The Kenryk Series: The Rise of the Emoryk

By Wela Kabane

She has the skills of a seasoned warrior. She did it. Her childhood dream is fulfilled!
However, that doesn't count here, not in Bhrim. Not among the Kenryk Tribe. Amari isn't special here. Everyone has fire. She is surrounded by men who possess the same fighting skills. She isn't allowed to leave Bhrim. Her Avaris training is emotionally, physically and mentally brutal. She is lost. She isn't special anymore.
Yet, from the Sydil, rises a new enemy. One who had been quietly building his army with one objective: the destruction of the Kenryk tribe. What are these fire-breathing creatures not born of women, but created?
The Kenryk's expectations of Amari are clear. Be the Avaris. Do your duty. Protect the tribe and the Endric Sword. However, how can she protect the tribe from the enemy, when she cannot protect herself from the pressure the tribe is exerting on her?
Will Amari be able to find herself in time to stop The Rise of the Emoryk?
Don’t miss book three of the series:
The Kenryk Series: Wildfyre #3

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wela Kabane
• Release date: Nov 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9780620978637

Wela Kabane

Wela Kabane is a fantasy fiction author from South Africa. She enjoys writing books where anyone can find a bit of themselves. She has been writing since she was 10-years-old and has finally mustered the courage to become a self-published author. The Kenryk Series is her first published series.

Book preview

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THE KENRYK SERIES

THE RISE OF

THE EMORYK

Book Two

WELA KABANE

THE KENRYK SERIES: THE RISE OF THE EMORYK

BOOK TWO

By Wela Kabane

The Kenryk Series: The Rise of the Emoryk (Book Two) Copyright © 2022 by Wela Kabane

Alright reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner without the publisher's and author's express written permission. The book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used factiously and are not meant to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, persons, or organisations is entirely coincidental.

For information regarding permissions, write to: Wela Kabane- permissions- [e-mail] Cover design by Sive Kabane and Nerisha Designs Formatting and layout design by Saqib Arshad Il ustrations by Veronika Wunderer www.veronika-wunderer.com

ISBN: 978-0-620-97862-0 (print)

e-ISBN: 978-0-620-97863-7 (eBook)

DEDICATION

To my aunt, Buyiswa Ngcawuzele Buso. You were a fierce presence alive and an even stronger one now that you have crossed over. Your presence wil forever live on.

Are you yourself if you are unaware of whom you can become?

A once assertive Amari finds herself chalenged as she attempts to assimilate into the life of a Kenryk and the ever-demanding role of an Avaris.

Wil she be able to reach within and awaken that fiery warrior she stifled in time to defend the tribe from the looming threat of the Emoryk Army?

Don’t miss book 3 of the series:

The Kenryk Series: Wildfyre

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PROLOGUE

ire! It raged mercilessly everywhere. Spine chil ing screams tore F through the moderately cold autumn night as the army of horned riders ripped through the vil age, carelessly spil ing blood in their wake. So much chaos. So much blood. She whirled around in a wild panic, staggering over her feet. Regaining her balance, the need to do something ripped through her. She couldn’t just stand there and not do anything.

Instinctively, her hand reached for the sword always at her side, but her hand only grasped air.

The ground under her feet shook as she scrambled searchingly to find the sword. Nothing. There was nothing there. Lifting her eyes to the oncoming enemy, Amari was struck by the overwhelming sense of helplessness. Raising her hand, she attempted the next best thing. Fire.

Pushing with everything she had, she wil ed fire out of her hand, intent on charring her enemy into ashes. And yet…nothing happened. Blood drained from her face in horror, pathetical y shaking her hand as though somehow that single act would bring forth her powers. Instead, the enemy barrel ed her way, its size, sharp blade, and bared teeth promising swift execution.

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THE KENRYK SERIES

A scream on her right snapped her out of her immobilising panic, and her feet moved under. She ran fast, hard through the burning village, looking for anything. A horse ran past her, almost knocking her down, and on its back, two young boys clung to it as it sped away. Then, as she whirled around, her breath caught in her throat as she spotted a familiar face. Korrigan!

He carried a sword, blood oozing from the side of his head, his clothes ripped as he searched the crowd. There was something different about him. He appeared…younger. Relief washing over her, she rushed towards him, intent on asking him what was going on, but he started moving, running towards one of the thatched huts in the vil age.

Korrigan! She cried out, but he just continued to run towards the hut. Korrigan!

Why wasn’t he stopping? Couldn’t he hear her over al the chaos?

Korrigan halted as a rider on a horse emerged from the hut, riding away from the chaos hastily. The young rider held a tiny bundle protectively in his arms, and Korrigan stood there.

Arteryn? Korrigan said incredulously, rushing quickly towards the hut as the fire raged around him.

Korrigan! A voice called as Amari finally reached Korrigan, and as she went for his arms to bring his attention to her, her hand wafted straight through him. She gasped, but it didn’t appear he heard her.

Korrigan whirled around to face whoever had cal ed him, and she saw a woman running towards him, carrying a motionless little boy in her arms.

Karla! Korrigan cal ed and sped towards her instantly. With nothing else to do, Amari fol owed Korrigan towards the woman whose face was torn with such grief. Korrigan leapt over bodies that were everywhere!

A sound Amari had become familiar with reached her ears as an arrow tore into the night, and just as Korrigan got to Karla, the large arrow pierced her chest. Karla drew to a halt, her eyes wide with shock. Her arms went slack, the child slipped to the ground, and her knees began to cave.

Karla! Korrigan cried out and was beside her as she sank to the ground. He caught her and went down with her. Karla! No, Karla!

The gut-wrenching pain in his voice was tangible as he covered her cheek with his hand.

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THE RISE OF THE EMORYK

Korrigan, Karla said brokenly as she looked up at him, blood sputtering from her mouth as she reached for him, clasping his arms while she stared at him wildly. Bury. Me. With. My… children, brother.

No, Karla… Tears streamed down his eyes as the light faded from Karla’s eyes.

It was as she watched the other woman die that she sensed it. A tingling at the back of her neck, and she turned around and froze.

Entranced. The steely gaze of a young man entrapped her where he stood across her, separated from her by bodies, fire, and blood. Horns protruded from his forehead, smaller than the other beasts around him. He stared at her as though he could see her.

He had a sharp face, high cheekbones, and silver hair and stood imposingly tall. But then… he smirked, and his hand tightened on the hilt of the sword in his hand. The pleasure on his face seemed misplaced amidst all the chaos. His eyes roamed away, looking around him. It was unbelievable. He was enjoying this, rejoicing in this madness, and then he looked at her again.

You! She heard the gasped word behind her and turned to see Korrigan staring at the other man in surprise. That was when she realised the silvered-haired young man had been looking at Korrigan al this time.

The younger man tossed a gleeful smirk towards Korrigan and then turned on his feet. Before he departed, he looked over his shoulder.

So long as I live, the Kenryk will never find peace. I will rest only when I have kil ed every one of you.

With that, the young man ran into the chaos, leaving Korrigan trembling with barely contained rage, disbelief, and grief.

He’s coming, Amari. A voice said behind her, and she paused, the voice so clear and distinct, drowning out al the chaos. She turned slowly, her heart beating wildly in her chest as she faced a familiar face. No, not quite. She had never met this man before, but Amari had been raised by a man who looked just like him.

Artel o? It came out as a strangled whisper as she stared at him in shock. He rushed at her, roughly clasping his hand on her shoulder, then shook her, his face fil ed with panic.

He’s coming! Tel them he’s coming!

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CHAPTER ONE

rteryn said you were a quick learner, but it has been three months, A and you cannot even master the most basic Avaris skil. Korrigan said in exasperation.

She tried maintaining the orb of gold particles around her, where she sat on the floor in the middle of the room. The gold particles symbolised Endric Sword powers. She was supposed to hear the Old through the Endric Sword. Therefore, she should harness the powers of the ancestors to use the Endric Sword fully.

Amari bit back her response, triggered by Korrigan's words but refusing the need to defend herself. It would be pointless. Korrigan did not accept excuses. She had learned that quite wel the last three months since she had moved to Bhrim to become an Avaris. Kenryk rejected excuses.

Amari, unless you connect your core to the Endric Sword, you wil keep going into an Avaris sleep when you use it. Korrigan continued pacing before her.

Ah yes, nothing like being reminded what she did in the Sagar arena had been nothing more than a fluke. A one-hit wonder. She had used powers she was not ready for, Korrigan had said, and that was why she had succumbed to the Avaris sleep. She needed to learn how to use her 5

THE KENRYK SERIES

Avaris powers to prepare. Nothing like being expected to cram thirteen years of training into a brief period.

You're too distracted. I need you to concentrate. The sooner you connect your core to the Endric Sword, the sooner you and Korin can connect as Avaris and Khaiman.

It hurts! She wanted to scream at him. It hurt every part of her body, and she went to bed in more pain than ever. She felt herself lose control of the powers she was channel ing, the orb around her thinning. Then, final y, she caught herself, keeping her eyes closed as she pushed the powers forward. Sitting cross-legged like this for hours had become torture to her knees. Then, taking a deep breath, she glanced towards the large window where for at least four hours a day, she was isolated in this room in the castle with Korrigan, practising.

Looking down at her hand, both biceps tattooed with intricate Kenryk carvings that had taken weeks to recover from, she once more wondered if it were too late to flee, leave Bhrim and never look back.

Amari, are you even listening? Korrigan brought her attention back to him. He was different in here than out there. Korrigan was not here uncle in this large room with lofty ceilings, large windows, and tapestries.

He was her teacher. He may be dressed like a Kenryk, but he was doing his duty here. Outside here, when they walked to the vil age, she was supposed to forget al the pain she endured and see her uncle.

She dissolved the orb around her, exhaling sharply. Whenever she stopped using her powers, the deflation her body did when she exhaled was torturous.

She opened her eyes, looking at Korrigan.

I think if I could have just one day off whereby I don't train-

"A day off? Amari, there is talk across the Kais that Emori have started wreaking havoc across Sagar vil ages. We cannot be complacent.

We must be vigilant. It is only a matter of time before they find us. We must be ready. You must be ready."

His harsh reminder didn't soothe the burning sensation al over her skin, the dizziness, the pounding headache, and the dried blood dripping from her nose.

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THE RISE OF THE EMORYK

"You must master the proper way to conjure Avaris powers.

Unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of years to train. You're twenty years old. This is stuff your father was doing when he was seven."

Korrigan pointed out, and she stared quietly at the man in front of her.

The Kenryk way of dressing was thankfully not chal enging. Both men and women wore a hip-length tunic and a wraparound knee-length linen robe over the tunic and belted it in the front. Long form-fitting pants were worn underneath. Leather boots were worn in winter and sandals in summer.

Men wore their hair with three flat braids on each side, tied at the top of the head with a red cloth. Amari had quickly realised that there was something different, though. While others wore their knee-length linen robes with various kinds of braiding and embroidery. She was the only one who wore hers with a burnt orange braiding at the cuffs and fire embroidery on the lapels. Amari was also the only one who wore a burn orange linen belt. The colours were reserved for the Avaris. Korin’s colours were green to match his eyes. Derik’s colours were red.

Depending on the rank of the men, some senior members of the tribe or warriors braided a red cloth into every braid and wore their hair longer than the others.

Looking at Korrigan, she realised how different he was in Bhrim.

Gone were the robes the Kenryk wore when they left Bhrim. Instead, he was dressed as a proper Kenryk. His long dark hair, braided on either side of his head in three cornrows, had a thick red string intertwined into each cornrow. One of his cornrows had an orange cloth braided into it, and she now knew that indicated he was the next Leader of the tribe. The rest of his hair flowed down his back.

Around his neck, he wore a string of brown and amber beads and had similar strings of beads on each bicep. The arm beads were not visible now because he wore a long-sleeved beaded robe, and around his waist, he had a belted knee-length thick amber cloth worn over black form-fitting pants.

When it was hot, she had been told, men forewent the fitting dark pants and wore only the vests and wrap-around amber cloths around their waists.

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THE KENRYK SERIES

His face was painted, too, with a pattern of white vertical markings over his eyebrows, a solid line down his nose, and three vertical lines right on his chin.

Face art was a thing in the Kenryk tribe, and it varied from person to person, but the three stripes on the chin were standard.

If I could just have a single day off…. Amari attempted weakly, but it was pointless. The Council needed her ready to defend the Endric Sword if the Emori found them. She already knew Korrigan's response.

She had to continue.

Two gold bands with intricate carvings in the Kenryk language she was desperately trying to study hung on each of her wrists. They didn't weigh much, but every time she saw them, she could not help feeling shackled.

She held back her pleas, pushing strands of hair that had become loose from the two braids that went down her back. Excuses were frowned upon in the Kenryk tribe.

She looked down at the Endric Sword in its full glory lying in front of her, where she sat crossed legged on the hard floor and swal owed the sigh she almost released.

The objective? She had to connect with the Sword spiritually to connect with the Old. The Old would then provide her guidance. Only, how did she connect with ancestors she did not even know?

She reached forward slowly, touched the Sword blade, and inhaled sharply before closing her eyes.

Now, go within yourself and find that part of you that connects with the Sword. Korrigan continued as though she had not said anything.

Closing her eyes again, Amari took her mind back to that day in the arena in Sagar, striving to conjure the powers she used that day. Nothing.

Nothing happened. She was drained, flat, and useless. Stil , she pushed herself, forcing herself to feel that energy, those powers. She tried, searching for the Sword from a spiritual sense.

The fire rings are forming around you. Keep pushing. Korrigan instructed, but she did not open her eyes. The rings were like three circles of fire lines that danced around her whenever she started channel ing her 8

THE RISE OF THE EMORYK

Avaris powers. Her eyes were supposed to turn liquid gold, and the Sword was supposed to levitate.

She managed to get it vertical with her powers, but with each passing second, her head pounded, her body screamed in pain, and she felt blood slide down her nose again. She felt the Sword. She was always connected to it, but her version of being connected to it and the Kenryk version was drastically different. The Sword hovered before her as the three fire lines raged around her. Lifting her arms, she created a circle motion with her arm, fol owed by a circular motion of her index and middle finger.

She felt it, the powers in the Endric Sword that raged wildly. Then, finally, it came to her, and the moment it crossed the fire rings, the energy and force became too potent. Her whole body felt on fire, her skul felt like it would crack open at any moment and pain shot through her entire body.

Sputtering, blood flew from her lips, and she recoiled as the searing pain felt like it would tear her into two. Then, the rings of fire disappeared, and the Sword fel , clanging on the cold hard floor as she grasped her chest from the pain.

She looked at Korrigan, who shook his head and threw his hands in the air.

Artel o said you would be a stronger Avaris than he was. You can't even maintain basic contact with the Sword. I think he was mistaken about you. We wil resume tomorrow. Perhaps then you wil take this seriously.

With that, Korrigan left the large room, the door banging behind him echoing around her.

She wiped the blood from her nose and mouth and gingerly pushed herself to her feet. Then, picking up the Endric Sword, she transfigured it into its medal ion form and tied it around her neck.

She was fine. She was fine. This was like those first few months when she trained with Arteryn as a child. She would eventually get the hang of it and connect with the Sword. She was fine. She was fine.

She repeated the words to herself as she picked up her black cloak and tied it around her neck. Three things hung around her neck. One was the Endric Sword in medallion form, a string of black beads with a single large bead in the front that marked her as the Avaris. The third was a string of 9

THE KENRYK SERIES

much smal er red and white beads, symbolising that she was an unwed Kenryk woman. Then, changing her clothes, she took off the ankle-length brown tunic with short sleeves and a braided belt, switched into a long-sleeved cream shirt, threw an amber vest that crossed over her front, and then belted it on the side. Then, pulling on her long form-fitting pants, she stuffed her feet into black boots, picked up her Sword and walked out of the room.

She let her mind wander to Synia, the life she had lived before coming here as a distraction from the pain that wracked her body. She played over the arguments she used to have with Crispin, making her way through the castle, and when she finally stepped outside, the weak autumn sun hit her face through long tree branches.

She exhaled as though that would miraculously heal her internal wounds, then trudged down the quiet path towards the vil age.

She had never seen a setup like the Kenryk tribe.

Kenryk lived in homesteads. Each family had its own homestead comprised of three or more houses, depending on the man's number of children.

Unless a man was wed, he lived at home with his parents. Once he married, he would build his own bungalow-style next to his father's homestead. Then, when his children got wives, they would develop their own, extending the homestead.

Derik had built his house. Korrigan had made his own within the homestead. Korrigan's sons had built their own homes within the homestead. This effectively meant the family stayed together even if they had their own houses. Children were looked after by the col ective family and grew up together. Suppers were shared in the senior member's house.

In Amari's family, that was Derik.

The first thing Arteryn had done when they moved to Bhrim was building his bungalow within Derik's homestead instead of living with him. It had been hot gossip for weeks. Korrigan's large bungalow was within Derik's homestead, but because he had two adult sons who were married with their own children, they had each built their bungalows from Korrigan's house instead of Derik's.

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THE RISE OF THE EMORYK

Yes, Amari had cousins. Korrigan had sons. Mox and Keeran. Keeran was older, twenty-five, and Mox twenty-four. They were married to wives who didn't really care much for Amari.

Arteryn was not supposed to build his own house, Korrigan had explained to her, because he was unwed. However, Arteryn had used the excuse of being Amari's proxy father as an excuse not to live with his father. He had a daughter, Arteryn had said, and Amari needed to come from her father's house as Artel o would have done for her.

Amari hadn't quite understood the severity of Arteryn's decision until he had been brought before the Council to question his intention to separate Amari from Derik. Arteryn had refused to explain himself, simply stating he was too old at thirty-four to live under his father's roof. He pointed out that Amari had been left to him by Artel o; therefore, he was giving her the home her parents had built her.

Despite their displeasure, Arteryn hadn't budged from his decision.

He hasn't changed one bit! I would have him whipped if it were not for the Khosai! Councilman Showel had declared in anger. Amari stil didn't know what the Khosai was. She was too exhausted to even enquire about it. I have something for you.

Forde's voice drew her out of her musings while she followed the path heavily concealed under trees that led to the Kenryk vil age. She halted, glancing to her side to find him leaning against a tree. She blinked twice, and a tear slid down her cheek that she wiped away furiously.

You're back. Her voice cracked as she slowly made her way toward him. She would have leapt into his arms if her body were not in such excruciating pain. She hadn't seen him in six weeks. Six long weeks. She missed him so much.

He met her halfway, gently wrapping his arms around her body, and she buried her face into his chest and tried to hold back emotions. The Council had given Forde a choice. He was a spare Khaiman, they explained. If Korin died before he had a son, as the son of Korin's father's sister, the Khaiman powers would shift to him. So, Forde was permitted to live within the tribe. As someone who came from the bloodline of 11

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Khaimans, he was valuable to the tribe. However, Forde had proven himself invaluable in other ways.

His ability to mix concoctions, salves, and medicine to treat ailments in the brief time he had been here quickly made him the go-to person for il nesses. He had saved the granddaughter of one of the Councilmen whom the existing healer had already given up on. Forde saw medicine differently from anyone in the tribe, and Amari knew it was a gift that came only to someone in the Khaiman bloodline.

Forde had chosen to stay. Initially for Korin, Amari had thought, but he was carving out his own life in the tribe. His Kenryk half was maternal; therefore, he didn't have to participate in any Kenryk rites, but he could if he wanted to.

Show me where it hurts. He said in a whisper, and she took a step back and looked at him. She didn't question it when he handed her a smal vial and drank the contents. I found the root I was searching for. You wil use it nightly when you soak in a bath. It wil alleviate the pain in your muscles. I made you something to calm your nerves that you must only drink after supper to give you a restful sleep-

Are you going to kiss me or not? She cut him off, taking a step forward, but he glanced around quickly, and she paused.

Ah, yes! The terms and conditions. He could only stay if he did not establish a romantic relationship with Amari. Their bloodlines could never mix. They could not be together. Not until Korin had a son. That seemed unlikely to happen, so all they had were stolen moments.

Korrigan gave me a long lecture the last time he caught us kissing.

Forde reminded her. How could she forget? If Korrigan told the Council, Forde would be ejected from the tribe, and she would never see him again.

She chewed her lower lip as Forde stepped forward and gently tugged at it with his thumb. Gone were the clothes of the noble nephew of Synia.

No, Forde had assimilated into the Kenryk tribe better than she had. He was dressed similarly to Korrigan, just without the beads, and of course, his hair was now braided, but instead of three cornrows on each side, his hair had five cornrows on the top and then was tied back.

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He towered over her, gently caressing her lower lip. He lifted his other hand and touched one of the three braids she had on either side of her temples while the rest of the hair was tied back in a ponytail.

You haven't been getting any sleep, Forde noted, his eyes scanning her face. You've lost weight.

I'm fine. That had become her go-to response to any concern about her wel -being. I'm fine, she would lie. I am just doing more activities a day than normal. Speaking of which, I must go before I am late for my training with Arteryn.

You can't skip it? Just for today? I brought you some things I think you might like on my travels. He hadn't taken a step back and was stil assessing her with concern.

She shook her head. Sometimes the council members come in to watch, and sometimes I have to spar with other warriors. I must go…every day. Have you seen Korin?

Forde nodded quickly. He looks…great.

Great was an understatement. Korin was glowing. There was something about him like he was a new man who didn't care about other people's opinions or care for their validation. He had also gotten piercings.

Two on each earlobe. He looked stunning.

I met him at home before I came to look for you, Forde explained.

He and Korin shared a bungalow they had built outside any homestead, even though they had an uncle in the tribe. It wasn't a secret Showel detested Korin, and Forde had not been about to build anywhere near someone who publicly besmirched Korin's name. You and Arteryn are coming for dinner at ours today.

Amari shook her head. I'd love to, but today my grandfather wil give me a Kenryk history lecture after supper.

Amari, surely he can al ow you to miss one day. Forde frowned, his concern for her escalating. Don't you think they're overwhelming you?

She rubbed the back of her neck, trying to work out the kinks, but winced in pain. They are worried because the Emori seem to be causing trouble in southern parts of Sagar. So, they think the Emori might come to Bhrim.

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THE KENRYK SERIES

So what? Do they think they can prepare you to be the ultimate Avaris in such a brief time? They are piling too much on you. You're not going to progress because they are wearing you out. He cupped her cheeks with his hands and glanced around quickly before gently lowering his head and kissing her.

Amari wished she could lose herself in the kiss, but if she al owed anything but adrenaline to power her, she was afraid she would fall apart.

He released her and brushed his thumb against her cheek, concern marring his face.

Maybe we can go on a hike or visit Derriane. He suggested, and Amari felt a solitary tear slip down her cheek, then shook her head as she wiped it away furiously.

I'm not allowed to leave Bhrim, remember.

Forde took a step back and ran a hand of frustration down his face before crossing his arms over his chest. There was no point in his displeasure at her circumstances. There was nothing he could do, and they both knew it.

She wiped more tears that started to fall, then pasted a fake smile on her lips. Arteryn is waiting for me.

Let me carry that. He took her regular sword, and they quietly made their way through the flat pathway leading to the Kenryk vil age. They crossed an arched stone bridge that had already been built when the Kenryk had moved to Bhrim seventeen years ago.

We could always elope, and you can go live your life as my wife in Synia, Forde muttered, and Amari smiled for real for the first time. She didn't know how often he said that to her, but they both knew it was not possible. I could become a farmer. Raise pigs-

Forde! Not pigs! She smacked his arm as they finally led to a clearing, and the Kenryk vil age sprawled before her. It was larger than she had expected, with more people than expected. The family system made it that there were little clusters of homes within the broader vil age, and a large wel was at the centre of the vil age. Houses were built of sturdy walls and clay tiles, and it was almost a daily ritual to sweep the yard. The vil age was a bustle of activity, and when a group of women turned her way, Amari knew what was about to happen.

14

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CHAPTER TWO

alking about her behind cupped hands and openly gossiping about T her had become a typical day of Amari’s life. In Synia, people whispered about how unconventional she was. However, it hadn’t bothered her because she had been working towards a goal.

Here? Here she was an incompetent Avaris who could never get her braid right, didn’t understand the rules and norms, and made many social mistakes. Here, she was an outcast. Mothers warned their daughters about her because they believed she would corrupt them with worldly behaviour.

As such, her social circle was non-existent.

I see they’re stil obsessed with you, Forde said sarcastically as they moved through the vil age. Ignore them.

They ignore me, so that is easy enough to achieve. However, the lack of a social circle made it harder for her to learn certain things about the tribe, especially when it came to women. This was because her family was so male dominated.

They wil get used to you eventually.

She didn’t see it getting better soon, but she held back her words.

Forde glanced her way and frowned at her.

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THE KENRYK SERIES

Since when have you been economical when you speak to me? He asked, and she pushed the hair that had slipped from her braid, making her look messy, away from her face and shrugged.

I’ve had a long day. And it was only eleven in the morning.

Korin says you’ve been quiet.

Korin should keep his mouth shut.

He’s concerned for you.

I know. She knew. He honestly was concerned for her. He went beyond to check on her and ensure she was alright. He made sure to visit her every day and made a significant effort to cheer her up. I just want him to focus on getting better.

Korin is better, Amari. You’re not. Come have supper with us today.

Forde, I can’t. I have the lecture-

I’m not asking. I’m tel ing. You need it. You need to be away for a moment from al the responsibilities. Besides, we’re cooking Orrick food today. I am certain Arteryn wil make it happen.

He could. He offered to, many times. He spoke up for her against her gruel ing schedule, but she didn’t want to be seen as slacking off or incompetent. Therefore, despite how it was bruising her mentally and physically, she went along with everything.

Just today.

She took a deep breath and wondered how Derik would take her request to postpone their lecture for the fol owing day.

I’ll see.

Derik would tel her Artel o would make the sacrifices. Despite not remembering the man, every move Amari made was under Artel o’s shadow. Everyone said he had been so great, and apparently, a lot had not deemed her worthy of this birth right she could not escape.

Fortunately, the walk to where she trained didn’t force her to go through the entire vil age. Instead, they branched to the right, and she almost tripped over children running and playing. Forde quickly caught her and set her right, and she murmured her thanks.

She met daily in a cleared space in the woods to spar with Arteryn or other warriors. Sometimes, other Kenryk came to watch. It was the only time she didn’t doubt herself. At least in this skil , she knew she was 16

THE RISE OF THE EMORYK

competent. However, it took her a few sessions with various people to realise Arteryn had taught her the Kenryk way of fighting. Most people could keep up with her, which knocked her confidence a little.

Arteryn was already waiting. He had been growing his hair so he could braid it, but even though it was long enough, he didn’t. So instead, he chose to wear a single braid with a silver string. Amari knew that Korin had given it to him.

He dressed in a dark shirt and form-fitting black pants, and even though he was the only familiar thing to her here, there was something different about him in Bhrim. An edge of danger lurked below the surface.

She discovered a stubbornness and determination to break as many possible rules as possible in him.

He was standing in the clearing, a smile on his face as he spoke low to someone. As they reached the clearing, Amari saw what had put that look on Arteryn’s face. Korin was here today.

I didn’t expect to see you here, Amari noted the basket Korin was carrying. It was food. She just knew it. He was on a mission to ensure she ate. Even though at twenty-four, Korin would have had the right to braid his hair like the other men in the vil age, he had not undergone the rite of passage to adulthood. As such, he chose to pull the front strands up into a ponytail and let the rest of the hair that had grown considerably long flow loosely around his shoulders.

He sat on a blanket on the floor, looking like a ray of sunshine. His earrings enhanced his beauty, and there was something different about him now that he had found his confidence in