Chapter 77: Do You Want a Hug

Chapter 77: Do You Want a Hug

Most of their discussion returning back to Lyce revolved around Gideons annoying interest in their game. Sonia and JP werent interested and would wander around if they were hanging out with them. Piers had watched plenty of times, and despite having the occasional judging look at one of their gameplay decisions, he never made a comment or questioned their actions.

Gideon had slowly inched himself closer to their table until he was seated between Axton and Henrik and giving suggestions. Tori asked him, as politely as she could, not to talk so that the others could concentrate.

But he kept talking. After thirty minutes of it, Piers had finally clamped his hand on Gideons shoulder and told him it was late and that they were leaving earlier, so he had to go to sleep. Gideon had looked around the table, at the students who were his age, and seemed to want to protest, but one look at his brother and he conceded.

They were able to play normally for another thirty minutes after that, but everyone was complaining about Gideon, so Tori called it a night. It seemed that a nights sleep still didnt quell the rage he induced.

My first game actually playing and he ruined it, Henrik leaned against the side of the carriage with his arms crossed and glaring at the window. Why did he come to your tent? He doesnt like you.

I dont know, Tori said, rubbing her head. Shed worked so hard on the story and Gideon kept interjecting, like a child who wanted to appear intelligent by poking holes into and questioning everything. I think he followed Piers in.

I still dont understand if he was just interested and wanted to play or if he was purposely sabotaging our game. Even Constantine was confused and tired of Gideons crap.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

What does he know about being a sorceress? Ilyana scowled next to her. What does he mean I cant just do magic? I can do magic - I have special blood!

Tori inhaled deeply and patted Ilyanas arm to calm her. This was a onetime thing. Hes not going to be around the next time we play.

We wont play again until you and Ewan get back from Sur after winter break, Henrik said. The mood of the carriage dropped once more.

Beside him, Ewan perked up. Wait, Ill be with the Biancci twins when we take the carriage ride down. Tori, can we play on the way down?

Sure, but you have to ask Marco and Mateo. You know how they are, Tori said. Ewan smiled and nodded. They also have a separate game.

Thats fine!

Ilyana, are you doing reviews this week for final exams? Henrik asked as he slumped back against the carriage bench.

Across from him, Ilyana nodded. Lecture hall for four evenings, each covering a major subject per night. Then a night to rest, followed by our private study sessions at the cafe.

May I join you again? Constantine asked. Ilyana nodded.

Of course. Theyll be in the late afternoon, early evening of next weekend and Ill be studying there after school next week, so you can all come and go when you feel like it. If you have any questions, get them ready.

Thanks, Ilyana.

Thank you, Miss Agafonova.

Tori leaned back against the carriage and closed her eyes to try to take a nap before they got back.

She wasnt sure if she was surprised or not, but the next two weeks were uneventful. It could have been that final exam weeks were keeping everyones head down, so she didnt receive as much trouble from the usual group. Gideon didnt approach or speak to her at all, though she did notice him looking back at her a few times.

If he thought she was going to invite him to play dungeon crawl with them because he was Piers brother, he was more delusional than she thought.

Ilyanas reviews went smoothly following their process from the midterm exams. Students had to sign up ahead of time and each session was focused on a different subject. The format was very popular and it was requested that she do it again. Ewan took a break from his after-school training sessions to go to Ilyanas reviews. Not to review, but to make sure nothing got out of hand.

Tori came the first two nights just to make sure there was no trouble. However, she still left Ewan with a small canvas bag of ice calcite and a charm, and told him that if another riot happened, to throw the calcite into the crowd and slap the charm on the ground to activate them.

It was a system combining both crystals and charms that shed been earnestly working on after preparing ice calcite cooling bags. Not every first-year group initially had someone who could charge a crystal. Tori had to call Instructor Ignatius, who was at the delta that weekend, to give a quick introduction. Fortunately, most students could ground and gather the smallest bit of energy needed to activate the crystals.

However, for those who couldnt, she wanted to have something. Normally, charms needed to be activated by those who made them, but they could be programmed to start working under specific conditions, such as with her drink-chilling charm. She had already activated them to be used. All Albert and the others had to do was trigger the activation by placing the cup on a specific area.

Her current side project at Anahata Island was ice calcite chilling plates that would do what the charms did, however, with varying beverage temperatures and volumes. Shed have to work on it when she returned, as the main focus at the moment was on a crystal powered plowing device. She and Instructor Ignatius had been working on it for months and he was going to continue working on it that winter.

Despite the classified nature of the project, another crystal fanatic heard about it.

Yes, Your Excellency, Tori said as she stood to the side of the training grounds. After hours of reviewing her notes, she wanted to stretch out and had come the second to last day of finals to stretch her body and loosen up before her final exam of the semester. Shed just arrived when her comcry lit up. Were testing it on a much smaller scale at the moment, but as of right now, we are trying to connect distance with the amount of energy needed.

The Bishop of Karap let out a frustrated groan. I want to go and see this. You say you have a working model?

Yes, its very small. We spaced off a small plot of land on Anahata Island to do the tests, Tori said. The results are very promising, but adjustment to distance, depth, and soil type are where were having concerns. We hope to eventually test in other locations to get more data to work with.

The Bishop let out another heavy breath. Lady Guevera, have you spoken to the church about putting Viclya and the Cosora Delta under my jurisdiction?

Tori closed her eyes and ran a hand down her face. Not yet, Your Excellency. I think this should be discussed amongst yourselves. I am more than happy to have the delta considered a coastal jurisdiction. However, you are still based in Karap....

I will discuss with Archbishop Luther in Horizon and His Holiness about it. The Bishop sounded determined. Also, Lady Tori, Benedict has told me that Viclya plans to open itself to select guests at the end of the Spring Festival. Coincidentally, I will happen to be in the area....

Tori rolled her eyes. She could only guess why. I will prepare a tent for you and your guards in the encampment. Unfortunately, Anahata Island is a bit of a mess with all our testing right now and there isnt much room for additional tents.

I can stay with Benedict.

Your Excellency.... Tori sighed.

Just consider it, Lady Tori. Ah, I need to go. I have kitchen duty today. He let out a chuckle before ending the call. Tori slipped her comcry into her bag and put it under the tree before walking towards a practice dummy to work on footing and strikes.

Ewan was finishing doing his jogs around the training grounds and moved on to stretching, as Axton and Sebastian had instructed him.

Connor! A voice cut through the training grounds, and the sparse group of people who were also there to unwind as a break from studying turned towards a corner of the grounds. Fabian removed his helmet after sparring against a first year who had won a few youth tournaments. The kid looked not only tired, but defeated. When do you think youll be able to spar with me? No one here is challenging enough!

Ewan looked at him and then looked at Tori. Tori met his eyes and gave him a light shake of her head. Im sorry, Sir von Dorn, but I am not at your level yet. Perhaps after winter break.

Fabian seemed to smirk. Then, I hope you will be ready then, though I doubt a month or two will make a difference.

How about fifteen fucking years with a sword, asshole. Tori shot him a glare. Her hand twitched over the grip of her waster.

Ewan smiled and stretched his body forward. Maybe not, but at the very least, I have good masters. He looked away and turned his body to the side. I heard you also have a new instructor.

My master has seen combat for nearly two decades, Fabian said. Youd be surprised what I learned.

Oh, dont keep it a secret, Tori said as she rolled her shoulders. Who is your master?

Fabian shot her a sneer. Thats not any of your business, Lady Guevera.

Tori shrugged. Now youve made me curious.

Perhaps youd like a rematch? Fabian asked as he narrowed his eyes. I have improved since our last match.

Tori rolled her eyes. Well, thats wonderful for you, Sir von Dorn, but I am not interested in sparring with you. If you dont think there are suitable swordsmen here to spar with, then perhaps you will find some with the imperial cadets. Or you can ask Master McDouglass.

Fabian merely scoffed and called for another challenger. Tori was half tempted to take him on, but forced herself to turn her attention elsewhere. She cut at the practice dummy until she calmed down.

Dimitri hadnt approached her for some time and JP said that he was struggling to keep up his rank. Tori hadnt seen him, nor Alessa, outside of class. Since they were banned from Ilyanas review sessions, they had to make do on their own. It was essentially them against an entire class that had review sessions. Their chances at improvement were slim.

After the last day of the final, Axton invited them for one more dinner at the Three Queens, as he would leave for winter training. Fabian was not going with him this time, making Toris curiosity about his sword master even stronger. She couldnt help but voice it when she had dinner that night.

Im just saying, Tori said as she stood outside the dining room on the roof, making smoke clouds with her breath in the cold air. What kind of instructor is so good that hed give up a chance for training with the von Schwert march army?

She looked towards Piers, who shook his head. Gideon doesnt know. Only that the man they hired has twenty years combat experience.

Tori furrowed her brows. She leaned against the low wall overlooking the busy street below and looked blankly through the glass doors, to where her friends were hanging around, eating, and discussing their exams with tired expressions.

Shouldnt your family have done a background check? Tori asked.

Gideon is only giving Fabian money to pay for his lessons. The instructor is not in direct employment of the imperial family, Piers said.

Shady..., Tori muttered under her breath. Sebastians assessment of the difficulty of finding a fitting sword master lingered in her head.

Tori, do you have a moment? Axton stuck his head out of the dining hall before stepping out. I have something to give you.

Tori stood up straight. Same here. She extended her hand towards him. Give me the obsidian necklace I gave you last spring.

He froze in front of her. His hand seemed to automatically reach up where the copper wrapped obsidian rested against his chest. Why?

She raised a brow. Its broken.

Axton seemed reluctant and tilted his head to the side as he narrowed his eyes. How did you know its broken?

She gave him a confused look, silently asking why she wouldnt. I cant feel my energy from it anymore when I search for it. Its something Ive been practicing under Master Ramos. Even if most of the energy was used up, which is unlikely for the obsidians purpose, I could still sense my energy in it. I havent been able to feel it for a while.

Axton quietly reached under his shirt and pulled the leather cord out. He held the crystal hed been so hesitant to wear last year in his hand.

Safety first. Albert agreed.

Constantines eyes crinkled up and he nodded. Yes...thank you, my friends.

All right, one more group hug!

After it was broken up, Constantine headed to his carriage. He stuck his hand out the window and waved energetically as they passed.

Okay, individual hugs! Tori said as she held her arms out and embraced her friends one by one. She held onto Ilyana the longest. Remember not to go anywhere alone and to have the bodyguards follow you.

I know, I know, Ilyana said as she was released. Henrik and I may go to Viclya during the break and they will accompany us.

All right, good, Tori said. She hugged Sonia next. Nanny Rey is still investigating your stalker. So, shell be around, keeping an eye out, all right?

Thanks, Tori. Sonia squeezed her tight before letting go.

Take good care of Ewan for us, Henrik said as JP nodded. Tori stepped forward and grasped one of them in each arm for a hug.

And dont let him get carried away playing dungeon crawl with us, Albert said with a glance at Ewan, who grinned. Tori shook her head and gave him a light hug, as well.

I will. Tori turned to Piers, who hadnt moved from his spot. Piers.

Yes?

Dont overwork yourself and be mindful of your position while Axton and I are away, she told him. He nodded.

I only have one other chamber meeting before the new year, he said. Then, I will assist Father with light desk work.

Tori gave him a nod. She glanced at her brother. Sebastian was watching them carefully. She hesitated for a moment, but wanted to test something out. She looked at Piers and raised her arms.

Do you want a hug?

Piers didnt get his hug. He wanted to and started to reach out, but hesitated and seemed uncomfortable with it. In the end, he looked disappointed and shook his head, and offered his hand instead. Tori smiled and took it, bringing her hand to the crook of his elbow, where she gave him a familiar squeeze. He smiled, but there was still a shadow of disappointment on his face.

Sebastian looked displeased, but didnt do much outside of ushering her and Ewan into the carriage.

With Sebastian with them in a second carriage, there wasnt really a need for Auntie Lucia to bring her familys second carriage, as well. Seven people, which included two children, would fit easily into two carriages. However, Sebastian needed their carriage so he could introduce Ewan to knightly conduct and basic battle strategy terminology.

Having Marco and Mateo screaming in the carriage with them wouldnt be conducive to Ewans education. Auntie Lucia wanted to spend some time with Uncle Maurizo without the twins, so Tori found herself in the third carriage like last year.

Ewan sometimes joined them to play as a break from his lessons. Sebastian said he could hear them yelling about their games from his carriage and put a sky-blue crystal with white lace patterns in their carriage to keep them from disturbing everyone else.

They timed their journey to allow for nightly stays at inns. Most of them belonged to Axton and when Tori saw a crystal statuette of a woman holding a torch in one hand and book in the other in the lobby, shed brandish a small, round gray moonstone token with a carving of the torch in front of an open book.

As soon as it glowed, the person at the front desk dealing with them had their face light up. You must be Sir Nassauns sister! We have been expecting you!

The first time Sebastian heard that, he frowned, but when he saw the massive, luxurious room she was given, he begrudgingly allowed it. The suites had multiple rooms and took up nearly all of the top floor, allowing their family and Ewan to stay in just one suite if they wished. Usually it was Sebastian, Tori, Ewan, and the twins; four of them who made a point to play dungeon crawl at night. The most excited occupants were the twins, resulting in their massive disappointment when they got a regular room at an inn Axton didnt own.

However, as many inns as Axton had, there was still a stretch of road where they wouldnt be able to find an inn once sun set after a diversion.

There was a landslide two days ago that closed down the main road, Sebastian said as they finished their meal at the inn. He held up his hand and called forward one of their familys knights, who brought him a map. The Monteserra Pass is closed until the roads are leveled again. Well have to go around on Aquina Mirada road.

Auntie Lucia grumbled. Then were going to go straight to Presidio from here. She leaned over the map and looked over it. We wont get to the Fortress until late tomorrow night.

Are there no inns? Tori asked. They kept their pace even in order to curb weariness and rest the horses.

No, Monteserra Pass wouldve given us an inn since its the major road most people use. Aquina Mirada is much older. Its usually only used by hunters or shepherds passing through. Wed either have to camp then arrive at mid-morning or we continue past sunset and arrive home at night, Sebastian said.

Is it safe to continue at night? Tori asked. Her brother nodded.

It is, Auntie Lucia said. But we should always be cautious. Boys, youll ride with me and your father. Sebastian, you ride with Tori and Ewan.

Everyone agreed and the next morning, they headed out for Presidio.

Tori had only gone through knightly conduct with Ewan and Sebastian when they had stopped to rest, but she was surprised at how much it entailed.

Dont let it all overwhelm you, Sebastian told them. He only needs to learn the basics right now for the test. Hell learn more once he starts at La Garda.

Still, Ewan put in as much effort into taking notes and reviewing as he did the physical part of being a knight. It didnt surprise her come afternoon, hed simply take a nap and Sebastian would encourage him. Of course, seeing Ewan take a nap made Tori want to take a nap.

Sebastian chuckled. We have a way to go. Give in and go to sleep, he told her when she began to sway. She wanted to be defiant and stay awake. but that didnt last.

She ended up slumped against Ewan, lightly snoring. The next thing Tori heard was a movement that drew her out of her sleep. She opened her eyes just a bit. It was dark out and the carriage was still moving. Dimmed light crystals on Sebastians side of the carriage kept the small space semi-lit as her brother leaned across and put a large blanket over the both of them.

Are we there yet...? She heard Ewan mutter.

Sebastian shook his head and replied quietly. No, go to sleep. Ill wake you two when we arrive.

She felt Ewan nod and then fall back and continue sleeping, as if he hadnt woken at all.

Tori? When she heard his voice again, she thought hed woken up once more, but when she opened her eyes, the carriage was stopped and outside the windows were the lit-up walls of a building. Tori, are you awake?

Still half asleep, she squinted and looked around. Where are we?

We just got to the Fortress, Ewan said, yawning. I think your parents are here.

Mama and Papa? Tori craned her neck to look out the open door. Ewan folded their blanket and put it to the side before climbing out of the carriage.

Is she still asleep? Sebastian asked.

Im awake, Tori said. She reached the door and in her eagerness to step out, her foot slipped. Ewan grabbed hold of her to keep her from falling. Thanks, Ewan.

No problem. He stood still and let her hold on to his shoulder until she was steady on her feet. She patted his shoulder when she was ready and he stepped back.

Tori! Welcome home! Her mothers voice was a low whisper and Tori looked over with a smile. Her aunt and uncle were carrying out the sleeping twins from the carriage. Tori didnt know how late it was, but if her cousins needed to be carried inside, it mustve been closer to morning.

Mama.... Tori extended her arms for a hug and was quickly enveloped. After her mother, her father came to greet her, and then Kasen, in his sleep clothes, carried her bag upstairs. Ewans room was right across from hers.

Master, do I need to get up early tomorrow? Ewan asked from the door.

Tomorrow is a rest day, Sebastian said. Sleep in. If youre hungry, come out and ask a guard to take you to the dining hall.

Thank you, Master. Goodnight, Tori.

Night, Ewan. Tori gave him a wave of her hand before he closed the door. Kasen put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

Get some sleep.

You, too. Her second brother seemed to sleepily make his way back to his room down the hall and Tori smiled. He didnt need to get up that early, but he still did just to welcome her home.

The servants will bring up your things tomorrow, Sebastian said as he prepared to head to his own room. He lifted his hand to his mouth as he let out a small yawn. Goodnigh-

Sebby, wait. Tori reached out and grabbed the sleeve of his shirt. Can I talk to you for a moment?

Her brother cocked his head to the side and gave her a confused look, but nodded. Is something wrong?

Tori drew her lips inward and let her shoulders sink, but she didnt answer. Do you have a few minutes?

His confusion seemed to turn into concern. He stood up straight and gave her a solemn nod. Then, may I come in?

Tori nodded and stepped to the side of her door to let him inside. Her bedroom had been readied for her well in advance. It was nice and warm, with the drapes around her canopy bed down, leaving only a small space for her to crawl through when she was ready to go to sleep.

The fire in her hearth had been taken care of and was still going strong. It likely wouldnt die down until the sun rose. She closed the door behind her brother and motioned for him to take a seat in front of the fire. She sat down on the chair next to him.

Ive been wondering about something for a while now and I didnt really notice anything strange until you picked me and Ewan up, Tori told him. When you met my friends last year, you didnt have any problem with my male friends. Not Ewan, JP, Henrik, or Albert.

Sebastian gave her a nod. Why would I have problems with them? Theyre all good kids and you all support each other. He gave her a helpless smile. Im relieved to know that at school, you have a close-knit group of friends. It lessens my worry. If something happens to you, I know that someone will find us and let us know.

But theyre not the only ones. Tori took a deep breath and decided to get to her question. Sebby...why are you so wary of Piers when it comes to my relationship with him?