"Which one of you do you think it's going to be?" Ella visibly balked as Alex joined us at the edge of our group. It had been two weeks since her outburst in the infirmary, and this was the first time they had crossed paths since. My twin didn't appear to notice, however, as he was too busy staring at the others in front.
Most of the Alchemy and Restoration apprentices stood quietly to the side, patiently awaiting the outcome. It was clear they expected the Combat apprentices to make the decision. After all, we knew best what our people were like. The problem was that the role traditionally went to the best fourth-year – only Priscilla, Eve, and Ray didn't appear to agree.
"It should be Darren." Priscilla's condescending voice rang out clearly. "He's better than anyone here. He's a prince – if anyone knows how to lead an army it would be him, not some silly lowborn."
"Apprentices are not lowborn, you na?ve little girl." The angry retort came from Jayson, a fourth-year and former lowborn. He glared at Priscilla. "It should be Tyra. Last year her advice brought our team victory in Ferren's Keep."
"Yes, but Darren has been training for a career in the Crown's Army since he was five." This time it was Eve that had spoken. "He was going to be a knight commander before he found magic – just ask him. He's had all the best tutors. We all did."
I bit my lip. Well that certainly explained how the three of them had become friends. I had always wondered how quiet Eve had fit in with Darren and Priscilla's more offsetting ways. I knew they had all lived together in court, but now it was clear they had spent many years training together too.
No wonder I'd felt so underprepared last year. The three of them had been preparing for Combat - or knighthood, at the very least - since birth.
"Fine," Jayson barked, "then let's take a vote. Everyone - not just Combat." He turned to the rest of us, hands on hips. "Well? Do you want a fourth-year who knows how to win or Master Bryon's pet, an inexperienced prince who is only in his second year?"
"I am voting for Darren," Ray said.
"Tyra," Alex and Ella both spoke up at the same time.
The rest of the apprentices quickly cast their vote and it was only after a moment of silence that I realized everyone was staring expectantly at me.
"It's fifteen to fifteen, Ry," Ella whispered.
I swallowed. My sometimes-friend, or the girl that Priscilla didn't want to lead? It was tempting to spite the cruel highborn for all the torment she had put me through last year, but doing so would be a direct slight to the boy that had helped me more times than I could count.
Darren's eyes met mine, amused. It was clear he expected me to vote for Tyra, the same as my brother and friend. And who would blame me? She was older and she had led her team to victory…
"Darren." I couldn't let the prince down. Even if I wanted to.
The non-heir's eyes flared in surprise and I was rewarded with a small smile that made my insides melt. Calm down, Ryiah, you've moved on – remember? His betrothed scowled. Apparently Priscilla had wanted me to vote against Darren. What was that about?
I didn't get a chance to consider the implication as the prince set to work outlining our first line of attack.
"Only the mentees have the chariots. We have to assume the masters want us to practice the groundwork they've been laying out in our study these past three months. The mentors, of course, will already be skilled in defense – isn't that what you practiced last year in the mountains, Tyra?"
The fourth-year studied the non-heir, dark skin glistening under the full light of the stifling desert sun. It was clear she appreciated him taking the time to seek out her advice, even if she wasn't a leader. "We learned how to hold off a siege," she affirmed, "but my team won last year concentrating our strike on a small section of their barrier where their weakest apprentices were located."
Darren nodded. "I am sure the mentors will be prepared for an attack like that this time. More than likely they'll alternate fifth - and third-years down their line instead of keeping all of their weakest in one spot, but I wonder… Last year where did they keep their Restoration and Alchemy apprentices? Were they helping the defense, or were they hidden away with the leader?"
"Hidden."
Darren smiled to nobody in particular. "Perfect." He straightened and faced the rest of our group. "That's how we'll beat them. All of our factions will charge – not just Combat.
"Restoration, those chariots all hold two riders. Each one of you will be paired with someone from Combat. You have two jobs: you will steer the cart and see that your partner is safe. The Combat apprentice will be busy leading the strike so if things go wrong it will be your job to turn the cart around and heal them when it is safe to do so.