Blood of Fire by Marlow York

Author:Marlow York [York, Marlow]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-01-07T16:00:00+00:00

✽ ✽ ✽

The sun was high above us, and though the thick foliage blocked much of its rays, it was still humid and hot in the dense forest. Bugs and beetles hummed all around, warm and active in the sunlight, as we sat down to eat lunch. My arms were so sore and exhausted I could barely lift my hand to my mouth, but I tried not to show it.

Saven was sprawled out contentedly, basking in the sun, and I leaned my back against his warm side. The two of us sat far from the other trainees, who clustered in distinct cliques, though easily discernible as a large group that separated us from the rest of them. Vondak and Irlav sat away from all of us, talking quietly as they ate.

“I don’t imagine they will always turn their backs to you,” Saven assured me, his mind hazy with relaxation.

“Perhaps,” I said doubtfully. “But I suppose that all depends on how far I can make it in the training.” I tried to shift my legs to a more comfortable position, and even that took more effort than it should have.

“Do not doubt yourself before you have even truly begun training!” Saven chided. “If all else fails, you can set them all on fire and be done with it.”

I glanced at him with a concerned smile. “You say things like that much too easily.”

If Saven had shoulders to shrug, he would have. “All this training is ultimately about survival, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” I agreed. “And hopefully I can become a Warrior who can do more than just set things on fire.”

Saven lifted his head and looked at me with an unblinking eye. “You will be the first Warrior in Grakkir history to be able to set things on fire. You will be a legend among the gods.”

I couldn’t fathom ever being so important, but he was right in many ways. I owed it to my bloodline, my clan, my family, and Saven to use the blessings I had been bestowed with to become strong. The rare combination of Ancient Fire and an Animal God’s blessing couldn’t be just a fluke, and neither should be squandered.

A shadow fell over me, and when I squinted up, I was surprised to see the small boy from the tree race standing there. His face was expressionless, revealing none of his feelings. Perhaps he was angry because he had lost the race.

He took a large bite out of the apple in his hand. “Bjorn,” he said, his voice muffled behind the food.

“What?”

He swallowed. “My name is Bjorn.”

“Oh,” I said. “I’m Valieri. This is Saven,” I jabbed my thumb over my shoulder at the snake.

“Valieri and Saven.” Bjorn nodded, his face still impassive. “Nice to meet you.” Without another word, he turned and walked back towards the other trainees.

I stared after him, a little confused but also relieved.

“Why would he do that?” Saven asked. “Do you think it is a trick?”

I pursed my lips. “It could be, but I think it is a sign of respect.

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