Free Powers of the Six by Kristal Shaff Page A

the week: Tomorrow, the blue group will do the Challenge of Accuracy; the following day will be Strength; then the next day Speed; and the last day will be Empathy. The other colored groups alternate days. Everyone will get a turn at each trial.”
    “Only four more days?”
    Nolan nodded.
    Alec did a quick calculation. “What about Healing?”
    “You’ll get lots of chances to test that power.”
    “Doesn’t sound very promising.”
    “No, I’m afraid not.”
    “And the Perception trial yesterday?” Alec asked. “Did anything come from it?”
    “One came into their power. A girl.”
    Panic washed over Alec. He scanned the pathetic people across the grass, draped over rocks, propped against trees, and those who just fell where they were on their faces. She wasn’t here. Matter of fact, Alec hadn’t seen her at all.
    “A girl from yellow group,” Nolan said. “I believe her name is Sussan. Taryn is waiting this off inside her tent. I checked on her a few minutes ago.” He slipped the hammer into a leather pouch on his side. “Well, only three more signs to go.”
    “Want some help?” Alec asked, and then a wave of dizziness clouded his vision. When it cleared, Nolan had a hand on Alec’s shoulder.
    “Thanks for the offer, but I don’t think you’re in any shape to do anything.” Nolan studied his face. “And, Alec, quit making my brother angry. He’ll make you regret it.”
    “I can take care of myself.”
    “I hope so.” Nolan released Alec’s shoulder and gave him a sympathetic smile as he turned and walked away.
    Whatever pity Alec had for him was replaced with annoyance. What did Nolan expect him to do? Ignore the general when he taunted him? Alec wouldn’t let General Trividar, or his arrogant friends, get away with it. All he needed was a sword, and he’d show them a thing or two.
    A shiver went through his body, and his stomach flipped with such force he couldn’t hold it. He retched while leaning a quivering hand on the post. Alec pulled back up and wiped his mouth with his sleeve.
    Yes, he’d show them … just not today.
     

 
    Chapter Seven
     
    ALEC WATCHED as Captain Faal’s eyes glowed a deep sapphire blue. With a simple motion of the captain’s hand, he cued a group of blue-caped Accuracy archers forward. They positioned themselves next to quivers embedded in the ground and nocked blue-feathered arrows in their bows.
    “The Shay of Accuracy complements the art of archery perfectly,” Captain Faal began. “With our special ability, we can hit anything within our range of vision.”
    The bows creaked as the Rol’dan pulled back and aimed at numerous colorful targets at the far end of the field.
    “Ready?” Captain Faal said. “ FIRE! ”
    A volley of arrows sang through the air and thudded into the targets, each finding their mark in the center blue circle.
    “Red.”
    A swish of arrows all landed in the red rings.
    “Yellow.”
    The arrows impaled the yellow rings.
    Captain Faal called off numerous colors in quick succession before calling “blue.” With a crack of wood, the arrows found the center targets, splitting the previous arrows in two.
    The trial bearers erupted in cheers.
    “Fantastic,” a nearby girl said.
    Taryn nodded with wide eyes as she clapped in approval.
    Alec wasn’t impressed.
    Nolan leaned toward Alec. “Your father probably doesn’t make many bows or arrows in his armory, does he?”
    “No,” Alec whispered. “Not enough steel to suit him.”
    “For those of you who are untrained in archery,” Captain Faal said, “we’ll give you an opportunity to learn before your Challenge of Accuracy begins.”
    Captain Faal separated them into groups, giving a quick lesson on the proper way to hold the long bow, where to position the arm, and how to sight the arrow. When it was Alec’s turn, he found that—much like swordplay—he had natural talent. Unlike many of the others, Alec could hit the target.
    “Hold your fire,” Captain Faal