Page 66 of Riftborne
“Only cowards run,” Baelor said, crossing his arms.
The Lieutenant marched towards the pale-haired boy, stopping a mere inch from his face.
“Interrupt me again, Soleil, and I’ll double your sprints.” Mercer’s voice was unwavering. Baelor stared back unfazed. The air around him seemed to pulse with tension. Mercer turned around and cracked his neck.
“Staying alive is not cowardly. It’s your priority. The five of you will be joining our strongest faction. Your survival is vital to our mission.” He cleared his throat.
“Speed is going to be important for all of you. Along with endurance and flexibility. But first, we need to get all of you into perfect shape for combat.”
“See these markers?” he questioned, gesturing towards ten white lines on the ground, spaced evenly along the length of the field. “When you reach the first, you’ll come back and touch the ground before running for the second, and we’ll repeat this pattern for the rest of them. Understood?” He arched an eyebrow. “You’re going to run them until I tell you to stop.”
A collective groan ran through the group as Mercer turned his back on us.
“Take your position. I’ll tell you when to begin.”
We all spread out. I eyed Raine who was pouting quietly. I don’t think any of us expected this today. I pulled at the collar of my top, trying to stretch out the tight fabric around my neck.
The sun blazed down on us. The air was thick and warm, nearly suffocating. We were already a few weeks into Eibhlín, but today was uncharacteristically hot. I already felt the beads of sweat prickling my forehead.
My lungs reflexively sucked in a gasp of air, sighing long and slow before turning my head, inspecting the stance of the other recruits. Everyone kneeled, anticipating the command. I followed suit.
“Go!” Mercer shouted, and we all launched forward. Baelorshot off into the lead, expertly spinning on his heels as he reached the first marker.
I pushed myself, trying to keep a steady pace, but my lungs were already aching.
By the time conditioning was finished, we were all slumped over, gasping for air–even Baelor, who managed to lap us multiple times throughout the afternoon with a proud look on his face.
He still took every opportunity to shoot a contemptuous glance in my direction, like he wanted to spear me straight through the heart or burn me to ashes. I couldn't be sure.
As we neared the gates of the Compound, I sank down onto the cobblestone, stretching out my overworked muscles. My body hurt in places that I didn’t know existed.
Guards of all factions littered the street in front of the gates, coming and going, socializing and collecting mail and deliveries.
Raine slid down beside me, groaning as she hit the ground. We both heaved in unison for a few moments.
“That was torture,” she said breathlessly. I leaned forward and bent my head. My body was still trembling from the intensity of the sprints.
“Absolute torture,” I agreed. A breeze wafted the sweaty curls from my face, and I sighed with relief. These leather uniforms were unbearably hot.
“And now you’ll go see the General?” she asked, apprehension drenching her voice. Our breaths finally calmed, returning to their normal tempo.
“Yes,” I huffed. “Although I’m not sure I’m in the best state to perform. I can’t even feel my legs.” A laugh escaped my lips.
“I can’t feel anything. I’m about to drench myself in ice before crawling into my bed,” she murmured. It sounded like a joke, but her eyes were serious.
“Not going out with Briar?”
“No fucking way.” She laughed.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow… that is, if I don’t die in the next few hours,” I sighed, attempting to stand. My legs wanted to give out. They trembled as I straightened them.
“Good luck.” She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. I could tell it was the only sentiment she could muster. Turning on wobbly heels, I limped off towards the gym near the Apothecary.
CHAPTER 25
General Ashford was only just arrivingat the gym as I was walking up. This would be our first time truly alone since the ball. I didn’t bother changing out of my leathers. It seemed like too big of a task after the workout.
He noticed my approach and held the door open in silence, but I felt his eyes scan over me.
