Page 81 of A Touch of Stars and Stones
“Ten, the Maker wants a meeting,” Nova, the Custodian who’s barely spoken, announces. Ten’s eyes find me already watching him, and his brows draw together. For a moment, I catch the feeling that this request puts him out.
He turns away, and Calix and Azur say something to him, but I can’t hear, so I’m left watching him as he stalks out of the room.
twenty-one
. . .
Ever
The relief of shutting the door behind me is like the hit of early morning light washing over you, turning everything a little brighter, a little more positive. I can finally relax.
My mind takes a mental inventory of my body. Weak. Tired. Drained.
There is no point studying now, so my feet drag me to the bed, and I ignore the books on the desk. I’d only re-read the same line over and over again without processing the words.
I’m too tired even to take my boots off.
And my eyes close in an instant.
“I don’t know how you’re going to get through training. You’re always asleep.” I recognise the voice, and it brings a smile to my face despite the internal groan that I’m now awake.
“Perhaps you should stop waking me up, and I might get the sleep I need to stay awake and not be tired all the time.” I right my body and see Kyra sitting in the chair next to the desk. “It’s nice to see you.”
“Micah told me you had a tough day.”
“You could say that. What time is it?” It’s gloomy in the room with little light coming through the window and a few candles already lit.
“Still time for dinner if you want to go and get something to eat.”
“I’d rather spend some time with you.” I lift my boots to the bed to unlace them, happy to push them off my feet and let them drop to the floor before crossing my legs on the bed to face her. “Did Micah say anything else about today?”
“That you took a pounding from Calix. And that the Custodians have training revolving around finding out your power.”
“You got the highlights then.” I drop my head and twist my body, loosening the stiffness that had seized me up during my nap.
“There was a Warrior in my training year. Perrin and I got to know each other pretty well,” she huffs. “Speaking of which.” She nods to the small vial and mug set on the desk. “Drink all of it with water. It will help with any internal bruises. And the external ones.”
I see her looking over my skin, and the marks I assume have blossomed despite being stitched back together.
“What happened to him, the Warrior?” I clear my throat and change the subject.
“Shewas strong. The perfect Warrior. So, naturally, completed all four trials and went off to the army. At least, that’s what I assume. Most Warriors go straight into the army, serve their basic training, and then get deployed.”
“I thought Kirrasia was peaceful.”
“It is. And has been for many years. But I doubt that’s by luck. Our Warriors are stationed all over Sunatora and Nehandun.” She pauses. “Training is hard. We all do our best.” She stands and shrugs her shoulders like it’s as simple as that. She picks up a book and crosses the room towards me. “Here.”
I take the thick, slightly dusty volume.
“I’m stretching the remit of my role to look after you and thought you could do with some answers.”
I look at her, then at the text in my hand. “What is it?”
“It’s an account of the Orders. But there are several pages missing. And several mentions of the Fifth.” She sits on the bed next to me. “I watched them, the Orders, when you first went to meet them. I’ve never seen them like that. They are hiding something, and I hate that you seem to be in the dark all the time.”
“You’re helping me?”
She rolls her eyes at me. “I’ve been helping you since I was asked to. And now I want to because I know you a little better. That shouldn’t be a shock.”
