“Great. I feel totally unprepared. I just almost got my arm chopped off by a friend. Don’t think I’m quite ready to face an enemy yet.”
Arcturus said, “You are a High Priestess among angels, a ruler, Grace. You were created from the highest and most favored of beings—embodying the angelic ideal. When the time comes for you to fight, you will be ready. I promise.”
“Okay, so the talents and posts, what about all that?” My arm was just about to feel better until my mind wondered to that email about Remi returning to his post. That night seemed so long ago.
Arcturus let out a sigh. He hated having to repeat himself. Or at least, he didn’t like talking unless there was some physical activity, like fighting, going on while talking. Arcturus loved to fight. And teaching me how to fight well, he loved that even more.
“Talents are like jobs. So, an angel can be a healer or comforter or peacemaker. That would be his talent. He can also be a death monger or demon-slayer. Also a talent and much more fun if you ask me. Some angels have multiple talents, like you.” He let go of my arm, which now felt like it was on the mend. It still hurt, though. Arcturus ran his hand over my arm and a cast materialized over it.
“I do?” I perked up and cocked my head sideways. “How do you know what your talent is? What about posts? What’s Remi’s post?” I spat it out as if someone had slapped me on the back while drinking.
“Grace.” Another long sigh from Arcturus, like I was exhausting him with my stupidity. He stood up. “I tell you what. Let’s continue this outside. You know, so we can get some fresh air. It’s kind of stuffy in here.” Arcturus looked like a kid who had just begged his mother for an ice pop before dinner. Because I ranked higher than he did, he was not allowed to turn his back on me or walk away. He wanted to so badly, I could tell.
I fought a smile. “Okay, Arcturus. Okay.” I was so tired, and I had little desire to get beaten up by Arcturus again. I found the strength I needed to complete the physical portion of my training, which continued for six hours after Titan finished with me. I didn’t return to my quarters most nights until after midnight.
By the end of the week, I had completed training in military defense strategy, martial arts, defensive action, offensive maneuvers, ancient physical and mental arts, street weaponry, hand-to-hand combat, and chemical, cyber, and biological warfare. I worked hard to achieve superior agility, flexibility, strength, range, and timing. Arcturus suggested I keep my advancement in these areas between the two of us. Said I couldn’t trust anyone.
That day, Arcturus wanted to “practice hand-to-hand combat.” He threw the first punch and hit me square in the face. Little cornrowed jerk.
I steadied myself, pushed my right leg back, and held one hand up blocking my face, the other hand—now completely healed—ready to punch. He circled me, jumping up and down like Muhammed Ali. Amateur. I remained still.
“Let’s go, cherub. Answer my questions. You promised,” I yelled over the growing wind. Just as Arcturus planted his right foot back and looked down to ensure he was on solid footing, I rocked an X-kick that hit him under his chin and knocked him back. Then I spiral kicked him again with my other foot, which knocked him to the ground, probably part of his plan all along. I wasn’t that good. Not yet.
I landed above him with legs spread on either side of him, my left arm in front of my face ready to block him, and my right arm close to my chest, ready to jab. I was breathing heavily, adrenaline flowing, getting warmed up. My arm was getting heavy and starting to hurt.
“Uncle, uncle.” Arcturus smiled and faked a wounded look.
I knew it was gonna take way more than that for Arcturus to go down. “Yeah right. Get up. Let’s go. I’m ready now,” I insisted even as my body began to betray me. My limbs were getting shaky, and my arm muscles were burning. I hated feeling like I couldn’t keep up, feeling winded and in need of water and rest and food.
Arcturus spoke to my mind. You can do it, Grace. You are the one who sits at the top of the Order with a capital O, who