Page 60 of Daughter of the Serpent

Only so she could be killed the very day she was put before the gods?

Something in Runa's expression softened.

“We cannot know the will of the gods, child. But what I do know is this, despite their judgment, you were able to cast the runes successfully, and channel unharmed. It is a feat I have not witnessed before.” She said, “In any case, you did a rare thing out there. You saved a life, even if we may not know why, and you should celebrate this.”

A glimmer of hope flickered to life, yet when she met Runa’s eyes again, they had shifted once more.

“Regardless of such a miracle, I’ve decided that the Hazier warrior will be your sole trainer from now on.” She said firmly, any gentleness quickly vanquished as her tone left no room for argument. “You need to hone your skills, and he’ll ensure you get the guidance you need.”

Sylvie nodded, but her chest tightened with the blow. She had only just begun, and already she was to be separated from the others.

“I know this ruling may seem unfair after I agreed to take you in, however after today it would only put you further into harm's way. I cannot say how your fellow students would now respond to you, your presence. It is likely that you will face even further opposition. You must also prepare yourself for the likelihood that the elders wish to disqualify you, due to the gods' verdict today. I cannot say they would agree to let you continue, or be as lenient as I have been.”

Her eyes met hers. “They will have to respect my decision, though this is not to say they will not attempt to have you thrown out of your training by any other means necessary.”

Runa’s expression was now more serious than ever. “Do not give them any more reason to do so.”

Sylvie nodded, the severity of her situation becoming more and more apparent.

Runa straightened, her eyes thoughtful. “Do not push the limits of anything, including whatever feelings you may possess for Haldor.”

Sylvie’s eye’s shot up.

“I have seen the looks that pass between you.”

Sylvie cleared her throat, feeling it instantly tighten.

“Be careful you do not become too obvious,” She cautioned. “Do not give the elders a reason.”

“I assure you, nothing has come to pass.”

Runa’s eyes narrowed. “And yet, you did not call me or the guards to Thyra’s aid.”

Her words feel heavy, the truth landing hard.

Sylvie nodded.

“You must resubmit yourself in every way, Sylvie.” Runa’s gaze bore into her, cold and unwavering. “Submit to the gods, submit to the elders. Obey, and keep to the shadows - it is the only way you’ll survive now.”

Sylvie’s fingers curled into her palms as the words struck. Despite the gods’ love of glory and fame, she had to remain quiet, unseen - just as she always had.

“I will,” she said softly, though she couldn’t quell the disappointment from her voice.

“You are dismissed.”

Sylvie turned toward the door, hand tightening around the handle - yet she hesitated. Her voice came quiet but firm. “Why are you helping me, Runa? Why not just disqualify me yourself?”

Runa exhaled, her hand instinctively brushing the empty space where her left hand had once been. A long silence stretched between them before she finally spoke. “Because I know what it’s like to be different.”

Her eyes drifted to the loan window, shadowing in thought.

“I heard you were once a fierce shieldmaiden,” Sylvie murmured, her fingers still resting on the door handle.

“That was a very long time ago.” Runa’s voice was quiet, almost wistful. With a sigh, she rose from her chair and moved toward the modest window. Shafts of sunlight cast long across her figure as her white braids slipped from her shoulders, trailing down her back.

“When I lost my fighting hand, the temple guard cast me aside, as if I had never been anything to them at all.” She shifted,her fingers brushing the wooden frame of the window. “I was useless. Unwanted. Lost. All I had ever known was war - blood and battle ran through my veins. And then, in an instant, it was gone.” Her jaw tightened. “The dishonor was worse than the pain. The loss of identity....”

She fell silent for a moment, then exhaled slowly. “But pain has a way of shaping us. From the wreckage of who I was, I found something new. I unlocked my magic, honed it, and uncovered strengths I never imagined.” Her gaze flickered back to Sylvie, her sharp features softening. “That’s why I train you all now - to prepare you for the harshness that awaits. So many are unprepared.”

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