by Brian Keller
“I expect that you intend to try your hand at becoming an Assassin?”. Cooper shrugged. There was no point in denying it, but it seemed much too early to announce his intentions. Master Worthan’s smile was faint, “Of course you do. Why else would Phineas have recruited you? We’ve already established your ability to Channel, so the strength of your Manifestation becomes moot, but I still expect it to be dramatic. So, for you, becoming an Assassin will come down to your mind and body. Your ability to retain your lessons and perform the skills… and the strength of your own desire”.
Master Worthan leaned back and took a breath, “There is more to the Guild than this, but I believe you are due in Master Brais’ class quite soon. We can talk again later.”.
Chapter 32
The boys informed Master Brais immediately as they arrived in the Arena, that Kolrem had Manifested and wouldn’t be in class tonight. Rukle added, “Cooper says Kolrem got Air and Earth.”. Master Brais turned to Cooper, “Really? And how does Mister Cooper know this? He is just filled with surprises lately…”. Cooper was shaking his head, “Not me. Mister Skran was talking to himself as Kolrem was Manifesting. I just overheard what he was saying. I figure he’s seen it enough that he knows what he’s looking at, but I suppose he could be wrong.”. Master Brais was shaking his head, “If you heard that from Mister Skran, then we can expect Kolrem to be demonstrating some drastic gains in speed and strength during the next few days. All the instructors will be working with him one on one for a few minutes in each class to see how deep his affinities run and how his Talents may Manifest themselves. He’ll likely remain in his current classes since he still should have much to learn in each. He may progress more quickly into a Specialized Combat class for Apprentices and Journeymen, since he has Manifested, but that will be for Mister Skran to decide.”. The teacher took a few seconds to consider before speaking, “I was going to assess Kolrem’s stealth tonight, but obviously that won’t be happening. That means it’s your turn, Rukle. As for you Cooper, three circuits around the upper course, two circuits around the lower course and the balance of your time on the Trap. We should be finished before two hours have elapsed, but that’s dependent on Rukle’s ability.”. Rukle was shaking his head, “Sir, that’ll have Cooper on the Trap for just under an hour. That’s kinda harsh, isn’t it?”. Master Brais chuckled as he crossed his arms, “I suppose it would be, except not for Cooper. He now finds the Trap to be merely entertaining. I will need to devise something new if I wish to challenge him now.”. Rukle was looking from his teacher to Cooper and back again, in disbelief. Cooper shrugged, “I wouldn’t say ‘entertaining’, sir. And I look forward to whatever obstacle you devise next, but I don’t believe that I’ll want to be the first to test it.”.
He was finished with the upper circuits and was partway through his first lower circuit when Master Brais returned with Rukle. His classmate’s eyes were downcast. Master Brais spoke a few words to Rukle, who then immediately climbed to the upper circuit and began working his way through the course. Cooper finished up his circuits and approached the Trap. He’d decided that tonight he would push himself for speed. He might fall more often, but demanding more from himself was how he improved. Even when he would be allowed to Flow, balance and agility still mattered. In the dozen circles he made around the Trap, he fell a few times. One or two of those were from simply misjudging his next leap. Had he been moving at a more deliberate pace, he might not have made those mistakes, but then again, nobody’s perfect. The other falls were purely due to the fact that he’d had difficulty managing his balance at the speed he was moving. That technique should improve over time and those kinds of errors would decrease, or cease entirely.
Thankfully, by the time he returned to the sleeping bay, the girls had already gone out. He wasn’t sure how to act with Trea at the moment and he surely didn’t want to try dealing with Marna and whatever she had to say about Trea kissing him. It had been a good day, and Marna would just do her part to end it on a sour note. It just seemed to be her way. As Cooper sat down to stretch out a few knots, Aden looked up from his book, winked at him and said, “Good evening, smootcher… I mean, Cooper.”. Cooper chuckled and shook his head, “Oh, don’t you start. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you and Loryn holding hands and leaning against each other. You don’t hear me shoveling crap at you about that.” Aden shrugged, “Fair enough.”, and went back to his book. Cooper went to the privy to clean up a bit and came out feeling pretty good. He could spend an hour or so working on Camilla’s book but he decided that the girls might return sooner than expected so it might be better to just lie down and go to sleep.
The following morning, Kolrem was attending Master Darius’ class almost as if nothing had happened to him the day before. He noticed that Kolrem’s movements seemed a little awkward, as if he was carrying a heavy pack on his shoulders and hadn’t adjusted to it being there. As a result, the boy’s movements were almost cautious. Cooper would simply have to wait for an opportunity to talk with him. Now wouldn’t be the best time. Over the last few days, Master Darius had been demonstrating less patience than usual.
An idea formed in his head and he began sketching and writing down requirements and a description for a new trap. As far as he knew there was nothing else like it, but Master Darius would know for sure. Either way, it would give Cooper an excuse to converse with his teacher and perhaps determine what had caused his teacher’s recent change in demeanor. Cooper finished up his concept sketch and took it to the front of the room. As he approached his instructor, Master Darius looked up. At first it appeared as if he was going to admonish Cooper for being away from his table but he saw the sheet of parchment in the boy’s hand and waited for him to present it. Cooper laid the sheet on Master Darius’ tabletop and began to describe his idea in hushed tones, “Sir, one of the biggest problems with traps, as I see it, is that it is sometimes difficult to know where they will do the most good. Also, they are usually time consuming to emplace and the one doing the setting is also at risk as they emplace it. This idea addresses both problems, but it’s just an idea. I don’t have the expertise to devise or construct the mechanism.”. As he spoke, his teacher was looking over the list of requirements and in some cases reading out loud and as Cooper finished speaking he began asking for clarification on some of the criteria, “How do you propose to make this device ‘self-setting’?”. Cooper replied, “Sir, as you can see, the trap looks like a short, octagonal box, maybe an inch thick. The layer across the top is very thin, almost like parchment and is divided like a pie cut into slices. Each slice is hinged on the outer portion so the entire cover folds back like a flower opening it petals. The setting mechanism is spring-loaded and secured internally by some kind of string or thin wire. To set it, the operator presses down on the center of the cover, breaking a small ampule of acid, which in turn dissolves the string or wire. This dissolving takes anywhere from ten to fifteen seconds. When the string breaks, the springs inside snaps the cover flaps back and eight spikes are released from inside that fire out in eight different directions. These spikes are weapons in and of themselves but they are actually only setting the trap. Each spike has its own wire attached, and the spikes fly out from the center to the length of the wire, ideally somewhere between eight and twelve feet in length. The spikes will either fall to the ground, or will strike something and imbed or fall. Either way, anyone that pulls one of those wires, either individually or by getting tangled will release the trap. Tens, or hundreds, of tiny spikes fly from spring loaded reservoirs inside the trap. The more tiny spikes, the better, as higher numbers increase the odds of striking something vulnerable, even on armored victims.”. Master Darius was hanging on his every word, and when Cooper finished he asked, “Do you have any idea how intricate this device would need to be?”. Cooper shrugged, “It’s far beyond my ability to devise the actual workings, but do you think the concept is worth trying to build a prototype?”. Master Darius reviewed the sketch and description, shaking h
is head, “Just the time required to manufacture all the tiny springs… weeks.”. Cooper suggested, “What about employing local smiths? They’d never have to know what they were working on. One to work on springs, one to work on the thin cover plates, another to fashion wire, and such. The main box and the spikes could all be fashioned here in our smithy, and all the assembly would be done here in this room…?”. Master Darius looked up from the sketch and fixed Cooper with a stare, “And who, do you suppose, will be paying these smiths?”. Cooper shrugged, “If the Guild doesn’t set aside some of its coin towards developing new devices, then it should. The trap would become a Guild product. The guild should finance its development and construction.”. Before Master Darius could reply, Cooper added, “It’s just an idea, sir. If it’s too impractical then just discard it.”. Master Darius was shaking his head, “No, Cooper. You’re right. It certainly has merit. I’ve had a lot on my mind lately but I cannot let that blind me from an idea that has potential. This is a good concept, and I think it comes at a good time. I’ll need to spend some time on this, to see if I can even devise a working plan. Then from that I can put together a materials list and have something to submit to the Council for consideration.”. As he directed his attention back to the sketch, Cooper turned to walk back to his work table. He hadn’t covered five steps before he heard Master Darius speak again. “Cooper?”. Cooper turned back, “Sir?”. Master Darius had a smile on his face that went all the way into the wrinkles around his eyes, “Thank you.”. Cooper grinned and bowed his head, then turned and went back to his table.
Since yesterday’s event with Trea kissing him, Cooper’s steps on his way to the Etiquette classroom came slower and slower. It wasn’t quite dread, more like apprehension that slowed him. He didn’t so much mind the teasing that was sure to come, his concern was that it would affect his concentration. He didn’t need distractions in Etiquette class, he was just becoming comfortable with it. As he entered the room, most of the students looked his way. Some winked, some clapped, one or two even gave a little cheer but it all died down quickly as everyone was waiting to hear what the scenario would be. Cooper sat in one of the remaining chairs and Trea moved to a chair next to him and slid beside him. Try as he might he couldn’t stop his face from getting warm. Trea leaned over and gave him a nudge, “You’re so cute. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I hope you don’t get impatient with me.”. Cooper shrugged, “I still need to concentrate in this class,”, he paused to give her a wink, “but I enjoy having you around.”. She nodded, “That’s good. Hey, I heard Kolrem got his supper. I would’ve told you last night before going to bed, but you were already snoring when I got back.”. He faced her, “I snore?”. She chuckled, “Nah, but it’s fun to make sure you’re paying attention. Oh, here comes Miss Eiler.”. They managed to fit in four scenarios that day, which left him feeling a little drained even though he drew a blank card each time. By the time they’d finished up the last one he was more than ready for lunch.
Cooper made a point of catching up with Kolrem before getting to the dining hall, “Hey, Kolrem! How’re you feeling today?”. Kolrem shrugged, “I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel after yesterday. I don’t feel all that different. Just a little tired still, and there’s something that’s changed but it’s as if my body hasn’t figured out what that is yet. I suppose Mister Skran will bring it out of me, and no doubt Master Brais will put me through the wringer, just to see what I might be able to do now.”. Cooper was nodding at that. He figured he and Rukle would be doing a lot of circuits while Master Brais was testing Kolrem’s limits to discover what Talents and affinities he had now. As usual, Kolrem had little to say during the meal. It was almost religious how he devoted his attention to his food.
Miss Camilla waited until everyone was seated and had started their studies before she walked amongst the work tables. She paused at Cooper’s table and reported, “That Talgrit root sample was mixed with juices from some kind of herb. I’m still trying to isolate it so I can better assess the functions but it seems that you may have been right. Those juices increased blood flow to the site and likely played some role in increasing absorption of the poison. Well done. I might have missed that completely if you hadn’t changed how I was thinking.”. Cooper’s face was a little pinched as his mind was putting a bunch of thoughts together, “Miss, you said the victim was a House Father?”. Camilla nodded and Cooper continued, “Where was his House?”. Camilla’s eyebrows pulled together, “I’m not certain. Is it important?”. Cooper shrugged, “I’m not sure, miss. Just a collection of unconnected thoughts. It’s almost like there are tiny threads connecting them but I can’t see the threads yet.”. Camilla nodded, “It’s probably in my notes. I’ll check and if that information is there, I’ll let you know.”. She walked back to her table and began pushing rolls of parchment around, settling on one and unrolling it. After a few minutes of perusal she released the paper letting it roll back up on its own. She cleared her throat slightly and called out, “Mister Cooper,” she paused as Cooper looked up. She gave a short nod and said, “Batter’s Field, toward the northeast end, near the Waterfront District.”. Cooper was thinking, ‘That’s near the Ruins. That probably not connected to anything then. But still, something’s not right about it.’. Cooper stood and walked to Miss Camilla’s table, “Miss, I think I know why this whole incident is nagging at me.”. Miss Camilla had watched him as he approached. She held up a finger, “Has it got something to do with this attack being a very elaborate and unusual way to kill someone relatively unimportant? Why use a poison, when a slit throat would do?”. Cooper nodded, “Something like that, miss. I can only think of a few reasons for using any poison in this way. I’m no Assassin, maybe you should get an Assassins perspective on this, but if I were using a poison then it would be because I was too weak to attack directly, or because I needed to maintain distance from my victim for some reason… or I was testing a new poison and just needed a victim.”. Miss Camilla stopped him, “Are you suggesting that the House Father was a random victim?”. Cooper shook his head, “Not necessarily random, miss. Just not the ultimate goal. Like you said, it’s a very elaborate way to kill someone relatively unimportant. If you needed to kill a House Father, would you spend day or even hours developing a new poison to do it? And if you did, wouldn’t you develop a more efficient poison? And we still don’t know how it was ‘delivered’, do we? There’s got to be more to this.”.
Chapter 33
Mister Skran would need to spend a significant amount of time with Kolrem today, but started off the class with Kolrem as the center of attention. The class was gathered around with Mister Skran and Kolrem in the center. Mister Skran explained, “Talents between people often appear the same except for the strength of the affinity. These appearances are deceiving. There are vast differences between people. Some people have strong affinities but small energy reserves to draw from; for others the opposite may be true. Despite these obvious differences, what is truly different is how people access their Talents. Everyone’s mind works differently, and how they connect with their Talent is just as different. In a room of twenty people, ask everyone how they access their Talent and you’re likely to get eighteen different answers. Part of my job right now is to assist Kolrem in accessing his Talent. As for today, I will still move amongst you as you practice, but I will need to devote a significant amount of time to working with Kolrem. I must ask all of you to make this less challenging by practicing diligently and creating no disturbances. Tomorrow, I plan to have some assistants here. They can observe all of you as we begin to spar using dual handed technique. For today, work on making your movements fluid and connected. Each movement should build on the last. If actions of your partner interrupt this, then adjust and continue to connect your movements. Pair up as you were at the end of class yesterday, and begin.”. He turned his attention to Kolrem and began gesturing and speaking quietly.
Cooper kept his attention on practice with Rukle, but there were occasions
when he could steal a glance at Kolrem to try and gauge his progress. On more than one occasion he witnessed Kolrem begin moving at increased speed, but it never seemed to last more than a second or two. It seemed like as soon as it happened, Kolrem acted like he’d surprised himself and he lost concentration. After these episodes, Mister Skran would join him and they would exchange a few words. Before the period was complete, it appeared that Kolrem could access his Talent for Air and exhibit speed at will, but was still having some challenge in maintaining his concentration.
As they walked from the Training Room to the Arena, Kolrem appeared deep in thought. Cooper didn’t want to interrupt his friend’s concentration. He decided that since he still had a couple years before Manifesting, he could afford to wait a day before plying him with questions.
Upon arriving at the Arena, Master Brais examined Kolrem visually, “You look fit enough. How do you feel?”. Kolrem shrugged, “Well enough, sir. Mister Skran has given me a lot of help. I can pretty much move fast when I want, but I can’t seem to keep it going. I lose focus too fast.”. The teacher was nodding, “That’s not unusual. Especially with a strong affinity. It takes awhile for the brain to accommodate. The changes are significant and it takes some people several days to make the adjustments. As a result, you and I will remain on the low course today and we will progress carefully. Rukle, three circuits around the high course, then join us on the low course and we’ll see how Kolrem compares. Cooper, go back to your room and see if you can get a two hour nap. Return here at eight, after class has ended.”. Cooper was confused, “After class, sir?”. Master Brais had already started turning away to begin working with Kolrem, “Yes, Mister Cooper. After class. Hadn’t I said a few weeks ago that at some point you all might expect that Movement class would go into the night? I feel certain that I mentioned that.”. Cooper nodded, “Yes, sir. You did. I’ll be back at eight.”. Cooper turned and walked out of the Arena. On his way back to his room he was wondering, “What was that all about? Training at night. What would be the significance of that?... unless… Maybe he was going outside!”.