Wave by Andrea Fink

Author:Andrea Fink [Andrea Fink]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Andrea Fink
Published: 2022-01-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

The room was cold and uncomfortable. How strange that this would be the place that marks one of the most momentous events in a Dark Region citizen’s life. Dauti had submitted the events at the docks as her trial just a few days prior and the following night received a summons. She had assumed there would be more waiting and formalities before she would be named.

Nobody was allowed to stand with her. She was alone on the sunken floor surrounded by stone and emptiness. It was her ceremony all over again. Alone, scared, and uncomfortable, about to place her future in someone else’s hands. Would her trial be valid? Tossing a boat did not seem name-worthy, but not all submissions lead to a meeting with the tribunal, so Dauti’s hopes were elevated.

She looked up at the seven tribunal members whose glares were as cold as the room. She hugged her body and shrunk into herself. Someone would have to speak eventually.

One of the vampires broke the silence, “The tribunal has met to discuss your trial. We believe it is a valid trial and will grant your request to be named.”

Dauti felt medusas in her gut with the news. She was unsure if it was excitement or nerves. While she had been so anxious to know if she would be named this night, she did not realize the real fear set in during the time between the acceptance of the trial and the declaration of the name. Out of instinct, she looked around for support, wanting to share the news with someone, but found no one to whom she could turn.

The vampire continued in a slow, drawn-out cadence, “The actions of your natural trial indicate a proficiency with water magic. While many can perform such magic, the great scale of your magic and the fact that you acted in service of the royal family were taken into consideration.”

In service of the royal family? Dauti lifted her hand in an attempt to get the vampire’s attention. “Excuse me,” she said in a hushed voice. “I believe you may have the wrong trial.”

The vampire’s brow scrunched downward as he looked directly at Dauti. “We do not make mistakes. Hold your tongue unless you would like us to change our minds and give you an unfavorable name for your misconduct.”

Dauti’s eyes shot to the stone floor as she pressed her lips shut, reliving the scoldings of her childhood. Even if they had mistaken her trial, she could still use the name they gave her.

Having been so offended by the interruption, the vampire had another tribunal member continue. A deep, booming voice sounded, but Dauti did not dare look up to see which of the seven spoke. “The tribunal has come to a unanimous decision as to your name. Based on your actions of using water magic to defend yourself and the prince from those who wished him harm, ridding yourself of the attackers by the use of a wall of water, I decree that you shall henceforth be known as Wave.

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