Threshold of Annihilation (The Firebird Chronicles #3) - T.A. White Page 0,93
of combat, to feats focused on intellect and logic.
Unsurprisingly, most Tuann gravitated toward combat-based games.
The Haldeel, on the other hand, trended to those events that were more mental based. Castle was one such example. Designed to test a competitor’s luck and strategic capability, it was a game easy to pick up but difficult to master—and one Kira had never seen played in person.
"Do you mind if I tag along?" Kira asked.
Joule's expression brightened. "I'd like nothing better."
Devon frowned. "I'd like to come too."
Joule nodded, outwardly excited as he led them to the door outside.
Graydon leaned toward Kira. "What are you up to?"
Kira concealed her involuntary shiver as his breath brushed against the sensitive skin of her neck. "What makes you think I'm up to anything?"
"You're always up to something."
Kira couldn't argue with that, so she didn't even try.
"Are you planning to put me under house arrest?" she asked him.
"Coli, I wouldn't dare."
Yeah, right. There wasn't much Graydon wouldn't dare. Including locking Kira up and throwing away the key.
To Kira's surprise, Graydon followed them outside.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"I thought I should join you."
Kira's frown became more pronounced. "Don't you have business to attend to?"
The innocent look he aimed at her wasn't fooling anyone. "What could be more important than supporting the friend of my yer’se?"
Ahead, Devon and Joule were careful to stay out of the conversation, pretending not to listen.
Kira shook her head as she bit down hard on the unwise words she wanted to stay. Even a child would be able to see through Graydon's motivations. He hadn't even attended Devon's race, and he expected Kira to believe he cared about Joule’s event?
Please. She wasn't that naive.
"Besides, Yukina represents the Face of the Tuann among the Haldeel. I would just get in her way. She'll call me if there's anyone she wants killed."
"So humble," Kira said dryly.
Graydon inclined his chin. "I endeavor to please."
*
The sun was completing its descent, twilight deepening into the evening hours as Kira and the rest headed toward the city center.
The streets of Zara were different in the evening. The crowds were denser and the atmosphere celebratory.
Holographic advertisements fought for attention against the smaller game stages known as the stratagem to the Haldeel. The continuous stream of sounds and images bombarded bystanders from several directions.
Unlike Castles, the stratagem wasn’t considered an official part of the quorum. There were numerous variations. The more poetic claimed there were as many versions as there were grains of sand.
Winning any of them wouldn’t bring the same acclaim or reward as doing well in Castles. Despite that, there was no shortage of visitors wanting to try their hand.
It wasn’t unheard of for those who did well in the stratagem to be groomed for greater things. Though rare, there were some who’d won fame and status after a particularly good showing.
It was the Haldeel’s version of gambling, only instead of luck, you used talent and skill to win.
Kira paused as she watched a Haldeel ascend the stage to her right. He crossed to the center and the waist-high column waiting there. After a second of perusal he pressed his hand onto it.
Four pillars of light rose around him, forming a square as the solid column in front of him dissolved into the floor. Transparent armor formed over his chest and arms.
His gaze was calculating as he stared at the pillars.
Lightning arced from them. The Haldeel evaded, dancing between the pillars as he tried to dodge the unpredictable bolts.
Noticing where Kira’s attention had gone, Graydon paused. “Ever tried?”
Kira started after Devon and Joule. "Once or twice."
Jin referred to that part of her life as her dark period.
She’d found it too painful to be around humans and had landed on the edge of Haldeel territory as a result.
In those days, she’d been on edge. Vicious some might say, hitting back at the least provocation.
That was when she first encountered the stratagem. It filled Kira’s need for distraction.
Popular among all ranks of the Haldeel, the stratagem allowed her to lose herself in its world. For a brief time, she’d earned quite the reputation while playing.
"Not going to watch?" Graydon asked, studying her.
Kira glanced over her shoulder, casually assessing the player. "No need. He won't advance to the next level."
As if to prove her right, there was a low hum from behind them as the holographic scene dissolved around the player.
"Good eye.” Graydon nodded at a stage set for dual play. "I don't suppose you'd fancy a match?"