Delan flushed. “No, sir. I apologize. I’m just surprised, is all. This whole thing has put me a little off balance I suppose.”
“I hope that is the case,” Agath murmured. “In any event, you all have passed. Congratulations. As you know, you have the traditional twelve months of rest, then you may begin training with a true master, one that can finish off your teaching and turn you into feared warriors.” Agath paused again, then bowed slightly. “It has been a pleasure teaching you.”
The cadets murmured their thanks and bowed low. As they straightened, Agath grinned at them.
“Now, get out of here!”
The cadets all laughed and moved forward to shake hands with their instructor. Agath slapped them on the back and embraced them warmly, even Delan. As the cadets began to leave, Relam was certain he saw the warrior wipe a tear from the corner of his eye.
“He really cares about us,” he observed to Cevet.
“Aye,” the smaller cadet agreed. “He wants us to succeed. I always liked that about him.”
Relam nodded thoughtfully. “Any idea who you’ll train with next?”
Cevet laughed and shook his head. “No. For now, I’m taking full advantage of my break. See you around, Relam.”
The small cadet jogged off in the direction of his home, further down the river. Relam smiled and set off for the palace, eager to share the news with his parents. As he passed the Citadel, he realized that he was now as qualified as any of the soldiers that guarded the ancient stronghold. He had passed the trials, and he was now a warrior.
Chapter 7
When Relam returned to the royal apartments, he found that his parents were both waiting expectantly in the main room. There was a small pile of documents on the low table, but the king pushed them aside immediately when Relam entered.
“Well?” he asked, drawing the word out.
“I passed!” Relam announced grinning.
“Ha-ha! I knew it!” his father crowed, surging to his feet and embracing Relam. “Easier than you expected?”
“You could have warned me,” the prince said ruefully as he returned the embrace. “Here I was worrying about what incredible feats I would have to perform and all along it was only a simple review of our skills.”
The king laughed and thumped Relam on the back forcefully, sending him staggering. “Wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re supposed to spend that time worrying and wondering if you are good enough. That way, you’re prepared for the end of one phase of your training and the beginning of the next.”
“Is it always that way?” Relam asked curiously. “Every year Agath does that?”
“Every year,” his father confirmed. “Just as our old master did to us. We were stunned when it was announced we had passed after a few practice bouts and running through the patterns. Tar was furious later. Thought it was an insult to all of the hard work he had put in.”
Relam laughed as he embraced his mother. “Well, I’m more relieved than insulted.”
“Congratulations, Relam,” his mother said quietly. “It’s a big milestone for you. The first trials, passed!”
“Does that mean there are trials after the next round of training too?” Relam asked, suddenly concerned.
“Not for a long time,” his father promised. “For now, rest and enjoy some time off. You’ve earned it. By the way, your presence will be required a week from now at a formal banquet here in the palace.”
“That’s hardly resting and enjoying time off,” Relam muttered, a little annoyed.
“Even if the feast is in your honor? And the other cadets that passed the trials? Garenes, Laurencian, that massive lad Jatt, Knet and the other one- what’s his name, Cevet?”
“Well, that’s a little better,” Relam replied. “It could be a little awkward though, seeing as Sebast Garenes did not pass the trials.”
“What?” his father demanded, surprised.
“Sebast failed the first trial,” Relam repeated. “Master Agath threw him out.”
“Why on earth would he do that?” the king demanded, clearly confused. “Sebast is from a powerful and influential family, and by all accounts he is a good fighter.”
“He’s a good fighter all right,” Relam muttered. “That’s all he does.”
“What was that?”
“Er, nothing.”
“Hmm. Did Agath say why Garenes failed?”
“Better. I was there. It was during the practice bouts part of the trials. Agath paired me up with Sebast and I beat him two times in a row. The second time, I disarmed Garenes using one of your tricks.”
“I don’t imagine he took kindly to that,” the king murmured, glancing at his wife for confirmation.
The queen nodded gravely. “The great lord families are proud, and demand much of their children,” she confirmed.
“Of course, we’re no different,” the king said, somewhat apologetically. “We put a lot of pressure on you too, son.”
“I’ve turned out all right,” Relam replied, grinning. “But when Sebast lost, he drew his actual sword and attacked me before the third bout had officially started.”
“What?” the king demanded, eyes popping with surprise and anger. “He attacked you?”
“With a real blade?” the queen added.
“Yes to both,” Relam said, nodding.
“There must be some mistake,” the king decided, turning away and scratching his head irritably. “Sebast Garenes is the son of a major lord and you are the heir to the throne. It’s just not logical for him to attack you!”
“Who said logic had anything to do with it?” Relam demanded. “Sebast Garenes is not the honorable lordling you think he is. He is a dishonest, aggressive, power-hungry-”
“Enough,” the king said flatly, cutting Relam off. “I will make no judgement until I have all of the facts. And do not talk about the great lord heir so, Relam.”
“Even though it’s the
