The Legendborn Cycle, #1
Legendborn
by Tracy Deonn
Contents
Chapter 35
Overview
Nick returns and offers Bree comfort before the combat trial, but Bree remains shaken by Patricia’s refusal to help and by the pressure of proving herself. At the trial, Bree surprises the Order by losing narrowly to Sydney, defeating Blake, and then beating Vaughn through skill, anger, and Sel’s training.
Bree’s victories mark a major shift in how others see her, but Vaughn’s post-match attack turns that triumph into violence. The chapter ends with Bree seriously injured, raising the stakes around her enemies inside the Order.
Summary
Before the combat trial, Nick returns and apologizes to Bree for leaving suddenly. He explains that his father wanted him close because the other chapters are asking questions about the Table and the situation is worsening. Bree tells Nick that the person on campus she trusted can no longer help her, referring to Patricia, but she does not fully explain what happened.
Nick comforts Bree when her emotions rise, but Bree bristles when Nick tells her to stay calm because Patricia has used similar language. Nick backs off and offers support instead. He gives Bree his room key so she can wait upstairs after the trial while Nick picks up his father from the airport, and their flirtation gives Bree something hopeful to focus on.
At the combat trial arena near the Chapel, Bree stands out as the only Page in Arthur’s gold. Bree decides to set aside her many competing goals and fight for her own family. The early matches show Sydney, Blake, Whitty, Vaughn, and Greer testing one another, while Nick watches in silence and the others study his reactions.
Bree’s first bout is against Sydney with daggers. Bree avoids Sydney’s attacks longer than expected, but Bree steps out of bounds and loses. The result still unsettles Sydney and surprises the spectators because Bree lasts far longer than anyone anticipated.
Bree’s second bout is against Blake with staffs. Blake uses superior strength and height to batter Bree’s defenses, but Bree remembers Sel’s advice to find an opening. When Blake overcommits, Bree drives her staff into his solar plexus, sends his weapon out of bounds, and wins, earning applause and a silent salute from Sel in the trees.
Bree’s final match is against Vaughn with practice swords. Vaughn taunts Bree, kicks Bree hard in the stomach, and appears to cause internal bleeding, but Bree uses her fury instead of losing control. Bree knocks both swords away, lands a flying knee to Vaughn’s face, and wins the match. As Bree turns toward Nick in triumph, Vaughn attacks after the match is called and brings his sword down, breaking Bree’s collarbone before Bree blacks out.
Who Appears
- Bree MatthewsCompetes in the combat trial, wins two bouts, and is badly injured by Vaughn.
- Nick DavisReturns from Northern, comforts Bree, gives her his room key, and watches her matches.
- VaughnTaunts Bree, loses to her in combat, then attacks illegally after the match.
- Selwyn KaneHis prior training guides Bree; he watches from the trees and silently acknowledges her win.
- BlakeUses strength against Bree in a staff match but loses when Bree finds an opening.
- Sydney HallFaces Bree in a dagger bout and wins only when Bree steps out of bounds.
- GillianOfficiates the combat trial, calls match outcomes, and is surprised by Bree’s performance.
- GreerEncourages Bree and wins a sword match against Whitty.
- WhittyPerforms strongly in the trial and offers Bree support between matches.
- RussCheers loudly after Bree defeats Vaughn, helping trigger the crowd’s applause.