“There are so many of them, and half of them haven’t done anything,” Victoria said. “Do you have a plan?”
“I have a few ideas,” Gregory smiled. “We’ll be heading out soon, because we’ll need the clan hall to make sure no one is listening in on us.”
Daciana looked around. “Who could listen to you here?”
“Shadows,” Yukiko said. “Would they normally? No. But Nick might have footed the expense to have the Whispering Darkness clan listen to us tonight. Doing so inside a clan hall is a huge breach of etiquette, as we are not officially in conflict with them.”
“Caution is warranted,” Nessa nodded.
“Dia and Bishop will be putting on displays of their magic tomorrow,” Gregory told them, “either before or between the fights. There will only be fights and the best demonstrations at the main arena, though the other arenas will still have some demonstrations.”
“We’ll be in the boxes all day,” Victoria said.
“You and the guards,” Yukiko said. “There will likely be guards waiting for you at the dormitory tomorrow morning to make sure that you’re safe for the final fight.”
“Oh... I had no idea,” Nessa said.
They explained why to the novices, then chatted for a bit longer before excusing themselves and going back to the clan hall to prepare for tomorrow.
Chapter Seventy-four
“Apprentices, good morning to you,” Lightshield greeted them as they came down for breakfast. “It is best if you skip seeing your fights posted. You are the first fight at the thirteenth bell. There will be some demonstrations after that, then the other apprentices’ fight. More demonstrations will follow, including our own clan magi. Your friends will finish out their tournament, with even more demonstrations after them. At sixteenth bell, the third-place fight will take place. This normally does not happen, but the academy needs to know who is third to go to the event.”
“Hopefully it’ll be Swift Wind,” Gregory said.
Lightshield’s lips twitched. “Confident. Good. After that fight, there will be a challenge... Something to look forward to. When that is over, the championship for the apprentices will begin.”
“We’ll take that spot, Elder,” Jenn said.
“I am sure you will strive with everything you have,” Lightshield replied. “Facing the Eternal Flame takes planning and determination.”
“We have plans in place, sir,” Yukiko said.
“Then I am sure you will do wonderfully. After the tournament, the celebration feast will be held here with your families present.”
“We hope to make it a celebration of a championship, sir,” Gregory said.
“That would add an extra reason to celebrate,” Lightshield smiled. “Make sure to say goodbye to your families then, as the following night we will be welcoming the new clan members. It will start at high sun and continue through the evening.”
“Yes, sir,” they all said.
“Good. I will be leaving the academy again after the tournament. There are things to get in order before next year. Bishop will be taking over as the leader of the clan inside the walls of the academy, but Dia will still be in charge of the clan hall. Meet us here at seventh bell. We will be going as a group to get seats again. Are there any questions?”
“Would you like breakfast now?” Zenim asked.
When no one else spoke, Lightshield nodded. “Yes, let us begin the day.”
~*~*~
“Good morning to you, Apprentices,” Rafiq greeted them. “I wish you luck in your fights today.”
“Thank you,” they each replied.
“Is there anything we can do for you?”
“Has the academy had events with Buldoun or the other nations before?” Yukiko asked.
“A few times, but not in many years,” Rafiq replied. “I believe the last was with Limaz. It ended up being a simple culture exchange at the border. The academy sent five apprentices and three novices. Limaz had a fair so they could see and experience their culture… It ended badly.”
“May I see some accounts of that and the other events?” Yukiko asked.
“Of course,” Rafiq nodded.
“Do you have anything on the magi of Buldoun?” Jenn asked.
“That would be the second floor. I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you,” Jenn said.
“What about you, Gregory?” Rafiq asked.
“I’m fine with my current book, Rafiq. Thank you.”
“Very well. I will make sure the books are ready for you on the second floor when you get there.”
They thanked him again and headed for the table in the back. They hadn’t made it before Daciana caught them.
“Today is going to be a good day,” she said with a wide grin.
Gregory chuckled. “What if Nessa wins?”
“I’ll celebrate her and beat her next time,” Daciana said.
“And I will do the same,” Nessa said, having to walk quickly to catch up to them.
“I’m already planning how to beat both of them next time,” Victoria added, “and I will do it unless they can keep up with me.” She gave her friends a smirk, as if daring them.
“Big talk for the one who lost,” Daciana replied. “If anyone will be trying to keep up, it’ll be you as I go running ahead.”
“Says second place after today,” Nessa giggled.
The friends all choked on their laughter as they took their seats.
“Okay, ladies, enough,” Yukiko said. “Your friendship makes me happy. No hard feelings, and you’re pushing each other to do more... That’s the way we improve. When you and the apprentices join us, remember to treat them the same way.”
“We will,” Nessa said. “Friends of yours will be friends of ours. We’ll do our best to treat them like you treat us.”
“I like Clover,” Daciana grinned. “She’s fun.”
“Ling is calmer and a little more intellectual,” Victoria said. “I think she’ll get along with us very well.”
“What about your fights today?” Daciana asked suddenly. “Do you have plans now?”
“We do,” Yukiko smiled. “You’ll have to
