by Ian Gregoire
“As you wish, Master.”
Fay sauntered into the mess hall. It was quickly beginning to fill with scores of Sanatsai and Jaymidari. She scanned the faces of those present on the ground floor, hoping to catch sight of Dora who, she recalled, had extended an offer to join her and Tobin for the evening meal. Once she was satisfied Dora and Tobin weren’t among those present on the ground floor of the building she proceeded to the staircase in order to seek them out on the next floor. She casually went up the stairs to discover the first floor was more crowded than the floor below. In spite of the throng, she had little difficulty spotting Dora with Tobin at a table by a window. The moment she emerged at the top of the stairs her counterpart rose immediately to her feet, enthusiastically waving an invitation to join the pair. Fay promptly marched to the table to take a seat opposite her two colleagues.
Dora beamed as she sat back down. “I wasn’t sure we’d see you here this evening.” Her relief was palpable. “Glad you could make it.”
“Where is your precocious young protégée?” chimed in Tobin through a mouthful of savoury meat pie.
“Kayden is Ari’s concern now.” Fay was not inclined to elaborate.
“But you’re not going to tell us why, are you?” said Dora, scooping up a spoonful of soup from her bowl. “Or the real reason for your visit with Kayden in tow.”
“You know me too well, friend.” The smile on Fay’s face complimented the mirth in her voice. “Though some people here would have you believe that Kayden and I are secret lovers.”
Tobin’s eyes lit up as he lowered his fork from his wide-open mouth; the skewered piece of meat pie received a temporary reprieve. “Now that I’d love to see,” he blurted.
Fay kicked out at Tobin under the table. The silent grimace on his face let her know she had struck her intended target.
“Would you give it a rest, Tobin?” Dora lambasted her colleague. “Why don’t you make yourself useful? Go up to the counter and get Fay something to eat.” She looked to Fay questioningly. “What would you like to eat, Red? I can recommend the pumpkin soup.” She held up a spoonful of soup to illustrate.
“Nothing for me, thank you.” Fay gestured with her hand for Tobin to remain seated. She returned her focus to Dora and continued, “If you really must know about Kayden, I brought her here specifically to meet Ari. He will ultimately decide whether or not she has a future with the Order.”
“Oh, I see,” said Dora, frowning. “I assumed Kayden had impressed you greatly these past three years. Now it seems you’re saying that’s not the case, that she’s actually a problem apprentice.”
“Don’t misunderstand me, Dora. Kayden Jayta is an exceptionally gifted apprentice. Of that there is no doubt. But that’s not the sole criteria for determining her suitability to be inducted into the Order.” Fay didn’t wish to waste any further time elaborating, she wanted to steer the conversation away from Kayden to the task Ari had given her. “Anyway, that’s enough about my apprentice. I actually wanted to ask if either of you is familiar with a young Kai by the name of Kenit Darbandian? I believe he’s originally from Anzarmenia.”
Recognition appeared, instantly, on the faces of Tobin and Dora at the mention of the name. The expression on Tobin’s face in particular indicated a deep antipathy on his part.
“I know to whom you are referring,” replied Dora, “though I’ve had little in the way of personal interaction with him. He’s still relatively new to the Order—inducted not long after you left for Antaris.” Concern for her friend swept over Dora’s face. “Why do you ask?”
“I need one of you to point him out to me, assuming he’s present.”
“I hope this means you plan on having him cast out from the Order for getting Marit killed.” Tobin made no attempt to conceal his disdain for Kenit. “It’s a fucking outrage that the Council has refused to sanction him for his unforgivable cowardice.”
Gazing at Tobin for a moment, Fay refrained from censuring him for the sentiment or the coarse language. Now probably wasn’t a good time to ask him to have some empathy for a fellow Sanatsai. She was well aware that Tobin and Marit had been good friends. “Actually, I’d like to make his acquaintance this evening, in as informal a manner as possible.” She returned her gaze to Dora. “So if you are able to point him out to me, I’ll make my approach at the appropriate time.”
“I don’t believe what I’m hearing,” huffed Tobin. “Is this a joke? Instead of pushing for the removal of this worthless miscreant who got Marit killed, you’re hunting for a young plaything to keep your bed warm, is that it?” Tobin was walking on thin ice. “What would Renik think if he were alive to see you going soft on the man responsible for the death of his beloved little brother?”
Fay leaned across the table glowering at Tobin. “I will let that comment pass,” she said coolly, “because I know how close you and Marit were. But do not presume to tell me how Ren would feel about anything. I knew him better than you or anyone else ever could.” She could see that Tobin wanted to retort but wisely thought better of it. “As for Marit’s death, his blood is on the hands of those who murdered him, not Kenit’s. You seem to forget he was also a victim in this—as such, he’s entitled to the support and understanding of all his fellow Sanatsai.”
“You keep telling yourself that, if you must,” said Tobin dismissively. “Maybe if you repeat it often enough you’ll actually believe it.”
Leaning back back in her chair, Fay glared at her counterpart “You know what, Tobin? I would like something to eat now. Go up to the counter and get me a bowl of the pumpkin soup Dora recommended, and a buttered bread roll. And while you’re up there be sure to ask that a pot of camomile and spiced apple tea be brewed for me. And don’t forget the cane sugar and honey too.”
Tobin rose to his feet, his chair screeching on the floor as it was pushed back. “As you wish…Danai Annis.” He marched away from their table, his displeasure all too clear to see.
“Don’t take it personally, Fay,” assuaged Dora. “I don’t need to tell you Tobin didn’t take the news of Marit’s death well. He still hasn’t fully come to terms with it yet.”
“Believe me, I understand. Ari didn’t tell me about Marit’s passing until a short while ago and my initial reaction wasn’t too different,” Fay admitted. “But I have to be better than that, for Kenit’s sake.”
“So what’s the real reason for your interest in Kenit?” inquired Dora. “If you don’t mind my asking.”
“The Council is still undecided about what to do with him. While they can excuse his failings during the fateful mission, his subsequent poor mental state cannot be ignored indefinitely. Ari has tasked me with determining if he still has a future with the Order, hence my need to meet him this evening.
“Before I return to Antaris, Kenit will have the chance to demonstrate to me that he can get past what happened in Anzarmenia.”
A short while later a contrite Tobin returned to the table carrying a tray laden with Fay’s food and drink. After setting the items down in front of her, Tobin remained standing while he issued an apology for his earlier behaviour. He then informed Fay that if she had no luck in finding Kenit in the mess hall, she would be able to locate him in the flower garden at sunset, as he habitually went there, alone, after the evening meal. Fay thanked him for the tip before he excused himself citing tiredness for his premature departure.
After finishing their respective meals Fay and Dora spent the next hour sitting contentedly at their table, enjoying pleasant conversation over several cups of tea. Eventually, Dora drew Fay’s attention to the staircase. There was a young Sanatsai descending from the floor above, heading to the ground floor.
“There’s your man now, Red.”
Finally, Fay had a face to put to the name. It dawned on her that Kenit would be rather handsome if he weren’t so melancholy-looking. She wondered if he was always that way or if it was the result of his experience five months previously.
“I guess
that’s my cue to leave, then,” she replied to Dora. “But there’s something I need you to do for me when I go.”
“Name it.”
“Deliver a message to Sister Nelda for me. Tell her she can find me in the flower garden at sunset. She’ll know what it’s concerning.” Fay rose to her feet and promptly made her way towards the staircase to discreetly follow Kenit.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The Ulterior Motive
Kayden continued to trudge silently half a dozen paces behind her guide. She and Ari were now trekking north across open country–rolling fields of long grass, dotted with daisies and dandelions. It had been a while since they left Temis Rulan in the distance, yet Ari still hadn’t made good on his promise that they would talk once clear of the city. What was he waiting for? she wondered. Maybe he was too absorbed in the beauty of their environs to remember she was trailing in his wake. If that was the case, she could hardly blame him. With the sun hanging low in the sky, the sights and sounds of the island were captivating. Even she could appreciate tulip-covered hills, woodlands graced with magnolia trees, a babbling brook lined with fragrant lilies. Nonetheless, with sunset fast approaching Kayden found the continued silence intolerable. It was time to test Ari’s taciturnity.
“Master Ari!” she called out. He peered back over his shoulder at her but did not stop walking. “I don’t wish to appear impatient or pushy, Master. But it’s been at least an hour since we cleared the outskirts of Temis Rulan and you haven’t said so much as a word to me. Are we going to talk or not?”
“I was actually waiting for you,” said Ari, returning his gaze to the way ahead. “But if you’re ready now, let us talk.”
Quickening her stride, Kayden closed the gap between herself and the Sanatsai. Moments later they were walking side-by-side.
“As you are no doubt aware,” began Ari, “no apprentice before you has ever set foot in Temis Rulan. But have you given any thought as to why Master Fay brought you along with her?”
“Apparently, to meet you, Master.”
“And was that the reason you imagined when you were first told? What was your initial reaction to the news?”
“I didn’t believe it.”
Kayden debated whether or not to provide a more comprehensive answer. She was disinclined to do so since Master Ari would more than likely be bemused by the thoughts that had gone through her mind after being told about the visit to Temis Rulan. Then she remembered Fay’s advice—to be open with Ari, not hide anything from him, and to answer his questions as truthfully as possible.
“At first I was certain that…” she trailed off. Perhaps the whole truth wasn’t necessary after all.
“At first you were certain that…?” pressed Ari.
“Well, Master…” There was no reason to hold back, Kayden decided. She had nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. “The truth is, Master Ari, I was certain the administrator intended to lure me away from campus in order to kill me and dispose of my body.”
Ari chortled, much to her chagrin. “You have strange thought processes, my young friend.” Kayden told herself Master Ari wasn’t purposely trying to be patronising, though she felt it. “As I understand it, Master Fay saved your life earlier today when a fellow apprentice tried to kill you during an illicit fight.” Fay told him about that? “But you believed she only prevented this person from taking your life so she could take it herself, later on, after luring you away from campus?”
When put like that it did sound laughable. But Kayden held on to the conviction that her concern was more than justified at the time.
“With all due respect, Master,” she said, glancing sideways at Ari, “I had very good cause for believing she meant me harm. Last night, while I was in the final stages of completing the ‘capture the box’ exercise, she confronted me in a right huff; she ranted and raved about…” Kayden paused for a moment. How could she narrate this story without making herself look bad? “I… I may have spoken a little out of turn in response, at which point this strange look passed over her face. If only you could have seen the look in her eyes, it was as though she were thinking how easy it would be to murder me, right there and then, and be done with it.”
Ari returned her sideways glance. “Fay would never hurt you, Kayden.” His voice took on a more serious bent when he appended, “And for that, you should be very grateful indeed. If Fay wished you harm, believe me when I say there would be nothing you or anyone else could do to prevent it—not even me.”
If those words were meant to be reassuring… It was fortunate Kayden had already dismissed the notion of Fay wanting to kill her.
“Now, returning to why your master brought you to see me,” continued Ari, “Fay has some concerns about your development. Do you have any idea as to why that might be?”
Was he asking because he didn’t know? Kayden wondered. Or had Fay already fed him a litany of stories detailing the questionable things she’d done?
“Well, from my point of view, Master,” she replied. “The administrator has no grounds for concern. However, from what she has said to me, I gather I remind her of someone from her past.” She glimpsed a flash of understanding on Ari’s face. “You know to whom she’s referring, don’t you, Master?”
“Oh, yes,” came the sober response.
“Do I remind you of this person? Because Administrator Annis made it sound like a bad thing.”
“I’ve only just met you, Kayden,” conceded Ari. “But before the night is through I intend to find out if your master’s concerns about you are justified.”
“And if they are…?”
Kayden did not like the pregnant pause that preceded Ari’s reply.
“We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.”
She liked the response even less.
The trek was taking them slowly uphill once more, Kayden comfortably keeping pace with her older travelling companion, awaiting his next question with a little less enthusiasm than before. But she needed to get something off her chest before she was questioned further.
“If I may speak freely, Master,” she began.
“Of course you may.”
“I don’t think it’s right or fair for the administrator to use the fact that I remind her of someone from her past, as a pretext for undermining me and my training as an apprentice of the Order.”
“And on what basis do you claim this to be the case, Kayden?” Ari asked dubiously.
“From the moment she arrived at Antaris she’s been on my case. I am constantly being scrutinised by her in a way that no other apprentice is. And there are times when it actually feels like she is trying to sabotage me. It’s almost as if she’s determined to prevent me from being inducted into the Order because I’m somehow unworthy in her eyes.”
“Tell me something, my young friend.” Ari’s tone suggested he remained unconvinced of the veracity of her assertions. “You are currently a level seven apprentice though you’re only into the fifth year of your apprenticeship, is that correct?”
“That’s right, Master,” she replied tentatively, wondering where Master Ari was going with this.
“But each level requires a full year to complete,” said Ari. “No apprentice before you has ever been permitted to take the end of level tests early in order to advance to the next level. So how is it you were allowed to do so?”
Kayden had an inkling the question was intended to trip her up, though she couldn’t be sure of how. There was nothing about the circumstances of her progression that could be used against her. “I twice demanded to be allowed to advance to the next level, and twice I was permitted to undergo the tests early.” It wasn’t as simple as that, of course, but that was the gist of it—from her point of view.
“You demanded?”
“Yes!”
“And why did you do that?”
“Because I grew tired of being held back.” Kayden was becoming testy; she failed to see the point of Ari’s line of questioning.
&n
bsp; “Explain.”
She took a deep breath to compose herself.
“None of my instructors ever push me hard enough,” she said. “It’s a problem that’s further compounded by the strange insistence that all apprentices must progress at the same rate. But how does it benefit me having to wait a month for my classmates to master things I only need a week to learn?” Kayden didn’t wait for a reply. “Things first came to a head early on during level four training. At the end of the first month I approached Master Darrian to inform him that there was no part of the level four syllabus I didn’t already have a firm grasp of, at least in terms of our education as it pertains to the applications of Zarantar. Although he was dubious of the claim, I requested to be allowed to undertake the level four tests immediately so I could join the level five apprentices for the remainder of the year. His response was that this wasn’t possible, and even if it was, he didn’t have the authority to grant my request.
“To my surprise, that wasn’t the end of the matter; my disappointment was short-lived. The following day Master Darrian came to me to let me know I would be taking the tests during the spring term holiday, and if I successfully passed them all I would then have to spend the rest of the holiday on campus, catching up on everything taught to the level five apprentices during the first term, before joining them for the start of the second term.
“It was a similar story once I progressed to level six. By the end of the first term I was confident there was nothing on the syllabus I didn’t already have mastery of. This time, it was Master Briselda I approached to arrange for me to take the end of level tests during the holiday. Presumably, I didn’t ask politely enough for her liking because she said she would do no such thing, and that I should never have been allowed to advance to the next level on the previous occasion. She was adamant that if I were permitted to do so, for a second time, it would only encourage the other apprentices to expect the same consideration. In her words, I would just have to accept that I am not special, that the rules will no longer be bent for me, and that I must complete the level six syllabus over the course of the year just like everyone else.”