29. Arcady: The Second Trial

On the morning of the second Trial, Arcady and Sorin arrive early, tense but prepared after a week of practice and Arcady’s confounding dream exchanges with Everen. The Great Hall buzzes as competitors eat; in the amphitheater, a packed crowd gathers. Sorin appears focused and controlled, while Arcady notes Kelwyn’s reassuring presence and Driscoll’s watchful gaze. A Myrian dance troupe performs, briefly easing Arcady’s nerves before the contest begins.

The Herald announces the rules: teams of two will fight simultaneously; one maintains a ward, the other attacks with a magic-imbued sword. Pairings are named: Rahela with Edin versus Willem with Lowe; Arcady with Sorin versus Delin with Kala; and Iona with Teasel versus Jordin with Cind. Arcady and Sorin shake hands with their opponents and take their marks, recalling terse advice from Professor Ultred and Armskeeper Hulm—do not fail.

At the signal, Arcady casts a flexible, close ward around Sorin while Sorin empowers her blade. Delin mirrors Arcady with a ward as Kala meets Sorin blade-to-blade. Arcady feeds continuous power—bolstered by reserves stolen on the Feast of Flowers—keeping the shield strong yet mobile. Their teamwork clicks; within the barrier, Arcady anticipates Sorin’s movements, and her magic burns brighter than in practice.

As Sorin presses an opening, Kala stumbles, leaving Delin’s ward briefly exposed. Arcady urges the attack, the crowd’s roar muffled inside the shield. Just then, Sorin stiffens and collapses to her knees instead of finishing the strike. Arcady, nearly spent, surges more magic into the ward to block Kala’s charge.

A scream rings from beyond the barrier as the duel teeters. Arcady holds the shield alone, drained and uncertain, their apparent advantage instantly reversed while Sorin remains unresponsive and the match’s outcome hangs unresolved.