Free Into the Fray: Volume 1 of The Sorcerers of Jhanvia Series by Aderyn Lonigan

block or deflect my weapon so that it does not hit you.”
    The Valtyr came at her opponent in slow motion, giving her plenty of opportunity to react. She stopped, provided a few recommendations for improvement, and started again at a quicker pace. Kaitra was slowin her defense and her footwork was weak. It was quickly apparent to both of them that it would take some time for her to become proficient.
    Kidreyli explained, “Always remember that in battle there are no rules. If you feel yourself faltering, you can always use your magics to defend yourself. Consider them a significant weapon in your arsenal. At this point, I would recommend that you focus developing your expertise with the bow. You have a natural aptitude for it and some concentrated effort will make you a formidable archer in a short time. We can work on the sword at a later time.”
    Kaitra agreed. It was obvious she had much to learn with the sword. The Valtyr left her to practice on her own and she took full advantage of it. For the rest of the day, she fired arrows at the target. She regularly changed distance and direction to provide a variety of challenges. She only took a short break for dinner of about thirty minutes before charging back into the field for more. Kidreyli looked in on her a few times. It felt as if she was interfering in her efforts, so she mostly stayed away, but what she saw impressed her.
    A few hours later, darkness had settled over the land. Kaitra could not see the target any longer in the diminishing light, so she gave in and decided to stop for the night. Her efforts this day had paid off. She was regularly hitting her target with authority. It somehow felt as if the bow had become hers and their fates had become one. She gathered her things and headed back for the village when Cliona called out to her.
    “I’ve been looking in on you from time to time. It looks like you have quite the natural talent for the bow.”
    “It seems that I do, but I can’t take all the credit. Kidreyli is an excellent instructor.”
    Cliona stated with a smile, “She
is
one of a kind. Would you mind if I walked with you?”
    “I would like that.”
    As they continued along, Cliona intentionally kept the pace slow. She said, “I sense you have feelings for her?”
    “Why is it that you always seem to be rummaging around in my head?” Kaitra smiled through her words.
    “Because I can.”
    “No, seriously, how is it that you have these abilities; to poke about in my thoughts, and be in two places at the same time?”
    Cliona explained, “My mother was a powerful sorceress and she passed along some of her talents to me.” A truth, but not the whole truth.
    “Could you teach me?”
    “Someday soon, when you are ready, I will. Now, about Kidreyli?”
    Kaitra laughed and said, “Yes, is the answer. But I’m not sure how real they are. I may have this attraction only because she just saved my life.”
    “Ohhh…it’s far deeper than that.”
    The young sorceress conceded, “All right, yes. I do have strong feelings for her.”
    “Thought as much,” the elder said. She walked on a few more steps in silence before revealing, “She loves you, you know.”
    Kaitra was taken aback, “She has never said as much.”
    “No, she wouldn’t, would she. She is Valtyr, you are Dhoyan royalty. Even the strongest Valtyr would not be so bold as to cross
that
line.”
    “I don’t understand why that would be a problem.”
    The elder woman explained, “I know that you believe you have renounced your birthright, but that does not change who and what you are. You are your father’s daughter, now and for all time, and you need to embrace that with all of your being. I believe it will serve you well when you confront that which awaits you. Kidreyli understands this, which is why she has hesitated to disclose her true feelings for you.”
    “What do you suggest?”
    “Show her that the door is open. Once she understands that, then everyone best get