Chapter 12: Fundamentals
Miles checked his watch for about the tenth time since breakfast. “First actual spells, huh?”
Cole glanced over. Good to see the man excited about something – anything. Nothing like new toys to get an operator’s mind right and away from the reality of being tossed into another world.
“Betcha it’s gonna be fire,” Ethan said, mirroring Miles. “Fantasy shit always starts with fire.”
Miles snorted. “Hell, wouldn’t shock me if they had us crunchin’ numbers on specific heat or some shit.”
Out of everyone, Mack would probably love this the most. But no point in saying that out loud. A simple ‘yeah’, a chuckle, and an external interruption worked wonders.
A woman in her late twenties waltzed through the training hall’s entrance – pretty, with brunette curls matching the bounce of her steps. “Good morning!” She greeted them with a warm smile. “You must be the new Slayers – Lieutenant Mercer, Sergeant Walker, and Sergeant Garrett, if I’m not mistaken?”
Cole nodded. “That’s right. And you’re Lady Verna?”
“Indeed, the very same!” Her personality seemed a bit more upbeat than what he’d have expected, especially out of a Celdornian office. But hey, it could be fun.
Verna approached them. “I’ve been most eager to make your acquaintance. Sir Fotham spoke in glowing terms of your barrier work on the day of your arrival. And then that dreadful business with the demons – utterly extraordinary, having to face them on your very first night!” She leaned in, covering a part of her mouth with her hand. “And then having to deal with the bureaucrats the very next day… Truly extraordinary indeed! How do you fare this morning?”