“You did that?” Izzy asked, jerking her head to indicate the fighting.
“Yeah. Who’s the girl trying to send Remy to Tartarus?”
“His ex,” Izzy said then glanced at Kim. “Remember?—he’d visit her on weekends until a year ago when she broke it off. Let’s tell the guys to join us. Whatever mind control you threw at these people might last for a long time and they need a break.”
“I don’t know,” Kim said, studying Remy, then Sykes. “They seem to be enjoying themselves.”
Izzy ignored Kim and telepathed Remy and Sykes. They looked up at the same time. Distracted, they didn’t see their attackers. Sykes got hit in the chest, propelling him back into someone’s stick, while Remy literally got swept off his feet. They both teleported at the same time, landing on top of us in a tangle of arms and legs.
“Ouch,” Izzy protested.
“That’s what you get for cheating,” Sykes said, moving to a different seat.
Kim pushed Remy off her. “Get off me, you oaf.”
Remy chuckled and plopped on a chair, his chest rising and falling. “How long have you been up here?”
“Just a few minutes,” Izzy said.
Kim grinned. “Five.”
“I’m going back,” Sykes said. “I need to teach Lucien a lesson.” He disappeared.
“Who’s Lucien?” I asked as Sykes reappeared in the mix as though he hadn’t left.
Remy rotated his neck. “His childhood best friend, now his nemesis.”
Izzy and I laughed.
“How juvenile,” Kim said. “I bet it was over a girl.”
“What else?” Remy turned and studied us. “Let’s finish this.”
“Party pooper,” someone murmured, Izzy or Kim.
“We attack from outside, surround them. Lil, start from the entrance. Izzy, you’re opposite her. Kim, take the south end while I plow them from the north.”
We teleported back into the fray. Maybe it was the rest that did it or the fact that we were more mentally prepared, but we had them on the run this time. Still, it was a relief when Master Haziel called out, “Enough.”
The SGs staggered to the nearest chairs while we stayed standing. We even helped up the ones on the floor. Master walked to where I stood.
“What was that?” he asked.
I gave him an innocent smile. “We improvised.”
“Sloppy execution,” he snapped. “You should have done it smoothly, affecting everyone at once, not a few at a time.” He turned and indicated the seated Guardians, who were watching us with puzzled expressions. They probably didn’t understand how we had defeated them. “These are members of Xenith Security Unit, or as they are usually called, Security Guardians. They are our guests for as long as it takes. More will be arriving this evening.”
“Why?” Sykes asked, his gaze going to a curly-haired guy he’d been fighting—Lucien.
Master Haziel’s eyes narrowed. “They are here to offer us support. Unless you think you are invincible.”
“Depends on who our target is,” was Sykes’ cocky response.
Master Haziel pursed his lips and nodded. “You are going to need that confidence.” He glanced at all of us. “Your team is good, but you are not there yet. Maybe in a few decades. Still,” he smiled and glanced at me, “you must always find a way to defeat your enemies. Do you know why I made you do this little exercise?” he glanced at us, then the SGs. “Anyone?”
“Because you have a wacky sense of humor?” Sykes said with a deadpan expression.
“And a mean streak,” Izzy added.
Master Haziel didn’t crack a smile, though we smiled while the SGs stared with shock. They probably couldn’t believe the bold responses w e’d given.
“No,” Master Haziel retorted. “Your enemies will not wait for you to notice them before they attack. They will swoop down when you least expect them. I want you to be vigilant at all times.” He turned his attention to the SGs. “The Tribe practices both physical and mental warfare. You never ever let an opponent get inside your head. It does not matter how powerful they are. The Tribe did that to Lil and she just did it to you. Yes,” he continued, pacing, “she used her power of persuasion and compelled you to turn against each other and ignore her team, and it worked brilliantly.”
What happened to ‘sloppy execution’? My face burned when the SGs focused on me. I expected resentment from them, but all I felt was approval after the initial surprise.
“You did not really think they overpowered you so easily when you outnumber them and are more experienced fighters?” Master Haziel continued. “She saw an opportunity and used it. She learned from her mistake. In the next few days, you will learn how to fight back against the paralysis that follows a mind-blend with a member of the Tribe. Warm up is over. It is time for some serious work.”
“Master Haziel?” Izzy called out
He scowled. “What is it?”
“Who’s guarding Xenith if the SGs are coming here?” she asked.
Master Haziel frowned. “A few will be left behind, though there is really no need. The portal will be destroyed by sundown.”
Gasps came from my friends.
“You were not supposed to know about this until later today. Now back to work. Get practice swords.” Daggers and swords floated from the wall. “Hand-to-hand combat that way.” He pointed to the area near the door, then the other end of the arena. “Sword sparring over there.”
I caught a sword and started across the floor, but I couldn’t help overhearing the conversations among my friends. They were planning on going home to see their families immediately after the morning training session.
With the fear and anxiety came determination. We worked hard. The more Master Haziel pushed, the more we gave him. Still, there was a collective sigh of relief when he called out, “That is enough for today. Lil, stay behind.”
I joined him in the booth, where he poured water in two glasses, offered me one and gulped down his. I knew the water would be lukewarm as usual and didn’t bother to drink it, though I politely accepted the cup.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, studying me with a frown.
I shrugged. “Okay.”
He nodded with approval. “Good. I talked to your grandfather this morning. Do you have any questions?”
“When will the Goddess need me? For how long?”
Master Haziel shook his head. “I do not have all the answers. I am sure she will let you know when she is ready.”
“Does everyone know about me?”
“That you are the Chosen One? Yes. That the powers of the dagger are inside you because you are the Goddess’ vessel? No. That is between us and the Cardinals.” His eyes sharpened. “I assume you already told your friends?”
I made a face. “Wasn’t I supposed to?”
“No, but what is done is done. If you have questions, concerns, or just need to talk, I am here for you.”
“What if I want to vent?”
He straightened to his full height, which was several inches shorter than mine. “My students do not vent. They protest forcefully, object vehemently, or show their disapproval passionately.”
I laughed. Master Haziel did have a wacky sense of humor.
“Come on. I want you to meet your new team.” He started for the booth’s entrance.
“New team?” I placed my glass on the table. He pointed toward the floor of the pit, where four SGs—two guys and two girls—were talking.
“Why do I need them?”
“They are your backup. You are going to L.A.” Master Haziel indicated we should join the others, but I didn’t move.
“To do what?” I asked.
“Bran needs your help with something.”
“You talked to him? When? Is he okay?”
“Yes, I talked to him a few minutes ago and yes, he is okay,” Master Haziel said impatiently.