A Warden's Purpose (Wardens of Issalia Book 1)

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

  The next four days seemed a blur as they traveled about the northern valleys of the Skyspike Mountains. How many miles they covered, Quinn couldn’t begin to guess. Each day, when the sun reached its apex, they would stop and set up camp. The groupings changed each day, but the results were the same. Dig a fire pit, collect wood, hide the trail, hunt for dinner, and construct a barrier of sharpened stakes as a defense. Once camp was set, they would work on various ranger skills – navigation the first day, tree climbing the second, foraging the third, and tracking on both the fourth and fifth days.

  On the sixth day, they broke camp early – as they had done every other morning – and found themselves crossing a saddle by mid-morning. At the peak, Quinn found herself looking over a valley to the east, one with a complex of buildings at each end of a vast field. Somehow, their journey had circled around both academies and placed them opposite from where the journey had begun.

  Two hours later, they emerged from the thick forest and onto the western edge of the lawn. With the academy now in sight, Quinn found herself longing for a night of sleep in her bunk. It wasn’t particularly comfortable, but it would feel like a dream compared to sleeping on the hard, uneven ground.

  17

  The Escarp

  Wooden swords swept through the air in parallel arcs, spinning and slicing before Vi reclaimed a ready stance. Quinn and three other girls watched her closely and repeated the young woman’s moves as if dancing with invisible partners. Their shadows, cast by the mid-day sun, mimicked their movements obediently. A bead of sweat tracked down Quinn’s forehead and into her eye. The sting caused her to blink twice, but her attention remained focused. Such distractions now had little affect on her.

  For the first week, Quinn had found it difficult to follow the woman, not fully understanding the intent of the exercise. However, repetition is an odd thing, shaving the unfamiliar away until it becomes natural. As her body grew used to the movements, she found herself executing them without the need to think.

  By the third week, Vi had doubled her movement speed, forcing Quinn and the other girls to do so as well. Surprisingly, Quinn found the faster speed easier to perform, as if she had been fighting to restrain herself when executing the forms at a slower pace. Now, after eight weeks of practicing, Quinn found the beauty in the form, like poetry in motion…if one viewed a dance with death as poetry.

  “Stop and take positions!” Sergeant Jasmine’s voice echoed throughout the training yard.

  Quinn relaxed her stance, wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, and fell into line. The other groups – the girls who had been training with the quarterstaff and those who trained with a sword and shield – joined hers as they formed two rows. Vi and Lissa stood to the side as Jasmine stood before the female cadets.

  The sergeant gave them a nod of approval. “You are progressing well. I suspect that you long to test your skill against another. Beginning tomorrow, we will end each week with a dueling session, which will allow you to test your mettle against a real opponent.

  “Yes, there will be injuries, some significant. This is why there will be a crew of ecclesiasts from our sister school ready to heal your broken bones.

  “As a reward for the hard work you’ve put in these past fifteen weeks, you will have the subsequent three days off. Free time is a precious commodity. Use it wisely.

  “I’m going to release you early today so you can rest before your duel. But first, I thought it would be fun to have a bit of competition.”

  The woman walked toward the wall that stood beside the training yard. Built from rectangular rocks mortared together, the face of the wall was hundreds of feet in length and stood four stories tall. A wooden scaffolding stood at the end of the wall that did not intersect with the academy.

  Jasmine patted one of the rocks that jutted out from the wall and turned toward her audience. “When this wall was constructed, it was intentionally designed with random rocks jutting out more than others, providing natural handholds. As the second-year cadets are aware, we call this wall The Escarp.”

  As she strode toward them, Jasmine explained. “We use The Escarp as a little test – a chance to put your strength and agility on display. You’ve been improving both aspects of your body since the day you arrived here, so climbing this wall should be no trouble. As incentive, whoever can do so the fastest earns a reward. Unlike the other duels where I will assign each pairing, the winner of this challenge is allowed to select their opponent themselves.”

  She stepped aside and pointed toward the wall. “Second-year Cadets, you know what to do. Go!”

  The front row of girls bolted toward the wall and began scaling it. Moving at varying speeds, they worked their way up the wall like a nest of freshly hatched spiders.

  Simone and Darnya seperated from the pack, rising faster than the other girls. In a close race, Darnya reached the top a half step ahead of Simone. Quinn frowned as she watched Darnya stand to raise her fist in the air, pumping it as she said something to Simone. She then jogged to the scaffolding at the far end and descended the series of ladders with ease. By the time the last girl stood on the rooftop, Darnya was on the ground, striding proudly toward Jasmine.

  “Very good, Darnya.” The sergeant nodded in approval. “I think you’re even faster than last year.”

  “Thank you, Sergeant.”

  Darnya, Simone, and the other second-year students settled into a line behind the first-year students. With them all in position, Jasmine addressed the squad.

  “First-year Cadets, you have seen how it’s done. Get to the top as fast as possible, but don’t fall. It may not kill you, but it will cause a great deal of pain, and you’ll find yourself in the infirmary.” She moved aside to leave open ground between the students and the wall. “Ready…and…go!”

  Quinn sprinted toward the wall, slowing just before reaching it. She extended her arms and found a handhold, pulling herself up while pushing up with the opposite foot. Keeping her eyes above her, she continued upward, working as quickly as she dared. When she reached the top, she pulled herself onto the roof and stood.

  The height seemed much higher than it did when standing on the ground. A glance to one side showed the roof empty save for the Tantarri girl, who was pulling herself to her knees. A glance to the other side revealed a short girl named Yvette doing the same. When she realized that she had won, elation forced a grin onto Quinn’s face. As the Tantarri girl approached, Quinn nodded to her.

  “That was a tough race, Chuli. You did well.”

  Chuli’s eyes narrowed. “Thank you, Jacquinn Gulagas.”

  She continued past Quinn and climbed onto the scaffolding to begin her descent, trailing behind Yvette. After a glance toward the other girls cresting the roof edge, Quinn scrambled down the first ladder.

  When she reached the ground, Quinn joined Chuli and Yvette to take position in line behind the second-year students. The other girls soon joined them, lining up as Quinn considered whom she might choose to fight in tomorrow’s duel. With everyone assembled, Sergeant Jasmine again addressed the group.

  “That was not a bad first attempt. In particular, I was impressed by the speed of Cadets Quinn, Yvette, and Chuli.”

  For the first time since her arrival at the academy, Quinn felt the warmth of praise. Like a parent hugging a child, the embrace of approval provided comfort and a sense of accomplishment.

  “Darnya and Quinn, since you each won your heat, I need you to step forward so we can settle this.”

  “What?” Quinn muttered as she watched Darnya stand at attention beside Jasmine.

  “What are you waiting for, Cadet?” Jasmine asked as she crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m sure the others would like to head to the baths so they can take advantage of this glorious autumn afternoon.”

  Realizing that everyone was looking at her, Quinn shuffled forward to take her position beside Darnya. Standing beside the girl made her feel small. Having everyone watching sent her heart r
acing.

  “This is it. Winner chooses their opponent for tomorrow.” Jasmine shouted, “Ready…go!”

  Quinn darted forward, matching Darnya in speed despite the other girl’s longer stride. They reached the wall simultaneously and began scaling it with Darnya slightly ahead due to her added height. Discarding caution, Quinn climbed faster than she thought was possible.

  As Quinn neared the top, she found herself gaining on the other girl. With a few feet remaining, she sensed herself passing Darnya…until her grip slipped. Panic struck, and Quinn scrambled to grab something –anything – when her fingers clamped around the tail of Darnya’s hair.

  “Argh!” the other girl cried out as her head snapped backward.

  Quinn released the girl’s hair and was able to grab ahold of a rock. She resumed her climb, but Darnya was a step ahead and crested the rooftop just before Quinn reached it.

  Pulling herself to her belly and rising to her knees, Quinn caught her breath while glancing up at the other girl.

  “You tried to pull me off the wall!” Darnya bellowed.

  Quinn shook her head. “I slipped. I didn’t mean to.”

  “Liar. You’re a liar and a cheater.”

  Quinn rose to her feet. “No. Really, I…”

  “I don’t want to hear it.” Darnya jabbed her finger into Quinn’s chest. “I’ll teach you tomorrow in front of everyone, because you’ll be my opponent…or, more accurately, my victim.”

  18

  I See You

  The smell of spiced mutton teased Quinn’s senses and sent her stomach rumbling. She carried a plate of steaming meat and vegetables in one hand and a big mug of milk in the other as she crossed the mess hall. Ignoring the taunting comments from Darnya as she passed by, a smile tugged on the corner of her mouth when she noticed Iko and Percy seated alone at their table. When she approached, Iko looked up from his meal and smiled.

  “You’re here,” he said.

  “I am? I hadn’t noticed.” Quinn raised her eyebrows. “I wonder how that happened.”

  Percy chuckled at the comment.

  “Funny.” Iko’s face twisted in a half-grin. “What I meant is that I haven’t seen you at dinner lately. In fact, not for weeks.”

  Quinn sat across from him and picked her fork from her plate. “I’ve been…busy.”

  “Too busy to eat?”

  She shrugged as she stared at her plate, watching her fork shift the steamed potatoes and carrots. “No. I just stop by the kitchen later at night. There’s always something left to eat.”

  He frowned. “Are you avoiding me?”

  Quinn shook her head. “No. Not anything like that. I’m just spending extra time on other things.”

  “Okay. But if I’ve done anything to upset you, you’d tell me, right?”

  She shrugged. “Sure, but don’t worry. It has nothing to do with you.”

  He flashed his white teeth, his amber eyes sparkling. “Good.”

  Although she was drawn to his smile, her stomach rumbled, forcing her to acknowledge her hunger. As she ate, she glanced up to find Iko finishing his meal, his plate cleared as he scooped the last bit of potato. He smiled again when their eyes met.

  “We have our first sparring duel tomorrow,” Percy said.

  Quinn nodded. “Us as well.”

  “I know,” He replied. “We go first. When we finish, we’ll get to watch your duels.”

  The hunger in her stomach suddenly turned sour. She glanced toward Darnya’s table. The girl pointed in Quinn’s direction and laughed as she said something to her companions. Quinn’s eyes narrowed as anger began to stir inside.

  “What’s the deal with you and Darnya?” Iko asked.

  “She’s a bully. Skilled, but still a bully.”

  Iko shrugged. “Yeah. There are likely a few of them here. This is a school for combat, you know.”

  Quinn’s voice grew angry, “I have no time for those who mistreat others for no reason. Bullies seek to build their own reputation by tearing down the reputation of others. There is no call for it, and I don’t like it!”

  By the time her speech ended, Quinn was shouting. Iko appeared taken aback and held his hands up in surrender while Percy looked around as if seeking a place to hide.

  “Woah. I give. You win.” Iko grinned.

  “May I sit here?”

  Quinn turned to find Chuli standing beside the table with a plate and mug in her hands.

  “Yes,” Quinn said. “Of course.”

  As Chuli sat, Quinn noticed the dark look on Iko’s face. He picked up his plate and mug as he stood. Percy mirrored him without speaking a word.

  “Sorry to eat and run, Quinn, but we have to go.” Iko gave her a small nod. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  The two boys turned and retreated toward the kitchen with empty dishes in hand. Quinn tore her eyes from Iko to look at Chuli.

  “They do not like me, I think.”

  Quinn’s face remained stoic. “Why would they not like you?”

  “I know not, Jacquinn Gulagas,” Chuli said as she shook her head. “It was not so long ago that your Empire was at war with my people. Although the Empire no longer exists, some wounds are deep and take much time to heal.”

  “I suppose.” She turned toward the kitchen, thinking of Iko. “But they are my age and were only infants when the Empire was disbanded.”

  “Some hold tight to the past because of the effect it has had on them.” Chuli took a sip of her milk. “For instance, my uncle hated the Empire until the very end, for the Ministry betrayed him twice. The first betrayal came when they took the life of his wife, my mother’s sister, and the second time was even worse. They assassinated both him and his father, who was the leader of our people.”

  Quinn’s eyes widened in shock. “I had no idea. That’s horrible.”

  Chuli eyes shifted toward the table, her tone one of musing. “Time passes and things change.” She looked up at Quinn. “Consider me, for instance. I am the first Tantarri to attend this school. Perhaps many others will follow.”

  “You are the first?”

  “It’s true.” Chuli nodded.

  “Why did they choose to send you?”

  “My aunt has argued for years that the Tantarri send someone. She and her husband convinced my parents to let me come.”

  “Well, you are amazing on a horse,” Quinn noted. “I could barely sit the week we started riding. Yet, you appeared completely at ease and natural.”

  “Of course.” Chuli shrugged. “I am Tantarri.”

  Quinn frowned. “What’s that mean?”

  “Tantarri are born to ride, and we begin as soon as we can walk.”

  “I heard that you have the best horses, but I didn’t realize that it was such a part of your life.”

  Chuli’s mouth twisted in thought. “Perhaps there is much we can learn from each other.”

  “You’re probably right about that.” Quinn nodded. “If you weren’t sent here because of your riding skill, why did they choose you?”

  Chuli arched a brow. “Have you seen me shoot a bow?”

  Quinn laughed. “Yes. I should have known. You are quite the archer.”

  Chuli smiled and took a bite of food while Quinn worked on the last of her meal.

  Chuli leaned forward, her eyes narrowed at Quinn. “I see you.”

  “I know.” Quinn shrugged. “I’m sitting right in front of you.”

  “No. I see you training…in the evening.” Chuli put her fork down. “You sneak into the training yard while everyone else goes to dinner.”

  Quinn frowned. “Are you going to report me?”

  It was Chuli’s turn to frown. “Why would I do that?”

  “If you don’t plan to report me, why tell me this?”

  “I wonder why you do this. You do not have to.”

  “I want to get better.” Quinn hesitated before finishing her thoughts. “I need to get as good as possible, quickly.”

  “This is a go
od thing, Jacquinn Gulagas.”

  “Please, call me Quinn. But, why do you say that?”

  Chuli leaned closer, her eyes intense. “We have a saying among my people. Crops may grow sufficiently on their own, but a well-tended field will flourish.”

  “I…see.”

  Chuli shook her head. “No. You only see part of it. What you don’t understand is that I wish to join you, to help you. And, in helping you, I will get better as well.”

  19

  Survival

  While the other girls cheered, Quinn quietly watched the two boys on the Coliseum floor. For over an hour, she and the other girls had witnessed their male peers face off against one another, the duels lasting anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. This particular fight was closer to the latter.

  Her gaze shifted toward the side of the arena, where Iko sat on a bench, watching his friend. Only one other boy remained on the bench, a large boy who would be Iko’s opponent.

  A shout drew her attention to the center of the floor as Percy flipped his quarterstaff, striking his opponent’s leg before spinning away. The other boy wore a grimace, clearly a result of repeated attacks by Percy, all inflicting pain but none sufficient to end the duel.

  The boy raised his shield before easing forward, appearing to favor his right leg. Percy lunged with a feint, which was blocked. When his opponent swung his sword toward Percy’s open side, he ducked beneath it and swept his staff through the boy’s legs, sending him onto his back. The boy’s sword tumbled across the floor and Percy stood over him as Sergeant Khallum called the match.