The Rage of Dragons (Book of the Burning) by Evan Winter

Author:Evan Winter
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub, mobi
Publisher: Beautiful Beast
Published: 2017-09-09T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

GAMES

Tau was on the practice field before the sun rose. The rest of Jayyed's five found him there, lathered in sweat. He'd been running and had not slept.

He'd tried. He'd performed the evening prayers three times, steeling his will and mind against Isihogo but did not know whether his nightmares were dreams, or something else. Whatever the case, he'd come to the practice fields. He was too afraid to sleep.

Along with Hadith, Yaw, and Chinedu, Tau saw Oyibo. The boyish-faced warrior spoke to Tau, unable to meet his gaze. "During last night's march Jayyed told me to join you."

He said it as if he needed Tau's permission and, not knowing what else to say or do, Tau clapped Oyibo on the shoulder, as he imagined Hadith would have done. "Welcome brother," he said. "I wondered what was taking Jayyed so long."

Oyibo's face brightened and he raised his head. "I won't let you down."

Tau wasn't sure why Oyibo needed to worry about letting him down, but was glad his words had bolstered his sword-brother's confidence. Hadith nodded at Tau. He approved as well. Good, thought Tau, with that out of the way they could begin.

Tau paired with Oyibo and trounced him ten touches to none. It was odd, Tau thought, Oyibo managed to look both pleased and frustrated.

"It's an honor," Oyibo said, when their match was over. Tau clapped Oyibo on the shoulder again, since the gesture had worked the first time. Oyibo went off to find water, looking happy.

Tau wasn't tired and paired up with Hadith. "What's going on with him?" he asked as they crossed blades.

"Worship," Hadith grunted between breaths, retreating under Tau's offense.

"Seriously," Tau said. He disarmed Hadith, stabbing him in the chest.

Hadith rubbed at the spot, working out the bruise. He picked up his sword and squared up. "I am serious. The whole Scale thinks you're Tsiory born again."

Hadith shoved his shield at Tau's face and swung his blade at his waist. Tau used one sword to clear the shield, his other blocked Hadith's swing, and he used a front kick to push Hadith back, making space.

"Because of one skirmish?" Tau said.

Hadith lunged, Tau stepped aside, dodging, and smacked Hadith across the back. Hadith went sprawling into the dirt.

Sitting up, and spitting out loose soil, he said, "Do you know how good I am?"

"What?"

"I can beat almost every man in Scale Jayyed and Scale Jayyed is the best in the Southern Ishashe Isikolo, likely the best in both academies."

Tau shrugged, they should be among the top initiates. They trained harder than the others.

"Tau," Hadith said, "you could kill me with one hand strapped to your back."

"I have to be this way."

"As you say, but did you not see Oyibo's face when he sparred with you?" Hadith asked.

Tau waited, thinking Hadith didn't truly expect him to answer.

"He fought you like you were an Enraged Ingonyama, like he would do what he could, but knew he had no hope."

"He doesn't commit to his attacks as much as he should, and he needs to work on his speed.

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