On the following blue-ga’a, Krutas and Skichip led the trio to the Kocurang Steppe, a windswept plain lying east of the Holigeng Highlands. There, the Warhost were engaged in training and field maneuvers.

  The three stood rooted where they were, eyes wide and breath held fast, at what unfolded upon the steppe. For the first time, they saw warriors cast magic before their very eyes. As spells were chanted, countless delicate white yoonan strands burst forth from Yooni seeds. These slender threads stretched and branched, then wove together and shifted in form, until they became all manner of weapons and living battle-beasts.

  Krutas explained it in the simplest words he could, so the three might grasp it. He said the ownan require Yoa, a latent inner force, to perform such conjuring.

  The most basic spell, known as orO’, creates hand-held weaponry. A higher and more intricate form, called orokO’, can conjure Floraminas, mystical beings of battle. Practitioners who attain mastery of orokO’ are known as Ogoses. Through long and patient discipline, each Ogos cultivates a unique Floramina, shaped by the essence of their soul, their will, and their inner vision.

  “Never in my thousand dreams!” Hudyn hollered, all fired up. “If we could work magic like that, we’d crush those Goyk like ants! You two, Krutas and Skichip, was it? You’ll teach us this craft next, won’t you? Back in Diang, we were fighting in the graveyard—er, I mean, the battlefield. We’re no greenlings, I tell you.”

  ‘OaaKiteh ~ Underestimate not the Goyk,’ Skichip spoke, his gaze severe upon Hudyn. ‘You may attempt to wield an orO’ against me. Let all three of you come at me together. If you manage to strike me before I land a blow upon each of you, I shall teach you all that I know.’

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  In response to Skichip’s challenge, Hudyn gave his assent at once. It felt somewhat improper, yet since their friend was so eager to prove himself, Ramii and Katuo reluctantly stepped onto the training ground as well. Skichip handed each of them a Yooni seed. He chanted a spell, and the three seeds transformed into orO’ weapons, each shaped exactly as its wielder desired. Hudyn and Katuo received spears, while Ramii was given a longsword.

  As though he and this seed could read my mind, Ramii thought.

  “This Skichip seems pretty confident. Taking on three at once? He’s underestimating me. Let’s see how skilled he really is,” Hudyn muttered, glaring back at him.

  The warriors arrayed themselves in a wide circle, enclosing the field of contest. Hudyn, Ramii and Katuo took defensive stances against Skichip, who wielded a weapon like a whip.

  As they had agreed moments before, the three split apart at once and struck from three different directions. Skichip twisted aside and sprang over their heads, swift as lightning. His o’whip snapped out and wrenched Katuo’s spear from her grasp and flung it toward Hudyn. As he landed, Skichip lashed at Ramii’s feet and dragged him hard to the ground.

  Now only Hudyn remained. With a shout, he lunged forward, driving his spear straight at the hand that held the o’whip. Skichip merely drew his arm back—then whack! A sharp, stinging lash cracked through the air. Hudyn dropped his spear, sank to his knees, and clutched his face.

  “Ugh…” A muffled groan escaped from behind his trembling hands.

  ‘OaaKiteh ~ The Goyk are faster and stronger than we are. If you mean to face them in battle, you had best begin your training now,’ Skichip said, coldly.

  The warriors neither spoke nor showed any sign of emotion as the bout came to an end. Skichip sent them back to their drills, then went to inspect the mark upon Hudyn’s face.

  Hudyn stubbornly refused to lower his hands for Skichip to see. He turned sharply and stalked off. On the way back to the K’houko Tribe, he finally let his hands fall. Though Ramii and Katuo truly meant to feel sorry for their poor friend, they could not hold back their laughter.

  Hudyn’s face—already ill-favored—was neatly split in two by one straight, vivid purple welt.

  ~~~