Chapter 37: Assessment Results (1)


    After Katayoun pulled away from him, he apanied her back to the main hall. He badly wanted to reach out and sp her hand, but knew that was a crazy thought. They stopped outside the doors.


    Thanks again, Xerxes, she said, smiling at him.


    No problem.


    From now on, just call me Kat.


    Okay. And you call me Xerk.


    She pushed the door open, and the sound of the revelries rolled over them. Have fun the rest of the evening.


    You too.


    Then she was hurrying back to her table. He watched her go, then strolled back to his friends.


    <em>Did that just really happen?</em> he wondered. A troupe of jugglers had the attention of the crowd, so his friends didnt say much as he sat back down. He kept thinking about the embrace. Reliving it. Wishing it hadsted longer.


    More food came. More alcohol. As it turned out, the Archons really knew how to drink, and they didnt discourage the students from doing so. Slowly but surely, he got wrapped up in the fun of the banquet. The hall grew louder and louder as evening stretched into night. There were more performances. Speeches. Singing. The alcohol and food never seemed to stoping. Eventually, the toasting started to hit home, and things got fuzzy for Xerxes.


    Guys, Im about to pass out, he said.


    Aww,e on! Enusat said, his speech slurred. One more round.


    No, really, I cant


    Jad threw an arm around Xerxes shoulders, and with his free hand, held up a tankard of ale. One more, Xerk-man! To the Humusi Swordmasters!


    To us! Teucer said.


    Xerxes reached out to his own tankard. Alright, fine. To the Swordmasters!


    It wasnt just one round. It was three or four. Eventually, Xerxes stumbled back to his dorm room. Gandash was already sprawled out snoring when Xerxes copsed into his bed.


    He was no stranger to alcohol, and had been to his fair share of banquets back on Mannemid. But never had he imbued so much at one time.


    For about an hour after waking, hey groaning in bed, until Gandash dragged him to the dining hall. His stomach didnt seem interested in epting food, but he forced down some savory broth and a few bites of bread. Eating made him feel a little bit better. A <em>little bit</em> better.


    He wasnt the only Seer who was suffering. Most trudged instead of walked, slumped instead of sat, and croaked instead of talked. The previous night was clearly the grandest banquet any of them had ever attended.


    By lunchtime, Xerxes headache had shrunk into a minor throbbing in the back of his skull, and his stomach had mostly settled. Still, all he felt like doing wasying in bed.


    I told you to stop drinking, Gandash said.


    You did? I dont remember.


    Whats the point of having a day of rest if you need to spend the whole thing sicker than a dog?


    Xerxes sat up slowly and massaged his temples. Dont be such a grandma.


    Whatever. Im going to the library.


    Ill probably stay in bed for a bit longer.


    See you.


    As the afternoon wore on, Xerxes felt better. Eventually, he dered himself recovered.


    His first inclination was to find Katayoun. He started at the library, where he avoided Gandash so he wouldnt be roped into studying. He spotted no strand of red hair there, or in the halls. He prowled the grounds after that, but still couldnt find her.


    Finally, he went to the small clearing in the forest, and sure enough, the Humusi Swordmasters were there. At least, some were.


    Kashtiliash and Jad bothy with their backs on boulders, soaking in the afternoon sun. Off to the side was the bag with the practice swords and other gear, untouched.


    Hey, Xerxes said.


    Jad cracked an eye open. Xerk-man. How you feeling?


    Mostly recovered. You?


    Got a ways to go. We kept drinking after we got to our roomst night.


    Xerxes found a spot next to Jad and leaned back, enjoying the warmth radiating into him from the sun overhead and from the rock at his back. You gotta be kidding me.


    He isnt, Kashtiliash said. He still hadnt opened his eyes. I was there.


    Jad chuckled. Can you believe what happened with Randy Gandy?


    What happened? Xerxes asked.


    You forgot? He got in a yelling match with some guy. Almost started fighting until a teacher pulled them apart.


    Gandys always been a bit of an angry drunk.


    Apparently, Kashtiliash said.


    The three of themy quietly in the sun for a while. At a certain point, Xerxes dozed off.


    He woke when Enusat appeared, shuffling loudly through the barrier of trees.


    Why did I finish the bottlest night? the short mage groaned, flopping into the grass in the middle of the clearing.


    Shouldve listened to me, Kashtiliash said.


    Jad chuckled. Youll be fine. Builds character. A few minutes passed. You guys ready for the results tomorrow?


    No, Enusat said.


    Totally, Xerxes said. He stretched his arms, then put his hands behind his neck. I think my performance in thebat part will outweigh the written test. Im pretty confident Ill get an officermission.


    Kashtiliash grunted. Good luck.


    Jad heaved himself off the rock, stood, and shook out his limbs. I heard thatter on, the officers get to pick who theymand. If you make it, Xerk-man, you have to make sure to take care of us.


    Wait, Xerxes said, even <em>youre</em> not confident of getting amission?


    Jad shrugged and walked over to pick out a wooden practice sword. Dont think so. Im not a schr like Randy Gandy.


    Enusatughed. I still cant believe he wore that stupid elephant hat.


    Xerxes still didntpletely understand the elephant hat thing, but he wasnt about to reveal his ignorance. Thats Gandy for you, he said. Hes always had his nose stuck in books.


    It shows, Jad said. Hey, want to warm up and do some sparring?


    Sure.