Atlantis

Chapter Twenty-Six

"I've been summoned." Faye said, standing formally before the Commander. She would not have expected Lexa to call her to the training grounds.

"You have, and you came." Lexa said. She started walking, expecting Faye to follow. "Look at them." She gestured to the young Nightbloods.

"Very cute." Faye said dryly, passing by a pair of them training. "Not as cute." She said, passing by one who had drawn blood.

"Aden." Lexa called over a little boy. "So far, Aden is top of the class, bested by no one." Lexa gave Faye one of the wooden staffs they were using. "Though none of them have seen a real fight."

Faye took the staff, but would not fight a child.

"Perhaps they should see what a real fight looks like. When the conclave comes, I want them to know what they're up against."

"Heda, I..."

"We shall show them." Lexa surprised Faye by taking a stick of her own. All the students formed a circle around them, giving them enough space.

Faye took her stance, opposite of Lexa.

Lexa stuck first, pushing the staff towards Faye, who jumped back. Choosing the defensive side, Faye waited for Lexa to attack again.

Lexa charged with both hands firmly on the wood. Faye put her staff between Lexa's arms and threw her over her shoulder.

Lightly stepping on her arm and knocking her staff away.

"Again." Lexa insisted.

They stood, resetting in the circle.

This time, Faye charged first. Making an attempt at Lexa's legs, but Lexa blocked with her stick. Faye used the other end to knock Lexa's away.

She then struck the back of her leg, pressing the wood against her neck, telling her she had lost.

Lexa grabbed the edge of the staff and pushed it back at Faye, hitting her jaw.

Faye stumbled back, holding her face. Lexa stood over her.

"Okay, help me up." Faye held up her hand. Lexa helped her up and Faye used this as a way to switch places with Lexa, now being the one at the advantage.

"Heda, they're here." Titus said. Letting his leader know that Skaikru had arrived for the summit. "Nightbloods. Pair up and continue training."

"Aden is ready." Lexa said. "He's even better than I was before my conclave. Yet, not the best I've seen." She glanced back at Faye.

Titus and Lexa walked, Faye staying close behind.

"You still think the summit is a bad idea?"

"You mean well, Heda. But now is not the time for good intentions. Your enemies are circling. When Nia moves against you, our focus should be there. Instead, you antagonize her further, by offering Skaikru a seat at your table."

"I will not let the fear of war dictate our agenda." Lexa said, ignoring Titus' advice.

"Why are you doing this?" He asked. "Sky people are here to negotiate a treaty, not join the coalition. They didn't ask for this. Not one of the twelve clans will accept it."

"They will accept it, when they see Wanheda bow before me." Lexa insisted.

"She won't even see you." Titus reminded her. "Yet everything you do elevates her. Why?"

"Clarke elevated herself. She's special."

"You are special, Heda. I've been the flamekeeper for four commanders, and no one has done what you have. We are so close to our goal. If you want the power of Wanheda, you know what must be done. You strike her down. Kill her. You take her power."

Titus turned to leave.

"Faye." She walked forward to stand next to Lexa. "Ice Nation will attack at some point. I will need someone to take my place, someone I trust."

Faye remained silent.

"Someone I know will be a good leader. And I know you will win the conclave."

"Lexa, no." Faye shook her head. "No, you say Aden is ready. Make him your successor. Set him up to win. I can't be the commander."

"You ran away from our conclave, you were scared. I know. But now you are a warrior. The best warrior I've seen."

"Lexa, you may not die soon."

"And yet I feel the blade of Ice Nation at my throat. Please do this for me, Faye." Lexa took Faye's hand in her own. "You were born to be the Commander."

The thought of Lexa's death crept up on Faye. She couldn't imagine losing her friend and commander.

"And I will fight for you. If war does come, I will do whatever it takes to keep you alive. And if a conclave arrives, then I have failed you."