A Warden's Purpose (Wardens of Issalia Book 1) Read online

  “Cadet Quinn,” Jasmine’s voice came from above Quinn as the woman’s boots settled into view near her right hand. “You appear to be having trouble. Is there something wrong?”

  Quinn stopped, brought her knees to the dirt, and held her arm against her sore ribs. “I’m…not sure, Sergeant. Perhaps the kick I received when hand fighting with Hirna yesterday did more damage than I thought.”

  The other cadets continued with the push-ups as Jasmine called out, “Healer!”

  Quinn closed her eyes and thanked Issal. Moving gingerly, she opened them and rose to her feet. When she turned toward the stands, she found a familiar face approaching.

  “Rena?”

  “Hello, Quinn.” The girl smiled. “It’s good to see you.”

  “What are you going here?”

  “Healer duty. Both Torney and I signed up for it during the winter session.” The girl reached out and placed a hand on Quinn’s shoulder. “Now hold still and I’ll see what I can do.”

  Rena closed her eyes and her brow furrowed in concentration. Quinn watched her childhood friend and it occurred to her that Rena had become quite beautiful. Yes, she had always possessed cute features, but as the woman inside her began to blossom, so did Rena’s beauty.

  A shocking chill shook Quinn’s body and the air expelled from her lungs. She gasped to reclaim it and realized that her ribs no longer hurt. Her stomach growled loud enough to drown out Vi’s count.

  Rena opened her eyes and gave Quinn a warm smile. “Your ribs were fractured, but they shouldn’t give you further trouble.” She withdrew a hard roll from her pocket. “Here. I’m sure you’re hungry.”

  Quinn accepted the roll with a nod. “Thanks.”

  As Rena turned and walked away, Quinn considered the injury and decided she needed to speak with her. When she turned, Quinn found Jasmine staring at her with a frown, her hands on her hips.

  “How did you get the injury?” Jasmine asked.

  Worry twisted Quinn’s stomach. “Hirna. She kicked me yesterday while we were hand fighting.”

  Jasmine’s eyes narrowed. “Funny, I don’t recall you having any problem.”

  Quinn shrugged. “I guess I didn’t notice while filled with adrenaline from the fight.”

  By the time Quinn reclaimed her spot, pushups were finished and they moved on to balancing on one foot with arms spread out like a bird. With balance being among Quinn’s strongest attributes, she easily stepped into the pose and held it, feeling Jasmine’s glare the entire time.

  Quinn faced her opponent, both familiar and fierce. Chuli fought hard every time, never giving an inch. With an advantage of height and weapon length, Chuli’s reach far surpassed Quinn’s – even approaching that of Darnya. While Quinn knew that Chuli and Darnya each fought with their own techniques, the hours spent sparring with Chuli would help prepare her for her next duel with Darnya.

  Leaping forward, Quinn slapped Chuli’s practice sword aside and aimed a strike at her midriff. Chuli’s shield caught the wooden short sword and knocked it aside as she wound for a lower swing. Quinn twisted with a desperate block and kicked backward, striking Chuli on the thigh. The girl grunted, shifted, and swung again. Quinn raised her left arm and knocked the strike aside with her sword. She feigned another low swipe with the other sword, but when Chuli shifted her shield, she altered her stroke upward and caught the girl in the chin. Chuli’s head snapped back and she stumbled, falling to her hands and knees. She spit a gob of blood onto the dirt and tried to stand before staggering and falling onto her hip. Chuli groaned and squeezed her eyes closed, her chin torn open, blood dripping onto her vest.

  Torney ran in and knelt beside her. “Hold on. You’ll feel a chill.”

  Quinn watched the skin on Chuli’s chin meld itself together, appearing normal but for the trail of dried blood that remained.

  “Thank you, Elder.”

  Torney frowned. “I told you, my name is Torney.” He reached into his pocket and handed her a chip of dried meat. “Here. Eat this. It will help.”

  Chuli accepted the meat and stood, brushing the dirt clean as she chewed.

  “I’m sorry about hitting your face, Chuli. I aimed for your shoulder, but missed.”

  Chuli shook her head. “If it were a real fight, missing is bad. However, in this case, you would have cut your opponent’s face in half.” She smiled. “I suspect that means you would win and they would be dead.”

  Quinn smiled before turning toward Torney.

  “We’re done here, Torney. You can head back.”

  He shook his head. “Since it’s late, I’ll stay for another day. I don’t have any scheduled classes tomorrow. Besides, you need one of us around here because you’re a walking disaster, ready to rain pain on others.”

  Quinn chuckled. “Fine. Just be careful to keep this a secret. If anyone asks why you’re here so late, just say that you got snowed in.”

  Torney gave her an incredulous look. “Are you kidding? There is no way I would tell anyone and risk upsetting you. You were feisty when we were kids. Now, you’re downright scary.”

  This time, Chuli laughed. “You are correct, good healer. The look on her face when she fights is that of a cornered badger – frightening to anyone who realizes what they face.”

  With sparring practice finished, the girls retreated to the baths to clean away the sweat, dirt, and blood. Chuli remained in the baths, opting to soak her sore muscles while Quinn exited the women’s baths and headed toward the mess hall to get food. When she turned a corner, she heard a voice behind her.

  “I feel a bit hurt that you didn’t tell me.”

  She turned to find Iko standing behind her, his arms crossed as he leaned against the corridor wall.

  “Didn’t tell you what?”

  He gave her a small smile, uncrossed his arms, and edged toward her. “That you are spending extra time sparring. I won’t tell anyone, you know.”

  Quinn sighed. “We aren’t supposed to be in those rooms after hours. I figured that not telling you meant that you wouldn’t have to lie if asked.”

  Iko’s brow furrowed. “You don’t think I can lie for a friend?”

  “Well, I didn’t want to put you in in that position.”

  “I’d prefer you tell me everything and let me handle the repercussions. Friends do that for each other.” He took her hand and stared into her eyes. “We’re friends, right?”

  The heat of his hand as it held hers sent Quinn’s heart racing, the thump in her chest distracting her thoughts. “Yes. We are friends.”

  He put his other hand on her chin, sliding it to her cheek as she stared into the amber pools of his eyes. When he leaned in close, her eyes drifted closed and her lips parted in anticipation. The rush of the kiss made her slightly dizzy. As he pulled his lips free, her eyes flickered open. Iko gave her a warm smile, and she smiled in response.

  “Are you heading to the mess hall?” he asked.

  The spell broken, Quinn stepped back and gathered herself. “Um…Yes. I need to get a quick bite before I study the Battle of Yarth.”

  “Good. I’ll go with you. We can talk while you eat.”

  He grabbed her hand and they walked toward the mess hall. Upon arriving, Iko waited at a table while Quinn visited the kitchen. She soon emerged with leftover mutton stew and a chunk of bread and began eating the moment she sat across from him.

  Iko cleared his throat. “We are in the Coliseum tomorrow for another duel with practice weapons. Are you girls dueling as well?”

  Quinn swallowed and took a drink of her milk. “Our duels are scheduled for next week. Tomorrow, we are off for a ranger field session.”

  Iko nodded. “Our trip is next week. I’m afraid that it’ll snow and make for a nasty outing.”

  Quinn shrugged. “I grew up in Cinti Mor. Snow isn’t a big deal, provided you dress appropriately.”

  Chuli entered the mess hall and nodded to Quinn as she headed toward the kitchen. Iko frowned as the Tantarri girl
passed by, his expression darkening.

  “If you allow yourself to get to know Chuli, you would like her.”

  Iko turned toward her but didn’t respond.

  “She’s my friend, Iko. If you want to spend time with me, you need to try.”

  He sighed. “Very well, I will try.”

  “Good.”

  Standing, he glanced toward the kitchen. “I must go. Percy is waiting for me to study battle tactics together. Besides, I need a good night of sleep before my duel.”

  “I’ll see you when I return from the ranger outing.”

  He smiled. “I’d like that very much.”

  With a bow, he turned and exited the room. As Quinn watched him leave, she felt something stirring within, something she had never felt before.

  As they reached the meadow, the squad slowed to a stop. With most of the leaves now settled on the ground, Quinn found the view into the surrounding forest extended much further than on previous outings. The formerly green undergrowth had wilted and yellowed – a byproduct of cold evenings.

  Quinn slid her pack off and untied the rolled tent. Working with practiced precision, she and Chuli quickly pitched the tent, stuffed their gear inside, and waited at attention for their next instructions.

  A layer of gray blanketed the sky, obscuring the sun although it was mid-day. The clouds carried the threat of snow – a threat that might come to fruition should the temperature drop. In preparation for the weather, the travel gear worn on this outing was heavier than during the previous three trips. They still wore the long, gray cloaks that blended with the forest, but beneath them were layers to keep the girls warm when night fell.

  When the last of the tents were pitched, and the girls were standing at attention, Jasmine strolled down the gap between them, nodding in approval.

  “You’re getting better. A few of you can still improve the coordination of pitching your tent, but most have the process in hand.” The woman’s gaze swept over each girl as she walked past. “Despite increasing our pace on this trip, you kept up well and none of you appear worn. This is good. It proves that your training has honed you, leaving your bodies fit and your endurance greatly improved.”

  She spun about. “You have five minutes to eat and then we will break you into groups as we have done in the past.” With a wave, she dismissed them.

  Quinn waited as Chuli grabbed her pack and handed her a pouch filled with nuts and dried fruit. They ate quickly, finishing the nuts and fruit before following it with two strips of dried beef and a hard roll. With their rations consumed and washed down with a few drinks from their waterskins, Quinn and Chuli resumed positions before their tent and waited on their instructions.

  When Jasmine designated the squad that was to hide their trail, Chuli’s was among the names called. A group was assigned with cutting stakes and assembling their perimeter defense, while smaller groups were assigned to dig the fire pit and collect wood to burn. When she found herself among the last to be assigned, Quinn knew her task before it was announced.

  “Simone, you are to lead a hunting party and head west. Darnya and Quinn are with you. Bronwyn, take Hirna and Vanessa. The three of you are to hunt to the east.”

  Quinn watched Simone as the girl grabbed her longbow and quiver. Since Simone was among the best with a bow, Quinn was happy to have the quiet girl in her party. Darnya was another matter.

  With her quiver over her shoulder and shortbow in hand, Quinn followed the two second-year cadets into the woods as they headed toward the tall peak to the west.

  Remaining silent other than the soft crunching of leaves beneath their boots, Quinn and Darnya trailed Simone through the forest. After ten minutes, Simone paused and waved Darnya to one side, Quinn to the other. Once spaced with a ten-stride gap between each of them, they again advanced, moving with caution and careful stealth.

  Quinn ducked around saplings and beneath branches, using her bow to gently push undergrowth aside as her eyes scanned the forest for movement. Continuous glances toward the forest floor helped her find clear spots to step, careful to avoid fallen twigs and dead leaves that might announce her approach. The bare branches provided a much greater viewing distance than on previous hunting trips, but she wasn’t sure if it was a good or bad thing. If she could see farther, so could their quarry.

  They soon came upon two thick copses of pine trees – one directly ahead and one to the far side of Darnya. Simone held her hand up, and all three girls stopped and listened. Simone slid an arrow from her quiver and nocked it without drawing her bowstring. Quinn and Darnya mirrored the action.

  The crack of a twig sent Quinn’s pulse racing. With the echo, she was unsure from which clump of pines the sound had originated. Simone edged forward, moving cautiously and visibly scanning the area while Quinn and Darnya did the same.

  A twang sounded from Quinn’s right. She glanced toward her companions to see who had fired, but both still held their bows with arrows nocked. Her brow furrowed in confusion as Darnya fell to her knees. The girl dropped her bow and clutched at her chest, drawing Quinn’s attention to the arrow in Darnya’s back, the point sticking through the breast of her coat. Another twang sounded and Simone stumbled when an arrow pierced her throat. Quinn’s eyes widened when she spied the arrow head protruded from the side that faced her. A glob of dark blood gurgled from Simone’s mouth, and she collapsed. Panic struck.

  Quinn crouched low, and she scanned the dark pines beyond Darnya, seeking the attacker. The forest seemed unnaturally still – quiet save for a whimper from Darnya, who lay in a pile of damp, dead leaves. The girl’s dark eyes stared toward Quinn and blood covered the hand she held around the shaft sticking from her chest. With Simone dead and Darnya dying, Quinn felt naked and helpless. Fear fought to overtake her as she considered her options.

  Another twang sounded from the shadows, and an arrow flew past, just a few feet above Quinn’s head. The mere sound of the missile passing set fire to the fear that had been smoldering inside, urging her into action.

  Quinn turned and ran, throwing all sense of stealth aside in favor of speed. To make a more difficult target, she ducked and weaved among the trees. She stumbled and fell to her hands, a few arrows tumbling from her quiver. Driven by panic, she blasted forward without giving the arrows a second glance.

  When she thought that enough obstacles blocked a clean shot for the hidden attacker, she sprinted as fast as she dared, knowing that another fall or twist of an ankle might define the line between survival and death. All the while, images of her dying comrades flashed in her head: Simone’s empty gaze, the blood running from Darnya’s mouth as it dripped on the forest floor.

  After ten minutes of panicked running through the woods, she spotted the clearing where her squad was camped. Not slowing until she passed the first row of tents, Quinn stopped and rested her hands on her knees as she gasped for air. Flanked by Vi and Lissa, Jasmine approached with her hands on her hips.

  “Where are Darnya and Simone? You know the rules. Stick together at all times.”

  Quinn stood upright, breathing heavily. “Someone shot at us, Sergeant.” She took a breath. “At least one attacker, maybe more. I couldn’t tell because they were hidden within the trees.”

  Jasmine’s eyes reflected alarm, although her stern expression remained. “Your fellow cadets, where are they?”

  Quinn turned toward the woods. “They were shot. Simone…is surely dead. Darnya might be as well.”

  Jasmine ran to her tent and came out with a short bow and quiver. “Vi, you’re coming with me. Lissa, you’re in charge here until I return.” The Sergeant waved Quinn forward. “Don’t just stand there, Cadet. Lead us to the soldiers you left behind.”

  Quinn stared at Darnya with a strange mixture of feelings. While she had hated the girl, she had never wanted her dead – not really. Seeing her still staring into space made Quinn feel like Darnya was playing a cruel joke, just waiting for Quinn to step close so she could startle her and laugh
about it. However, Jasmine had checked and confirmed the girl was dead, as was Simone.

  Turning, Quinn saw Jasmine materialize from the pines. The sergeant’s dark features somehow seemed even darker – her face grim. Vi emerged from another gap among the pines. When Jasmine turned toward her, Vi shook her head. Both walked toward Quinn with Jasmine in the lead.

  “Are you sure that’s where the arrows came from?” Jasmine asked as she approached Quinn.

  “Yes. The last one even flew over my head.” Quinn pointed past Simone’s body. “I was over there. The arrow should be somewhere beyond.”

  Jasmine knelt beside Darnya and examined the arrow in the girl’s back. The frown on her face deepened as she stood and moved closer to Simone. After a brief inspection, she turned toward Quinn.

  “Did you fire any arrows?”

  Quinn shook her head. “No. When I realized we were under attack, I ducked low among the saplings over there. I searched the woods, but I couldn’t see the target within the shadows. When an arrow flew past me, I…I ran.” Her eyes were downcast in a moment of shame.

  Quinn had spent her life facing her enemies, not backing down to them. She discovered that an invisible assailant was something different, particularly one who had killed her companions before her eyes. The fear of dying had been something Quinn wasn’t prepared to face.

  She turned toward Jasmine and found the woman glaring with the weight of judgement. The sight made Quinn want to run and hide. It made her miss home – miss her family.

  “These are academy arrows,” Jasmine said.

  Quinn frowned. “What?”

  Jasmine took a step closer, while Vi raised her bow and aimed a nocked arrow at Quinn. “Hand me your weapon, Cadet.”

  Quinn stared at Jasmine’s outstretched hand. “You…you can’t believe that I did this.”

  “The bow. Give it to me. Now.”