Chapter 170: Die, Pinecones!

Chapter 170: Die, Pinecones!

You are studying very well, but you dont have to push yourself. Youre only eight. There is plenty of time for you to become more than proficient with charms and energy. If you have any questions, ask. There is no shame in struggling or not understanding the first time, Kasen said as they stood beneath the shade of the tree, beside the Sword Associations outdoor kitchen.

Robert was picking up charms almost alarmingly quick. Kasen had also discovered he was sensitive to energies and wanted to encourage, but at the same time not overwhelm or put too much pressure on his son. Tori knew Robert studied a lot on his own and while the nuns had been impressed, Tori couldnt help but be worried that he was pushing himself because of the family he had been adopted into and the weight the Guevera name carried.

If Robert was some sort of charms fanatic, it was different than having an obsession to become a master because he felt it was expected of him. Kasen was particularly worried. Robert and Fiona had been adopted a few months earlier and he wanted his new children to be at ease.

Several paces away, Fiona was dressed in the smallest gambeson and helmet they had and was getting pointers for Sebastian in preparation for her first time trying the pinecone challenge. Lyce was starting to close and all around them, students were cleaning up, but everyone was happy to let Fiona try the pinecone challenge before they left for the day.

Of course, it was modified a bit and the students tossing were kneeling or seated on the dirt so the pinecones would be within her hit zone.

I like studying charms, Dad. Its interesting, Robert said. Tori glanced over from where she was cleaning up the kitchen. She could see some longing in Roberts eyes as he looked at his little sister, and she could only guess that he thought that if he could walk, he could also use a sword.

Kasen seemed to understand this as well. You dont need to use a sword as part of a marquis family, Robi. Our martial arts are important, but ones mind is even more important. And even as my son, youre not required to dedicate yourself to the family. Not all our relatives do work for the march.

Robert's little brows furrowed. I want to. Im a Guevera now. You picked me.

Kasens lips tugged into a slight smile. You picked me. It is my honor to be your father.

We are lucky.... Robert said in a quiet voice.

Kasen touched Roberts head once more. I am luckier. Robert leaned his head into Kasens hand. Tori could see that he was so proud to be Kasens son.

Robi, for us born into marches, listening to our intuition is a matter of survival, Idunn said from where she was seated on the ground next to Roberts wheelchair. When something inside us tells us to listen, we listen. When your father called Presidio about adopting, this is the feeling he cited. This means that Kasen knew you were to be his son and daughter.

Regardless of the circumstances, you were probably meant to be a Guevera, Tori said as she lifted a wooden crate of clean utensils and plates and slid them beneath the makeshift counter. And when youre a bit more stable and are able to use a prosthetic, you can still learn some weapons, though dont ignore how useful charms and crystals can be.

Robert looked at his legs. One shin was missing, and his pant leg was neatly sewed beneath the knee. When can I get a prosthetic?

It is a delicate process and I want to make sure your leg is healed enough to support one. It wont be long. Ive already scheduled medical craftsmen in Presidio to look at your leg, Kasen told him.

Roberts face lit up. Really? When I go to Presidio?

Kasen gave him a nod. It will be fitted and as you grow, it will be replaced with a better fitting one. When you are comfortable with it, we can teach you some basic weaponry and arts. I think you may be more suitable for a dagger, like your Auntie Tori.

Its easier to defend from a seated position than a sword, too. Its very flexible. Its so much easier to stab if someone is close enough, Tori replied. It is also much more convenient to hide against you and keep under your pillow or near your bed.

She saw Gideon giving her a strange look.

Kasen, shes ready! Sebastian said as he jogged up. Idunn rose to her feet as Kasen pushed Robert towards the ring. In the center, an incredibly determined little girl was holding a large dagger in place of an actual sword.

Daddy, are you watching? Fiona shouted.

Daddys watching, Fifi!

All right! Ready! Captain Kowalski started. Go!

To the students and adults, the pinecones were thrown much more gently than normal, but to Fiona, who was swinging and growling like she were personally fighting each one to the death, they likely seemed faster.

Shes so cute, Ilyana said beside Tori.

A childs shrill scream filled the area. Die, pinecones!

Ilyana covered her face. How is she so cute!?

Piers nodded as he watched the little girl go feral. She is a Guevera.

Tori squinted. ...Im not sure how to take that.

In the end, Fiona hit about a dozen, which wasnt bad at all for a child her size doing this for the first time. Both Sebastian and Piers praised her, and she puffed out her little chest.

Daddy, did you see?

I saw, Kasen said as he picked her up. You did amazing.

Do you want to take classes in Presidio? Sebastian asked. Fiona wrinkled her nose and then shook her head.

I want to learn to dance! She looked at Tori and beamed as she threw her little arms in the air and waved them around. Like Auntie Tori. Auntie Tori is like a fairy when she dances.

Sebastian and Kasen both nodded their heads proudly in agreement.

She does. Piers agreed as well, and two heated glares were fixed on him at once. He lowered his eyes.

Tori saw off her tired relatives, confirming that they would meet her at the delta on the weekend to partake in the festivities there.

Mother and Father also expressed their wishes to go to Viclya, Piers said as he stood by the entrance of his carriage. Tori froze as she saw him off. I have denied them, citing security concerns.

She let out a low breath of relief. Thats good.

Axton and I will come, and will bring our brothers and Fabian.

Accommodations are already prepared, but food must be paid for, Tori told him. Piers gave her a nod. She expected him to climb in, but instead he opened his arms. She sighed and stepped in to give him a good-bye hug. Ill see you this weekend.

He touched the mop of haphazardly bunned hair on her head as he stepped back. Tell JP and Miss Sonia good luck for the Spring Three-Day. I am sure they will continue to show the skill of Lyce du Soleils Equestrian Association.

He climbed into the carriage. Tori looked around. Axton was supposed to go with him, and she found him a few paces away talking to Montan.

I will speak to him to talk to you about using charms and you will listen to him. Senior Kasen is one of the foremost charms user in the empire. Look at his son. Hes only had his son for a few months, and he can already read energy signatures. Axton seemed to be rambling and Tori knew it had something to do with how both Kasen and Robert had eyed Montan earlier that day.

Axton wasnt sure why, so he had asked Kasen. The curious look on Axtons face had darkened at once. Whatever Axton was telling his half-brother, it was in relation to how Montan was using charms.

Im sorry...I didnt think-

This is a serious matter. If you created a charm that harms others, even inadvertently, you are liable. Do you understand?

Tori watched Montans hands clench at his sides as his pale face reddened with shame. I understand. I only wanted to help her.

There is nothing wrong with helping your friends, but it is harming innocent people. I am disappointed in you.

Tori grimaced and held back a low hiss. It wouldve been kinder if Axton stabbed Montan. A pained and ashamed look filled Montans face, and his head dropped. His entire body seemed to deflate. He nodded and Tori could see his lip shaking. Part of her wanted to interject, but couldnt find the words.

Montans quiet, trembling reply made her suck in a sharp breath. I wont do it again. I wont make any more charms.

Toris brows shot up. That was it? That was all it took to stop him? Axtons expressed disappointment? What was more interesting was that Montan didnt sound as if he were swearing he wouldnt, but pleading to Axton not to abandon him. While the thought that Axton could stop Montan from creating charms was wonderful, knowing why Montan would stop: so, Axton wouldnt throw him away, was a bit heartbreaking.

Axton let out a heavy sigh as he ran his hand through his hair. Thats not...just talk to Senior Kasen. Axton lifted his hand and seemed to want to put it on top of Montans head, as Toris brothers did with her and the children. However, Axtons hand hovered and lowered before he could touch Montan. Im not angry. I know you dont want to hurt people. I just dont want you to do so accidentally or be tricked into doing it. I want you to be careful. To be safe.

Montan nodded his head. He didnt reply again, and Axton let out a low breath.

Axton, were leaving, Piers called from the carriage.

Axton lifted his hand and nodded. He looked back at Montan. Remember to pack what I told you. Piers and I will pick you up at the end of the week, right after the schools festival closes. You dont need to worry about things like soap and food, everything is provided at the resort. Tori will give you a snack card for food.

Tori narrowed her eyes. What...when did I say I would give him a snack card...? First, those were mainly for children and Ewan so they wouldnt lose their money while running around. Second, she never agreed to such a thing.

Ill pay for it, Piers said behind her. And one for Gideon, as well.

Im going to overcharge you.

I have money.

Tori rolled her eyes and Axton got into the carriage. Tori saw them off and turned around to go back through the gates as they were closing. Montan quietly followed behind her.

How much is a snack card?

Dont worry about it, Tori said with a wave of her hand. She looked over her shoulder. It would be insulting to your brother if I made you pay. Montan opened his mouth and she cut him off. Listen, of the two of us, Im the one with two older brothers, and if I tried to pay for them when they were taking me somewhere, they would be upset. If I took Fifi and the others to the delta, Id be upset if they tried to pay because I invited them and feel I am responsible.

Its going to be really hard for the Equestrian Association when JP and Sonia graduate.

The four of them in the carriage all let out hums and nods of agreement. The pressure of such a legacy was daunting, and Sonia had told them before the Spring Festival that if they won that year, then it would be the first time Lyce du Soleil held the title of champions for three straight years. The only other school to do that was the Southern Riding School.

Tori could only imagine how their juniors would cry when JP and Sonia left.

The carriage came to a stop in front of the gates, just behind a familiar large, blue-gray horse. Blue River was standing lazily and once the door opened, and Tori came out, she went to rub his neck. She didnt tell Piers, but she liked Blue River more than Ice Queen.

She glanced near the fence and saw Axton standing there with Montan in front of him. Tori cocked her head to the side as she observed the two half-brothers. She didnt know if it was genetics of upbringing, but Montan was drawfed by Axton at first glance.

Axton was quite tall and imposing with broad shoulders. He appeared almost roguish at times if one didnt know him. His skin was rich tan and he exuded health and confident vitality. One glance at them made it clear who was nurtured with love and affection and who wasnt.

In comparison, Montan was shorter, thinner, a bit paler and he didnt carry himself with the straight back and engrained discipline Axton did. In fact, Montan seemed to be making a conscious effort to look up and meet Axtons gaze. His shoulders remained slumped a bit, even though Axton didnt seem to be admonishing him in any way.

Your Grace, good evening, Henrik said as he climbed down. Axton looked up and smiled.

Good evening. You all look happy. Did we win?

Champions for the third straight year, Ilyana said with obvious pride.

Axton let out a whistle. What were their scores for the target run?

Tori let out a snort. What else? Perfect. Both.

I knew it. Axton nodded, satisfied as a sharp gleam filled his eyes. I made some bets with the other knights. Looks like Lowell and Atienza owe me meals at the delta this weekend.

Why are you betting on food? Tori furrowed her brows and frowned. You dont pay when you eat there. Piers didnt want her to tell them, but hed recently been paying for Axton and his imperial knights meals whenever they went. Piers said he didnt want them to become spoiled. As if they were children and not elite knights protecting them.

I thought it was in bad taste to take their money.

Your Grace.... Albert squinted. Isnt this also similar to taking their money?

Axton pursed his lips for a moment. Shouldnt you be going to your dorm now, Albert?

Albert sighed and Tori prepared to follow them back on to campus. See you-

Oh, Tori, I want him to try the water activities at the delta. Its been hot for this time of year, and water activities are suitable. Are they open right now? Axton asked.

Tori motioned for her friends to go inside first before turning back to Axton. Yes. Weve arranged that under specific weather conditions, varieties of water activities will be available. We have the usual swimming, boating, some leisure rafts, and we recently made water hammocks.

Axtons eyes narrowed with interest. What?

We made these cedar frames with layers of cork, then attached thick canvas cloth inside so they dip into the water part ways. You can lay down in them and be partially submerged. Weve also attached little sunshades above and cup holders for maximum relaxation, Tori said. We found a good place to put them to float while tethered so as not to be swept away by the tide. They were released this week. Early reports have given us a positive reception.

All right, you will need swimming clothes, but we can get them there, Axton told Montan with a nod of understanding. Do you have everything else you need?

The corners of Montans lips tugged up a bit. I do. I packed everything you told me to.

Good. Then we will pick you up before dawn. Axton passed them and patted Toris shoulder before getting on Blue River and trotting away. Tori waited for him to leave before turning around and going through the gate.

Guevera, Montan said behind her.

Tori didnt stop nor turn around. What.

His Grace said that your brother, Lord Kasen, has agreed to speak to me, the young man said, sounding a bit hesitant. What...what kind of person is your brother?

Tori furrowed her brow a bit. Hes smart. Smarter than me and our eldest brother.

The Duke told me that I must be respectful of him.

You should be.

Does he really have a mastery of charms? There was uncertainty in Montans voice and while logically, he had every right to want to be sure of the ability of a man he didnt know, Tori was still insulted that he questioned her brother.

She stopped in place and slowly turned around.

How long do you think it would take you to make a charm that not only detected traces of poison after several days, but allow you to track who had contact with said poison? Tori asked.

Montan had stopped behind her and lowered his eyes. He seemed to be doing calculations in his head. Its highly technical...Id say a few days if we know what poison and weeks, if not months, if we didnt.

And how long have you been using charms?

Since I was a child.

It took my brother a few days to figure it out without knowing what poison they were looking for. He was about nine. Guess how old he was when he started studying charms seriously.

If Montan started learning as soon as he could hold a writing instrument, it was likely that hed assume that was when Kasen would, as well. Four...no...three.

Tori shook her head. He was nine. He had brushes, paper, a book on Old Sulfae and knew how charms looked like...and he figured it out in several days. Every time I integrate charms and Old Sulfae with crystals on a new project, I go to my brother. She watched Montans eyes widen before she turned back around. Be respectful to him. My brothers dont like you, Alvere. Dont misunderstand.

Did you speak badly of me to your brothers? There was some stunned disbelief in his voice and Tori almost wanted to balk. Why was he surprised? He knew what he did.

Yes. But Kasey also knows youre reckless with your charms, Tori said. There are laws regulating them, you know. Small charms for minor things like heating, cooling, silence, and safety are considered tradable goods, but as soon as a charm can start to cause harm or put groups in danger, they become a problem. She paused and glanced over her shoulder.

She watched his face pale even further and despite any pity she may have for him, Tori almost skipped happily to her dorm after leaving him behind.

When she saw Montan the next day in Viclya, he looked as if he hadnt slept. Axton kept giving him strange looks and said he had asked what was wrong, but Montan had said it was nothing. He was only excited to come.

Tori let out a snort. She stood there to greet them in a dress from the Delta Collection. As expected, it was hotter than normal and everyone sane was wearing something breezy or already in the water. Ewan, and the children, had almost run directly from the carriage to the beach as soon as they arrived.

Kasen was beside her, tall and serious as the imperial carriage arrived and the imperial sons, Axton, Montan, and Fabian climbed down. His children were being watched by Nanny Rey and Toris cat, who had been waiting at the gate in the arms of an imperial knight when they left.

All right, here are your tent assignments, Tori said as she handed them little leather folios and motioned to some valets waiting by the drop off curb. These two will escort you and staff will take your things to your tents. Some chilled beverages are waiting in your tents to help refresh you.

The leather folios were given to the three young men her age and Gideon frowned. Where is my brothers? Montan looked at her with the same question on his face.

They have permanent tents in the encampment for the time being. Theyre staying where they always stay, Tori said. She looked at Gideon. You know where they are.

Gideon frowned. Why cant I stay in the encampment?

Because you will annoy Piers. Youre a guest.

Piers is a guest, isnt he?

I have invested in the delta; therefore, I am allocated one of the encampment tents, Piers narrowed his eyes. Are you complaining about your accommodations?

No! No! Gideon shook his head at once. I love the resort tents! Theyre convenient for food and the beach. Right, Fabian?

Fabian nodded obediently.

You four should go and rest before you look around, Kasen told them in a calm voice. His eyes drifted to Montan. Young Mr. Alvere, as I am trying to spend as much time with my children as possible, I only have a few moments to speak to you this morning. Are you available?

It was both a question and a threat. If Montan said no, Kasen would simply ignore him for the rest of the stay.

I am available, my lord! It appeared that Montan was not stupid.

Kasen nodded. Instead of taking Montan to a restaurant to discuss, they went to the encampment. Tori had already given him permission to use one of the small meeting rooms of the operations tent. Since it was a holiday, village officials and organization workers were off.

Tori held open a tent flap. Is this tent good?

Kasen looked around. You put silence charms in this room?

There are silence crystals around the individual rooms and the entire operations tent, Tori told him. Kasen nodded with approval.

Then this will do. He motioned for Montan to take a seat across a small table from him. Tori had some blank parchment, brushes, and inks prepared between them. Tori looked around and turned to leave. Before we start, Id like to see what youre capable of, she heard her brother tell Montan. The sound of papers being moved was heard. Make me that favorability charm that Baroness Hart wears.