Neither of them said anything more. They didn't need to.
I turned to Ray, feeling uncomfortable with the exchange. I was happy for Alex and Ella, I was, but every time I saw how easy it was for them a dark, gnawing jealousy began to eat away at my stomach.
"Romance only slows you down."
I tried a smile and found it came a bit easier than it would have three months back. "Thanks."
"What are you thinking for tomorrow's strategy?"
The tavern door swung open again and I found my eyes unwillingly tearing toward it. A second later I regretted the action when I realized who it was.
It took Ian even less time to spot me. The moment he did irritation crossed his features.
A second later the fifth-year turned heel and strode back through the exit.
Ian would be not partaking in the festivities tonight, not as long as I was part of them. The door slammed shut and I heard Ray's low whistle.
"Guess it slows others down too."
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
"Why should he lead?"
The entire grouping of second - and fourth-year mentees swerved their heads to look at me. Even Ella and Alex looked surprised.
I held my ground and repeated myself. "We didn't even vote. Darren shouldn't get the role of command just because he is a prince. There are other fourth-years who would like the opportunity to try."
"Like you?"
I swallowed as Darren's garnet fell to me. For a moment he almost looked hurt, but any residual surprise quickly morphed into indignation.
"I have led us for two years."
"And only once to victory - which you wouldn't even have been able to do without me." It felt good, I realized, to speak out.
"Last year we failed because of your and Ella's flagrant disregard for orders!"
"Your orders were wrong!"
"I was the leader, even if my orders were wrong you should have listened to me!"
"So I should just blindly follow an idiot?"
"Enough!"
Both us stopped arguing as Eve stepped in between us. The girl, usually soft spoken, was unusually loud.
"I don't want to hear about any more of our past battles. We won one, we lost one. For everyone's sake I am going to offer myself as commander. I don't agree with Ryiah's assertion that Darren was chosen for his bloodline – I happen to think he is very good at leading - but I do think it would be a nice change to let someone else take the reins for a day. And, no, Ryiah, I don't think it should be you. You and Darren are too much alike. Both of you are risk takers. It's time we had someone who approached things more cautiously."
I bristled at that last insinuation. That Darren and I were the same in anything irked me to no avail. I was not reckless. Darren didn't look too happy either.
"I second Eve." Ray stepped forward shooting me an apologetic smile. I remembered our first-year trials and the stunt I had pulled during our duel. Maybe I was a little reckless.
"I, as well."
"Me too."
Within seconds the mentees had all agreed to a change of leadership. Even Ella and Alex. The only person who did not was Priscilla but she was outvoted.
"Sorry, Ry," Ella murmured as Eve launched into strategy talk. "I'm sure you would have done well but I think everyone knows Darren would not be very cooperative if it was you, and we need all of us working together to win this."
I sighed. Once again the non-heir had found a way to make my life difficult. No one wanted me as a leader if it meant our most powerful fourth-year was against it.
How could I have ever fallen for someone like him?
We spent the next hour following Eve's directives. I had to admit she knew what she was doing. Having a father in charge of the Crown's Army had made her the ideal commander for a mock battle in Devon. She had the Alchemy apprentices busy mixing magicked oils to strengthen the weak armor our team was supplied. Restoration was already scouting the southern district, looking for possible safe houses to mark with our agreed upon sign.
Combat, of course, was busy planning the attack. Eve led the discussion, citing the best and worst locations for an ambush.
The entire township of Devon had been evacuated for our mock battle. All around the edges of its agreed upon border were families of merchants, farmers, nobility, and any of the King's Regiment and Crown's Army who had received the day off. They were all watching alongside our factions' masters and Commander Audric.
It was intimidating.
For the day's event each team had been allotted five horses, six breast plates, five chain mail shirts, a handful of wooden shields, six poleaxes, five halberds, a rucksack of woolen bandages and salve, and a small barrel filled with the ingredients Alchemy needed to cast their potions.
We quickly divvied up the components and gave the second-year mentees the spelled plate armor, halberds, and horses. They would need the most advantage and plate armor was too heavy for quick movement on foot.
Eventually, it was time to begin.
****