The Marksman [The Talent of Three: Book 1]

5 ••• A Word of Warning

Atheris is lifting her fork to her mouth halfway through dinner when a hush sweeps over the entirety of the hall. Atheris looks up at the room's front and her jaw drops. She sets the fork down.

The leader of the Archers stands at the front of the room, hands poised as though he had just clapped.

"Archers," he says warmly, "it is an honor to see you all. This may be the last time I see you all, you know. The Quests are dangerous; some of you may lose your lives. Others will get lost, either purposely or not, and will never be seen again.

"But I have faith in all of you." He smiles. "Some of you know my name; others do not. For those who don't, I am Flint Kric. I have seen your names printed on your report papers, but I have not seen your faces. Now I have seen you and you have seen me." His jovial tone and expression are replaced by a grim and serious tone. "I am here, Archers, to bestow a word of warning.

"The Choosing comes in three days. You will be separated from your friends and the people you have learned to call your family. Most would say the Quest is the most dangerous part of your lives. I say it is the Choosing."

Murmurs of shock fly around the room, eyes flicking around to glance at friends and ask silent questions.

"Ah, I see you do not believe me," Flint says. "But let me explain before you jump to conclusions. The Choosing is when you are taken from your friends, mentors, and those who have become your family. Your world is flipped and you must learn how to work with people you have never met before in a short amount of time, right before your lives will depend upon each other—and quite literally." Flint looked to the mentors. "Would you not agree that the Choosing is very difficult?"

"Difficult, yes," Eryx agrees, "but—for me, at least—the Quests were the hardest part."

Pavel, another trainer who was stocky in build and scared half the students with his eyes like ice, says, "I have to agree with Eryx."

Yet another, Coleridge, disagrees. "I'm going to agree with you, Flint. The Choosing held the most nerves for me." Coleridge had always been one of the favorite teachers. With his honey-gold hair and green eyes, he exuded a friendly vibe.

Sterling nods his head of curly black hair to Coleridge. "I experienced something similar to Coleridge."

Before any of the other trainers can speak up, Flint nods. "Well, I suppose it is different for everyone. But, young Archers—do not be afraid. I have complete faith in every one of you. You will succeed."

With his warning finished, Flint bows his head and leaves the room. Trainers continue walking through the tables, watching the students and the young Archers continue eating.

Atheris and Demitria share a look. The last time Flint had been seen was when a student had died on a Quest. 

"I have a feeling this year's Quest is going to be harsh," Atticus murmurs, seeing the two girls exchanging a glance.

"Why else would Flint appear?" Atheris mutters. "As much as I like him—he's nice and all—Flint seems to be a sign of death and pain."