House of Ravens (The Nightfall Chronicles Book 2) by Karpov Kinrade Page A

obviously hates his family and wants no association with them. I wonder what happened.
    More trumpets blare and King Varian stands to congratulate everyone and announce the final two Knights to do battle. Jax and Thane.
    There's no doubt who everyone is rooting for this round. Well, maybe everyone but Ragathon. I never can tell about his loyalties.
    It's a tough match. Turns out Thane isn't all talk. He actually knows what he's doing. I get a sick feeling in my stomach as the match goes longer than any of the others. I can tell Jax is getting tired, and I hope he has enough stamina to beat Thane.
    King Varian is watching intently. "Was Jax ever punished for his crimes?"
    My heart stops. Not this again.
    Ragathon is fast to answer. "No, against my better judgment, the Council chose to release him."
    I can't keep my mouth shut at this. "Your better judgment? You would have killed an honorable Knight for doing the right thing and defending me against your corrupt and cruel Inquisition Officers. You have no judgment, only bitterness."
    The other Grandmasters are shocked into silence. Even my grandfather raises an appraising eyebrow. But King Varian surprises me with a bemused chuckle. "Miss Night is right. It was a fool's decision to make a public spectacle of his execution, and it cost you quite a bit, didn't it?"
    I slump back into my chair, relieved. But Ragathon continues to glare at me as King Varian watches Jax.
    It's a tough battle, but in the end, Jax wins. The crowd erupts in cheers, and I clap the loudest.
    The wait staff bring in more refreshments and desserts as Jax is paraded around to the calls of his fans.
    King Varian eats a strawberry and leans back in his chair. "I'll be taking over Combat Class and Tactics," he announces. "I'm not impressed with what I've seen today." He leans forward, watching Jax. "Except for him. He impressed me. I'll take him as my Second." He looks at Grandmaster Gabriella. "Those are your classes, correct? You don't mind, do you?"
    Grandmaster Gabriella looks like she just swallowed a rat, but she shakes her head. "Of course not, Your Majesty."
    "Chancellor Forrester, I assume you have no objections."
    My grandfather is watching me with a curious expression as he raises his hands open palmed. "We are at your disposal, Your Majesty."
    The King smiles. "Please, call me Master Varian. Here, I'm not King, just a teacher and a Knight."
    The Chancellor nods. "Very well, Master Varian. We are pleased to have you part of the Initiate training. They will learn a great deal from you." My grandfather rubs his beard. "However, I understand your primary reason for being here is to apprehend Nightfall. Might I ask what you have planned?"
    Master Varian looks back out into the Arena, but his gaze is distant, lost in thought. "It's her move. Let's see what she's made of."
     
    ***
     
    It's my move. Fantastic.
    "Scarlett," Evie says, as I walk with Corinne and Wytt to dinner, "it would be unwise to underestimate King Varian. He does not appear to be as impetuous as his brother."
    "Yeah, I know. I know."
    Wytt looks up. "You know what?"
    I tap my eGlass off. "Nothing, just talking to my eGlass."
    He looks at me oddly, then shrugs. "Cool."
    As we head to dinner, I notice a lot more people than before. "It got crowded when I wasn't looking."
    Corinne nods. "With classes starting tomorrow, a lot of last-minute students are showing up. Tonight's the Welcome Ceremony, so everyone's required to attend."
    I'd almost forgotten classes start tomorrow. A nervous butterfly flutters in my gut. Mostly at the thought of getting up before dawn.
    Once everyone is settled with their dinner, Chancellor Forrester walks to the podium. "Welcome to Castle Vianney for a new year of training and learning. To our returning students who have been chosen by their Orders, you are about to embark on a new path with even greater trials. To our new Initiates, prepare yourself for the greatest challenge of your lives."
    That doesn't