Page 38 of Cage of Destiny
“You better figure it outsince I’m engaged to him.”
“The engagement is notofficial until you have signed the marriage contract.” And thatwouldn’t happen until after Jana was dead.
Standing, Allyssa went behind herfather’s chair, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I love you.”She kissed his cheek.
He patted her arms. “I love you,too.”
Chapter Eleven
Allyssa stood in the training room and facedNathenek. “Faster,” he commanded.
She was going as bloody fast as shecould. She knew how to shoot a bow and arrow, wield a sword, andthrow daggers. However, she didn’t have the muscle that came withhard, physical, routine training. Nathenek had decided to rectifythat situation. He made her do these katas daily, and she wasgetting better at them.
Block, block, strike, strike. Over andover. Her shoulders ached and her arms felt like soft grass blowingin the wind. Yet, Nathenek wouldn’t relent. He pushed her harderand faster every day.
“Close your eyes,” hesaid.
She did as he instructed. At first,not being able to see made her feel off balance. Then, after a fewminutes of floundering, she found her groove.
Suddenly, Nathenek’s arms felt…different. They were slightly higher and larger. When she openedher eyes, she saw Kerdan had switched places with him.
“You’re stronger,” hecommented, speeding up the exercise. He swung low, breaking themonotonous movements. She barely had time to block his sword. “Areyou ready?”
“Am I ready to let your mencapture me?” she asked.
“I hand-picked them forthis assignment,” he assured her. “Nothing will happen to you. Iguarantee it.” He swung to the side, and she blockedhim.
He started slowing and then speedingup his movements, forcing her to mimic him. It took far moreconcentration, especially while trying to carry on a conversation.She had to keep repeating the sequence—block, block, strike,strike—over and over to keep the rhythm going.
“Look me in the eyes,”Kerdan said. “Can you do what your father is asking?”
“If this is our best chanceto kill Jana, then yes, I can do it.”
“I have twoconcerns.”
She glanced at Nathenek standing offto the side, watching them.
“My first issue is youworking with Odar,” Kerdan said. He swung high, and she almostmissed the block. “I’ve noticed that when your emotions come intoplay, you hesitate. I need to know if you can view this as amission and put your feelings aside.”
Being with Odar was going to be hard.There was no way around that. “Are you worried he’ll want me back?”she teased.
He knocked her legs outfrom under her, and she flew to her back, landing with anumph.“Son of a harlot!”she screamed, surprised to find herself on the ground with Kerdanstraddling her.
“This is what I’m talkingabout,” he said. “You need to work on your focus.” He leaned downand whispered in her ear, “Odar was a fool to let you go.” His warmbreath sent a shiver through her. He jumped to his feet, reachingdown for her. She clasped his hand, and he pulled herup.
“If Odar wants you back,that’s his prerogative.” He shrugged. “My concern—andfocus—is on themission.”
“And what of ourengagement?” she asked.
“Your father told me thatnothing is official until Jana is killed and we agree on theterms.”
“You do know I’m stillhere?” Nathenek said idly, leaning against the wall, his armsfolded across his chest.
Her face warmed; she’d completelyforgotten he was there and listening to thisconversation.
“I’m curious to hear whatyour second concern is, Kerdan,” Nathenek said.
Kerdan rubbed his sleeve over hisface, wiping off his sweat. “I’m worried how she will doemotionally.”
