Element Wielder (The Void Wielder Trilogy Book 1) (6 page)

Falcon shrugged. “No idea.”

“Hey, where’s that little boy?” asked Lao. “What’s his name…Chonsey. I’m sure he knows where these Ja’Luade Gardens are.”

“You boys are so helpless,” said Aya, snatching the schedule from Lao’s hands. “Here, let me see that.”

“Who are you?” snapped Lao. “And where did you come from?”

Falcon chuckled. “She tends to sneak up on people like that.”

“I’m Aya Nakatomi. Lucky for you boys we have the same classes. I will show you the way, follow me.”

A smile came over Falcon’s face as he followed Aya down the hall. K’ran had been right. Falcon arrived at Rohad expecting the worst. Yet, he’d already made friends. Perhaps Rohad wouldn’t be too bad after all.

Chapter 11

Five years later…

Falcon stood in the shower, wiping away the sweat that trickled down his arms. It had been a grueling training session, the way he liked them. Even today, no, especially today on his eighteenth birthday, he’d worked extra hard. There was still so much he hadn’t accomplished.

He emptied one more bucket over his head. The cold water sent shivers through him. He grabbed his towel and dried himself as fast as possible. Even though each shower had a wooden screen that covered them up to their neck, he still didn’t like showering when other students were present. It made him feel uncomfortable. 

He stared at the crimson-collared shirt that all fifth-year students wore, and then slipped it on. He realized this very well could be the last time he put the red shirt on. It all depended on how he did on the upcoming test.

As he walked out of the shower room the same words raced through his head.
I will not fail, I will not fail, I will not fail….

~ ~ ~

Falcon opened the door to the dorm room he shared with Lao, Sheridan, and Chonsey. The lamps were off, but judging from the lingering scent of burnt oil, they had just been extinguished. He set his shoes down and tiptoed to his bed, not wishing to wake anyone. The old wooden panels squeaked loudly under his weight.

“Surprise!” came a shout of voices.

Falcon almost jumped out of his skin. “Sheesh!”

The few friends he had at Rohad stood cramped inside the small room. A pile of gift boxes rocked dangerously on the table.

“What’s going on?” asked Falcon. Though he was certain he already knew the answer. Aya and Lao always celebrated his birthday, no matter how many times he told them he didn’t want to.

“Congratulations,” said Hiromy, wrapping him in a sudden hug.

“Oh, thanks.” He returned the hug, though it was not as strong as Hiromy’s had been. Hiromy had chestnut-colored hair and a slender figure. Her wavy hair fell evenly down to her lower back. It reminded Falcon of a waterfall, untamed yet beautiful.

She smiled as she handed Falcon a wielder glove engraved with gold and jade pearls. “Sorry, I can’t stay, but I wanted you to have this.”

Falcon’s jaw dropped, as did those of half the people in the room. The golden glove made Falcon’s current dark glove appear as it belonged to a beggar. “I can’t take this. It must have cost you a fortune.”

She looked at him with eyes that threatened to overflow with tears. Hiromy had always been good at using her looks to get what she wanted, but that wouldn’t work not on him. “Please don’t say that. I spent all day searching for the perfect gift.”

A sense of guilt came over Falcon. I’m such a jerk
. Or perhaps I’m not as immune to her charms as I thought.
He forced a smile. “If you put it that way, I suppose I’ll take it. It’s a beautiful gift. Thank you, Hiromy.”

“That’s great. I’m so glad you like it. You can even use it in battle, but it’s more for decoration. Besides, using it in public is akin to asking to be mugged.”

“Thank you. I’ll remember that.”

“Well, then. I’ll see you around.” Hiromy planted an unexpected kiss on his cheek and dashed off, her posse of giggling friends following close behind.

Falcon’s face turned red. He grabbed a towel and wiped away the sweat that formed on his forehead. He hadn’t expected Hiromy to be so up front. Worst of all, she’d kissed him in front of everyone, even Aya, who stood in a corner arranging the gifts into neat stacks.

“Good job, Falcon, not bad, not bad at all,” scoffed Lao. He playfully punched Falcon on his back.

“Hey, watch out. That hurts.” He pushed Lao’s hand away. He and Lao were about the same size and equal in strength, but Lao’s mock punches always left him bruised and aching the next day.

“Yeah, how did you ever get Hiromy to fancy you, mate?” asked Chonsey. Chonsey hadn’t changed much. He remained small for his age, standing around five feet. He was not much of a fighter, either. He ranked last at Rohad in every dueling category. Falcon was certain that if it wasn’t for Chonsey’s influential father, he’d have been expelled from Rohad ages ago. 

“I didn’t do anything.” Hiromy had always been kind to him ever since they met, but he didn’t know why.

Lao downed a mug of spinach juice in one gulp. His face instantly grimaced in a mass of wrinkles. “Listen, Falcon.” He took Chonsey’s mug of the green liquid and gulped it down as well. “You have to ask her why she’s being so nice to you. Does she want to be friends or more than friends?” Lao winked at Falcon. “You know what I mean, right?”

“No, I don’t think I’ll be taking advice from someone who thinks spinach juice attracts women.”

Lao glared at Falcon. “What? You doubt my advice? It might taste like it came from the backside of a beruda, but this green wonder brings luck with the ladies.”

“Thanks, but I think I’d rather not ask Hiromy why she does what she does. If there is one thing I learned, it’s that attempting to figure out the female mind is useless. Besides, right now my mind is more on tomorrow’s trial, not Hiromy.”

“True, mate,” said Chonsey. “Are you two ready?”

Lao swung his imaginary sword in circles, almost causing Aya to drop her mug. “Of course I’m ready, Chonsey, ready to beat that pompous brat Laars to a pulp.”

“You’re already doing that, mate. You and Falcon are the top male students at Rohad, after all—”

“No, Chonsey. You’ve got it all wrong. To be respected, you must command it. For the last five years Falcon and I have outranked Laars in everything from trial speeds, exhibition matches, to power levels, you name it. And have we had any respect?”

Chonsey didn’t answer.

“No, we haven’t. I don’t want to only beat him in the trials; I want to pummel the living snot out of him in the duels. Then you’ll see if he doesn’t show respect to us. My buddy here,” Lao put his arm around Falcon, “feels the same way.”

Falcon put up his hands defensively. “Hey, don’t look at me. I’ll beat him, sure, but I’m not inflicting any more punishment than what’s necessary to win. All I want is to pass and become a Rohad.”

“Ah, Falcon you think too small, like always.”

Lao had no idea just how
not
small his plans were. First he would become a full-fledged Rohad mercenary. After that he would finally be able to leave the academy grounds on missions all over the world. Missions where he was sure to gain the knowledge he so desperately sought. Somewhere, someplace, he knew someone had information on Shal-Volcseck or his brother—and Falcon was intent on finding them.

~ ~ ~

Chonsey’s loud snores pierced the air. Aya, the last guest, moved about the room picking up scattered papers, confetti, and empty boxes.

Falcon was sure she was avoiding him. He wondered if it had anything to do with Hiromy. The girls weren’t enemies, but they weren’t exactly the best of friends, either.

“Goodnight,” said Aya as she headed out the door.

“Wait up,” said Falcon, recognizing a chance to speak with her. “I’ll walk you back to your room.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know I don’t have to, but I want to.”

Aya bit her lower lip. It was something she did when she was lost in thought, and one of the many things Falcon loved about her. Not that he would ever tell her.

After a few seconds she nodded in approval. “Sure, if you like.”

Falcon grabbed his jacket and hurried after her. “So, are you ready for tomorrow?”

Aya took a moment to answer. “As ready as I can be. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a little nervous, though.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll do fine; you’re the best water wielder at Rohad.”

She smiled. “You’re just saying that because you’re my friend.”

“Well, the trial records don’t lie. You own almost every water wielding academy record.”

“Yeah, you said it.
Almost.
Your friend Hiromy owns some of them too. She might be the emperor’s daughter, but she’s good. I’ll give her that much.”

This time it was Falcon’s turn to smile. “Well, if you go up against her tomorrow, I’ll be cheering for you.”

“Thanks.” She turned to him. “How about you? I’m sure you’re not too nervous about tomorrow. Not with that ability of yours. I still don’t understand how you’re able to wield advanced elements, void wielders are not supposed to do that.”

“That makes two of us who don’t understand.”

“Remember when the professors sent you to get checked by doctors?” asked Aya. She slowed her pace, which Falcon silently relished. He took it as a sign that she was in no hurry to reach the dorms.

Falcon laughed. “Oh yeah.”

“You must admit that it has made you some friends.” Falcon couldn’t argue with that. Void wielders who were tired of being classified as weaklings would cheer him on during his exhibition matches. Those were some of the few times when he actually felt like he belonged at Rohad.

Falcon sighed. “I still think most people hate me because of my gift. Especially Laars.”

“Laars is crazy. He’s jealous of you and Lao.” Aya stopped and dug through her pockets.

“Here we are,” said Falcon. The girls’ dorms were simple gray and white buildings decorated with oval windows. The usually brown rooftops were covered in white, the result of the winter snow.

“Here,” Aya said, handing him a small bamboo bracelet. “I’m afraid it’s not worth as much as your
other
gift.”

“You know me better than that, Aya. I don’t care how much it cost.”

She bit her lower lip again, and Falcon’s feet weakened. “For my people, the bamboo is a sign of tenacity.”

“Thanks,” he said, taking the gift.

The moonlight shone down on Aya. The years had made her even more beautiful than before. A lump formed on his throat. He swallowed hard, but the feeling remained.

“Good night,” he said, taking his uncomfortable feelings as a cue to leave.

“Sleep well.” He watched her as she disappeared into her room. Once she closed the door he allowed himself to take a breath. Lately being around Aya had made him feel…different.

Snap out of it, Falcon. Get your mind focused on tomorrow.

He rushed back to his room. He should have gone to bed hours ago. The trials were dangerous; they had claimed the lives of many students throughout the years. If he wasn’t at his best tomorrow, it might cost him more than a spot in the Rohad graduate group…much, much more.

Chapter 12

Falcon admired the small cherry blossom trees that decorated both sides of the dirt path. Their green leaves stood out from the bright red flowers that covered the trees.

“The honey aroma they emit is lovely, isn’t it?” said Aya, noting Falcon’s obvious interest. “Do you know how they got here?”

Falcon took in the sweet aroma of the flowers. “No, I can’t say I do.”

“Legend tells that thousands of years ago a young man and a young woman fell in love against the will of her parents. The jungle became their private sanctuary, where they would meet every full moon under the moon’s glow. The lovers were happy with their nights together, but their happiness didn’t last.”

“What happened?” asked Falcon, surprised at his own interest in the story.

“One night the moon did not come out. Without the moon’s light, the young woman lost her way and was killed by a savage beast. For his lost love the young man planted cherry blossoms along the road that connected Ladria to the Jugtunga jungle. It was his way to ensure that such a tragedy wouldn’t happen again. In honor of their love, the cherry blossoms in Ladria now emit a red-and-pink glow at night.”

“That’s a bunch of nonsense,” Lao cried out, flicking a branch at Chonsey.

“I wouldn’t be too sure,” said Aya. “Cherry blossoms can be found everywhere in Va’siel; yet, only those in Ladria glow at night.”

Lao responded with a shrug of indifference.

Regardless of their origin, Falcon was glad to have them. They provided some much-needed shade from the hot sun.

Chonsey wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Why do they have to hold the trials so far from the academy? It’s such a long trip. I can’t take it.”

“Be glad only the first part of the trial is in the jungle,” said Aya. “Then we’ll be back at the academy.” The long walk did not seem to bother her in the slightest. She hummed as she plucked a cherry from a nearby tree.

“I’m just glad to get off campus for a while,” said Lao with a grin. “This is what I was made for, going out into the world and making a name for myself. Lao-Chan Keen, the greatest wielder in the land.”

Falcon laughed. “Well,
great one
, don’t get too ahead of yourself. You still have to pass the trials.” Like his friend, Falcon was glad to be away from Rohad grounds, albeit for different reasons. He enjoyed the freedom of not having a professor hovering over him, especially Professor Kraimaster, whose personal goal had been to make Falcon’s life miserable for the past five years.

Chonsey threw up his hands. “Yes, mates. We’re finally here, and not a minute too soon. I was about to pass out.” He dropped to the grassy ground with a soft thump.

All the other students were already at the jungle entrance. They stood huddled in groups of four, no doubt going over strategies. Even the younger students who would not be competing were in attendance. They sat on the wet grass, cross-legged, waiting for the competitions to begin.

Falcon shivered; everything from the dark vines, to the gnarled old trees, to the eerie silence that emitted from the jungle exuded menace.

“You and your misfits have no chance of victory,” came a voice from behind.

Falcon turned and found himself face-to-face with Laars.

Chonsey smiled, exposing his oversized teeth. “Bloody fickle, these ones. They’ve got a traitor, a stable boy, a useless girl, and that coward, Chonsey on their team. I think we all know who’ll be coming in last.”

Delita, who was even larger than Laars, marched up to Chonsey. He towered over him. “Want to do something, small man?”

Chonsey gulped loudly. “Ah, no.”

The two newest members of Laars’ group, the Nord twins, chuckled out loud. They had large, puffed-up cheeks and unnaturally long noses. The only difference between them was that Drusilla was skinny as a stick, and Elvira was easily the fattest girl at school.

Not in a mood for an argument, Falcon breezed past them. 

“You shouldn’t even be here,” said Laars, cutting off Falcon’s path. “You poor blokes stand no chance against a warrior of noble blood and heritage like me.”

Aya stepped between Falcon and Laars. “Be quiet. He has as much right to be here as anyone else.”

Drusilla eyed Aya with bared teeth. “You are the worst of them all. You’re supposed to be one of us. But you waste your time with these peasants.”

“There is no us and them, said Aya. “We’re all in this together.”

Laars laughed. “Spoken like a true traitor.”

“Iz there a problem here?” Falcon turned to find the professor directly behind him. “I zee you and your group are up to no good again, Mizter Hyatt. Ztarting fightz iz not the way to begin thiz challenge.” He turned his attention to Aya. “And you, Mz. Nakatomi, would do well to learn how to act like a lady. You could learn a lot from Mz. Elvira and Druzilla Nord.”

“Yes, Professor,” said Falcon, through clenched teeth. There was no use explaining the truth to Kraimaster. He’d never listened before, why would he now? “I’ll just be on my way.”

“Go ahead, traitor,” said Laars, baring his oversized teeth. “And take the stable boy with you.” Falcon was sure that Kraimaster had also heard, not that he would do anything about it. In his eyes Laars embodied the form of the perfect student.

Falcon balled up his fists. He’d had it with Laars’ pompous attitude, and Kraimaster’s favoritism. Falcon turned around, ready to punch Laars in the jaw.

Someone grabbed him by the arm and pulled him away. “Don’t bother,” whispered Aya. “He wants you to hit him so you’ll be disqualified from the competition.”

Falcon nodded. “You’re right, Aya, like always.” He swallowed his anger and strode off. If he could not shut Laars up by beating him senseless, he would do it by winning the jungle competition.

“I want all groups of students to gather here with me,” instructed Professor Martyn. Each group will receive a number.”

Falcon, Lao, Chonsey and Aya stood in front of the professor; they would be making up one of the teams. There were a total of nine teams, each consisting of four members.

Profesor Martyn stood in front of a dark patch of leaves. He took a long stick and drew a line in the sand. “Listen up. This will serve as your starting line.”

Falcon and a few other students moved forward.

“Relax,” said the professor, noticing their eagerness. “I have yet to go over the rules, which are simple enough to memorize. The team that traverses the Jugtunga jungle quickest will be declared the winner. Wielding is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, you are not to engage each other in combat at any time during the trial.” A wry smile crept over the professor’s face. “There will be plenty of time for that later. The jungle challenge is intended to measure your survival abilities in harsh environments. It is also a measure of how well you work with your fellow teammates. Anyone found breaking any of these rules will be expelled from Rohad Academy. Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir.”  

“Additionally, the last two teams to cross the finish line will be disqualified. That is all.”

A murmur of complaints spread among the students.

“Well then, what are you all waiting for?” asked the professor. “Begin.”

The sudden excitement in the air was almost tangible. This was it.

The younger students cheered their older peers on.

“You can do it, guys!”

“Good luck!”

A strange sensation filled Falcon’s stomach. It wasn’t something that he wanted to feel. This was not the time for nervousness. Lao, Aya, and Chonsey were counting on him. He took a deep breath and pushed the feeling deep down inside as he ran into the vast jungle.

~ ~ ~

“I think we’re lost,” said Lao, looking up at the sky. “It’s getting late, too.”

Falcon scanned his surroundings. The first of the night stars now appeared in the darkening sky. There was an eerie silence, which served to make the gnawing fear inside him intensify. Every sound, from the random bird chirp to a snake’s hiss, kept him on his toes. “I think you’re right, Lao. We should have seen one of the tree tags by now.”

Chonsey swiped the sweat from his forehead and red cheeks. “This is not good news. It’s been nine hours and I don’t see any signs of the finish line. And these overgrown and tangled plants are making everything worse.”

“Falcon or I could fire wield to light our way,” said Lao.

“Oh, no,” Falcon responded immediately. “No wielding. I don’t want to do anything that might ruin our chances of passing. Besides, this weather is hot enough as it is.”

Lao threw up his arms in defeat. “Well, what do you suggest we do then? You heard the professor. The last two teams will be disqualified.”

Just as Lao finished speaking they stumbled upon a small pond. They looked at each other and smiled. The water couldn’t be used for drinking, but at least it could serve to cool them down.

Falcon took a handful of water. He poured it over his head. The fresh liquid energized him as it ran down his skin.

“I needed that,” said Falcon. “It’s so hot. Now if we could only find the finish line so we can have some real food. No more of that jungle fruit we’ve been eating all day.”

“Look!” came an excited cry from Aya. “Over there.”

At first Falcon couldn’t make out what she pointed to, but then he saw it. In the distance he made out the faint figures of his classmates. Perhaps they were heading the right way after all.

Lao scratched his head. “Is it just me, or are they standing there doing nothing?”

After moving a few steps closer Falcon realized that Lao was right. All the students stood bunched together. They didn’t seem to be in any particular hurry to finish the course. Something was definitely amiss.

“If they want to stand there like fools, fine with me,” said Lao. There was an overtone of excitement in his voice. “Let’s move. This is our chance to pass them.”

Lao led the way as Falcon, Chonsey and Aya followed close behind. They ran around the pond and through a long field of thick vines.

“Watch out for snakes, you three!” cried Aya. “I read that some like to hide in these vine fields.”

“Don’t you worry about snakes,” Lao shot back. “Just keep your eye on the prize.”

Falcon couldn’t remember the last time he had seen Lao so excited. The prospect of taking first place had obviously re-energized him.

Once they cleared the field, they raced up a small hill and joined the rest of the students.   

With one glance Falcon’s high spirits were abruptly trampled. Before them a giant cliff impeded their progress. One wrong step and they would plummet to a watery grave.