The Chosen (9 page)

David was having a hard time picturing this girl. Everything Jasse was telling him, contradicted everything he knew about the trainees. Suddenly he remembered something. “You said there were four ways.”

Jasse nodded. “There is the possibility that both of Kathryn’s parents were powerful Guardians. If they were both killed while on duty it would explain some of her mysterious past.”

“How strong would her powers be in that situation?”

Lord Jasse sighed. “I can’t honestly say. For Guardians to marry is an extremely rare occurrence and there’s no guarantee that the child will have powers.”

“There isn’t?”

“No. There are records of powerful Guardians marrying and having children without gifts and there are records of Guardians having children with gifts. All with varying degrees of strength, it’s impossible to predict the result.”

David hesitated before slowly saying, “Her having Guardian parents feels more plausible in my mind than her having an Elf parent.”

“That’s the theory that most of the Council is holding to as well,” Jasse told him. “But there are a few problems with that theory. The year Kathryn was born, if she truly is sixteen, we didn’t lose a single Guardian. By her own admittance, Kathryn never knew her parents. If her parents were Guardians, they would have sent her to the school immediately if they felt that she was in danger. So why didn’t they?”

“Couldn’t she simply have been separated from them a few years after her birth?”

“Again, that’s what many on the Council believe. I just don’t feel that it’s right.”

“You’re basing this on a feeling?”

“Instinct and intuition if you will,” the older man replied. “When I was an active Guardian, I learned that my instincts were usually right. And they’re telling me that Kathryn’s parents weren’t Guardians.”

David absorbed that information. “So what do you suggest?” he asked finally.

Jasse hesitated before speaking. “With Kathryn there’s no sure way to make her trust you, at least not that I’m aware of. I’ve known her for six years and I get the feeling she still doesn’t trust me.” He exhaled heavily and went on, “From what I’ve gone through in dealing with her I only have a few suggestions. First and foremost don’t push her. She’s a shy girl, but she has many talents and abilities that even you would benefit from. Many on the Council consider her to be the most powerful guardian of this era.”

David sobered at that thought. Many of the widely acknowledged “most powerful” Guardians he had met were nice enough, but had carried a sense of self-importance he found repulsive. If this Kathryn also had this inflated notion of her importance, it was going to be a very rough start. He was determined not to rely on only the most warrior-like Guardians of his family. Everyone had their value, no matter who they were or how powerful they claimed to be.

Jasse smiled sadly at him. “Kathryn may be powerful,” he said gently. “But you have nothing to fear about her opinion of her gifts. If anything, you’ll have to order her to use them,” he reminded the younger man.

David felt some chagrin at his negative thoughts towards a girl he had never met, but whom Jasse obviously cared about…especially since Jasse could read thoughts. “Somehow I have a feeling that ordering her to use them will alienate her from me and the rest of the family.”

“It might at first,” Jasse conceded. “The girl can display quite an attitude if she feels threatened, but be gently persistent. Be understanding, it will take her a while to adjust, but even as you are doing those two things, envelop her into the family. Show her that she’s done pulling up her roots and that she can trust you.”

“Thank you Lord Jasse,” David said gratefully.

Jasse stood. “If you ever need me David, I’ll help you… both of you,”

“On more question,” David said quickly. “Why is none of this taught in school? It seems to me like it should be an important part of the curriculum…especially the ways powers can be obtained.”

Lord Jasse sat back down. “Thousands of years ago, when the school was first formed and the Elves associated with us, knowledge like this was taught. But unlike the Elves, humans, even gifted ones, are fallible. A Wanderer named Raihji managed to learn of the procedure, took this knowledge and used it to further his power until it took the combined might of every kingdom, the Guardians, and an army of Elves to stop him—

—and the Council won’t take the chance of it happening again,” David finished.

Lord Jasse nodded and stood. “We can’t take the chance now that the Elves are gone.” He stood and prepared to leave, but not before revealing one last piece of information. “And David, one more thing…”

“Yes?”

“Kathryn’s been chosen to be your second in command.”

“
Wha
t
?!”

Kathryn stood straight as a statue, motionless in the shadows outside the door to the council room. Twelve other nervous trainees milled around, talking nervously amongst each other. She felt sick to her stomach, although she never would have admitted it. She had been chosen and placed into a family. The very thought was enough to make her blood run cold. Everything she had been dreading was unfolding before her eyes.

Deep inside she felt cold rage. Jasse had to have known she had been placed when he had talked with her the morning of her climb, and yet he hadn’t said anything. The betrayal cut deep, she had thought she could trust him. Yet here she was, having been taken completely by surprise. She hated surprises. Once she was done here she was going to need some serious time on the training mats…she wondered if she could convince Jasse to spar with her and then mentally shook her head. The last time he’d been the source of her ire, which wasn’t that uncommon an occurrence, he’d learned not to agree to spar with her when she was angry. Kathryn didn’t believe in letting her anger get the better of her in a fight like some of the trainees, instead she turned it into a cold, unrelenting, and controlled attack that was rarely overcome by her opponent. Jasse had learned the hard way that Kathryn was more powerful than the image her diminutive form projected.

Gritting her teeth at the distraction that had allowed her mind to wander, Kathryn refocused on the situation at hand.

Inside the council room their family leader was being given some last minute advice before the rest would be ushered in. She remembered with stark clarity her first and subsequent visits before the Council, the retired Guardians staring down at her with faces so impassive that they could give her lessons in chilling stares. It was one of her deepest secrets that she had modeled her own icy glares and cold looks which had kept so many overly curious trainees at bay during her years at school after the ones the Council had thrown her way when she had hesitated when ordered to use her gift. Their solemn and serious moods did nothing to put a nervous trainee at ease and the way they had constantly called Kathryn before them during the five years she had been at the school only served to set her apart even more.

It wasn’t often a single trainee was called before the Council and it was usually only done for punishment. From what she’d heard around the school, most of her classmates, at least those who knew she existed, believed her to be a troublemaker and just as many believed that she wouldn’t be chosen for active Guardian status. Yet not once had she been disciplined, if anything Kathryn had yet to comprehend just what the Council had been doing, or trying to do, during those sessions.

She wished Destiny was with her, at least she would have had some comfort as she faced the Council. As it was she felt a small comfort in knowing Amy had been assigned to the same family. She knew without having to look that her friend was conversing with another girl named Jenna whom Kathryn had met once before and whom, surprisingly, she had genuinely liked.

Finally, after what seemed like radians, the doors opened and the thirteen trainees went in to face the Council.

Kathryn entered last, taking in everything before focusing on her new leader. Shock coursed through her as she recognized the boy from earlier that morning. The arrogant, self-centered rockhead was going to be her family’s leader. He hadn’t appeared to notice her and she slipped behind an older boy with blond hair to keep out of his line of sight. She wondered what the Council would think if she announced her resignation just seconds after they informed her she had been made a Guardian.

Probably nothing that could be uttered in polite company.

“Welcome trainees,” Lord Geral, the council leader greeted as he stood, he was the oldest Council member and by far the most intimidating. There were few trainees who didn’t fear him, and Kathryn happened to be one of them. “Today is a special day for you as you are about become active Guardians.”

The trainees remained silent, although many smiled broadly. This was the day they had been anticipating for years.

Lord Geral continued. “Take a look at those around you. They are your new family.”

Quickly Kathryn glanced around—five boys and nine girls whose ages appeared to range from fifteen to eighteen. It never ceased to amaze her how immature some of the trainees, or Guardians as the case would be now, could seem. She recognized many of them from various classes and wanted to groan. Aside from Jenna and Amy, most were people she’d avoided contact with.

“David will be your leader.” Lord Geral was speaking again and Kathryn returned her attention to him. “We expect you to respect him and support him. He carries the weight of your lives on his shoulders.”

Kathryn thought she saw a fleeting glimpse of nervousness flash in David’s eye, but before she tell for certain Lord Geral spoke again, capturing her attention.

“We know it is unorthodox, but we have also chosen your second-in-command. Kathryn, please come forward.”

For the third time that morning, Kathryn felt like she’d been slapped hard across the face. Not only had Jasse known she had been placed, but he’d also known she’d been made second-in-command. And yet he hadn’t said a word. Not one. So much for ever trusting him again…now she was determined to get him on the mats with her before the day was over. She turned to glare at Jasse, to find him nodding her forward, his grin making her painfully aware just how much he was enjoying this.

Slowly Kathryn made her way from the back of the group to stand before Lord Geral. She kept her eyes on the head of the Council rather than David; she didn’t want to see his reaction, although she guessed his mirrored her own. Lord Geral addressed her. “You will be David’s right hand. Not only are you to help ease his burden, but in emergencies you will take joint command, or if necessary full command of your family.”

Great
,
Kathryn thought bitterly
,
so much for hoping that I would be left alone in the family
.
“Yes sir,” she replied through clenched teeth.

Geral appeared pleased for he then turned to the rest of the group. “Your ceremony will be tonight at dusk. Until then, we would like for you to take some time to get to know each other a little bit, before you leave us completely.” Geral nodded. “You are dismissed.”

The fourteen brand new Guardians filed out of the council hall. Lord Jasse followed them.

“The Council has arranged for the southern garden to be kept clear of other students so that you can take the time to get to know one another. I suggest you head there now,” he advised.

David noticed he looked quite a bit at Kathryn when he spoke of getting to know one another. He also noticed the ice cold glare she gave him in return. They must know each other well, he decided. He’d never heard of someone staring down Lord Jasse, let alone glaring at him, especially considering how friendly he was. He was also a Councilmember which tended to intimidate most of the students; friendly personality notwithstanding.

Nothing could have described the shock he felt when he realized that his second-in-command Kathryn was the same girl from the cliffs. Judging by the stiffness in her manner when she had stepped forward after Lord Geral had named her second-in-command, he supposed it was just as big of a shock to her. He had a feeling that it was a position she would not take to willingly—which was probably why they assigned it in this case. Suddenly he remembered his earlier thought about pitying the family she was placed into. Who’d have thought that he’d end up pitying himself?

Life has an annoyingly ironic sense of humor, he thought dryly, the one person h
e
didn’
t
want in his family had been chosen to be his second in command and she did no
t
wan
t
to become his second-in-command…in fact she looked as if she’d have preferred to be buried alive than be his second-in-command.

And he hadn’t missed the way she’d slipped behind Luke once she’d caught sight of him. Nor the way she’d taken a deep bracing breath before accepting the position as his second. With any luck the two of them would manage to survive the first week without killing each other.

A lot of luck.

It was going to be difficult enough to get along with Kathryn let alone taking command of twelve other overly excited teenagers.

Oh yes. If he had wanted to be miserable for the next few years, he couldn’t have planned it better. Being a palace guard was suddenly looking a lot more appealing.

Looking around he noticed everyone glancing every which way and decided it was time to take control.

“Right then,” he said cheerfully, and feeling slightly idiotic. “Come on everyone.” He led the way to the garden Jasse specified and found a picnic lunch set out for them.

Several of his new family members immediately tucked into the food. Kathryn, he noticed, was scanning the landscape and looking very uncomfortable. He walked over to her forcing himself to remember everything Lord Jasse had told him and what he could remember of their interaction on the cliff. Skittish. Distrustful. And not one for small talk.

Time to try and make new friend
s
.

“I’m sure Destiny is nearby,” he whispered quietly, then, before a very startled Kathryn could reply, he sat down. When she didn’t sit down immediately, he turned to her, smiled, and nodded to the space next to himself. Almost reluctantly she sank down, rather stiffly, next to him, observing him with wariness in her eyes.

Oh yes. They were going to get along just great. Just like old comrades—old comrades with large swords and a several generation blood feud against each other.

He handed her a piece of fruit. From the cautious manner in which she took it, he half expected her to test it for poisons. He took a bite of his own fruit and then addressed the group. “Well since we’re supposed to get to know one another and I’m your leader we might was well start with me.” Oh stars above. Was that the best he could come up with? He definitely needed to brush up on his public speaking skills
.
I should have paid more attention during debate and communication class.

Well, there was nothing he could do about it now but continue doggedly on. “My name, as Lord Geral told you, is David, my gift is wind control. I dislike dancing, especially the waltz, and I love to run.” That didn’t come out half as bad as he’d feared he reflected, as he bit into another piece of fruit. As he had hoped his comment about the dreaded waltz, at least in the eyes of the young men, brought some laughs. Turning to Kathryn he said, “Your turn.”

Kathryn looked like she would prefer to swallow fire.

Oh yes,
David though
t
,
we’re going to have great time
s
.
Who had he insulted on the Council to be saddled with such a second-in-command?

“I’m Kathryn, as Lord Geral already told you,” she began in the taut tone already all too familiar to David. “My gift is water control, I’m not a diplomat, and love to climb.”

David could only too swiftly agree with her lack of affinity for diplomacy.

Next in their group was a girl named Amy. “Hi, my name’s Amy,” her voice was light and fun and David decided he liked her already. “My power is fire control. I’m not very good at archery and I love horseback riding and swordplay.”

David’s old roommate was next. When David had watched his family enter the council room he had been elated to see the blinding blond hair and energetic eyes of Luke come into focus, and if the fist pumped into the air was any indication of Luke’s opinion, he was just as happy as David. “My name’s Luke, my gift is earth movement, I prefer a sword to diplomacy, and I love fencing.”

“I can personally assure all of you of that.” David spoke up. Everybody laughed… everybody except Kathryn. David began to wonder if she even had emotions, he had yet to see her smile.

David turned his attention to the next person in line, a small shy girl who shared Luke’s brilliant hair color, but whose eyes were gray instead of a vibrant blue. “My name’s Jenna,” her voice was quiet, but surprisingly strong. “My gift is healing, I’m no good in a battle confrontation, and I love to read,” she blushed a little as she admitted her love of books.

Not wanting her to be embarrassed David said, “I love reading. We’ll have to compare favorite books some time.”

It was not known outside the Guardians, but in truth there were few true “super warriors” as both commoners and nobility referred to them. All Guardians could fight extremely well, but those who could be deemed a “super warrior” were rare, and as the generations passed were becoming rarer still. Many Guardians were several mastery levels above the level of the best trained knights, but some, especially healers or those gifted with the ability to sense emotions, were simply average fighters who used their gifts to heighten their abilities. David intended to make sure that everyone in his family was recognized for values that went beyond their fighting skills.

Kathryn watched in silent, grudging,surprise as David confidently took charge, making sure everybody felt wanted, needed, and unembarrassed about who they were
.
Perhaps he wasn’t a bad choice as a leader
,
she thought as she took a bite of fruit.