The Wielder Trials. Franca Ogbonnaya

storm-grey uniform as the girls, but his had edgings of wind white. Britea stared at him and gulped. Even though he was sitting, she suspected he was a giant. To her, he was the perfect representation of the warriors she had read about in Erina Seaworth’s romance novels.

      “Britea, meet Navos Odell, my sparring partner in training and crime.” Britea’s eyes widened at the fact that Danai was a fighter, and she fought a giant like Navos.

      “You…you both fight? Using weapons?” She suddenly realized she sounded stupid, but she was trying to picture slender, graceful Danai fighting this giant warrior, and her respect for her roommate grew.

      “Oh yeah. It’s one of the courses offered at here, but you can decline that class. I wish these knuckleheads had done that,” said a petite freckled girl with light reddish hair escaping in ringlets from the loose bun at the back of her head. “I’m Lexia Detran by the way.”

      Britea smiled as she noted the girl’s storm-grey uniform also had air-white edgings.

      “And the third individual wolfing down his meal as he reads is Shran Alton,” Lexia said.

      The third student lifted his head from his book for a brief moment. His straight, short black hair and almond-shaped, light-green eyes emphasized a narrow face, and he pushed back spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose as he studied her. His uniform had dark earth-brown edgings.

      “I apologize in advance for both my coming questions and my ongoing distraction as I have a presentation in less than four hours.”

      Lexia rolled her eyes. “One he’s been studying for the past two months.”

      Shran continued reading. “It has to be perfect,” he said without looking up.

      “Mmhmm,” said Navos.

      Shran shook his head. “Fine.” He looked up at Britea.

      “You’re Weltonian like Danai?”

      “Please excuse his bluntness,” said Lexia with a sigh.

      Shran frowned. “Do recall I did apologize in advance. So, you’re Weltonian?

      “No,” said Britea as she sat down. “I’m from Weldaros, a small village—”

      “Located in the western part of Malaquey. The closest port is Xantos, and travel by sea takes just under three months.”

      Britea gaped at Shran, who had turned back to his book again. Danai came to her rescue.

      “His presentation is on the changing geography of Malaquey, and he has both a terrific memory and poor manners.”

      “You can say that again,” muttered Navos dryly as he dug into his meal.

      “So, what’s your story? This is the first time I’ve seen you. Were you at one of the other colleges?” asked Lexia.

      Britea’s nervousness returned in force. She looked at Danai helplessly. “I’m new to wielding. I just discovered this ability less than two months ago.”

      Shran raised his head and stared at her, while the other two students paused with food or drink halfway to their mouths. Navos looked wordlessly at Danai who nodded.

      “You’re a late wielder?” whispered Lexia. Britea nodded silently.

      “Which is exceptionally rare. Less than seven percent of the population are wielders and of those, more than ninety-five percent wield from the age of twelve and a half years which means—”

      Navos sighed. “We get it, Shran. Please, could you stop sounding like an epidemiology textbook for one hour?”

      Shran closed his book. “But she,” he said, indicating Britea, “is extraordinary—”

      “And she needs to eat her breakfast before it gets cold,” pointed out Danai. Shran shut up at her gentle words. The group of five enjoyed silence for a few minutes until he raised a hand as if asking for permission.

      Britea braced herself as Danai wearily nodded.

      “So, how did yours manifest?” asked the earth wielder.

      Everyone looked at Britea as she replied. “I got into an argument with my sister and before I knew it, I wielded water at her.”

      Shran’s eyes widened.

      “Did she get hurt?” asked Lexia.

      “No, just a little wet and mad as hell.” The other wielders chuckled in relief.

      “How did you find your way to the college?” Shran asked, shooting another question at her.

      Britea felt Danai go still beside her as if in warning.

      “My dah got passage for us both on a merchant vessel. It was a long journey.”

      Danai relaxed at her reply, which seemed to settle Shran’s curiosity for a bit.

      “Any other wielders in your family?” asked Navos.

      Britea shook her head slowly. “Not that I know of.”

      Shran frowned. “Maybe an ancient ancestor you’re unaware of was a wielder. It’s not unusual for many wielders to be unable to trace their family tree. The talent does tend to skip several human generations, except for the Dyhaeri and the Weltonians.” Britea couldn’t help but glance at Danai, who was calmly drinking her tea.

      “So, what’s your schedule for today?” Lexia asked Britea, smoothly changing the topic.

      “I’m to check in with Warden Asteros first, then my classes are to be determined afterwards.”

      “Well, you can join us for lunch if you want,” said the petite redhead.

      “Thanks,” said Britea.

      “We’ll be absent, I’m afraid,” said Navos. “Danai and I will be at the training yards, and Weapons Master Caren prefers that his class eats lunch under his supervision.”

      Britea frowned. “Why?”

      “He’s a fanatic about eating the wrong foods, plus it allows more time for training when we don’t have to go back and forth from the main dining hall,” replied Danai.

      “Let’s be honest. He’s a control freak,” snorted Lexia.

      Navos chuckled at her words.

      “Can I ask a question?” began Britea hesitantly.

      “Sure. Don’t be shy,” said Lexia.

      “What are the Wielder Trials? Danai told me that because I’m presenting to the college late, I’d have to take a mild version of these Trials. So, what are the real ones like?”

      Navos bounced in his seat. This was obviously his favorite topic. “The Wielder Trials are the best thing about being here. It first occurred two hundred and fifty years ago, and it’s held every two years. High-level wielders are picked from the fifth and sixth years to compete in a variety of events to thrill the senses. This year, it will be held once again here in Syla. Even Shran is taking part.”

      “Mmhmm,” agreed Shran solemnly without looking up from his book. “I shall only be taking part in the general knowledge round. However, this competition is very important because it’s also a recruiting opportunity for Malaquey’s military, not to mention the money and prestige earned from winning.”

      Britea shot a startled glanced at the bookish older male novice.

      “The money is, of course, kept in a trust to generate interest and is only given to the victors after they complete their Year of Discovery,” added Lexia dryly.

      “Sounds intense,” said a stunned Britea.

      “You have no idea,” said Navos. “And guess what? The Trials are in just five months. I so hope I’m picked for a team!”

      Lexia rolled