The Grey Warden: A Fantasy Progression Adventure by A. F. Kay

Author:A. F. Kay [Kay, A. F.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Black Pyramid Press
Published: 2022-09-30T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

Keel sat at the end of the table closest to the door in our secret room. Mirrah sat on his right, and Saffryn on his left. I paced up and down the length of the table. We had removed our masks and black shirts, the bracelets leaving just enough room to pull the cloth through. I rubbed at my face, which still felt like the mask covered it.

Mirrah had asked about Thelt on the walk back from registering, and I’d lied to her again. I’d told her he was just a pet. Every lie felt easier to tell, and it worried me. These people had come to help me, and I’d lied to them. I rubbed at my face again.

The ugly won’t rub off, Thelt said.

I looked around the room, but I couldn’t see him.

Thanks.

“The first contest is almost always a race,” Mirrah said.

“And they said the harbor, which means water. And luckily, we have a Blue,” Saffryn said.

I glanced at Keel. He had pressed his lips together, and he held his head between his hands. “I won’t weave for a game.”

“Won’t or can’t?,” Mirrah asked. “I can teach you some water weaves. We use them on our crops.”

“You’re carrying all that ink, and you won’t use it?” Saffryn asked.

“He doesn’t have to weave if he doesn’t want to,” I said.

Keel looked up at me. “Thank you.”

“Let’s talk about what we can do,” I said. “The girls are right. It will probably be some sort of water race. What are everyone’s rankings.”

No one spoke which didn’t surprise me. Weavers were ranked in three categories: power, manipulation, and knowledge. The rankings ranged from a level zero, Mica, to level ten, Diamond.

I tried again. “I know people don’t like discussing their rank, but we need to know each others capabilities. Let’s start with power. I’m obviously a Mica.”

Mirrah held up her wrist and the small free splotch of free ink. “Amber.”

That made Mirrah level one, barely better than me.

“Opal,” Saffryn said.

After a moment, Keel whispered sadly. “Ruby.”

Saffryn whistled and I tried not to look shocked. I’d obviously seen all of Keel’s ink, but hearing it quantified in a rank still shocked me. Saffryn had reached rank four, probably a couple below Fant. But Keel had reached level eight in power.

“Okay,” I continued. “What about manipulation?”

Mirrah smiled. “I just tested into Ruby.”

“Quartz,” Saffryn said.

“Emerald,” Keel said.

I shook my head at Keel. “You are rank eight in power, and six in manipulation. Why are you not at the Ink Academy?”

Keel looked miserable. “I have my reasons.”

I swallowed my jealousy and spoke. “I’m Mica again, obviously. How about knowledge?”

Mirrah tapped her chin. “I haven’t taken this year’s exams yet, but I’d guess with all the other Kingdom tattoos I’ve learned this semester I’ll test into Opal.”

Rank four for knowledge wasn’t bad since Mirrah had only recently started in the advanced classes.

“Coral,” Saffryn said.

Rank three was higher than I expected from Saffryn, and meant the Purple Kingdom must have some sort of school for weaving.

“I’ve never tested, but I’d guess Coral as well,” Keel said.

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