War (The True Reign Series) by Jennifer Anne Davis Page A

be the one up there receiving a punishment for disobedience. The crude weapon flew down, and the boy’s second hand fell off. Blood squirted everywhere. The boy lay on the ground, his arms still locked in place. He must’ve passed out. A soldier came out, removed the metal cuffs, and pulled him roughly from the platform.
    Darmik ’s legs shook and his hands tingled. He couldn’t pass out. He’d never hear the end of it. His vision swam.
    The warden went to the next prisoner, who was covered with a bag, concealing his identity. “This one is found guilty of treason. Punishment is death.”
    The executioner came over and shoved the prisoner onto his knees, locking his head and arms into the equipment. The executioner grabbed his axe with one hand, removing the bag covering the prisoner’s head with the other.
    It was Rema.
    Darmik screamed.
    He sat up in bed, breathing hard, covered in sweat. It was only a dream. Memories of his time in Emperion, infused with his greatest fear of losing Rema. Ever since he boarded the ship, he’d been having nightmares.
    Even though it was still dark outside, he slipped out of bed and got dressed. He decided to go up to the top deck and practice sword drills until everyone else woke up. Hopefully, the physical activity would focus his mind. He unsheathed his sword, and started running through various forms.
    Barjon ’s angry face appeared before him. “You’re doing it wrong!” he snarled. “Can’t you do anything right? You’re eight years old and can barely lift the sword.”
    “I can do it,” Darmik insisted. “I just need a little more practice.”
    Barjon swung and hit his arm. The sword dropped to the ground with a loud clank. “I don’t know why I waste my time with you. Lennek’s the only one worthy.” He stormed away.
    Darmik bent down and retrieved the sword. Standing, he tried the maneuver again, perfecting it. He smiled, but no one was around to see his accomplishment. Determined not to fail his father, he ran through the drill again and again, until the sword became an extension of his arm, and he didn ’t have to even think about the movements.
    ****
    The following days fell into a routine. After breakfast, everyone went to the top deck, where they spent the morning doing physical training in order to maintain their strength. Darmik led several drills, and Savenek offered to show him some of the rebels’ exercises. They were rather impressive, so Darmik incorporated them into their routine. Thankfully, Ellie caught on quickly. She and Vesha often practiced together and sparred with one another. Darmik enjoyed working with Savenek and Audek—they knew moves he was unfamiliar with and posed a greater challenge than he was used to. Neco even said he was impressed with everyone.
    The afternoons were f ocused on Emperion protocol. Darmik explained how everything was centered on the army and war—from the structure of the city to the way their society behaved. All military members were honored, and those who didn’t serve were the lowest of the low. The higher-ranking officers were Emperion’s elite and noble class.
    Darmik showed them how to greet one another by respectfully bowing one’s head. He also told them to remain quiet at all times. Emperions discouraged individual thought and questions weren’t tolerated. Everyone was to keep all emotions hidden at all times. Emperions were known for using a person’s feelings against them. Darmik wanted them to present themselves as a respectful envoy from Greenwood Island, and he planned to speak on their behalf.
    ****
    The brothers stood side by side, bows raised.
    “Closest shot wins,” Lennek said. “You go first.”
    Darmik focused on the target thirty feet away. He’d been practicing every day since Trell gave him the bow for his tenth birthday. He pulled back the bowstring and released. The arrow sailed through the air and landed with a thunk, dead center on the target. Darmik smiled.
    Lennek grunted,