Tin Thoughts (The Downfall Saga Book 2) Read online

  “Excuse me, Professor,” said Donovan. “Can I have a private word?”

  She nodded and they walked off to the side. Members of the selection committee followed to hear what was being said.

  “I don’t want to brag, but I’m the best in the class by a fair margin,” said Donovan. “Caddaric’s the only person with even a remote possibility of beating me. It would be unfair for whichever captain picks first and selects me.”

  “What? You don’t want to participate?” asked Osmont.

  “Of course I do, but I want my own team which will only have a single member.”

  “Even you can’t think that you’re better than the entire class,” said Jairdan.

  “There are only two people who I need to defeat.”

  Jairdan glanced around at the other professors.

  “If what he says is true, then we’ll have a fairer demonstration this way,” said Osmont.

  They returned to where the rest of the class was waiting. Professor Jairdan flipped an iron penny in the air to determine who would pick first, and Caddaric won.

  “Picking your team is as important as the actual battle. A good leader must be able to assess their team’s talents, motivate them to action, and lead them to victory. Caddaric, make your pick.”

  He gave Ravyn a cocky grin. “I’ll take Donovan.”

  “I’m sorry,” said Jairdan, “but Donovan isn’t eligible. He’ll be competing on his own.”

  Caddaric glared at Donovan, before making his selection. Several minutes later, the teams had been picked, and they separated into three groups to strategize.

  Donovan walked over to an empty area and sat down.

  He watched the other students cluster around Ravyn and Caddaric. Both were issuing instructions and vigorously waving their arms to highlight what they’re saying.

  Donovan didn’t know what either of them were planning, but he intended to demonstrate how a single unknown variable can be quite disruptive.

  When Jairdan gave the word, both groups hurried to take up their positions. A circle had been drawn on the ground near each edge of the courtyard where the captains had to remain.

  Caddaric arrayed his team in a line in front of him, with a small reserve force staying by his side.

  Ravyn kept half of her people together in a group in front of her, while the rest split into small groups which began to spread out.

  Donovan stood up, and casually rested his sword on his shoulder.

  Ravyn’s group moved towards Caddaric’s stationary line, except for a small reserve force which she held back. Ravyn had her people spread out, trying to get around the flanks of her opponent. Caddaric kept his group in a tight line where they could support each other. Donovan shook his head. If anyone from Caddaric’s group broke through Ravyn’s loose formation, there would only be a handful of students standing between them and Ravyn. As the two groups closed to within a few feet of each other, chaos ensued.

  Discipline disappeared and the courtyard turned into a chaotic melee.

  Both captains screamed, trying to regain order, but no one was listening.

  Donovan watched as the professors called out the names of the slain students who dejectedly walked to the edge of the courtyard and sat down to watch.

  Once both reserve forces had been committed to the melee, Donovan walked towards where Ravyn was standing. She didn’t notice him until he was a dozen feet away and there wasn’t enough time for anyone to help her.

  “You don’t want him to win, do you?” she asked. “You should be helping me.”

  Donovan saluted her with the blade of his sword and stepped into the circle.

  Ravyn instinctively took a step backwards towards the far edge of the circle.

  Donovan charged towards her. She stepped backwards and tried to circle away.

  “Ravyn’s been eliminated!” said Jairdan.

  Ravyn had a confused look on her face as she looked down and saw that she’d stepped outside the circle. The confusion turned to anger.

  “How could you do that?”

  Donovan turned around and walked away. He circled around the main battle to approach Caddaric.

  Caddaric ordered four students to attack him, but they were not coordinated. He felled them one at a time before the next one came near. He locked eyes of Caddaric as he stepped into the circle.

  “There’s no shame in retreating before you embarrass yourself,” said Donovan.

  Caddaric advanced, sword at the ready.

  Donovan stood his ground.

  He deflected Caddaric’s first attack, and took a small step backwards. With each swing, he lured Caddaric towards the edge of the circle until he stepped outside of it.

  “You’ve lost Caddaric,” said Osmont.

  Chapter 18

  “That would be an unorthodox arrangement,” said Osmont frowning. “I’m not sure that we should allow it.”

  “I think it’s the best solution for everyone involved,” said Caddaric.

  Caddaric and Ravyn had requested a meeting with the members of the selection committee, which had been granted. They now sat in a vacant classroom with Osmont, and Professors Nads, Abrecan and Haefen.

  Professor Abrecan looked at the dust on her desk with disgust, and tried to brush it off with her hand.

  Caddaric looked over at Ravyn who gave him a nod.

  “We talked it over, and both agreed that we’d include the other on our team,” he said. “Waiting for you to make your decision will only cause hurt feelings.”

  “That’s a noble sentiment, but we need to send the team with the greatest chance of winning. Headmaster Marrok will allow no less,” said Osmont.

  “We’ve worked well together in the past,” said Ravyn. “I fail to see how being co-captains will weaken the team.”

  “Democracy is great when things are calm, but can delay decisions during critical moments,” said Osmont. “A clear command structure is imperative when facing difficult challenges. Wouldn’t you agree, Caddaric?”

  Caddaric watched the fluffy snowflakes falling outside the window. They gently floated towards the ground before melting and falling as a fine rain.

  “That’s what my tutors would want me to believe,” he said, “though I’ve never experienced it in practice. I believe that Ravyn and I can work through any disagreement which could come up.”

  “I cannot—” started Osmont.

  “This is the only way you’ll get either of us on the team,” said Ravyn rapidly. “It’s either as co-captains or we won’t be going at all.”

  Caddaric looked at her out of the corner of his eye, and tried to mask the surprise from showing on his face. They hadn’t discussed it beforehand, but he wasn’t going to contradict her.

  A slight flush appeared on Ravyn’s cheeks and she shifted her gaze to avoid looking directly at Osmont.

  “Neither of us will agree to be the sole captain of the team, and we will not join a team captained by anybody else,” said Caddaric.

  Osmont’s gaze flicked back and forth between the two of them.

  “You’re bluffing,” he said. “Neither one of you would risk missing out on this opportunity.”

  He calmly stared them down.

  Ravyn opened her mouth to speak, but Caddaric caught her eye and gently shook his head.

  “I have heard what I needed to,” said Osmont. “Do any of you have any questions?”

  “An arrangement like this is most strange,” said Professor Nads, twirling a finger through his long moustache. “While I won’t mandate it, I believe that you will want one of you to have the ultimate decision making power, whether you agree between yourselves or alternate the role between you two.”

  Professor Haefen jotted down a few notes before looking up.

  “If you don’t want to compete unless it’s on your terms, then I say we remove both of you from consideration, and pick a different captain.”

  “I hear you, but respectfully disagree,” said Osmont. “I love
the arrogance. Arrogant people are always confident, and they’ll need that before the competition is over.”

  “The Headmaster won’t be back until at least the winter break. I say we make our choice right now, so we can move on to more important matters,” said Nads.

  The vote came out three to one in favor of making them co-captains, with Haefen being the only dissenting vote.

  “Congratulations,” said Osmont. “The pride of Haven is in both of your hands.”

  “You won’t be disappointed,” said Caddaric.

  “You have less than two weeks to select your team,” said Osmont. “We will need a list of the other four members in writing before the winter break. We begin training over the break, so you’ll have to alter your plans if you were going to go home.”

  “Do you have any advice for selecting our team members?” asked Ravyn.

  “Prepare for all possibilities, and pick a diverse team,” said Haefen.

  “Look past the magic,” said Nads. “There will be mental and physical challenges to overcome.”

  “Expect danger,” said Osmont. “Expect pain. Expect to be out in the elements. Pick people who can handle it.”

  Haefen pulled out a book and handed it to Caddaric.

  “Eban sent this to us,” she said. “It gives a general overview of the area where the Paragon Prize Tournament will be held this year. I suggest you study the terrain and the animals in the area. It may come in handy later.”

  Caddaric passed the book over to Ravyn who started flipping through it.

  “Winter break,” said Osmont, standing up to signal an end to the meeting.

  Several minutes later, the two of them were on their way back to their rooms.

  “They were right, you know,” said Caddaric, running his hand along the side of the tunnel. “We need a way to resolve any disputes that arise between us.”

  “Let’s focus on the team for now,” said Ravyn. “We can sort out all of the other details once that’s done.”

  They were nearing the end of the tunnel by the Complex when they rounded a curve, and saw Thanasis leaning against the wall.

  “Caddaric,” he said. “I hope you have some time. We have things to discuss. Come, let us walk and talk.”

  He held Caddaric’s forearm in a vice like grip, and began leading him back down the tunnel.

  “I’ll catch up with you later,” said Caddaric over his shoulder.

  They walked in silence for several minutes before Thanasis broke the silence.

  “I hear that congratulations are in order.”

  “How could you possibly—”

  “We make it a habit to know what is going on.”

  “Can I ask where we are going?”

  “You can ask whatever you want, just don’t expect an answer. All that you need to know is that we’ve been watching you, and we’ve made a decision.”

  “I’m not about to let you lead me to some unknown destination based on a vague statement.”

  Caddaric twisted his arm out of Thanasis’ grip. Thanasis stopped walking and calmly watched as Caddaric turned away, and started back down the tunnel. He was walking past an open classroom door—

  The dark shape knocked him into the tunnel wall. Something soft and foul smelling was shoved into his mouth before a heavy sack was placed over his head. Strong arms forced his hands behind his back and intertwined his little fingers. A hand latched onto his fingers and began guiding him along the tunnel.

  Caddaric tried to spit out whatever was in his mouth, but the sack over his head prevented him from doing so. He tried to free his fingers, but the grip was unrelenting. He thought it more likely that he’d break his fingers than free them from the grip.

  “That was disappointing, but not unexpected,” said Thanasis. “I’d hoped that you’d realize that I have your best interests at heart, as well as the interests of the greater good.”

  The strong arms guided him along at a steady pace. After several turns Caddaric was disoriented, and could only tell that they were heading downwards.

  “You might as well stop struggling, and enjoy the walk,” said Thanasis. “We’re going to a place where we can talk in comfort, where I will be making you an offer. If you decline my offer, and I can assure you that few people do, then you’ll be allowed to go on with your ordinary life and we will never see each other again.”

  Eventually the trip came to an end. Caddaric heard a door open and he was ushered inside. The hands released his fingers. A strong arm pushed him forward, before retreating from the room and shutting the door.

  Caddaric ripped the sack off of his head and threw it to the ground. He spat the rag from his mouth beside it. He glared at Thanasis.

  “Please, have a seat,” said Thanasis politely.

  They were in a small room, dominated by two large leather chairs. The walls were bare stone, and the air smelled staled. A bright light hung from the ceiling with a shade over top of it. The shade prevented the light from spreading throughout the room, but basked one of the chairs in bright yellow light, while the other was cloaked in shadows.

  Thanasis sat down in the shadows, the chair let out a squeak as he did so.

  Caddaric looked back at the door behind him and saw that there was no handle.

  “What happens now?” asked Caddaric.

  “I already told you. I have an offer to make, and then you have a decision to make. Now, please have a seat.”

  “That won’t be necessary. The answer is no.”

  “Most people say that at first. We Millers have an extensive influence over what happens around the country, but my focus is solely on Haven. We have many secrets which we wish to keep from prying eyes. I can assure you that we follow the same precautions with every pledge until they are initiated.”

  “Is that all that this is about? Why didn’t you just tell me?”

  Caddaric sat down in the chair facing Thanasis. He kept his head slightly lowered to shield his eyes from the light shining down on him.

  “I do not make it a habit to share why something must be done, I expect our members to do it without question. Will that be a problem for you?”

  “I am a prince—”

  “Here you are merely another servant to the greater good, as are all of us.”

  “I am no one’s servant.”

  “You must humble yourself before you’ll achieve your full might.”

  “I am used to being the one giving the orders, not taking them, but I’m sure that I can adapt.”

  “I hope you truly mean that. Now, we have been watching you and I believe that you have something to offer our organization, if you are still interested.”

  Caddaric was about to tell him that it depended upon the offer that Thanasis was going to make, but he swallowed the words before they escaped his mouth.

  “Of course I am.”

  “Excellent. The next step is for you to prove your loyalty through action. Are you ready to proceed?”

  Caddaric nodded but didn’t answer.

  Thanasis pulled a folded piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it over to Caddaric.

  “There are two names on that list. If you’re interested in becoming a Miller, then you will include both of them on your team heading to Kern.”

  Caddaric unfolded the note and read the two names.

  “Finian Thane and Brighid Huld. You know that only second year students are eligible.”

  “They both took time off from their studies, and have just came back for their second year, so they are technically still eligible.”

  “Can I at least meet them first?”

  “Will it make a difference?”

  Chapter 19

  Caddaric stalked down the tunnel, crumpled note in his hand. At each intersection, he guessed which tunnel would lead him upwards and followed it, still not sure where he was.

  After ten minutes of hectic travel, he slammed his hand against the wall, again and again.

  The pain helped him to
focus. He slowed his breathing, and started watching for signs as he walked along the tunnel. He saw a sign pointing him towards the Administration Building, and turned to follow that tunnel.

  He shoved the note into his pocket.

  As the tunnels started looking familiar, he changed his path to head to the combat courtyard.

  Stepping outside into the cold air, he paced around the edge of the courtyard. People had tried to teach him from a young age how to keep his emotions from showing, but he’d never given it enough practice.

  He walked around until his face felt frozen from the cold and his nose was running. He stuck his hands in his pockets to keep warm, and headed to the Complex.

  He knocked on Ravyn’s door, knowing that she would be studying the book that they had been given.

  “It’s open.”

  He opened the door and paused in the doorway.

  Ravyn sat at the desk, book open in front of her. Kort and Donovan sat on what was once a precisely made bed, having a quiet conversation amongst themselves.

  “Grab a seat,” said Donovan.

  Caddaric ignored him. He still hadn’t forgiven Donovan for making both him and Ravyn look bad in front of the selection committee.

  “Lighten up,” said Donovan, sensing his thoughts. “They still let you be captain.”

  “Co-captain,” said Kort.

  “Right, co-captain.”

  He crossed the room to the desk and looked over Ravyn’s shoulder at the book.

  “How’s it looking?” he asked.

  “Fascinating,” she said, not pausing her reading. “There’s a lot that we’ll have to consider when picking our team.”

  “Our team,” he said. “I like the sound of that.”

  She turned her head to give him a smile, before flipping to the next page.

  Caddaric took off his coat and laid it on top of the dresser.

  “Why are they here?” he asked loudly enough so everyone could hear.

  “I didn’t realize we weren’t allowed here,” said Kort.

  “I asked them to stop by,” said Ravyn, turning in her chair to face them. “We have an important decision to make, and extra opinions can’t hurt.”