Page 38 of Surface Pressure

With a firm nod of her head, Soulara turned her back on the now empty beach, and headed to Reine. It didn’t take her long, since the waters had receded so much. She swam directly to where she hoped Honour would be.

Soulara leaned against the wall of the training room. She wondered if Honour now slept on one of the weight machines. Every time she had searched for her general, Soulara found Honour here.

This time though, Honour was not alone. She swam between pairs of troops as they practiced moves and techniques.

“They don’t have tails. You can’t rely on them using those things the same way we use our bodies.” Honour’s voice rose as she spoke to the group as a whole, and then hushed as she helped adjust individuals with grips and holds.

Soulara and Honour had been friends for almost as long as Soulara could remember and almost as long as she had been friends with Zendalia.

Honour would always set her mind on a goal. The look was precise and firm, her cheeks hollowing as she focused. And no matter how many people told her she couldn’t, Honour pushed herself that much more to prove them wrong.

Muscles in her back rippled as she demonstrated again a move Soulara could do in her sleep. Only because of Honour’s training and patience.

“Princess,” Honour called over, and Soulara snapped herself to attention. She pushed off from the coral wall and straightened her fluke. “What a fortuitous time for you to visit.”

“And why is that, General?” Soulara asked just as she had been taught.

“I lamented earlier that there’s no one I could demonstrate the full power of this move upon.” The glint in Honour’s eyes told her all manner of pain was about to be inflicted on her.

Soulara wished she could close her eyes and disappear.

Then she heard the faint snickering and muffled chuckles from the tadpole trainees.

Well, two could play at this game.

Soulara turned her own mischievous looks to the group of trainees who had all stopped and watched with amused interest. She would let them be amused until they learned that this princess had never been one to sit on the sidelines while her people risked their lives.

“Well, let’s make sure we show our newest troops what their general is made of. I’ll try to go easy on you.”

Honour barked out a laugh before giving a short nod.

As though it were a dance they had choreographed and rehearsed many times before, they started their fight.

Honour struck out with her training spear. Soulara moved, but not fast enough. The head of the weapon struck the corner of her shoulder, pushing her back with the pure force Honour put behind it.

The crowd of onlookers grew, and the chuckles increased. Soulara risked them a glance before focusing on her opponent.

Good. Let’s ensure everyone learns their lesson today.

Soulara ducked the next strike as she curled the end fins of her tail up and slapped them against Honour’s hip. She put the full force of her body behind the movement and was rewarded with a grunt from Honour.

“That’s a new move.” Honour righted herself, and the two swam in a circle, neither taking their eyes off the other.

“Always be prepared for the unexpected.” Soulara let out a gleeful laugh.

“Indeed, Princess.”

The strikes continued, some hitting and others missing.

Soulara’s breath dragged in and out of her throat. Honour had not gone easy, and she had met Honour’s challenge blow for blow. They had laughed and bumped shoulders as proof of good sportsmanship before Soulara left to recover on the stones along the outer wall of the training room.

“That was a much harder work out than I expected it to be.” Honour had sent the trainees off to endurance training with one of her senior soldiers. She collapsed on the stone beside Soulara.

“You started it.” Soulara forced a smile, but the enjoyment she had experienced in the rush of the sparring had floated away as her thoughts were once again granted permission to roam.

“So did you come to see how the new troops were getting along or was there something else?”

“There’s something else.” Soulara enjoyed Honour’s friendship for many reasons. Her directness and ability to get right to the point of any issue made her a true and honest friend. It caused fights on occasion, but they were ones easily worked through.

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