Page 20 of Spirit Trials

“When the gryphons cursed their race, they changed the Guivre into their corporal form. They've been stuck that way ever since.”

“So, the Guivre you guys killed...that’s how they all are?”

“Yes. That’s why we track them and kill them. They’re a danger to all the kingdoms.”

I pause a moment as a few pieces click together. “That’s why we didn’t come straight here. You were tracking that Guivre that destroyed my village.”

He nods solemnly. “I’m sorry we didn’t get it before it got your village; we’d been tracking it for a while.”

I take all that in. Not wanting to think about that horrific day, I move on. “Why did the gryhpons curse them and make them that way?”

“Because as humans with a spirit animal, they would have continued to populate.”

“They can’t...you know...as animals?”

His look is intense. “They can, but most don’t. They’re wild and driven by their blood lust. They don’t really think about mating or repopulating.”

“Why are they blind?”

“That was part of the curse. Dragons are greedy and desire all types of treasure—jewels, riches, shiny things. For the ones that broke away from the Dragon Kingdom, intent on doing evil, the gryphons took away their sight.”

“That’s sad,” I can’t help but say.

“Don’t feel bad for them; they’d rip you apart and feast on your blood if they could.”

I grimace. “Wow, thanks for that visual.”

“Don’t ever underestimate a Guivre; it could cost you your life.”

“I’ve got it,” I say dryly.

“I’m serious; If you ever come across a Guivre, don’t engage. Run.”

I don’t really know how to take him right now, so I go for levity. “Look at you and me. We’re actually having a conversation.”

He doesn’t smile. “You don’t believe any of those things the tailor said, right?”

The sudden change in conversation throws me for a loop. “What?”

He takes a step closer. “What the tailor said about you, about your body.” Instant heat hits my cheeks again. I can’t believe he’s bringing this back up. It was embarrassing enough the first time. “There’s nothing wrong with you.”

“Okaaay,” I say cutting him off. “Thanks for the pep talk; I’m going to head to my room.” I leave him in his room and head to my mine, never looking back.

The next morning, I’m downstairs early. I thought maybe one of the other guys would train me, but it’s Rysden that comes down first.

“Let’s get started. Grab a knife.”

“How come I never get to work with a bow?” I ask.

“You know how to shoot a bow just fine. It’s my job to prepare you with other weapons besides a bow. Now, grab a knife and let’s go.” He seems to be in a mood this morning, so I do as he says. “Now, come at me. And no holding back this time. You’re almost out of time.”

“I’m not going to fight you with a knife.”

Suddenly, he’s behind me with a knife to my throat. “This is serious, Farrah,” he says in my ear. “It’s not a game. You’re going to get killed out there.”

Anger begins to build within me. “I know it’s not a game.”

“Then get out of this hold.” I am very conscious of the knife at my throat.