Chapter Two

The training grounds were divided into several sections by metal fashioned in the shape of fins, glinting in the fading light of the sun. Trees were kept in rings of wood, flowers of various colors swaying beyond them. Numerous bridges were erect over glistening bodies of clear water, where fish called typoia swam freely. Lily pads were suspended beneath the bridge, silver frogs balanced in their centers, almost perfectly hidden from view. Beyond there were blocks of buildings that were positioned to form a misshapen square around the bordering woods. Their roofs were tiled with vibrant colors that shifted to darker shades if looked at a certain way.

Not a single soul was present when Amynta followed the Crow inside the main building. Lanterns, formed from shytai paper, were anchored to the walls beside the door, light bleeding from the confines of the paper that composed the lantern. The hall was wide enough to fit the bulks of metal attached to the walls, puffs of smoke belched by the central pipe attached to the top of the box. Amynta remembered those. Those are retacopa… Supposedly they keep a building’s air clean, but I’ve always found it very stuffy in here sometimes.

Doors lined the walls, constructed from pink and white wood. As they walked, she noticed the antiquated swords fastened on metal strips. Labels hung from beneath each strip, denoting which blade had belonged to whom. Several swordsmen and swordswomen had died for the corps over the centuries of its existence. It seemed only right for Yan to keep their weapons in remembrance. She still couldn’t help but secretly wrap an arm around herself to fight off a chill of discomfort.

“Who is in the squad I’ll be working with?” she asked.

“It’s a tentative thing, my dear. No need to worry about it.”

“I am aware. That doesn’t answer my question.”

People had been eviscerated from talking to the Crow like this. Part of her didn’t care; Amynta found a spark of rage within her, perhaps a result of the former god’s sudden meddling in her life. The Crow came to a stop right outside a span of crimson doors, eyes glittering with mysterious curiosity. Amynta held her ground.

“Many have died talking to me like that,” the Crow purred. “But that’s why I’m fond of you, Amynta. At times, you don’t care about much. I understand...but it’s a dangerous way to be. Your nonchalant nature only peels away when your sisters come into the picture. A Voidroamer may use that to its advantage someday. I would peel some of the Yakioshi’s feathers on the way back to your room. As for your question: I instructed Amia to keep one of your potential squadmates in this room.”

Amytna allowed his words to sink in. She frowned slightly. I’m not nonchalant. I care about quite a few things. Former god or not, he has no right to judge my character like this. I… She cut that thought short as she recalled what the Crow had done for her back in Torinashi. He paid Joi already, saving me a trip. Amalija and Marina are safe...for now. That money will not sate Joi’s greediness for very long, however. If I am to provide for my sisters, I need to make more. And more and more. I cannot stop.

“This quest you were alluding to,” she said. “What is the reward?”

“Oh, probably a few golden chips, spheres, and ingots. More than enough to keep your sisters provided for. Anyhow. I have strategic planning to oversee. Tick, tock, tick tock. The clock is ticking, ticking, ticking. Move with haste, Amynta. And be sure to join us for dinner.”

The Crow vanished in a twist of violet light. Amynta’s cheeks flushed at his words before she glanced at the door. What could await her?

Stepping through the doors, she found herself in a green room with walls that flowed with pink and orange flames. Women were positioned perilously close to the walls, faces coated in sweat, blue and white fans pressed in front of their chests. A man with long waves of white hair and blue eyes lounged in a chair with armrests capped in golden fabric. Yan. Amynta straightened subconsciously before bowing her head in respect. It was then that she noticed the girl standing a good foot away from Yan.

Her face was round as could be, cheeks rosy as ever. Strands of golden hair were cut short in erratic bangs that were asymmetrical, something that was enough to make Amynta’s eye twitch in annoyance. The girl’s eyes were narrow as slits and a bright blue in color, framed with long lashes.They were a bit too far apart. A nose as small as a button sat in the center of her face. Lips thin as crust twitched into her infamous frown, slightly scarred on the bottom. Her body was lithe yet lined with muscle, earned from years of continuous practice. She wore the robes that all trainees wore outside of training. They were silver, emblazoned with the primary insignia of the Order, which was a row of multicolored scales surrounded by a ring of flame.

Corinna.

Corinna scrunched her plain face into a sneer, then shifted back to a neutral expression in the span of a second. Incredible how quick she is to please the head of the Order… Groaning quietly under her breath, she turned her attention to Yan. He looks so frail. Almost like Father did before he passed… Recollections of her father’s thin, sickly green face flashed before her eyes. She remembered very vividly his appearance when she was young. His black hair had been shiny and thick, not at all as thin as it would later become. His hands were always warm and strong, capable of chopping wood and hugging her tightly. It was unsettling to say the least to see Yan. Amynta forced herself to hide her discomfort.

“Come.” Yan motioned towards her.

So she did, ignoring the looks of the women and Corinna, stilling in front of Yan.

“You’re late,” Corinna whispered. “Not very like you.”

The condescending tone made the muscles in her jaw tighten; Amynta exhaled gently through her parted lips in an attempt to calm herself.

“I think the Crow probably told you already,” Yan said. “But I guess hearing it again wouldn’t hurt. There’s been sightings of a nasty Voidroamer in Krestia. An elf, to be exact. We’re putting together teams to head up there. You two will be partnered with someone else. Someone who, upon inspection, will be with you for the foreseeable future. You understand, I’m sure. There’s no room for animosity among Saints, Hunters or Knights. Let go of your differences and learn to cooperate. We will be holding a trial tomorrow evening to test the new teams. In your case, who your teammate is will be determined by the results of the mock battle. The Crow already suggested someone, but bah. I think my way is best. Of course, you two will be competing too. I need to make sure all my children are still in good shape.”

Amynta loosed a breath. Working with Corinna was...well, difficult. Corinna tended to default to two behaviors whenever they were around each other. She either hissed or sneered. Sometimes even both. I need this money…

“Work together?” Corinna said. “With her?”

“Correct.”

“And….what happens if we claw each other’s throats out?”

Yan’s eyes flattened dangerously. “Then you forfeit your training license and get shipped back to wherever you came from. Any other questions, Corinna?”