Chapter Eight

I wonder who else was mad enough to take on a task dealing with Kreshna. I had my skills to rely on, but I wouldn't have thought the idea of cleaning their enclosure was something other trainees would have been interested in.

Leaving the wheelbarrow, I waded through the grass and made my way over to the trainee. As I got closer, I saw his face twist as he struggled to pull his pitchfork up. It had gotten stuck in the ground.

He wore his long brown hair in a low ponytail and didn't notice my approach.

The trainee suddenly jerked his pitchfork out and paused as he finally noticed me. He looked at me with uninterested brown eyes as recognition set into place. This was the trainee who had travelled with Rian and her team, the noble I had never met before.

Who did Rian say he was again...

"Hi there," I called, but he didn't respond.

I frowned. Was he ignoring me?

"Um-Hello?" I asked again and lowered my head with a wave of my hand. He narrowed his eyes at me.

Well, he sure seems friendly.

"I-" I began to speak when he suddenly lifted his hand and pointed to his ear with a scowl. He motioned, then dropped his pitchfork and used both hands to form complicated movements.

"Oh," I blinked, watching his hands and his growing frustration. I raised an eyebrow as he continued with irritation before finally shooting his hand forward to point at the wheelbarrow I had left behind.

"Yeah, okay. That makes sense. I'll work on the right side if you do the left," I smiled, maybe a little smugly, as I spoke while using hand signs.

The trainee watched me before scowling again.

"So you knew what I said? Well, I guess that's my own fault for assuming." He signed with a gruff. "I didn't know anyone else had taken this task."

"Neither did I. Lord Caspian Landrick, right? I'm Lynette Heversham." I held my hand, and he took it with a rough shake.

"Pleasure" he rolled his eyes, pushing back a strand of hair that had escaped his ponytail. "I didn't think it would stink so bad."

"Yeah, it is pretty pungent," I laughed, pulling forward the stain on my chest. "I was hoping to go to the market today, but it's a lot..." my gaze traced across the field and the mounds we had to deal with.

"Yeah, I wouldn't hold my hopes up for that." He sighed. "No wonder this was advertised for so many credits."

"Is that why you took it? You aren't worried about getting trampled?"

"No." He made a sound with his lips at my words. "Are you?"

"Ugh, no. Not really," I smiled.

I wanted to get closer to the Kreshna to train my beast-taming skills.

"Right. Well. I'd love to chat more, but we are wasting time. Go deal with that side, and I will deal with this side. Watch my back, and I will watch yours, got it?" Caspian signed impatiently, lifting his pitchfork back up.

Not much for conversation, then.

"Alright." I agreed and moved back to my wheelbarrow.

I was starting to understand why Rian had said he was standoffish.

***

We both worked on our designated areas throughout the morning. My wheelbarrow was already half full as I stabbed my pitchfork into the next mound. A tingling threaded through my skin on impact, and I quickly held out my palm.

"Sign update"

Blood Sign Updates:

Strength: 1 (Novice) +1

I looked at my new skill proudly. I hadn't considered doing this sort of work would get me that. I had been planning to start doing weight training to gain strength, but if I could do that whilst completing my task, I wouldn't complain.

I leaned against my pitchfork, lifting my hand above my eyes as a flare of the sun blinded me. The Kreshna were ignoring both of us, but I spotted one of them watching us occasionally. They weren't like the wild Kreshna I had met in the prairie expanse. It was apparent they were used to people. That didn't make them any less of a hazard, though. If we spooked them as a herd, they could easily trample us. Even more so if any of them could use aether like Kuru could.

However, If Caspian and I kept up at this pace, there was a positive chance I could make it to the market in time.

Contrary to my best effort, as the day progressed, I fell behind as I tried to match the rhythm alongside Lord Caspian. Despite his initial standoffish demeanour, I couldn't help but admire the efficiency of his work. It seemed he had a knack for practical tasks. He had quickly picked up a method for clearing the Kreshna dung with sweeping movements of his pitchfork. I had tried to copy him, but I struggled with the weight of my pitchfork and the dung.

Caspian seemed to be barely breaking a sweat while I was slowing. It was surprising to me how easily he adapted. As the son of the Marquess of Ingalham, I was ashamed to admit I thought he would revile this work.

The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the field as we worked. With each pile of dung cleared, the air grew less oppressive, the stench gradually diminishing. It was hard, laborious work, but seeing our progress was a strangely fulfilling.

With every stab of the pitchfork, I could feel my muscles protesting and growing stronger. I had to shake them out a few times as my arms burned from the strain.

For his part, Lord Caspian seemed wholly focused on the task at hand, hardly sparing a word beyond what was necessary for coordination.

Eventually, with the field cleared and the wheelbarrows loaded to the brim, we took a moment to catch our breath. Lord Caspian wiped the sweat from his brow, his expression of grim satisfaction.

"Well, that's that," he remarked, casting a critical eye over the now pristine enclosure. "Not the most glamorous task, but it's done."

I nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of accomplishment despite the gruelling nature of the work.

"Indeed. I dread to think how long we could have been here if we were alone."

In return, Caspian offered a small, begrudging nod, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Likewise. You held your own out there, Lady Lynette."

"Thanks, I will try to work on my strength to keep up with you next time." I attempted to lift my wheelbarrow, but my arms shook with the weight, and it dropped as I crumpled. "I... may need a hand with this."

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Caspian rolled his eyes at me. "Fine," he curtly said, leaving his wheelbarrow as he came to stand beside me. Each of us took a handle and lifted it together.

We rolled it towards the barn entrance through a path in the grass we had already created from our movements. A shadow hovered in the doorway as we approached. We both stopped at the menacing glare that was staring out at us.

"Sir Vaughn?" I said, apprehensive as his gaze narrowed at me.

"You," Sir Vaughn pointed a bony finger at me. "Ya wanted"

"Excuse me?" I staunched, confused, as Caspian and I placed the wheelbarrow by the door.

"Sto' starin' and get in ere'," he ordered before muttering to himself. I looked to Caspian, but he shrugged, uninterested, before leaving me and heading back to the field to get his own wheelbarrow.

So much for solidarity.

I sighed, brushing down my front from the dirt it had collected before following Sir Vaughn back into the barn.

I froze the moment I entered.

Stood side by side were two men. One of them beamed a cheerful smile with a happy stance at seeing me. His short honey-blonde hair stood out against the dark red of his cloak as he spoke with Sir Vaughn. His chin was smoothly shaven, and his cheeks dimpled slightly when he smirked at me, staring.

The second stood with his hands neatly folded behind his back, his dark purple eyes roaming the barn in scrutiny as he tapped his forefinger against the handle of a sword by his waist. His features were blocked by black metal covering his chin up to his nose. Rivets bolted to connect the top helm on his nose bridge. A gap separated the two pieces for his eyes as two large pieces layered at the sides. It was different to the last mask. This one didn't end in points to form horns.

Vishka's Guidance System

Azriel Kamil Elkhart

Likeability: –18% (+0%)

What the hell were they doing here?

"Your grace, Captain Hudson," I saluted my right fist over my heart, holding my left behind my back as I dipped to my knee awkwardly. As the heir to the dukedom of the frozen south, Azriel Elkhart held a rank only less powerful than the royal family itself. However, Azriel was also the second cousin to the empress. Crossing him, much like her, would be my death.

"Lady Lynette, you saved us the trouble of bringing you here," Azriel spoke, his voice deep and calculating.

"Pardon, your grace?" I replied, looking up from my stance.

It was hard to determine what he was thinking behind that mask.

Nathaniel pulled away from his conversation with Sir Vaughn and lightly patted Azriel's shoulder with a sigh. "You're doing it again," he chided with a click of his tongue. "Lynette, I'm sure I told you I was going to find you on earth day," Nate said, turning to me with a smile.

"Ah, yes, you did say that." I rose from my stance, hesitantly glancing at Azriel and the box above his head.

I guess Azriel was calling in on his promise.

"It's time for you to prove if your declaration is truthful," Azriel said with a sceptical tone. "You should know I don't take lies lightly."

"Of course, your grace," I said, holding back a grimace.

"Good," he answered curtly, stepping past me out of the barn and into the Kreshna field without baring me a glance.

I gulped.

"Don't let his attitude bother you too much," Nate stood beside me as Sir Vaughn continued to mutter quietly, shuffling to reorganise some of the equipment hung on the walls.

"It's hard not to," I rubbed my aching arms, "he makes me so nervous."

"He does everyone," Nate shook his head as he moved to follow Azriel. "I am looking forward to seeing you ride a Kreshna. He may not show it, but Azriel is just as excited." Nate grinned wide as I followed.

"I find that hard to believe" It felt more like Azriel was gearing up to pick me apart.

As Lord Nathaniel and I stepped out into the light, I couldn't help but feel a knot of tension building in my stomach. Azriel's imposing presence loomed over the tranquil field, and the air crackled with an almost palpable sense of unease.

With his cold demeanour and inscrutable mask, Azriel seemed to command the atmosphere around him. It was as if he carried the weight of his lineage, status, and expectations with every step as he walked further into the field to watch the Kreshna.

The Kreshna, oblivious to the tension that clammed in my throat, continued to graze lazily in the distance, their massive forms casting elongated shadows across the pale emerald field.

Caspian, though not as intimidating as Azriel, raised an eyebrow at me as he pushed his wheelbarrow into place beside mine.

I exchanged a glance with a slight smile, acknowledging the precariousness of our situation. It was clear that Azriel's presence here was not a mere coincidence.

"What's with them?" Caspian signed to me whilst cautiously watching Lord Azriel.

"It's nothing." I signed back. "Lord Azriel and Lord Nathaniel have a request of me. You can go."

"What sort of request?" Caspian said, his cautiousness turning to suspicion. He stepped up towards me and didn't hide how he looked Nate up and down. "It can't be good if it's from that man," he signalled to Lord Azriel.

"Oh, greetings, Lord Caspian" Nate held out his hand, and Caspian took it roughly.

"Captain Hudson," Caspian signed and watched Nate closely. Nate furrowed his expression at Caspian's hand signals, seeming to not understand.

"Great, another twit who doesn't understand me," Caspian said, frustrated, as Nate looked at me confused.

"Sorry, it must be difficult for you." I signed back to Caspian whilst Nate pulled his hand through his hair, turning his attention to Azriel standing a short distance away.

"That's one way of putting it." Caspian sighed as Azriel turned from his spot and joined us. He looked at Caspian briefly before turning his attention to me.

"Well then, care to demonstrate, Lady Lynette? Do you require assistance, or are you capable without it?" Azriel asked with a deep tone that vibrated underneath his metal mask. I nervously looked up at the box above his head as the numbers began to flicker.

"Demonstrate what?" Caspian signed, looking between us. I meekly smiled before facing Lord Azriel. I guess Caspian could read lips well enough then.

"Yes, your grace, I should be okay without assistance. The Kreshna appear calm." I clutched my hands tightly, letting my gaze shift to the Kreshna.

Would performing well here improve my likeability with Azriel or worsen it? On the one hand, it would prove I was truthful after telling him about riding wild Kreshna in the prairie expanse. However, I hadn't told him it was due to my beast-taming skill, as Vishka had hidden it.

On the other hand, it would prove I am an enigma—another factor that could sow distrust in those around me, along with my coloured history and Dramorian heritage.

Either way, this demonstration would make my life-avoiding turbulence complex.

"Kreshna? Are they asking you to go up to those beasts! Are they insane? They are asking you to get yourself hurt." Caspian signed animatedly, his eyes widening in shock.

"It's fine, Caspian," I signed hesitantly. By usual standards, Caspian was right, but I had always felt safe around Kreshna.

"No, it's stupid. Just because they flaunt their power around like overbearing children doesn't mean you have to do what they say." Caspian reached out and gripped my arm, pulling me away from Nate and Azriel. I tensed at his touch, not expecting it or his reaction. "Just leave it and go back. You wanted to go to the market, didn't you? You don't have to entertain these pompous pricks." Caspian signed his emotions, making me stare back blankly.

Why was Caspian reacting like this?

I barely knew him. He had seemed so disinterested in me earlier.

"What did he say?" Nate's voice was laced with curiosity and slight concern as his eyes dropped to Caspian's hand on my arm.

"Um- Lord Caspian is just expressing his worry." I patted his hand, and Caspian removed it before glaring at me.

"Worry? I am appalled."

"If you are being truthful, then his worry is unfounded. Now, come. Captain Hudson, remain here with Lord Caspian." Azriel's voice held no request. It was an apparent demand, and it sent shivers up my spine.

"Unfounded?" Caspian signed, but I avoided responding as I dipped my head in compliance with Lord Azriel.

"Y-yes, your grace," I said, my nerves building.

There was no way I could ignore Lord Azriel's command as Caspian wished. I had no authority to do so, and I had no desire to get myself killed by the numbers in his box.

Azriel hardened his iridescent purple eyes toward Caspian before swiftly heading into the field. I took a deep breath and quickly moved to follow him toward the Kreshna.

"Good luck, Lynette!" Nate called behind me, making me look back.

"R-right," I waved, trying to gain some confidence as I found myself alone beside Azriel in the enclosure.

He walked silently, focusing on the Kreshna as I stumbled behind his long strides. I took the time to study him.

His back was broad, and every stride moved his shoulders in a rhythm that made the black pauldrons attached to his armour clink. He didn't wear a cloak like the other recruits. It had no sleeves but was clipped into his pauldrons, so purple flowed down his back. His arms, chest and legs were coated in similar armour, its onyx colour shining under the sun.

I haven't seen anyone else wearing armour around the keep. Most of the summoners wore relaxed gear under their cloaks. Why did Azriel dress like he was prepared for battle?

Azriel's voice broke through my thoughts, his words carrying a weight that left no room for doubt. "It will do well for Lord Caspian to learn restraint," he said, his tone low and ominous.

I paled at his words.

"O-oh," I began as my heart spiked. "You understood him?" I asked precariously. Caspian had said words I wouldn't dare.

"You should never assume I wouldn't." Azriel turned his head back to me, I couldn't see his expression, but his eyes were enough to tell me he was displeased.

I swallowed hard, a sense of dread creeping over me.

"My apologies, your grace," I said quickly, my voice trembling slightly. "I-I am sure he did not mean to insult you openly."

Was he going to punish Lord Caspian?

Was he going to punish me?

Why did you call them pompous pricks, Caspian!

"Intentions, Lady Lynette, are often discernible despite the mode of communication." Azriel's responses carried a hint of warning.

"Y-yes, your grace," I answered as my hand began to shake under his overbearing gaze.

Great.

Freaking great.

My eyes flickered to the sword by his waist, and I instinctively rubbed my neck. The brown leather choker I wore felt rough under my fingers as it hid the scar around the circumference of my neck.

How was Nate close with this man?

He was so intimidating.

Were they really in a relationship together? Surely, Nate could do better.

I had no understanding of this man!

At least with Eduard and Callan, I could predict their reactions from my past lives. Azriel was an unknown beast I wanted to avoid, much like the empress.