Page 59 of The Healing Dragon
I’m the juvenile one.
“Is there anything I can help with?” I finally ask.
“I need you to arrange a training session for Matias. He needs to learn to wield magic in self defense but not with all the soldiers. I don't need to tell you he is behind.”
He trained with Roman for a bit before he departed to Fierno. From what my brother shared, Matias was worse thanBianca when she first arrived. They blame it on the cursed book unbalancing him. I figure things could have only gotten worse now.
“Is that all?” I grunt more than ask.
“For now, If something changes I will let you know.” Santiago’s tone is chipper.
“I would appreciate that.” I knock on the table before pushing away from the desk. “I will see you around.”
With a teasing smile Santiago mocks-salutes me.
I fight the urge to flip him off over my shoulder. I’ve shown enough emotion on the subject. Giving him more ammunition will not help me. Instead, I begin my route to the training grounds. Releasing some steam on the training circles is all I need to feel better.
I’m not sure what I expected from Santiago, but not fessing up with what Janelle was up to was not it. Perhaps this is what I deserve. I need to stop thinking of her all together. He might be doing me a favor.
The training circles are packed with soldiers waiting their turn. Today is not a regular training day. Once every two weeks, people may take their sparring sessions to another level. It's a bit more aggressive than usual. This is used to sharpen senses and take off the safety net. Death is not allowed, but anything outside of mortal danger is encouraged.
I spot Roman on the edge of the circle first. He is giving his second in command orders before dismissing him and making his way to me. The trail of dirt on his elbow tells me exactly where he was this morning.
“Are you okay?” Roman asks after a minute of standing next to me. I don’t answer with anything other than a head nod. “I hoped that after this mission you would be a little more yourself.”
“I’m fine,” I say, between clenchedteeth.
My eyes find Resse across the circle. The old man once ran our best squad in the Royal Force. Instead of retiring, he has found himself a place running the training circles. He is the person running the order of sparring sessions taking place. Resse will find someone to duel me, saving me from finding someone to agree. The best part is that Resse always matches people to strength and ability, always keeping matches fair.
With a gesture, I catch Reese’s attention. A head nod in confirmation later and my intentions are known.
“Blowing off steam is one way of dealing with your problems.”
Roman chuckles and despite his remark, I can tell he doesn’t disapprove of my choices. He has found himself one too many times in the circles.
Roman gestures to Resse too, making the old man grin devilishly. I scowl at my brother, knowing damn well if he is part of the roster, Resse will partner him up with me.
“What are you doing?” I ask
“Saving whatever poor bastard was going to be stuck with you.”
I cross my arms. “You think you are funny?”
“What I think seems to not matter for a while. As a matter of fact, not a damn thing seems to matter, but your shit mood.”
The current duel on the circle ceases and Resse steps forward. He gestures to Roman and me. “Go at it, boys!” He hoots with a wide grin.
I step up to the circle. The crowd erupts in cheers and laughter. It’s not often that the brothers have matches against one another.
A soldier off to the side shouts, “Beat some sense into him, Roman!”
I follow the voice and narrow my eyes to the soldier that belongs to my brother’s squad.
“What?” Esteban asks, smirking. “Finally ready to let out some anger over the redhead?”
“He can’t help falling for her demonic tricks.” Eve, a soldier I trained in the past, says shaking her head.
“He can get over her and move on.” Esteban claps with the rest of the crowd. “I don’t even blame him. If I was dog-walked by a dragon, I would walk around looking half guilty too.”
