to the Temple of Ara’ka, Wren will be able to help you.”
“I’d rather...” She shook her head, her tears mixing with her own blood. “I’d rather die. I’m worthless.”
“Don’t talk like that,” Sage said, scooping her into his arms. “You gave it your all.”
“It wasn’t enough,” she said quietly. “The things...”
“You’ll recover from this,” Sage said, leaping out of the pit to the waiting platform. “And you’ll get stronger.”
“Winner,” Padros said, turning to Sage and Reysha. “Byshun, Grandson of Elder Kanazh is victorious.”
Byshun limped down the steps, holding his ribs. “Did you see that? She’s a rabid beast.”
Sage turned to him. “You drove her to that, threw her off balance with your words. You knew exactly what you were doing.”
Byshun chuckled, brushing his hand through his mane. “Perhaps. Does this anger you, Son of Kyrties? Will you fly into a rage like she did, losing yourself like the beast you are?”
“No wonder you two find such solace in each other’s company,” Cyra said.
Sage turned to Padros. “We need to get her to a healer. Now.”
Padros nodded. “I’ll see to it that she’s able to stand for the ascension ceremony.”
Padros took her from Sage’s arms; the woman who had bandaged his wounds left with him.
“Well,” Byshun said. “Seems we’re in for a wait.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t have maimed her?” Cyra said, her eyes narrowing at Byshun.
“Perhaps I did overdo it?” Byshun said, chuckling.
Sage clenched his fists and approached the edge of the waiting platform.
“High Elder Geidra,” Sage said.
Her eyes were torn from a conversation she was having with Elder Kanazh. “Yes?”
“Is it true?” Sage asked. “Was Reysha’s father a traitor?”
Her expression soured.
“Yes,” Commander Kiel said. “It is true.”
Sage stared at the ground, his fists clenched. “Damn it.”
“Why do you ask?” Geidra said.
“Reysha didn’t know,” Sage said.
“We hadn’t intended her to find out either,” Geidra said, glaring at Byshun.
“I do apologize, High Elder,” Byshun said, bowing.
“Will that affect your judgment of her progress?” Sage asked.
Geidra’s grey eyebrows furrowed and she leaned forward. “Do not worry yourself with this.”
“Fine,” Sage said. “But please don’t hold her lineage against her. Reysha’s fought harder than most people to be here. She loves her people, and she loves this city.”
Geidra nodded. “I will not forget that, do not fret.”
“Thank you,” Sage said, turning around.
“Well said,” Byshun said.
Sage glared at him. “Do me a favor.”
“Oh?”
“Don’t speak to me until our match begins,” Sage said.
“Oh, you’ve angered the son of Kyrties.” Cyra grinned, covering her mouth with her palm in mock shock.
“Be happy that your mate was allowed to live,” Byshun said.
“You just don’t know when the shut the hell up, do you?” Sage shouted.
“Silence!” Geidra shouted. “Enough bickering. Save it for the ring. If I hear another complaint out of any of you before Padros returns, I will fail all three of you.”
Byshun scoffed, glaring at the floor. “Yes, High Elder.”
“Fine by me,” Sage said.
Sage walked over to where he’d been sitting before and sat down, closed his eyes and started meditating.
2
Padros returned nearly an hour later, about the same amount of time that their previous break had taken.
“Finally,” Byshun said.
“I’m sorry for the delay,” Padros said, returning to his platform next to the staircase leading to the ring. “We will begin momentarily.”
“Is she okay?” Sage asked, getting to his feet.
Padros nodded. “She will be fine.”
“There,” Byshun said. “All’s well that ends well, or however the saying goes.”
“The next match will begin!” Padros shouted. “Sage of Yce Ralakar, versus Cyra, Granddaughter of Elder Makai, and Byshun, Grandson of Elder Kanazh. Take your places.”
Ignoring the aches and pains, Sage summoned his Sulen and approached the ring. It was all he could do to hold in the burning rage that demanded to be released as he took his place with his back to the Elders.
This is it, he thought.
He didn’t know how long he’d be able to last against these two. Frankly, he wasn’t sure how much of his stamina had actually recovered.
Byshun and Cyra stood across from him.
“Shall we work together?” Byshun asked.
Cyra nodded. “Seems appropriate. We can settle between each other after he’s dealt with.”
“You think it’ll be that easy?” Sage said. Flames licked at the air around his dried bandages.
“You’re already wounded,” Byshun said. “Do you honestly think you can handle both of us at the same time?”
“You’re about to find out,” Sage said, shifting his right foot forward and forming a barrier blade in front of him.
“How quaint,” Byshun said.
Sage leapt at him first, but as he brought his barrier blade down on Byshun’s head, his blade passed right through him.
Just as I thought. An illusion.
The illusion of Byshun winked at him before vanish
ing.
He felt the wind flee his lungs as two powerful impacts slammed into his gut and chest, knocking him into the center of the chamber.
Give up, he thought. No one wants a Valier they can’t trust.
Had he really just thought that? Sage’s eyes opened wide.
There’s no way they’re going to pass me, he thought. I should just jump out of the ring.
“Fucking bastard,” he said, gritting his teeth and forcing himself to his feet.
“Oh, he’s talking to himself now!” Byshun’s laughter filled the ring. “Clearly, he’s unfit for battle!”
The thoughts sounded like his inner voice, but clearly weren’t his. Had Byshun been in Reysha’s head that whole time too?
You’ll find out, he thought.He formed a domed barrier around himself.If his thoughts weren’t safe, how the hell was he going to fight against these illusions?
Keep reaching into my mind, he thought. Go deep enough and you may not like what you find.
It felt like their Sulen was coming from every direction. Probably every direction but the place where they really were.
Is this what it’s like to fight the Shar? he thought.
Something hit his barrier, rattling his teeth. Both blows had come from his right.
He kept his eyes closed and sent his Sulen out in waves to feel the room out. Their Sulen was still coming from everywhere. He couldn’t trust his senses.
But...if he counterattacked the moment that he felt something hit his barrier, he might just have a chance to knock the bastards out of the ring.
He waited; sweat drenched his brow as he pooled his Sulen into his palms.
Something slammed into the rear part of his barrier, and just as it did, he whirled around, dropping the barrier completely, and dashed right through a lightning bolt, thrusting his arms forward and bringing a wall of pure Sulen down on whoever had hit him.
There was a crashing noise, a scream, and then he felt something rip through the air, slamming into his side with such force that it lifted his feet off the ring.
He opened his eyes in time to see Cyra standing at the edge of the ring. He was falling into the pit.
“You will not break me!” he shouted, blasting at the wall and sending his body back into the ring.
“You got extremely lucky,” Cyra said. “Now it’s just you and me.”
The Man Without Hands Page 25