The Last of the Sages (Sage Trilogy, Book 1) (26 page)

“Good, then with your approval, I will forward you to your final test, to see if you have what it takes to become an officer.” Arimus placed a hand on James’ shoulder, and in the same motion, handed him a sheathed manumit. James’ eyes widened at the gift. He remembered all too well the powers it held – granting the wielder temporary Sage abilities, at the price of their life…

“Why would you do that?” James asked in bewilderment. Didn’t he just say he wasn’t ready?

“Because you now have invaluable experience as a soldier. Think about it. You’ve gone through torture, battle, fought people from other Kingdoms, acquired knowledge in the forest, and above all, you’re learned some humility. No leader wants the job. He responds to a need. Fills the role that no one else is qualified for. With the skills you now possess, you would be a valuable asset to anyone taking the third test.”

“If you say so, teacher,” James said, becoming quite solemn. Arimus bowed his head closer.

“What’s ailing you, James?”

“I just have one question…before I commit whole-heartedly to the infantry.” James said, turning the manumit in his hands over and over.

“What is it?”

“Is there really no way I can become a Sage? Achan was able to…but I see that his character far outweighs my own. Even if he didn’t want it, he was more than ready to become one. But I need to know for myself. So answer me, truthfully. Based on what you see, is it possible? Or do I have more growing up to do?”

“I can’t say, James. I understand what you’re going through and I sympathize with all the recruits that try to become a Sage. The sparkle in their eyes when they hear the myths and the legends, the excited conversations at lunch time…but I’ve also seen those same eyes turn to sorrow. With that being said, I’ll say this. I admire your spirit because you haven’t quit. There are few people willing to go through a trial because they can’t see the reward right before their eyes. It’s easy to keep running the race when the finish line is in your sight, but what if it’s on the other side of the world? Who is willing to complete that race? That is why I admire your reserve. Because you’re still running. Because you’re still jogging along, when others have fallen by the wayside. I’m not saying you’ll ever be a Sage, but because you’re willing to do what others won’t, it’s not a definite either. Whatever you’re destined to be, it will fall through.”

“That sure was a long way of saying ‘maybe.’”

“You don’t need my blessing or confirmation, James. Where ever life takes you, be content while you look ahead. Otherwise, you will go down a dark road that few can recover from. How many are able to withstand the never ending rejection and failure to succeed?”

“Is that where you are, Arimus? Are you still traveling back?”

“I knew from the beginning that my hard work and perseverance would pay off no matter the final destination. I hope you arrive at the same conclusion.”

“If I can become half of the man you are, Arimus, I guess it wouldn’t be such a bad life. Besides, what is there for me if I went home? Long naps and games with my friends? My father? At least here, I can make a difference. Plus, I still have to apologize to someone.”

“How long has it been since your offence?”

“Too long, Arimus.”

“Hopefully you will rectify the problem quickly.”

“I’m not sure if she’ll accept my apology. I did say some terrible things.”

“Who is she?”

“Catherine.”

Arimus nodded. James was sure he heard her speak on the matter.

“Well, after this test is over…why don’t you tell her yourself?”

Arimus pointed toward the courtyard floor right as Catherine came into view from beneath them. James was in awe over how long it had been since he saw her. She walked boldly, as if she was ready to punch her test square in the face. Her eyes remained solemn and fixed toward the courtyard entrance. James was about to call out to her when Arimus lifted a finger, signifying that he was to remain quiet. James attached the manumit to his belt and paid attention.

She looked no different from when he last saw her, except her countenance had changed drastically. Her usual cheerful disposition was replaced by a sour look, one of annoyance and solemnity. She maintained her composure, moving slowly toward the courtyard doors where Kyran had just came through. The two stood opposite of one another, staring each other down. He had his arms folded and his body was firm like a warrior, yet his face did not match.

It was a face filled with sorrow and regret.

And he didn’t look directly at Catherine. More like through her. He was unable to meet her gaze. Catherine seemed to notice, and she smirked at Kyran’s rare display of emotion. Kyran caught the smirk and immediately gathered himself. He cleared his throat with authority and she got the message. This would be her final test, and certainly nothing to smile about. James, still oblivious to what was about to happen, kept stretching his head over the balcony, struggling to get the best angle to watch what would unfold. Arimus observed James closely, wondering how he would react when the test would begin.

“You seem to be on the edge of your seat,” Arimus stated, seeking to know where James’ thoughts were.

“I’m curious to see what Catherine and Kyran are about to do. She looks so serious.”

“And for good reason. This is her final test, after all.”

“Since you’re allowing me to watch this, I assume I’m not going through the same thing?”

“No, not at all. This test is uniquely designed for her. She has a special purpose after all.”

“And what is that?”

“She bears a greater burden than any of us. It isn’t enough that she must rule a Kingdom as queen one day, but she also must defend her very body and soul to protect Allay’s coveted stone.”

“What are you trying to say? What stone?”

“The stone of Allay. The one stone passed throughout our Kingdom from generations past. The stone that every Allayan child up until a few years ago, has touched from birth. The stone that gives one the potential to become a Sage.”

“She has that, where?”

“It’s infused within her now, attached to her very soul. It is activated very similar to the way an eidolon is. It is summoned at will, but at the cost of the user’s soul.”

“Why does she have to bear this stone?”

“It is royal duty. Only the kings and queens inherit it. I guess her mother passed it along to her before her capture.”

“She can’t give it to someone else?”

“I would think not. Otherwise she wouldn’t go through this test.”

“I’m sure she’ll do fine.”

“I hope she does, James. I don’t know what the Kingdom would do without an heir to the throne.”

A pause.

“Wait, what did you say? What do you mean by no heir?”

“It’s possible she may not survive this test. She will only keep her life if she passes.”

“WHAT?!”

“It’s true. Catherine doesn’t yet know how to activate the stone at will, to harness its power. Either she will unleash it now, or Kyran will cut her down.”

“Why? Why would she go for something like this?”

“She facilitated this test, James, not us. She wants this. She doesn’t want to be like her parents, relying only on her guards to save her. She wants to be able to release the stone’s power if need be, to protect herself and others.”

“If her bodyguards do their job, she shouldn’t have to.”

“Like I said,” Arimus winced. “She wanted this. Like you trained to be a Sage, she’s trained to release the power of the stone, and we can only watch and obey.”

“Like I’m going to stand for that!” James declared as he went to jump off the balcony. Arimus immediately grabbed him and threw him backward.

“If you try that again, I won’t allow you to observe at all.”

“Why let me watch? What’s the point of watching this foolishness?”

“Because you inspire her, James.”

James sat dumbstruck over the words.

“Despite your perceived failures, you don’t give up. You may have been separated, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t heard all about you, including your time in the forest. It gave her great motivation. So just sit back, and cheer her on.”

James reached out a hand for Arimus to take and he lifted him up to a standing position. James went to his feet and immediately leaned over to see what would unfold. Kyran was glaring at her, mustering up the courage to do what he was ordered to: kill her. Catherine began sweating as Kyran withdrew a blade from his side slowly; giving her full time to see her doom unfolding. Catherine instinctively went for a blade as well, but she let her hand drop at the last second. She took a deep breath, unsheathed her sword, and threw it as hard as she could to the side. She didn’t want the temptation. 

“She’s angry,” Arimus whispered. “Instead of fearing for her safety and drawing a blade, she should have been concentrating on the stone within her.”

“She has nothing to defend herself with?”

“She has all she needs, if only she knew how to release it.”

Kyran took one step back, his heel scraping against the gravel beneath his feet, and in the next breath, he lunged forward, running full speed toward Catherine, his eyes fixed on her throat. Catherine put her hands together in a prayer motion and concentrated, her eyes glaring into Kyran’s.

Kyran reared back at the last second as her eyes widened in terror. Arimus saw the problem immediately.

“She can’t do it,” he gasped as Kyran pulled up his blade and spun around her. Catherine took a long needed breath. Kyran scowled and leaned his head back toward her ear.

“My mistake,” he muttered as he backed away and continued walking to his starting position, giving her plenty of space. He readied the blade once again as Catherine began sweating. Her concentration appeared even worse off than before.

“Kyran loves her too much,” Arimus said. “He doesn’t want to do this…but if anyone in Allay has the will to perform this task, it is him.”

Kyran lunged once more, and swung toward her head. At the last moment, Catherine ducked and the blade swiped at the air. Kyran regrouped his efforts and brought the sword back up toward the off-balance princess. Catherine tried to fall away from it but failed miserably as the blade managed to slide down her left shoulder, nicking her. Catherine cried out in shock and grasped her wound, practically gliding backwards to get away. Kyran shook his head as she glared at him, gritting her teeth and breathing shallowly. Kyran refused to say a word.

“What are you doing, Kyran!” Catherine cried out. “Why aren’t you giving it your all?”

Kyran stayed silent.

“I knew the moment you swung at my head, it wasn’t going to connect! I knew you were going to alter the course and slow down, giving me time to dodge it. You’re not trying to hit me at all! You’re faster than this! I’ve seen you!”

“What do you call that, Princess?” Kyran sulked, pointing toward her cut.

“I call it a scratch, a flesh wound. It’s nothing I can’t shrug off. What’s wrong with you, Kyran? I chose you for the test because I thought you wouldn’t hesitate to do what you’re told! You don’t let your emotions get in the way of the task at hand! And you know this needs to be done. Stop caring about what might happens to me, and think about the good of the Kingdom! If I can’t release this stone, then I am unfit to lead these people!”

Kyran almost seemed uneasy.

“It didn’t seem like you were close at all to where you needed to be,” he muttered. “Your thoughts were all over the place. Your form was sloppy. I knew you wouldn’t tap into the stone’s power then. That is why I hesitated.”

“And when will I be ready? That’s why this is supposed to be so serious! I know when you’re bluffing, Kyran. I’ve known you for years. And I especially know when you’re holding back, at my expense. Put your feelings aside, and think of me as an enemy. If you don’t strike to kill me now, I may never get to where I need to be!”

“Fine,” he gruffed, angry he had been scolded so harshly.

“He’s serious now,” Arimus whispered as James clutched the banister.

“You mean he’s actually going to try to kill her?”

“No doubt in my mind. Catherine’s words reminded him of why he took on this assignment in the first place.”

“Is Catherine ready?” James asked, as he saw her shaking, trying not to hold onto her wound. She said it was nothing, but it hurt far more than she claimed. She was sweating, and her eyes were sporadic. James knew his answer the moment he asked it.

“No, not even close.”

“That’s all I need to hear,” James said as he climbed onto the banister. Arimus reached for him, but James was ready, having already loosened his jacket the moment he had seen Catherine get cut.

Thankfully, he hadn’t forgotten it today…

Arimus grabbed his jacket and pulled, but he was already out of it, falling to the courtyard floor. James landed on one knee, and both hands as Arimus yelled his name. Kyran stood still and Catherine glanced over at him. He wasn’t sure if it was sweat or tears that welcomed him.

“Arimus is always telling me to wear that jacket, and look where it got him,” James said playfully as Catherine’s eyes smiled.