Page 63 of City of Secrets and Shadows
“I trust you can at least keep up,” Valeria said to me, her voice low enough that only our team could hear. “It would be such a shame to fail because of... provincial limitations.”
I bit back the retort that sprang to my lips. In the arena, such challenges would be met with steel. Here, I needed to prove myself through action, not words.
“The first section requires you to traverse the stepping stones while maintaining balance,” the instructor explained, pointingto partially submerged flat rocks. “Then proceed to the rope bridge, navigate the suspended netting, and finally, work together to cross the underwater pathway marked by the guide ropes. Remember, this is not just about individual skill — your score depends on how well you function as a unified team.”
Jalend studied the course with analytical detachment. “The underwater section appears to be the most challenging. How deep does it go?”
“Most sections are shallow enough to stand,” the instructor replied. “Though the central passage drops to about chest height on an average man.”
The information should have reassured me, but something in the way Valeria and her friends exchanged glances made my skin prickle with unease. They knew something I didn’t, and I had the distinct feeling I was about to find out what.
We made our way to the starting point, where several teams were already gathered. The water lapped gently at the shore, seeming to reach for my ankles with each small wave. I tried to swallow the knot of anxiety forming in my throat as I watched the rippling surface. I’d faced down gladiators and imperial soldiers — water shouldn’t terrify me this much.
“Remember,” the instructor called out, “you must complete each section as a team. Anyone who abandons their teammates will result in immediate disqualification.”
Valeria flicked her long braid over her shoulder, the wet strands catching the sunlight like polished obsidian. Her eyes slid dismissively over me, lingering on my tunic with poorly disguised contempt.
“That’s an... interesting interpretation of the regulation attire,” she said, voice dripping with false sweetness. “I wasn’t aware modesty was such a concern in the provinces.”
“Perhaps some of us prefer not to put everything on display,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady as I watched the water.
Valeria laughed, the sound like breaking glass. “Or perhaps some have flaws they’d rather keep hidden.” She stepped closer, lowering her voice. “What are you hiding under there, provincial? Deformities? Or just the soft body of someone who’s never had proper training?”
My jaw tightened. If she only knew the things my body had endured — the arena, the training pits, the escape that had nearly killed me. The scars I carried were badges of survival, not shame. But they would also instantly reveal me as no noble daughter.
“I’m sure you’ll have plenty of opportunities to critique my performance without worrying about my clothing choices,” I said.
Drusilla sidled up beside Valeria, her eyes fixed on Jalend who stood slightly apart from us, studying the obstacle course with intense focus.
“Lord Jalend,” she called, her voice transforming into something honeyed and soft. “You must be accustomed to such challenges in the North. Do you have any advice for those of us with... more delicate constitutions?”
He barely glanced at her. “Stay focused. Help your teammates if they struggle.”
“I’m sure you’d be quite the hero if anyone needed rescuing,” Cassia added, batting her eyelashes so dramatically I thought she might strain something.
Jalend’s expression remained impassive. “Heroes die. Survivors win.”
The flat statement killed their flirtation as effectively as a blade to the throat. I almost smiled, despite my growing unease as I watched team after team enter the water.
“Team Seven!” the instructor finally called. “Take your positions.”
The course before us consisted of a series of platforms connected by different challenges — first a rope bridge that hung low over shallow water, then a set of floating pontoons that rocked with the slightest movement, and finally a deeper section where guide ropes led through what appeared to be a submerged walkway.
“I’ll lead,” Valeria announced, already stepping toward the starting platform without waiting for agreement.
“Shouldn’t we discuss strategy first?” I asked, looking at the others.
Cassia laughed. “What strategy? We cross a bridge, walk some platforms, and follow a rope. It’s hardly a military campaign.”
“Fine,” I muttered, taking my place behind Drusilla as we lined up — Valeria first, then Cassia, Drusilla, me, and Jalend at the rear.
The rope bridge wasn’t difficult. The water beneath it was shallow enough that I could see the bottom, maybe waist-deep at most. I crossed carefully, one hand on each guide rope, aware of Jalend’s silent presence behind me. His calm was somehow reassuring, a stark contrast to the brittle energy of the women ahead.
The floating pontoons proved more challenging. They shifted unpredictably with each step, requiring careful balance and coordination. As I stepped onto the first one, it dipped sharply under my weight, sending water washing over my feet.
“Careful!” Cassia called back with mock concern. “They’re quite unstable if you’re... heavier than expected.”
I ignored the jab, focusing instead on finding my balance. Ahead of me, Valeria, Cassia, and Drusilla moved with practiced grace, their feet barely disturbing the platforms. Had they trained for this specifically? Or was this another skill all noble daughters learned alongside embroidery and politics?
