Chapter 29. Blind Confidence
We threaded our way through the bustling crowd of the Halls of Valor, bodies pressing close, banners snapping overhead. Curious glances followed us faint murmurings: “A royal arcanist, perhaps? A visiting professor?” but no one approach. At last we paused before a small wooden desk where a young scribe leaned over her thick ledger, felt pen in hand. She adjusted the silver-rimmed spectacles perched on her nose and glanced up, her wide eyes nearly as arresting as the tiny ram’s horns curving from her temples.
Time slowed. I felt my pulse thunder in my ears as I drank in her delicate features: hair like smoke-tinted clouds at sunset, warm bronze skin that caught the light, and fitting scribe garb trimmed in deep earth tones. Curved horns framed the sides of her head, peeking through soft waves of hair, while a pair of adorable goat-like ears twitched ever so slightly beneath them.
When she finally spoke “Beautiful” her whispered. I couldn’t help a tinkling laugh. “You’re absolutely adorable,” I replied, reaching to tuck a stray curl behind her pointed ear. Her cheeks blossomed rose, and I felt my own face grow warm.
“Oh I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to say that out loud…” She ducked her head shyly. “It’s quite all right.” I offered a reassuring smile. When her gaze flicked back to mine, I sensed her heart racing as fiercely as mine.
She cleared her throat. “ Welcome to the Halls of Valor. I’m Tellie how may I assist you?” “ My name is Veil. I’d like to register as an adventurer, but I was advised to present this letter first.”
I handed her the parchment, its crimson seal broken. Our fingers brushed, and Tellie’s blush deepened. Adjusting her glasses, she announce a recommendation not just from the Archoness but from the Archon of House Asteria himself veteran of the campaigns against Lamia Island, where the forces had bled each other into a grudging peace. I remembered the war from my academy days, how both sides had suffered grievous losses before signing treaty.
“Seem you’ve earned favor with someone very high up…little poet. though his son might still sound like a frog, whenever he says something foul.”
He tilt his head. “I have no recollection of that my lady.”
Before I could reply, Tellie hopped to her feet. “I’ll fetch the headmaster. He’ll be eager to meet you.” She bounded up the wooden steps, every movement graceful as a dancer’s. I watched her go, utterly enchanted.
Poet cocked his head. “ My Lady, there’s nothing wrong with indulging your desires.” I scolded him under my breath. “Not now, Poet.” “But you haven’t taken your eyes off her since you arrived.” I bit my lip. “She’s… captivating.” “Mmhmm,” Poet murmured. “And if you stare much longer, you might find her delicious too.”
I glared at him, then couldn’t help but grin. “ Fine, you win. But I have business to attend.”
Moments later, the courtyard hush fell to accommodate two new arrivals: a towering man so broad that even his boots thudded like anvils. Fists as large as my head were flowered with calluses. He squinted down at me. “So this is the girl they recommend. I’m Victor.” Harsh amusement curled his lips. “Just another spoiled elf, from what I see.”
I straightened, meeting his gaze with determination. “How about this? Land one blow on me, and your paperwork is void, no fees, and you may choose any mission from the board.” He nodded toward a weathered oak sign in the next bay. I arched an eyebrow, then held out my hand. “Confident, are we? Many adventurers die of confidence.” he stated. “Good thing I’m not ‘many,’” I replied with a shake of my head. “I’m just one.”
A ripple of gossip whispered through the onlookers as they formed a wide circle placing bets. I reached into my belt pouch and counted ten gold coins before dropping them in a copper pail. Victor’s jaw tightened. “Gambling on yourself, eh?” I gave a short nod. “I believe in good odds.”
The clatter of armor and the tang of horses or was it spilled sweat and oiled leather? filled the training yard as we prepared. Victor hefted his great sword; I gripped my slender staff, carved from pale yew. He sneered, “That stick won’t save you.” “It’s more than enough,” I replied, steadying my breathing.
Poet fluttered to my other shoulder. “My Lady, do try to focus.” I pressed my lips together, summoning what Melinoe’s textbooks had dubbed a “battle face.”
The Arbiter voice boomed: “First strike wins. No killing blows.” BEGIN!!
Victor charged like a wounded bull, sword arcing overhead. Poet gave a resigned sigh. At the last instant, I flicked my staff upward so its tip kissed the hilt’s base. The greatsword clanged free, spinning from Victor’s grasp, and with a gentle bonk on his helm, I sent him sprawling.
Silence swallowed the yard. Then one stunned voice: “Impossible.” Another: “Victor was legendary… he’d never fall so easily.” The Arbiter leaned close. “Winner?” “Winner!” The crowd was silence, they couldn't believe what they just seen. Stepping forward to claim my coins one platinum piece and five gold. Tellie, were claiming hers as well, beamed beside me. I poked her cheek. “Smart girl, you are.” Her blush rivaled sunset.
Victor was hauled off to the healing ward, still unconscious. Poet muttered from my shoulder, “Overconfidence can be the downfall of many.” I only nodded, still savoring the moment.
As I turned to leave, a breathless scholar came dashing across the yard. “Wait..WAIT!! Pardon my shouting, but that was extraordinary! I’m Professor Chalkin of the Magik Academy. Might I observe you further or perhaps invite you to lecture? Your speed, your… foresight!” He sputtered, eyes bright. “Once the headmaster hears of this, he’ll want to see you personally!”
A familiar pang like lightning struck my chest. I steadied myself on my staff, forcing a polite smile. “Thank you, Professor. I’m Veil, I’m afraid I must hurry on. Perhaps tomorrow, I will stop by the academy?”
He bowed, hopeful. “Until then.”
I slipped down a shaded corridor. A sudden chill, and a single thought: my sister. I hadn’t planned on seeing her, didn’t know what to say or if I even wanted her to know I’d survived.
Poet’s small voice was gentle. “She is your sister. Whatever you say, she will welcome you. She will only be happy you are alive.”
The ache in my chest, years of guilt and fear softened. I closed my eyes. “Thank you, Poet.”
“Always, my lady.”