Light Keeper Chronicle by R.E. Bellesmith

Author:R.E. Bellesmith
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, wizard, portal, middle grade, chosen one
Publisher: R.E. Bellesmith

Chapter 20: The War Game Begins

“The War Game,” General Orenlem explained, pacing back and forth before the line of children, “is the closest, safest simulation to actual war you will experience! It is a game, yes, but I expect you all to take it seriously. What is disqualification here is life and death in the real world …”

Lenzey chewed on her lip as he continued; the man’s monolog was accompanied by a low buzz caused by her nerves, which only got more intense the longer he went on. She envied Ellean, who stood next to her with an expression of either disinterest or sleepiness.

“Now,” Orenlem continued, “I will divide you into two teams that will be flung into the wilderness to compete for victory.” He began pointing to each of the students, declaring either, “With me,” or “With Lithrail,” as he did.

“With me,” he said when his finger landed on Lenzey. Then “With Lithrail,” when he got to Ellean.

Fear struck Lenzey in that split second. Despite having trained with Orenlem and the kids from Garibain regularly, her social circle still consisted primarily of Ellean and Zack (the latter of whom was still included somewhat begrudgingly). The idea of being separated from her best friend made the buzzing worse.

Orenlem moved on. “With—”

“Zandar has requested the Element Keepers be kept together for this exercise,” Lithrail piped up from where she sat at the edge of the courtyard. “It makes little sense for them to be fighting against each other when our goal is having them learn to operate as a unit.”

“The wizard did not tell me this.”

“He told me. And I am telling you on his behalf. You are now informed … Rejoice.”

Orenlem glared with exponential intensity at Lithrail. She met his gaze, never blinking or backing down.

“Very well.” Orenlem shrugged, breaking gracefully away from their silent contest. “Take all of them. I wish you the best of luck.”

Lithrail’s only response was a cold sneer.

Orenlem shook his head and turned back to the assembled children. “All of you who are with me, with me. The rest, join the dryad.”

Though it had meant two adults had butted heads not only in front of her but because of her, Lenzey felt a wave of relief as she moved with her friends. The groups were quickly split and stood on opposite sides of the courtyard.

“Things to remember,” Orenlem shouted to the freshly divided assemblage. “The weapons you now carry can injure but not kill. Any blow that would normally murder or maim will instead render the recipient unconscious via magical means. King Hyrean has men stationed around the area we’ll be training in. They are there both to protect you from outside factors and to collect anyone struck down during the exercise.

“There are twenty of you on each team, and we will be out in the wilderness until all of one team has been defeated.” He looked away from the line of kids back to Lithrail. “That includes myself and the dryad.”

The two met with ferocious glares again, but only for a moment before Orenlem turned and motioned to his team.

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