The Chronicles of Lumineia: Book 01 - Elseerian Read Free Page A

paused at the threshold until he spotted his uncle in the crowd, with a plate of steaming food in front of him. Knowing he wouldn’t be able to escape a ribbing, he moved to sit across from him.
    “Took you long enough,” Murai said. “I’m on my second helping.” Despite his tone, the corners of his mouth were struggling to stop a grin. He was also fully dressed with his own katsana on his back.
    “I already finished, but I figured you would like some company,” Taryn replied with a smile.
    Responding with a loud snort, Murai pointed at the food line. “Get some food; you need to be at the arena in two hours.”
    “Do you want me to get you thirds?” Taryn asked as he stood. “I don’t want you to faint from hunger when you fight me today.”
    Looking up, Murai said brightly, “Of course—although not too much bacon." He leaned in and lowered his voice. "I'm trying to watch my weight, you know.”
    Taryn smiled and strode to the back of the line to grab his own breakfast. Sly grins and stifled laughter were directed towards him, and he did his best to ignore it. Overhearing someone whisper to another of his latest attempt in the gardens made him cringe. Even though it was expected, the muffled giggle at the end made him tighten his lips.
    Avoiding eye contact, he felt heat rise to his neck as he stepped forward to grab bread, eggs, and extra bacon. It didn’t help that he could best any of them with a blade. In every other area, he carried the unfortunate renown as the worst on the island. At one time, Murai had encouraged him to stand up for himself. His attempt could only be described as disastrous, and that had been the end of it. He could count on one hand the few he claimed as friends, and that included his uncle.
    Withdrawing into his training had only made it more difficult. Every bit that he excelled only seemed to widen the chasm between himself and the other students, and for some reason he did not understand, many disliked losing to him. The pirate attack four years ago had been a breaking point, and many had yet to forgive him.
    Catching someone shaking their head as they turned away, Taryn realized that today might be a chance to redeem himself—if he did well. Everyone knew what he had to face today, and he doubted anyone would be willing to trade places. By longstanding tradition, students completed their training by facing the very people that had taught them, and Taryn had been instructed by four masters—something that was unheard of in written history. Most fighters studied one, or occasionally two, weapons or skills throughout their time on Sri Rosen. A student with three masters had occurred only twice in the last five hundred years.
    He just wished it had helped him make friends. Not for the first time, he considered the idea that his mixed heritage had something to do with it. Although not entirely elf, or human, he didn’t fit in with either crowd, and apparently, skill in a single area was not sufficient to gain entry to their circles.
    Sighing, he returned to his seat and ate quickly to finish at the same time as his uncle. They dropped their dishes off for the daily dish cleaners and stepped outside to allow others to eat.
    “Do you want to walk or ride?” Murai asked.
    “I think I’ll walk,” replied Taryn. “It’s going to be a beautiful morning.”
    Murai’s gaze lingered on him for several moments before he stretched and smiled. “That’s fine, but these old bones aren’t up for it. I’ll ride and meet you there.” With that he turned and walked towards the stables where his horse was kept.
    Grateful for the time to be alone, Taryn headed out of the village on the meandering trail to Seascape, the largest of all the villages and the only port. Each year several ships came to trade and drop off or pick up passengers. At least twice a year the new students that had been selected to go to Sri Rosen arrived. Most were very young, between three and five years old for