Chapter 17: Art Of The Gods

Chapter 17: Art Of The Gods

Vir startled awake, drenched in something cold. Shivering, he looked around to regain his bearings. Neel licked his face, staring at him with those big beady eyes of his.

What happened? He thought, pushing the bandy back. Badraks Balls! The duel!

Panicking, he sat up, katar in hand, ready to defend against Riyans impending attack.

Instead, he found Maiya, holding a half-empty bucket of water, looking at him with a forlorn expression.

Its over, Vir. You lost, she said. Riyan knocked you unconscious. Im so sorry.

Virs panic turned into dread. What? No NO!

Maiya emptied the rest of the bucket on his head. Its okay, Vir. Its all over now for better or worse.

Thats cold, Maiya! The heck are you doing!?

Oh, sorry. Reacted before I thought. Ha!

Vir stripped off his shirt. If hed lost, then then that meant hed failed, hadnt he!? Hed be banished from Riyans abode! What would happen to Maiya?

It cant be!

Just when hed found a golden opportunity to learn how to fight, hed lost it?

I refuse to accept that. Ill fight again. I-Ill fight him as many times as I have to!

Unable to contain herself, Maiya burst out laughing. You lost the duel. But Riyans happy with your performance. You passed his test, Vir!

Vir looked around and, to his immense surprise, found the bearded man on his knees right behind him, holding his case full of healing orbs.

Riyan returned his gaze.

I never said I was happy. But it will suffice.

The tension flowed out of Virs body as Maiya embraced him in a deep hug. Congratulations! And sorry for teasing you. Consider it payback for all the chores you brought upon me this past week.

Vir chuckled, hugging her back. I suppose I deserved that. And, yknow, the bucket of water. We even?

Even, she said with a nod.

Maiya turned and looked Riyan in the eye. I hope you dont expect me to pick up a sword as well?

Riyan grinned. Would you like to?

No, thanks! Maiya replied.

Too bad. You will train alongside the boy. At the very least, you will learn the basics of combat.

Maiya took Virs katar, then threw it on the sand. I surrender, she announced with her hands on her hips.

Riyan blinked at her for a moment before bursting into uproarious laughter. I was not going to test you, girl! I have no interest in bullying a child. Not when there is nothing to be gained from it.

O-oh, Maiya said, looking down at the sand, her cheeks flushing red, w-well, thats good, then. But why do I need to learn how to fight when I have magic? Not like Im ever gonna venture off to the Voidlands or something.

Wrong. If such a person were spotted, would it not be immediately obvious that they were up to no good? Wouldnt you be on guard against such a suspicious person?

Neither Vir nor Maiya could argue with that.

So what is stealth, then? Vir asked.

The art of being present, yet invisible. The ability to walk up to your worst adversaries, and walk right past them without arousing suspicion. It is the ability to stride into King Rayids palace, steal as you wish, and leave with an invitation to return again tomorrow.

I dont understand, Vir said. Thats impossible.

Not impossible. Through makeup, one can change their appearance. Proper clothing can turn a commoner into a noblemans son. By changing the way you carry yourself, by altering your mannerisms and the way you speak, you could even change your gender. A true master of subterfuge does not merely imitate an appearance. They become the person they wish to be.

Virs jaw was agape. If that was true, itd fundamentally change the way he lived his life. Hed be treated like everyone else. Respected. Loved. Maybe even have friends

And why would you want someone who specializes in stealth? Maiya asked, hoping to probe his intentions.

The uses are many. In the boys case, he can pass off as a normal human. Need I even mention how useful it would be to hide his status as an Ashborn? Besides, mastering this skill would allow you access to normally restricted places. It would allow you to perform all manner of deeds without anyone being the wiser.

Like a thief, thought Vir.

Like an assassin, thought Maiya.

Vir had to agree that this was a brilliant solution for him. Not only would he be able to hide that he was an Ashborn, but if he pulled this off well, he could even avoid combat entirely. His stamina was his greatest weakness, and he doubted that would change much, even with Riyans training.

Hed always be at a disadvantage, but if there were other ways of protecting ones self and those dear to him? Hed be a fool not to learn it. If he passed off as a Sawaias aristocracynobody would dare harm anyone close to him.

Of course, there are times that call for invisibility. Times where none must ever notice you. There are Talents that support such actions as well.

I thought you said Talents were rare in warriors? Vir asked.

Only uncommon, not rare. Though, no one can know whether they will manifest a Talent. Talents do not use magic, and thus they cannot be tested for aptitude. They can, however, be used anywhere in the world without issue. Even a prana scorned Ashborn might have a chance, Riyan said.

Until now, Vir had never really believed he might be able to wield Talents. The mere possibility made him swoon with excitement.

Hmm, said Maiya. What about my magic training? When do I get to start that?

Patience, girl. I have located someone suitable, but it will take some time to convince her. Tanya can be somewhat stubborn.

Could I learn magic with Maiya, too? Vir asked. Even if I cant use magic, itd still be useful to know how it works, right?

Riyan crossed his arms and shook his head. No. Time wasted learning magic could be spent developing your Kalari arts. I will not squander resources teaching someone something they can never use.

But

This is my final say on the matter.

Vir ground his teeth. You think thats gonna stop me?

He briefly considered divulging Prana Vision to Riyan before rejecting it. He'd have to prove to the man that he wasn't lying, and even if he did, there were no guarantees Riyan would acquiesceVir still couldn't use orbs, after all. Plus, there was a benefit to hiding his abilities. If he and Maiya greatly exceeded their instructor's expectations, there was a possibility the man would ask for an even larger favor when the time arrived.

Vir's eyes blazed with unquenchable determination. This would be a setback, but nothing more. It wasnt like Riyan could stop him from sneaking up on Maiya while she trained. Especially if he mastered the art of stealth like Riyan wanted.

A taut smile crept upon Virs face.

Nothing in this realm or the next could prevent him from learning the secrets of magic. Not Riyan. Not the fates. Nothing.