A Song of Snow and Ashes by S.J. Drew

anythin' by that. Um, we should move again. They'll be headin' to the track and obstacle course." He held out his hand again.

  The displeased expression was replaced by a surprised look. She took his hand, and he lead her to the track area. "Running and an obstacle course now?" she repeated. "After having to fight in that heavy armor in the hot sun?"

  He shrugged. "A guard's no good if a thief can out-run them."

  "I guess I can understand that, but goodness, I see why so many people have to reapply."

  He bit back a sarcastic remark. "I will not waste my good luck by offending her," he thought to himself.

  "Are they at least going to get some water?" she asked worriedly.

  "Sure. Someone should be comin' by soon. If not, the instructors are going to get real upset."

  The group was milling around the obstacle course and the instructors were looking annoyed. One was starting to head to the buildings when three guards came out of the administration building carrying a large water jug in each hand. They dropped them off with the instructors and returned to the building. A tall, muscular, good-looking, dark-headed young man with a short beard and mustache looked up at the bleachers and waved. Aolani waved back.

  "Oh, I didn't know Reese was on duty here today."

  "So much for my good luck," Donnan thought bitterly.

  The man called Reese glared up at Donnan, then continued on his way.

  "That wasn't a nice look he gave you," she commented.

  "You noticed?" he stuttered, surprised.

  She nodded. "Of course I did. Do you think I'm so smitten by a handsome face that I don't notice bad manners?"

  "I'm sorry," he replied, nonplussed.

  She suddenly looked very embarrassed. "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't lash out like that. I don't even know you. I shouldn't take my anger out on total strangers."

  There was a moment of awkward silence.

  "Look, the instructors are linin' them up for the obstacle course," he pointed out.

  "Oh, yes, I see," she responded, clearly grateful for the distraction. "Do they have to run in full armor?" she asked, sounding surprised.

  "Of course."

  "Goodness. I didn't realize this was so difficult. But I'm glad I came out today. Now I know not to be too hard on Kennet if he doesn't make it the first time."

  "He'll probably do fine."

  They watched as the potential guards were timed as they ran around the track, and as they ran through an obstacle course that included jumping, climbing, and crawling. When it was over, the instructors sent away about twenty men. Overall, the tests had taken about three hours.

  "What do we do now?" Aolani asked.

  "They'll be lead into the administration buildin', and we get to wait until they come out," he answered.

  "If I'm going to wait, I'm going to wait in the shade." She stood up and started to walk to the sign-up table, which was still out and now in the shade of the administration building.

  "That's a good idea." He stood up and followed her.

  They sat down on the table top. She was fidgeting a little by swinging her legs back and forth.

  "I'll bet she's got great legs," he thought.

  "How long does this part take?" she asked.

  He snapped back to attention. "It depends on the person. Most people don't apply if they've got some crime on their record. But the guards sometimes keep track of people who get in trouble but don't get arrested."

  "Like people who start bar fights?"

  "Yes, exactly like that," he replied. "Sometimes people with records can talk their way out of it, if they make a good case for never doing it again. Or so Alain has told me."

  "Do all the interviews take place at once?"

  "It's one on one with whichever commander is on duty. But Alain's heard some things from his friends."

  "I see. I suppose it could be true. As you said, they aren't looking for people who are already trained. They're looking for potential."

  "Yes, exactly." He thought to himself, "Of course, they often ignore that potential if it doesn't wear the right clothes. Dammit to darkness. Why did Reese have to be here? There's no way Alain's going to get in."

  "Do they come out the front door or the back door?"

  "What? I'm sorry."

  "Do they come out of the front door or the back door?" she repeated, with a slight smile.

  "Usually the front. But since Alain knows I'm here, he'll come lookin' for me."

  "I hope Kennet shows that much sense," she remarked with a slight smile. She took off her hat and start to fan herself with it. "I can't wait until autumn. It's just too hot."

  He nodded in agreement. She started up small talk about the weather. After about fifteen minutes, they had exhausted that topic.

  "If it's not too personal a question, Donnan, why aren't you trying out for the guard? If you've been helping your brother practice for a while, I imagine you could do at least as well as Kennet."

  "Thanks? That was a compliment, right?"

  She smiled and chuckled a little. "It wasn't a very good one, was it? Since I've been dating Reese, I've met a lot of guards. You seem to have a decent build," she replied, a delicate blush rising on her face.

  "Well, thanks. Really." He felt his own face starting flush. "I just don't want to be a guard. I know, it's a good job and it pays good money, but it's just not what I'd like to do for a livin'," he explained quickly, trying to hide his sudden anxiety.

  "I can understand that," she agreed. "It's really not for everyone. I can't say that running through the streets at night chasing pickpockets sounds like a job everyone should want. I wouldn't want it."

  He smiled. "It doesn't sound like fun to me either. But Alain wants the job, so good for him."

  "Well, I hope it's not impertinent of me, but I wish him all the best of luck."

  "Thanks. I hope your brother gets in as well."

  Her smile suddenly faded. "Yes. Thank you."

  "I'm sorry, did I say somethin' wrong?"

  "No. I worry about my little brother. I just realized what sort of dangers he's going to be exposed to as a guard. I don't want him to get hurt."

  "He'll get good trainin'," he replied, trying to sound reassuring.

  She brightened up a little. "That's true."

  "Donnan!" Alain yelled.

  "Sounds like he's done. But I can't tell if he made it or not. Back here!" he responded.

  Alain came around the corner of the building, looking crestfallen.

  "Oh, not again" he sighed.

  Then his face broke into a broad smile and he grabbed his younger brother in a big bear hug. "I got in! I got in this time!"

  "That's great," he gasped. "Ribs, oh, gods, my ribs."

  "Sorry," he said sheepishly, releasing him.

  "You really got in this time?"

  "Sure. The captain did ask me about the fight with Reese, but I was honest and just told him straight out how Reese had hassled me..."

  Donnan cleared his throat very noisily. "Tell me about that later," he interrupted, putting emphasis on 'later' and glanced at Aolani, who was still sitting on the table and suddenly looking quite interested in the conversation.

  Alain looked confused, but dropped the subject. "Anyway, I did the best of all the guys on the time trial, and old Captain Kemp said my swordplay had really improved. I guess I have you to thank for that."

  "Don't mention it," he replied ruefully, flexing his shoulders again.

  "Come on, let's go celebrate. You can even invite Blake if you want," he said jovially.

  "Really? Damn, you must be happy." He turned to Aolani. "We have to go now. I hope your brother makes it in."

  "Me too," she returned with a polite smile, but it was clear she was thinking about something else.

  "I'm glad you joined me. Having a nice conversation with such a lovely lady really helped to pass the time."

  She turned
her focus back to him and gave him a genuine smile. "Yes, it was a pleasant conversation."

  "Good day," he said, as Alain gently pulled him away.

  "Good day," she returned.

  The brothers left the western guardhouse. They walked for about fifteen minutes before Alain spoke up.

  "It seems you had a very good day."

  "What?" Donnan looked up. "Why do you have that silly smile on your face?"

  "'Cause of the stupid grin on your face. 'Cause you got to spend the afternoon with a pretty lady, and I had to sweat in full armor in the hot sun for the afternoon."

  "And you really need a shower, too."

  "Thank you, little brother. Here I work my rear end off to get into the guard, and instead of cheerin' me on, you're talkin' to the woman of your dreams."

  "Oh, shut up," he replied affectionately. "It was just luck. Her little brother was tryin' out for the guard too. She just wanted someone to talk to and she remembered me from the solstice."

  "Sounds like true love to me."

  "You're such a jackass."

  "I know. Hey, why did you want me to shut up about that fight I had?" Alain asked.

  "Reese brought out the water jugs, or didn't you notice?"

  "How could I miss that? Damn, I was sure I was finished right then. That's why I figured I might as well be honest with the commander. I figured he'd already heard his side of the fight."

  "Well, he waved to Aolani. And I think he was with her on the solstice. She's seein' him and I just thought it would be kind of rude to talk about that fight in front of her," Donnan explained.

  "Doesn't she deserve to know he was a jackass?"

  "Sure, but she's probably heard only his side. To hear you say he started it makes you sound like the jackass."

  "Oh. I see your point. I guess it's not very nice to bad-mouth a lady's suitor when he isn't there to defend himself."

  "Exactly."

  "Here, isn't this the road that leads to the temple?" asked Alain.

  "You were serious when you invited Blake to dinner?" he asked, surprised.

  "Of course."

  "But you're always lecturin' me about keepin' bad company."

  "Hey, it's a special day. Besides, you haven't listened to any of my lectures. Maybe it's time I just stopped lecturin'," Alain replied.

  "I think you've been in the sun too much today," he retorted dryly.

  He half-laughed. "Oh, come on. Cheer up. It's a good day."

  "Yes, you're right. It is."

  "We'll clean up, I'll go pick up my friends, you go pick up Blake, and we'll meet at the Wooden Tankard. Sound good?"

  "Sounds just fine," answered Donnan.

  The evening passed swiftly. Alain's friends regarded Donnan and especially Blake with some suspicion, but became more friendly the more they drank. Neither brother allowed themselves to get too drunk. It was late when they reached their tiny apartment and went to bed.

  "Oh, darkness," Donnan muttered, looking around. He was not on the mountain top this time, but instead somewhere in the middle of a grassy plain. "This is not right. Not right," he thought to himself. It was day time, but dark, windy, and raining. Hidden forks of lightning flashed through the thick clouds overhead. He looked around for some shelter from the stinging rain. There was nothing but empty, flat plains. Thunder crashed almost right over his head. He jumped and turned. He saw a twister drop out of the clouds and start to move toward him. "Damn, damn, damn," he thought, "maybe it'll turn." But the twister seemed to be heading straight for him. Panicked, he started to run away. There was nothing to obstruct his progress, but the twister was faster than he was. His breath was ragged and his legs ached with effort. The wind roared in his ears and he felt himself being picked up by the twister and tossed into the air.

  His eyes snapped open and he was breathing heavily. He tried to move, but his body seemed paralyzed with fear. "Alain?" he ventured in a soft voice.

  "Ermph. Gobackt'sleep," came his muffled reply, and he rolled over, shaking the bunk bed.

  Donnan breathed a sigh of relief and felt his muscles start to relax. Soon he heard Alain's reassuring snores. "What is wrong with me?" he thought. "What's with these dreams? This is not normal." His mind was racing, but his body felt exhausted, as though he really had been running for his life. It didn't take him too long to fall back into a dreamless sleep.

  Eliora awoke the next morning still feeling tired, and didn't say much at breakfast. She thought about going to the temple, but remembered she needed to stop by the message office, and didn't have time to do both before work started. By the end of the work day, she had forgotten about the dream and going to temple entirely.

  She was finishing up the last of her paperwork when she heard a knock on her office door. "Come in," she called.

  "Hello, Eliora," said Basir.

  "Hello, Basir," she returned with a smile. "You didn't come by the coffeehouse last night."

  "I'm sorry about that. The meeting I was assigned to ran long, and I had a few errands to run after work. Hopefully I won't be detained next time."

  "What brings you here? I thought you were normally assigned to meetings in the merchant halls."

  He smiled. "May I walk you home?"

  "Sure." She gathered up her bag and locked up the office. They didn't start to talk until they escaped the bazaar.

  "I heard you were recommended for a promotion," he started.

  "Yes. The performance review could be next week, or next month. Izak won't give me any hints, and believe me, I tried my best."

  He laughed a little. "I do believe you. I'm sure you'll get the promotion. You work hard enough, that's for sure."

  "Thanks. Again, I just do my best."

  "Have you enjoyed going out to dinner with me?" he asked.

  "I wouldn't go out with someone four times if I didn't enjoy their company."

  "Good, good. I've enjoyed your company quite a bit. So, if I may be so bold, are you being courted right now?"

  She almost stopped dead in her tracks. "No," she answered, managing to keep her voice level.

  "Really? I'm surprised. A successful, brilliant young woman like yourself doesn't have at least one suitor?"

  She sort of shrugged. "No, not yet. I'm not worried, though. My parents have started talking to me about my prospects."

  "Ah, I understand. Probably prompted by your potential promotion?"

  She nodded. "Of course. I am old enough that I should be considering marriage by now. I've just been focusing on my career so much I haven't had time to scout out my own prospects."

  "Now I understand why you don't have any suitors yet. Life has gotten in the way of life."

  She sort of smiled. "Doesn't it always? Why do you ask?"

  "Well, you caught my attention when I started to join the coffeehouse group. Over this past month, I've started to really like you."

  She blushed.

  "I know tradition dictates a potential suitor should ask the lady's father for permission to court her, but times are changing."

  They stopped walking and she waited anxiously.

  "So my question is: should I ask your father for permission to court you?" he asked with a smile.

  She thought about this for a minute, trying to calm her fears. She steadied her courage, reminded herself she wasn't committing to marry him, and answered, "You may ask him."

  A brief expression of relief crossed his face. "You tell me when would be a good idea to approach him."

  "Any time this week. Tonight, if you're feeling bold."

  "Not quite that bold," he declined with a smile.

  She returned the smile. "Then I suggest you meet with him tomorrow afternoon, when he leaves his post. He's stationed over in the east side commercial district, by the main caravan road."

  "Alright, I'll do that." He then switched the conversation over to scribe work, and soon the two were in a hea
ted political debate over some proposed changes in the trade laws.

  "I'll concede you made some good points, but I still think the laws need some revision before being put into effect," she finished, then looked surprised. "Oh, I'm home."

  "So soon? I really like the way I can talk to you about these things. I just lose track of time. And I'll concede you made some good points too, but I still think the flaws in the law aren't that critical," he replied.

  "Well, I'm sure we'll talk about this again some other time," she said with a smile. "But I need to go. I have to help Mother with dinner."

  He kissed the back of her hand gently. "Good day, Eliora. I hope to talk to your father tomorrow."

  "Good day, Basir," she returned, looking pleased. "If you do, I'm sure I'll know by tomorrow night." She then entered the house, and he turned and walked away, whistling cheerfully.

  "What's wrong, little brother?" asked Alain as they headed to work. "You've hardly said a word all morning."

  "Sorry. I just had a bad dream last night."

  "What, again?"

  "Again? I haven't had a dream like this since the solstice," he replied.

  "Well, this is the second time you've let a dream bother you. Come on, cheer up. Today I resign and tomorrow I move into the barracks. You get the place to yourself."

  Donnan suddenly got a strange feeling of dread at the thought of being left alone.

  "You don't got to listen to me snore anymore," Alain went on cheerfully.

  "Yeah, yeah. It'll be great," he replied dully.

  "You worry too much. If you're going to worry about anythin', you should worry about Darris. He isn't goin' to like this."

  He shrugged. "He knew it was comin'. You warned him two weeks ago that you were tryin' out again."

  "You know he just likes complainin'."

  They reached the tavern and the first thing Alain did was find Darris in his office and quit the job. He did agree to finish out his full day's work. A customer darkened the door during the afternoon lull as they were cleaning the common room.

  "Excuse me," said a familiar a female voice.

  The brothers looked up, visibly surprised.

  "Aolani?" said Donnan.

  She walked up to them. "Yes. I'm sorry for interrupting your work, but I need to ask you a question."

  "Go ahead," Alain replied, clearly confused.

  "Yesterday you mentioned you had a fight with Reese."

  Donnan gave his brother what he hoped was an unobtrusive nudge.

  He seemed to get the hint. "Oh, yeah, that. It was nothin', really. Silly of me to mention it."

  "Was Reese harassing you? Did he throw the first punch?" she asked earnestly.

  Alain got another nudge. "Well, it was what, a month ago? I don't really remember now."

  "Clearly you both realize that I'm being courted by Reese right now. I appreciate the efforts of you both to be gentlemanly."

  Donnan flushed a little.

  "But I'd appreciate it more if you'd just be honest with me. I wouldn't ask this question if I didn't want the answer," she finished.

  Alain looked at Donnan for guidance. He nodded slightly.

  "Alright," he sighed. "He was a little drunk..."

  She raised an eyebrow. "A little?"

  Again, he looked to his younger brother for guidance. Donnan gave another encouraging nod.

  "He was pretty drunk," he admitted. "He came in with some of his friends. All off-duty guards I'm guessin'. He started to hassle us, and then started sayin' some, er, unkind things about my brother. I wanted to hit him for that, but I figured that wouldn't look good when I applied to the guard. So I was just tryin' to leave, but then he punched me in the face. I lost my