“Sloppy execution,” he snapped. “You should have done it smoothly, affecting everyone at once, not a few at a time.” He turned and indicated the seated Guardians, who were watching us with puzzled expressions. They probably didn’t understand how we had defeated them. “These are members of Xenith Security Unit, or as they are usually called, Security Guardians. They are our guests for as long as it takes. More will be arriving this evening.”
“Why?” Sykes asked, his gaze going to a curly-haired guy he’d been fighting—Lucien.
Master Haziel’s eyes narrowed. “They are here to offer us support. Unless you think you are invincible.”
“Depends on who our target is,” was Sykes’ cocky response.
Master Haziel pursed his lips and nodded. “You are going to need that confidence.” He glanced at all of us. “Your team is good, but you are not there yet. Maybe in a few decades. Still,” he smiled and glanced at me, “you must always find a way to defeat your enemies. Do you know why I made you do this little exercise?” he glanced at us, then the SGs. “Anyone?”
“Because you have a wacky sense of humor?” Sykes said with a deadpan expression.
“And a mean streak,” Izzy added.
Master Haziel didn’t crack a smile, though we smiled while the SGs stared with shock. They probably couldn’t believe the bold responses w e’d given.
“No,” Master Haziel retorted. “Your enemies will not wait for you to notice them before they attack. They will swoop down when you least expect them. I want you to be vigilant at all times.” He turned his attention to the SGs. “The Tribe practices both physical and mental warfare. You never ever let an opponent get inside your head. It does not matter how powerful they are. The Tribe did that to Lil and she just did it to you. Yes,” he continued, pacing, “she used her power of persuasion and compelled you to turn against each other and ignore her team, and it worked brilliantly.”
What happened to ‘sloppy execution’? My face burned when the SGs focused on me. I expected resentment from them, but all I felt was approval after the initial surprise.
“You did not really think they overpowered you so easily when you outnumber them and are more experienced fighters?” Master Haziel continued. “She saw an opportunity and used it. She learned from her mistake. In the next few days, you will learn how to fight back against the paralysis that follows a mind-blend with a member of the Tribe. Warm up is over. It is time for some serious work.”
“Master Haziel?” Izzy called out
He scowled. “What is it?”
“Who’s guarding Xenith if the SGs are coming here?” she asked.
Master Haziel frowned. “A few will be left behind, though there is really no need. The portal will be destroyed by sundown.”
Gasps came from my friends.
“You were not supposed to know about this until later today. Now back to work. Get practice swords.” Daggers and swords floated from the wall. “Hand-to-hand combat that way.” He pointed to the area near the door, then the other end of the arena. “Sword sparring over there.”
I caught a sword and started across the floor, but I couldn’t help overhearing the conversations among my friends. They were planning on going home to see their families immediately after the morning training session.
With the fear and anxiety came determination. We worked hard. The more Master Haziel pushed, the more we gave him. Still, there was a collective sigh of relief when he called out, “That is enough for today. Lil, stay behind.”
I joined him in the booth, where he poured water in two glasses, offered me one and gulped down his. I knew the water would be lukewarm as usual and didn’t bother to drink it, though I politely accepted the cup.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, studying me with a frown.
I shrugged. “Okay.”
He nodded with approval. “Good. I talked to your grandfather this morning. Do you have any questions?”
“When will the Goddess need me? For how long?”
Master Haziel shook his head. “I do not have all the answers. I am sure she will let you know when she is ready.”
“Does everyone know about me?”
“That you are the Chosen One? Yes. That the powers of the dagger are inside you because you are the Goddess’ vessel? No. That is between us and the Cardinals.” His eyes sharpened. “I assume you already told your friends?”
I made a face. “Wasn’t I supposed to?”
“No, but what is done is done. If you have questions, concerns, or just need to talk, I am here for you.”
“What if I want to vent?”
He straightened to his full height, which was several inches shorter than mine. “My students do not vent. They protest forcefully, object vehemently, or show their disapproval passionately.”
I laughed. Master Haziel
“Come on. I want you to meet your new team.” He started for the booth’s entrance.
“New team?” I placed my glass on the table. He pointed toward the floor of the pit, where four SGs—two guys and two girls—were talking.
“Why do I need them?”
“They are your backup. You are going to L.A.” Master Haziel indicated we should join the others, but I didn’t move.
“To do what?” I asked.
“Bran needs your help with something.”
“You talked to him? When? Is he okay?”
“Yes, I talked to him a few minutes ago and yes, he is okay,” Master Haziel said impatiently.
Relief washed over me. “Why can’t I go with Remy and the others?”
Master Haziel sighed, then pinned me down with narrowed eyes. “They are going home to see their families before the portal is sealed.
“Why? No, let me guess,” I added quickly. “It is part of my duties as the Chosen One to be flexible?”
“I always knew you were a quick learner. Come along.”
The four SGs stopped talking as we drew closer. I recognized Sykes’ old buddy Lucien. From their black hair pulled back in ponytails, pale skin, and brown eyes, to the moles by their left eyes, the two women were carbon copies of each other. The other man had a thin moustache and a goatee. Although it was hard to guess the age of most Guardians, he appeared older than the twins, who looked like they were in their mid-twenties.
“This is Esras,” Master Haziel pointed at the bearded guy, then nodded at the twins, “Lunaris and Solaris. They are heads of sectors.”
I had no idea how many sectors were in Xenith, but only the best of the Guardians made sector heads, like my grandfather was the head of the Senior Guardians.
“And this is Lucien,” he indicated the curly-haired guy with twinkling topaz eyes, “an enterprising young man who might prove to be useful.” There was pride in Master Haziel’s voice, but he leveled the young man a warning glance before looking my way and adding, “You will take the lead on this.” He paused as though expecting the others to say something. When they didn’t, he continued. “Do not take too long. Help Bran and come straight home. The security team is monitoring the area for the Tribe, and so far they have not spotted them since the attack on the island. Should you encounter them, do not engage them. Find a way to lose them and head home. Questions?”
No one spoke, but everyone grew tense at the mention of the Tribe. I didn’t like the idea of going anywhere with four Guardians straight from Xenith. What did they know about fighting demons? On the other hand, Bran needed my help.
“What is Bran’s mission and how are we going to help him?” I asked.
“Find him and find out instead of wasting time asking questions.” Master Haziel dismissed us with a wave,
