---

Chapter 23 - Trial by blade, part II

---

“Welcome, King Darian, Queen Alice, ladies and gentlemen, to the first day of the Silverborn trials!”

Tayne’s voice boomed around the arena, his words clear and confident despite the turmoil Skye knew to be going on beneath his outward calm. He turned and bowed towards the royals, who were seated in their shaded pavilion. They acknowledged him with inclined heads. Tayne came out of the bow and spread his arms wide.

“It is with great honour that I announce the first of many official Silverborn trials! In recent years, the corruption has grown bolder - It strikes against us as a people, seeking our destruction!”

As Tayne continued with his short speech, Verdrana leaned over and whispered in Skye’s ear.

“Are you excited? About being one of the master blades-people Tayne chose?” she asked.

They were perched in seating separated especially for initiated Silverborn who wished to watch the trials. It was situated at the back of the arena, near the central entry point. The idea was the Silverborn could easily move between the two areas. Verdrana had dragged Skye up before the proceedings began, insisting she needed to watch the previous rounds.

“I suppose,” Skye said. She shrugged before continuing. “If I have to go into that arena, I’m glad that it’s with a sword in my hand.” She clenched the bench beneath her with one hand until her knuckles turned white, unable to shake the feeling that she was being watched by something... nefarious.

Verdrana bobbed her head. “That’s one way to look at it. It’s a great honour, you know, being chosen as a master. I’ve been reading a couple of the books from the library. I found one that describes the Silverborn trials of old. Apparently they used to go for at least a week, there were so many people, elves and humans that would try out for it. It wasn't like this, where the inner walls opened to everyone for a few days before they were kicked out. There were feasts and games, a really big event.”

“You mean elves were in the Silverborn once too?” Skye asked.

Verdrana nodded. “Yup. The trials would be held at either Alguarde or Ski’lar, the elven capital... although I suppose you already knew that was the elven capital,” she added after seeing Skye’s amused smile. “Anyway, these trials are thousands of years old from what I could tell. Right from the days in which the Sentinels first arose, I’ll have to show you when--“

Whatever she said, Skye missed as a massive cheer rose up from the crowd. In the arena, Tayne finished his speech with an introduction.

 “I now present to you, Luke of Alguarde, house of Eldas and second in command of the Silverborn!”

Impossibly, the cheering became louder. Skye watched as Tayne stepped to the side and Luke adopted a sure-footed stride into the centre of the arena. Beside her, Verdrana added her own voice to the noise. Skye winced at the unexpected noise, leaning away. Verdrana gave her a sheepish smile before screaming a second time.

The sandy haired knight waited, hands raised as the noise gradually died down. Though his back was turned to her, Skye imagined the grin plastered across his face. Luke loved attention. He was charismatic in a way Tayne was not, although he lacked the diplomatic qualities to lead.

They make a good team, she thought.

“Today, the aspiring Silverborn knights shall face the first of two trials - Trial by blade!” Luke announced. Once again, Luke waited for the following noise to dim before continuing.

“For those unfamiliar with the trials, hopefuls will participate in three rounds of combat, assuming they can pass the one before it,” said Luke.

“In the first round, hopefuls will fight each other in a paired duel. The winners shall pass through to the second round, in which they will be paired with an initiate Silverborn. To pass to the third round, they will need to successfully strike their paired Silverborn.”

“If the combatant passes into round three, they will fight against either myself or one of the other three chosen masters, who will make the final decision based on the combatant’s skill. Hopefuls that are accepted in round three will return tomorrow for the Trial of Soul!”

“Without further ado, I now invite the first group of hopefuls to enter the arena!”

The spectators hollered with excitement as forty aspiring Silverborn entered the arena from each side and lined up behind Luke. Only the royals and higher-class citizens around the pavilion kept their heads.

The rest howled in unison like a pack of wolves, anticipation buzzing the air. They stamped their feet and clapped their hands, shaking the ground.

Skye felt the vibration come up through her feet and wondered how the stands didn’t simply collapse. She then wondered why that was what she was worried about when she was soon to go head-first into the arena surrounded by crazy humans.

By all means, it’d be a blessing if the stands collapsed, she reasoned, tapping her fingers along the scabbard belted to her waist.

Luke regained her attention as he directed the hopefuls into pairings, and a few minutes later, round one of the Silverborn’s trial by blade had officially begun.

Skye hadn’t been entirely sure what to expect from the trials. In her mind, she’d compared them to her guardian training, imagining herself in a forest clearing, grass under her feet while she and her fellow elves sparred. In reality, it was completely different.  

The hopefuls would enter the arena in groups of forty. From there, Luke would split them further into pairs, of which ten fought at a time. After each pair had a victor, their opponent either disarmed or surrendered, the other ten pairs would fight. The victors would then exit through the left path, while the defeated departed through the right.

Just by observing them, Skye was able to tell which ones had potential and which ones would yield. Some wielded their weapons with precision and skill, others barely knew hilt from blade. She and Verdrana sat there in quiet discussion, pointing out the combatants that caught their eyes and discussing their techniques.

Occasionally, a pair would be allowed to pass through to the second round together, both equally matched in skill and showing great potential. Those decisions were made by Luke, who moved among the hopefuls, watching with an eagle eye.

Amazingly, he seemed to keep track of every pair.

At one point, a man behind him became exceptionally violent to his partner, gloating over his victory and continuing to attack the disarmed loser. Luke spun around, drew his sword and promptly disarmed the offender with a swift movement. He sent the man out of the arena, and while Skye couldn’t hear his words, she assumed he would not be welcome back.

As the pairs came and went, Skye lost track of exactly how many people entered. She estimated at least nine groups of forty had come and gone, and with one group left, Verdrana tugged at her sleeve.

“I’ve got to go get ready, round one’s nearly over. You want to come down with me?”

Skye followed Verdrana down the stands and back to behind the arena. Once down, Skye could barely hear the battle sounds over the noise from the crowd. Every so often a few came though, but it was immediately muted from the crowd’s cheering.

They reached a group of Silverborn, whispering rapidly in low voices to each other. As Verdrana approached, a few turned to wave at her. Verdrana waved back but didn’t get much closer, instead staying with Skye.

She turned to face Skye, practically bouncing on the spot. “I can’t believe it. It’s almost time to go in, I can’t believe it’s actually here!” said Verdrana as she pulled her arm across her chest in a stretch. She let go of a pent-up breath. “Do you think I’ll do okay? I mean, the hopefuls have to strike me to pass onto the third round. Should I just let them hit me if they’re decent?”

“No, because if they can’t hit you, how can they hope to hit a tainted?” Skye replied.

Verdrana nodded, switching arms. “I suppose that makes sense. I’ll try my hardest out there. I hope one of the girls makes it through. We could use another few in our ranks. I liked the look of the blonde, like me!” she said as she flicked her hair.

“I don’t think she’ll make it through round two. She barely beat her opponent in round one. The brunette might, though.”

“Mmm. Well, we’ll find out! Listen, Luke’s talking again,” said Verdrana, once again bouncing on the balls of her toes.

“And with that, round one is concluded! Since the early groups of hopefuls have had a few hour’s rest, round two shall begin without delay! I now introduce to you, King Darien, Queen Alice, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the Silverborn initiates chosen to participate in round two!” said Luke, voice echoing around the arena and overcoming the noise easily.

“Skatt of Celestin, sword! Curader of Jendarle, daggers! Gravin of Erenzia, sword!”

As Luke listed off the twenty Silverborn initiates, Skye noted that while the weaponry differed slightly, all were bladed melee weapons. She assumed it was because a Silverborn specialising in something like maces would be near useless. Demons were a lot harder to kill with blunt weapons thanks to their plated hides.

The group around Skye slowly grew smaller as the silver-clad knights filtered into the arena. As Luke announced the final initiate, a tight feeling formed in her throat. Even though she wouldn’t be called for a few hours yet, she didn’t dread the moment any less.

 “...and finally, Verdrana of Alguarde, sword!” said Luke.

With a final wink at Skye, Verdrana stepped into the arena with her head held high, brandishing her sword high above her head.

“These, King Darien, are the chosen initiates of the Silverborn. Are you pleased with the choices we have made?” Luke asked, lowering his head for the King.

In response, Darien stood. “I approve. You may continue, Luke of Alguarde,” he said, before seating himself once more beside Alice.

Skye couldn’t help noticing the carefully masked sneer upon the woman’s face. It was hidden enough to deny, but obvious enough for people to grasp her attitude. She didn’t wish to be here. Donovan sat beside her, although he appeared to have his facial features completely under control. He occasionally scrawled across the paper at a word from the royals.

“With King Darien’s approval, we shall continue! Victors from the first group of hopefuls, please enter the arena!”

*+*+*+*

Round two was conducted in a similar fashion to the first.

Now conducted by Wrain, hopefuls entered the arena in groups of twenty. Ten at a time were paired with a Silverborn and given ten minutes to land a strike. After their time was up, the second group of Silverborn would take over for the next ten hopefuls. Wrain orchestrated these transitions efficiently. The lacking interest factor from the host was made up in the fighting.

Skye watched, wide eyed through the central entry point. While it narrowed her view, she could see four of the pairs, including Verdrana. It was more than enough to keep her occupied. Between watching the participants and scanning the crowd for potential threat, she was able to distract herself from the growing knot in her stomach.

Verdrana was in the second group. Skye found her the most interesting to watch. From the way several of her opponents swaggered up to her, it was obvious they expected an easy pass. They were sorely disappointed as Verdrana ducked, wove and danced her way around the opponents with techniques she'd learned off Skye.

She rarely blocked a direct strike, often deflecting their blades to the side with ease. They tired long before she did, sword points lowering towards the dust as Verdrana’s feet kicked up a new cloud of dirt. Following the rules, Verdrana did not attempt an offense. She gave ground when needed, but regained it through nimble footwork.

Every time a blade sliced through air towards Verdrana, Skye clenched her hands into fists. Usually, her concern was for naught. Of all the Silverborn in the arena, it seemed as if Verdrana was the one letting the least through to the third round. Only three of her nineteen opponents managed to land a hit on her body, though she passed two others on the grounds of significant potential. 

The time flew past. Skye barely noticed the groups enter and exit the arena as the flashing metal blades moved through the air. Before long, the Silverborn were once again lined up in the arena, weapons sheathed and their duty completed. They turned as one, leaving Wrain in the centre. Skye tried to recall which of the hopefuls she’d observed made it through.

The brunette made it past. I wonder if she’ll face me  in round three.

The thought flashed through her head quickly, but it was enough to make the tension return to her stomach.

Oh deities, I’m not ready for this. She gave a quick glance toward Wrain, who was announcing a short break before round three would commence. Her head was pounding, the mark on her arm igniting into agony. 

Verdrana came out of the arena, and out of sight, she punched the air with her fists.

“Oh, man! I can’t believe I just did that! Did you see me Skye? They all thought they’d got lucky being paired with me, but I proved them wrong! I-- Skye? Are you okay?”

Skye attempted a nod. She bit her lip, trying to force down the feelings. “Yup.”

Verdrana grabbed her arm and pulled her off to the side. Skye had the urge to pull away, to get away from the person holding her.

That’s what the guards did to you, a voice whispered inside her head. That’s how the Commander held you before he sliced at your soul with the blade.

“Skye?" Skye's tugging only made Verdrana hold on tighter. "Skye, What’s wrong?”

“Let go, please, let go, Ana.” Skye forced the words out and pressed herself against the wall. “Get off!”

Verdrana released her quickly, searching Skye’s face for answers. She acted as a barrier between Skye and the passing people. She kept the Silverborn away, who, sensing something was wrong, had moved over to help.

“Jesse! Jess, go get Tayne. Something’s wrong, I’ll stay here with her--no, I don’t care! Go get Tayne! Now!”

Skye knew Verdrana was talking, but at the same time, it didn’t register. The memories were being played back in her head -- the Commander in the dank room that smelt of mould and rotten meat.

The shadows sprang, grasping at her limbs as they held her and bound her to the floor, to the hay she’d slept on. The sneer moulded onto the Master’s face as he’d burned her. The water, sucking at her, stealing her life, nothing, there wasn’t anything, but why couldn’t she see?

Skye swallowed, dragging air into her lungs. She closed her eyes, calling to her soul to save her from herself.

“Skye!” said a male voice she knew well. He touched her arm and she flinched. “Skye! What’s going on? Hey, look at me, it’s okay. There’s nothing here.”

I know him, she thought. I can trust him.

“Shadows," she managed. "They're attacking me, they're always there. Always following me, always waiting for me to drop my guard and sleep."

Tayne crouched over her, maintaining space between them. At some point, she’d sunk to the floor and was now sitting on the ground.

“There’s someone here we can’t trust,” said Skye. “I’ve felt it all day, they've tried to get me before, but...” She took another deep breath. “Sorry, Ana. I didn’t mean it.”

“It’s all good,” said Verdrana quietly.

“Are you still okay to do the trial?” asked Tayne. “If not, it hasn’t been announced yet. I can take your place instead.”

That’d mean I wouldn’t have to go into the arena... but it’d also mean...

“I’m doing it.”

Tayne eyed her, the corner of his mouth turned up. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I am," said Skye with a firm nod. A new determination welled up, strengthening the wavering resolve. "They're trying to stop me from doing this, trying to plague me even where I'm supposed to be safe, but I’ll be damned if I let them win.” 

Her hand trembled as a glimpse of memory flashed past, but she stilled it. She was in control. Not them. They couldn't stop her from learning, and they couldn't stop her from showing Alguarde she wasn't about to lay down and die at the first sight of trouble. 

“How long until the trial begins?” she asked, lifting her chin.

*+*+*+*

Skye finished lacing the bracers to her wrist. She twisted her arm, inspecting her handiwork from another angle until she nodded, satisfied. She would do this. She’d be like Verdrana - proud and confident. No shadow - magical or not - was going to dictate her actions.

Luke, Andro and Nissa all stood around her, adjusting their own armour and checking their weapons. Luke and Nissa stood in quiet conversation, helping each other, while Andro leant against a wall, his broadsword point-first in the ground beside him.

Round three was minutes from commencing. The knot in Skye’s stomach had never been tighter.

She wished she’d had time to find a better dagger. She looked at the one she possessed now and scrunched her nose. Tempted to leave it out and fight with a single sword, she twirled it thoughtfully in her palms. She shrugged, exhaling and replacing the dagger. Better to have it than not, she supposed. She could always ditch it once she was in there.

Skye closed her eyes and concentrated. There were close to eighty hopefuls that’d made it to round three of the three hundred and sixty two they’d started with. That meant in the next two hours, she’d be testing around twenty hopefuls. She was allowed to test the hopeful until she was certain of her decision. While confident that most skill levels would become apparent within a few minutes, she looked forward to the ones that could hold their own against her.

Another minute went by.

Skye fidgeted with the hilt of her sword. She pulled at her silver armour, shaking her feet to get the blood flowing as someone, Tayne, she assumed, began to introduce the third round. She’d be called last, she knew, but now that the moment was here she didn’t feel any better.

It’ll be different once I’m in the arena. I’ll be too busy to notice the people.

She re-tied her hair, ensuring the ponytail it was caught in would stay. Beside her, Verdrana gave her a playful punch in the arm.

“Relax. You’ll be fine,” said the Silverborn, smiling.

“...Luke, second in command to the Silverborn! Master of the sword, he is swift of foot and strong of body! Scores tainted have fallen to his blade...” Tayne’s introduction continued as Luke strode into the arena.

“Skye!  Hey, over here!”

Wondering who decided now was a good time to interrupt, Skye turned to see Jesse, Karrosh following close behind. He still wore his rough leather apron, hammer and tongs hanging from its length.

“Oh good, we caught you. Um, Look, Karrosh has--“ Jesse began.

“Nissa of Alguarde, daggers! Leader of the eagle division, Nissa’s dexterity is matched by few! She has...”

Karrosh waved a hand through the air. “She don’t have time for your lollygaggin’, boy! Look, elfie, I ‘ave something for you.”

Short and sweet, he handed over a dual scabbard, complete with weapons.

Skye drew the weapons quickly, unable to stop the smile breaking out. A sword and dagger, perfect for dual wielding gleamed in her hands. She lifted them, experimenting with their weight. Perfectly balanced, she had no trouble manoeuvring them.

“I made them. Figured you’d need a dagger since Jess ‘ere told me the one you ‘ad broke.”

“Thank you so much, Karrosh,” said Skye.

He waved his hand through the air, dismissing her thanks. “You’re our Sentinel, elf. I ‘ave to keep you protected. You’re one of them lot now,” he said, sticking his thumb at Jesse. “Good luck.”

With that, he walked off.

“Andro of Jendarle, broadsword! From a family of blacksmiths, Andro’s strength is something to behold. He wields his weapon with surprising grace, despite...”

Skye exhaled slowly. She was next. The scabbards belted to her side, she took her position at the start of the pathway into the arena. This was it. Nothing was going to stop her. She clenched her hands, trying to stop the trembling.

“Skye?” said Jesse.

Now, of all times? “What?” she said, more abruptly than she’d intended.

She frowned as she faced Jesse. He wrung his hands and appeared to be attempting to consume his entire bottom lip. The expression on his face was enough to make her worry.

“Uh, I know that now isn’t a good time, but I need to tell you something. Um, recently when I’ve been going to the council meetings and stuff running errands for Tayne, you know, with the King and the Advisor and people, um, and today as well, I’ve been noticing--“

“And a special addition to mark this momentous occasion, Skye of Naisha, dual blades! You know her as your Sentinel, but she has hidden talents...”

Skye placed a quick hand over Jesse’s. “Tell me when I come out, okay? I promise, I’ll help you with whatever it is, but I need to--“

“...amazing to behold - felling nearly a hundred tainted in the span of five minutes, a blow the corruption has not suffered in centuries!”

She squeezed Jesse’s hand, hating herself for leaving him like that, and strode into the arena.

Thoughts of Jesse were soon far from her mind. Sound seemed to disappear as Skye forced her feet to carry her into the arena. Time slowed down. Sunlight spilled on her face. Her breath caught in her throat and a bitter taste entered her mouth. The hilt of her new sword was firmly grasped in her hand as she lifted her gaze and stopped beside Tayne. She forced herself to breathe.

Tayne gestured with his arms in wide movements, his lips moving but no sound reaching her ears.

The cheering seemed louder, but she couldn’t be sure. The blood pumping in her ears was thunderous as it pushed through her system. Skye dragged in another deep breath and pushed against the rising panic as once again. Her skin prickled in apprehension. Distracted, she missed most of what Tayne said until his final words.

“These are our chosen masters of the Silverborn. Do you accept our choices, King Darien?”

The King stood and opened his mouth to reply. However, someone else beat him to it.

“Ah, Silverborn, I do have a slight issue,” said the Queen. She rose to her feet, smoothing out her gown and folding her hands over her stomach. “Sorry, dear, I do not mean to interrupt but it is an issue that needs to be addressed.”

“Of course. It is a valid point. You may continue, Alice,” murmured the King, retaking his seat.

“As I was saying. The elf is not a Silverborn, and therefore not eligible to participate in these trials. I am sorry,” she said with wide, taunting eyes. “But I am obligated to intervene.”

Tayne took a moment to reply. "And how do you suggest we rectify this?" he asked.

The Queen smiled. "Why, she can drink from the cup, of course."

*+*+*+*