Threshold of Annihilation (The Firebird Chronicles #3) - T.A. White Page 0,142
A flower took shape as a sphere spun around it.
Yukina sank into the final pose, the fan open and held in such a way that it hid the lower half of her face.
Applause broke out at the sight.
The Haldeel on the stage broke into a smile, his posture announcing his pleasure in the outcome.
"The Tuann have impressed us with their elegance and sincerity," Alexander announced.
The platform lowered.
As soon as Yukina and her challenger cleared the way, a second Haldeel disembarked from the pyramid.
He strode across the floor, stopping in front of Himoto. As the first one had, he bowed. "Honorable guest, I have come to challenge you."
"The Consortium answers your challenge."
At a nod from Himoto, Jace moved forward.
"Don't be so hasty, Admiral," Kent said. "Such actions would lead our hosts to believe you speak for all of us."
A hush fell.
"Is he really that much of an idiot?" Jin hissed.
"I'm going to go with a yes."
Why else would he do such a stupid and pointless thing?
The way the Haldeel had approached Himoto made it clear how highly in their esteem they held him. Challenging their decision in such a public forum was not only disrespectful to the host but could also affect the standing of the Consortium as a whole if the Haldeel chose to take offense.
"He strikes me as the sort of man who allows ambition to cloud his better judgment," Graydon observed.
"Should we intervene?" Jin asked.
Kira hesitated, studying Himoto.
"No need," she said, shaking her head.
Something told her Himoto had this well in hand.
"The rear admiral isn't the only one who has performed well during this quorum," Kent said in a chiding tone. "Come. Allow others to make a name for themselves."
The crinkles around Himoto's eyes deepened. "I don't remember you having the rank or privilege to question me. Know your place, Admiral, or be put in it."
The words were a harsh rebuke delivered in a pleasant tone.
Kent bristled, but even he wasn't stupid enough to push back. He didn't have the rank to question Himoto. Any further actions would result in removal from his station. It wouldn't matter how many powers supported him from the shadows in that case.
"Rear Admiral Skarsdale," Himoto said.
Jace snapped to attention.
"Please show our hosts the extent of our fighting spirit."
"With pleasure, Admiral," Jace said.
Jace and the Haldeel made their way to the platform. As before, it started to rise as soon as they stepped onto its surface.
"I've chosen the sphere of color for you. May the tides be in your favor," the Haldeel said.
His summoned sphere shot toward Jace, stopping at the last minute.
It flared, a prism of colors surrounding Jace in an incomprehensible three-dimensional image of a cube.
Every few seconds the colors switched, the pattern in front of him shifting in an endless permutation.
Each third shift, the cube contracted.
If Jace didn't solve it, the cube would eventually restrict his movements to nothing. At that point, he would be considered the loser.
Jace paid no attention to the contracting cube, instead studying the patterns.
"Finally," Jin said as Jace began.
Jace selected then flicked away the smaller cubes one after another, the pattern shifting quickly as he made changes. Each movement was assured, speaking to his confidence.
While the rest of the gathering was distracted by the display on the stage, Himoto took the opportunity to join Kira and Graydon. “The knight you trained has progressed. He's barely recognizable from that impetuous and headstrong boy you first introduced me to.”
Knowing it was Kira Himoto wanted to speak to, Graydon touched her wrist. "I'll be waiting over there."
"Such a polite killer," Himoto observed as Graydon walked away.
Kira arched an eyebrow at him. "Be careful, old man. My patience is even worse than it used to be."
"So protective. I'm surprised you'd choose someone like him."
"You’re as fond of double-speak as ever," Kira stated.
On the stage, Jace won an advantage, the cube expanding several steps.
"There was a time you'd never have considered giving your heart to a man whose loyalties were split. Why else did you never favor your knight?"
"You know why."
Jace had a savior complex.
There was nothing wrong with that—Kira had one herself. But she was smart enough to know two people with the same issues would never last in a relationship.
There was admiration between Jace and her but nothing else. Any other feelings that might have sprouted between them had long since fallen to the wayside.
"Have you made any progress on that matter Jace and I discussed?" Kira asked, changing the subject.