The Marksman [The Talent of Three: Book 1]

8 ••• The Choosing

"Wow! Atheris is already awake!" Demitria teases upon walking into the sitting room to find Atheris criss-cross sitting on the couch, in her full-body uniform and coat, her bow in her lap, empty quiver beside her, arrows on the floor in front of her.

"I didn't sleep at all," Atheris mutters.

"I don't think any of us did," Demitria admits, folding her legs under her as she sits beside Atheris. She glances at the bow in her friend's lap. "Have you been polishing that all night?"

"Just the past hour," Atheris says, shrugging. "I had nothing better to do, so why not?" She sets the bow aside and counts out her arrows, checking the fletchings and tips. She tests the tip by poking her finger with it. Several times, she draws blood.

•••

Atheris stands next to Atticus in line. He is shaking beside her, and she wonders how she manages to keep still. The Choosing is the biggest moment of her life, the time where everything is defined.

So...why isn't she scared?

•••

Assurance quickly gives way to fear when Flint approaches the massive brazier containing all the marble stones bearing the names of the Archers.

Flint and two others speak in low tones before all three reach for stones.

They withdraw their hands at the same time. One of the men Atheris does not know calls, "Kayne Ledow of the Assassins."

Murmurs fly around the glen as a boy steps forward from a tiny group.

"Assassins?" Atticus hisses to Atheris. "Since when is that a group?"

"I—I don't know!" Atheris stutters, shocked. "But I pity whoever is with him. He'll be dangerous, that's for sure."

Atheris studies the boy. He's blonde with what appear to be clear blue eyes. He is well-built and carries himself with his shoulders back and head straight up. Atheris is reminded of the Military. I wonder if the Assassins are a smaller diversion of the Military.

Flint reaches into the brazier. "Atheris Jones of the Archers!"

Atheris's stomach goes cold. Her? She is shaking, now, as she goes up to Flint. She stands by him, completely and utterly afraid. She glances at the boy named Kayne and swallows hard.

"It's alright," Flint murmurs in her ear. Everything will be explained."

The third man reads out, "Chip West of Technologists!"

The three—Atheris, Kayne, and Chip—stare at each other.

Flint guides the three to the side where they stand awkwardly. None of them speak to each other for the remainder of the Choosing.

Atheris is still shaking by the end of it, with the Assassin standing beside her.