Page 8 of Misbehaving With Minotaurs
And it…is…amazing.
One entire wall is one-way glass, allowing the players to see the field without ticketholders seeing in. The view is incredible,the entire field visible from inside. The war room’s even better, sitting at ground level with a wide screen showing the entire field from above. It’s ideally suited for the type of planning I like to do.
Of course, Arkan already knows this. I suspect this part of the war room is an addition meant to entice me.
And it fucking does.
What doesn’t thrill me is half an hour later when I meet the team. I know most of them—it’s my job to know even those players who aren’t full-time—but there’s not a single monster on this team who’s full-time or evenwantsto be. Not only that, but a vast majority of them seem almost skeptical about having me here for a trial period.
I plant both hands on my hips as I stare at the row of centaurs, gargoyles, and a big green troll who eyes me with his arms crossed.
The only one who looks excited to be here is Hana Canterbury, Arkan’s beautiful centaur mate. She was a kickass player at the academy too. She didn’t go pro, but she could have. My wheels start spinning, wondering if it’s possible to get her toconsiderfull-time now. I’m not sure how much extra responsibility she takes on as the Keeper’s mate.
“I’d like to see what you’re capable of.” I count the players out. “Split into two teams, and let’s play a quarter. Even though most of you aren’t full-timers, you’re what I’d have to work with in the beginning. Let’s see what you’re made of.”
Arkan stands by my side as a few muttered grumblings reach us. I glance up at him. “This whole team needs to be rebuilt.”
Arkan frowns, sucking at his teeth. “I did tell you we didn’t have any pros, Manorin. I was serious.”
I match his expression, lifting my whistle and biting it between my teeth.
Arkan holds a skyball under one arm. Cantering to the center of the field, he winks at his wife before tossing theskyball in the air. The flurry of activity happens fast, the bridge troll executing a perfect flip as he snatches the ball off the ground.
Damnit, he’s good, and, of course, he doesn’t want to be full-time.
As I watch the team play, it’s clear there’s a lot of talent despite the fact that, to my amazement, they haven’t practiced since last year’s skyball finals. I debate if I should bother with any other practices while I’m here. There’s no point to piss off the locals, considering not one of them would remain on the team if I get this job and accept it.
One thing is clear—building a skyball program in Ever would be a ton of fucking work. This isn’t a rebuild. We are literally starting from level zero.
Sigh.
CHAPTER THREE
CATHERINE
Vikand smiles down at me as we walk up Sycamore Street toward the stadium. Alo happened to mention there was a practice this afternoon, and I’m curious to see how that goes. Since Vikand and I were headed past the stadium for our picnic anyhow, I thought it would be nice to pop in for a few minutes.
I’m curious. That’s all it is.
Pointing to the bend in the road, I look up at my date. “Once we round the corner, the skyball stadium will be there.”
Vikand nods, quiet as ever with both thumbs looped in the pockets of his fitted vest.
He clears his throat. “Do you think we’ll be there very long?”
I laugh, tossing my hair over my shoulder as I beam up at him. “Not a skyball fan? I thought Arkan played when he was at the academy…”
Vikand nods. “Yes, well, his dam went to all the games so I didn’t have to. Sports aren’t really my thing.” He laughs lightly, removing a hand from his vest to wave at himself. “I suppose you’ve already guessed that, though.”
I fight disappointment… It bothers me that he didn’t want to see his son play, despite his own feelings about the sport. I’m already aware that he and Arkan’s dam split when Arkan was very young, but still.
“Oh, I don’t know. Arkan had to get his skyball skills from someone.”
Vikand clears his throat again, something I’m learning is a nervous habit.
It’s fine.
It’s definitely not annoying me.
