Virgil examined the warrior. His form was improving, the heavier spear he had switched to showing less resistance. Parfas spun and thrust toward his opponent, executing a series of offensive forms with greater dexterity than the previous weeks. Iksani approached the large man, taking a moment to consult his bracer.

  “Impressive. Parfasss is well on his way to achieving three barsss.”

  Virgil’s expression soured. “Hmph… three bars, you say?”

  “Yesss. Three. He is a quick ssstudy.”

  “A quick study.” Virgil muttered. There was a pause. Finally, Iksani spoke.

  “Do you ssstill believe it wasss wise to let him go?”

  Virgil remained silent.

  “In one night, he achieved what Parfasss hasss yet to grasp with ssseveral monthsss of training.”

  At last, the large man spoke. “You know as well as I that some are more gifted than others. Parfas is indeed a quick study, but he is of a softer mettle. His burdens have been lighter than most.” He turned away from his inspection of Parfas. “And I told you, he is of no concern. It has been eight days and you still wish to pester me on the subject?”

  As always, Iksani held no expression.

  Virgil sighed. “You heard the madness within him, Iksi. As did I… as did Juveen and Mira. Madmen do not live long here.”

  The training continued throughout the day. Virgil made his rounds and noted the progress being made. A little after midday, he paid a visit to those labouring within the settlement. They were eager to begin their good work. Once the morning crew were done bathing in the river, they would eat and replace the labourers, who would then swap for training.

  He sat at his large wooden desk, looking over the supply list while devouring a heaping bowl of fish stew. A knock came from the cabin door and he hastily swallowed a spoonful of the broth, calling the visitor in.

  Jasper entered, catching his breath. “Iksani asked me to fetch you. He said the priests have come.”

  Virgil nodded. “Thank you, Jasper. You may resume your work.”

  After scarfing down the last of his stew, he set a brisk pace to the north-east gap where Iksani stood speaking with the head of the order. Several other priests accompanied her. The draconian creature perked up at his arrival, the tiny horns around the bridge of her nose shifting as she twitched.

  “Sister Sataavi, welcome!” Virgil bellowed as he approached the group. The head priest stood as tall as Virgil, dwarfing Iksani and nearly the rest of her order as well. She carefully dropped the hood of her dark blue cloak and spoke in the usual smooth, firm voice.

  “Virgil, it is good to see you again. How fare your people?”

  “As well as can be. They push further each day, and keep their faith.”

  “I am glad to hear it. I would very much like to examine their progress.”

  She turned to gesture towards her associates. “This is Brother Havenos’ first tour. He has been eager to witness what it is we work towards.” The priests all dropped their hoods. Thankfully, Virgil could tell which one was Brother Havenos. The wide-eyed draconian gawked at him as though he’d never seen a living thing of his size. His left eye was framed with a large, dark splotch which ran in two lines down his cheek and temple. The others had no such marks.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “Welcome,” he nodded to the priest. “The evening crew will begin their training shortly. Please, follow me.”

  Virgil, Iksani and the Order worked their way through the settlement. Sister Sataavi exchanged greetings with the morning crew, who took a break from their meals to pay their respects and share updates regarding their training. Eventually, he led them to the training grounds where the others had fervently begun their work.

  The sound of clanging iron filled the air. A good distance away, two fighters with wooden weapons battered each other with unrelenting force, and farther still, Juveen and Mira were climbing the large rock face jutting out from the south at this end of the settlement.

  “It brings me great joy to see such courage and determination,” Sataavi stated. “Those two appear to have added to their Marks.” She stared pointedly at the two working their form with iron swords. They had removed their shirts, revealing the symbols of the priesthood glistening down the back of their necks. “Have they discovered anything interesting?”

  “I believe Vadir reported a slight gain in endurance.” Virgil answered. “Iksani accompanied a few of them to the mine across the bridge. He encourages frequent attempts.”

  “Iksani is a wise one.”

  Iksani remained expressionless.

  Sataavi held a smile before turning to stroll back to the settlement. Virgil followed along with the others. She began to speak, head straight and surveying the landscape ahead, causing Virgil to pick up his pace in order to maintain stable communication.

  “There is a tournament approaching on the island of Kaldiuun. Do you plan to attend?”

  Virgil hesitated. “We… did not plan to. Many of them are not ready to face such a challenge—“

  “I was asking you. Will you not attend?”

  He cleared his throat, attempting to settle his nerves. “I suppose I can consider it. From what I understand, it is still months away.”

  “Months can disappear in the blink of an eye, Virgil.” She kept her gaze ahead. “Alas, I will not press you. You hold the key to your own courage and faith.”

  They passed by the huts and cabins once more, the priests nodding and offering additional blessings to the labourers. Silda picked vegetables in her garden, Jasper was chopping wood, and within Maretta’s hut, he could hear the sound of clay being slapped together. Virgil was unaware of what the others were currently occupied with.

  Brother Havenos had stared in awe at the fighters and now struggled to keep up, eyes lingering on the work being done.

  He invited the priests into his cabin as Iksi made his farewells and departed. “Please Sister, have a seat. The tea is still warm, I’ll pour you some.” He grabbed a mug and poured from the jug hanging over the hot coals at the far end of the cabin. “Our progress continues at an even pace. All is as it should be here.”

  She accepted the mug from her seat at his desk. The others stood, as they always did.

  “And what of the new arrival?”

  Virgil froze, cursing inwardly as he did his best to remain as expressionless as his serpentine friend.

  “You had a new arrival, did you not?” Sataavi took a sip of tea, the priests behind her intent on hearing more. “We are always watching, Virgil. We are ever vigilant.”

  “Ah, yes,” he stammered. “It was many days ago and he stayed a single night before… before I had no choice but to cast him out.”

  “I see,” Sataavi and the others held what appeared to be an inquisitive look. “Please explain.”

  “Once the moon rose, he appeared. The next morning, we took him to the temple and immediately after…” Virgil swallowed. “It was discovered that he was completely mad.”

  Sataavi appeared contemplative and the others looked disappointed. Brother Havenos held the usual, dazed expression.

  After a moment of grinding anticipation, Sataavi finally spoke. “That is truly a shame. I trust you recall the path he took upon his leave? I will have to enlist some of my Order to track his whereabouts.”

  “Yes, Sister. I will point you to the path.” He offered a nod of assurance and continued. “You may wish to know that he is without a bracer.”

  Sataavi stood. “Thank you, Virgil. And thank you for the tea. Before we depart, I must know something.”

  “Anything you wish.”

  “Is there anything else to this man? Anything odd you discovered, however small?”

  Virgil swallowed once more. “Nothing, Sister.”