Chapter 37: Assessment Results (1)

Chapter 37: Assessment Results (1)

After Katayoun pulled away from him, he accompanied her back to the main hall. He badly wanted to reach out and clasp her hand, but knew that was a crazy thought. They stopped outside the doors.

Thanks again, Xerxes, she said, smiling at him.

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From now on, just call me Kat.

Okay. And you call me Xerk.

She pushed the door open, and the sound of the revelries rolled over them. Have fun the rest of the evening.

You too.

Then she was hurrying back to her table. He watched her go, then strolled back to his friends.

Did that just really happen? he wondered. A troupe of jugglers had the attention of the crowd, so his friends didnt say much as he sat back down. He kept thinking about the embrace. Reliving it. Wishing it had lasted longer.

More food came. More alcohol. As it turned out, the Archons really knew how to drink, and they didnt discourage the students from doing so. Slowly but surely, he got wrapped up in the fun of the banquet. The hall grew louder and louder as evening stretched into night. There were more performances. Speeches. Singing. The alcohol and food never seemed to stop coming. Eventually, the toasting started to hit home, and things got fuzzy for Xerxes.

Guys, Im about to pass out, he said.

Aww, come on! Enusat said, his speech slurred. One more round.

No, really, I cant

Jad threw an arm around Xerxes shoulders, and with his free hand, held up a tankard of ale. One more, Xerk-man! To the Humusi Swordmasters!

To us! Teucer said.

Xerxes reached out to his own tankard. Alright, fine. To the Swordmasters!

It wasnt just one round. It was three or four. Eventually, Xerxes stumbled back to his dorm room. Gandash was already sprawled out snoring when Xerxes collapsed into his bed.

He was no stranger to alcohol, and had been to his fair share of banquets back on Mannemid. But never had he imbued so much at one time.

For about an hour after waking, he lay groaning in bed, until Gandash dragged him to the dining hall. His stomach didnt seem interested in accepting food, but he forced down some savory broth and a few bites of bread. Eating made him feel a little bit better. A little bit better.

What happened? Xerxes asked.

You forgot? He got in a yelling match with some guy. Almost started fighting until a teacher pulled them apart.

Gandys always been a bit of an angry drunk.

Apparently, Kashtiliash said.

The three of them lay quietly in the sun for a while. At a certain point, Xerxes dozed off.

He woke when Enusat appeared, shuffling loudly through the barrier of trees.

Why did I finish the bottle last night? the short mage groaned, flopping into the grass in the middle of the clearing.

Shouldve listened to me, Kashtiliash said.

Jad chuckled. Youll be fine. Builds character. A few minutes passed. You guys ready for the results tomorrow?

No, Enusat said.

Totally, Xerxes said. He stretched his arms, then put his hands behind his neck. I think my performance in the combat part will outweigh the written test. Im pretty confident Ill get an officer commission.

Kashtiliash grunted. Good luck.

Jad heaved himself off the rock, stood, and shook out his limbs. I heard that later on, the officers get to pick who they command. If you make it, Xerk-man, you have to make sure to take care of us.

Wait, Xerxes said, even youre not confident of getting a commission?

Jad shrugged and walked over to pick out a wooden practice sword. Dont think so. Im not a scholar like Randy Gandy.

Enusat laughed. I still cant believe he wore that stupid elephant hat.

Xerxes still didnt completely understand the elephant hat thing, but he wasnt about to reveal his ignorance. Thats Gandy for you, he said. Hes always had his nose stuck in books.

It shows, Jad said. Hey, want to warm up and do some sparring?

Sure.