Aether’s Guard (Aether’s Revival Book 2)

“The other two have arrived,” Baylyss announced as she led Yukiko and Jenn into the room. “Do you require additional refreshments?”

“We’re good, ma’am,” one of the instructors said. “We’ll be looking forward to the midday snack, though. It was good last week.”

“Thank you,” Baylyss said. “Novices, do you require anything?”

“We’re fine, thank you,” Yukiko said.

“I thought we’d play a few of each of the card and dice games,” Gregory said. “After that, we can each choose something to focus on.”

“That sounds good,” Yukiko smiled. “Sorry to keep you waiting for us.”

“It’s fine. I’ve been clarifying some questions about Shogi while I waited.”

“We’re learning different games?” Jenn asked.

“The three most popular types of cards and dice,” Yukiko replied. “It’ll help us in the third year. We’re also learning Shogi and Go to help us with classes next year and beyond.”

“I see. Looks like I’ll be learning a lot today.”

“With help,” Yukiko said, her hand brushing Jenn’s where the mind path ring rested on her finger. “We’ll be starting with bones. Ask as we play. All of the instructors here are patient.”

“We’ll be joining the games to give you an idea of what you’ll likely see in a couple of years,” one of the men said. “Most of them will have four or more players.”

“That’d be for the best,” Gregory said. “Learning in a bubble is fine, but learning by doing is better.”

Once everyone was seated, the instructor teaching them dice began to explain how to play to Jenn. High Point was the first game, and it was easy to understand: throw two dice, and whoever had the highest toss wins the pot. If any players tied, they had to bet again and throw until a single winner emerged.

“As you can see, it’s a quick and simple game, so you probably won’t see it much,” the instructor shrugged. “Still, it sets a base for Hazard, the next game. There are two dice, and the player declares what total they want to roll. If they hit that number through any combination of the two dice, they win. If not, their chosen number becomes the losing number and whatever total they did roll becomes the next winning number.”

“That sounds easy enough,” Jenn said.

“That’s just the start. Depending on the number designated to win after the first toss, the players can bet on the next number to be thrown, at set odds. This game works best with a set banker, but can still work if the banker position moves around from player to player. It’s the most complicated variant played by soldiers.”

“What are the odds by number?”

“We’ll get to that,” the instructor chuckled. “The last game is Dice Pass. This is a popular game, mostly played amongst soldiers. The person being the banker shifts around the players, and if you play, you have to be the bank at least once. The thrower has to score a total of ten or more on three dice. If he does, everyone wins double their bet. If he doesn’t, the banker gets the bets. Once the thrower has lost three times, the dice move down to the next player.”

“Okay,” Jenn said, “I’m ready.”

“We’re using these chips in place of money, since we’re just instructing you and not trying to bankrupt you,” the instructor said as one of the others divided up the chips. “High Point to start. We’ll play ten times to make sure you understand.”

It didn’t take long to play through the dice games, though Hazard ran the longest of the three. When they got to Dice Pass, they understood why it was the most played variant: its simple rules and quick play were refreshing after Hazard.

~*~*~

“Now that we’ve finished with his specialty, we’ll be moving onto mine,” the next instructor said. “Cards are more diverse than dice.”

“Vexlin,” the first instructor sighed, “we promised not to start this argument again…”

“Then don’t argue, Lon,” Vexlin smirked. “We’ll be discussing the two games most often played by officers, and a third game that is just generally well-regarded in the empire.”

“Which games are those?” Jenn asked.

“We’ll start with Trade and Barter,” Vexlin replied. “It’s both complicated and simple at the same time. Knowing your opponents helps a great deal with it. I’ll explain the other games as we get to them, so there’s no confusion.”

The chips were separated and divided out again as Vexlin shuffled the deck of cards. Gregory felt good about the game— he’d played it a few times already, but he was humbled when they finished. Yukiko had the second most chips at the table, behind Vexlin.

“Fast learner,” Vexlin chuckled.

“My father is a merchant,” Yukiko said. “This game I knew and have played before.”

“I lost everything…” Jenn muttered.

“I almost did, too,” Gregory said. “We’ll get better.”

Jenn nodded. “Right.”

“Next up is Acey Deucy. Simple and yet unforgiving is how this game goes.” Vexlin shuffled the cards as he talked. “Everyone puts up an agreed-upon ante to fill the pot to start. Two cards get dealt face-up for the current bettor, one left and one right. Once those are on the table, the bettor gets to bet any amount up to the total current pot, but at least a minimum equal to the ante they put up. A third card is dealt face-up. If that one falls between the two cards, they keep their bet and win an equal amount from the pot. However, if the card in the middle ends up not being a number between the shown cards, they lose their bet to the pot. New cards are then dealt to the left and right, and betting passes to the next player.”

 He paused for a moment to pass the chips back out. “That’s it, though the deck gets shuffled on the fifteenth hand. If the pot ever goes empty, everyone antes again and the deck gets shuffled. It’s an easy risk assessment game that can make or break a player.”

“Very simple,” Gregory said.

“It helps if you recall the cards that came before,” Lon said.

“Considering the game is normally played while drinking, that’s hard for most to do,” Vexlin said.

“If the middle card matches one of the two on the table, it’s a loss?” Jenn asked.

“Yes.”

“And if a pair of cards is shown, you lose automatically?” Jenn pressed.

“Normally, though there is a variant that allows that person to win if a third of the same card shows up.”

“Hmm, let’s play a few rounds,” Gregory said.

The game was easy for them to understand, but when they played, they realized that risk assessment and luck were its defining features. Yukiko again showed great skill when playing, and this time, Gregory had the worst luck. The first time he bet, he had a pair facing him, and the third set didn’t show up. The second time, he had an ace and a two, giving him the game’s namesake. He matched the pot to win it all only to have a second ace appear.

“Now, we move onto a slightly more nuanced game,” Vexlin said as he shuffled. “It’s Seven/Twenty-seven, and is known for the size the pots can grow to. The game is easy enough: get as close to seven or twenty-seven as you can without going over. All face cards are worth a half-point, and the aces can count as one or eleven, whichever you need them to be.

“First, there’s an ante, and all players get a single card, face-down. After they look at their card, another round of betting takes place, and then each player can request another card or pass. You can pass during any hand, but that doesn’t stop you from taking a card during the next round. Once everyone has passed, cards are revealed and the winners are determined. Half of the pot goes to the player closest to seven, and the other half to twenty-seven. It is possible to win both, as the aces can count as eleven for the high hand and one for the low hand at the same time.”

“This game always spirals,” Lon muttered.

“Not always, but frequently,” Vexlin chuckled. “Add in alcohol and a couple of people who don’t bet responsibly, and it can spiral quickly.”

“Maybe this time, I’ll have better luck,” Gregory said.

“We’re moving onto Go after this?” Yukiko asked.

“Yeah, then Shogi,” Gregory nodded.

“Before that, you’ll have a midday snack,” Baylyss said, coming into the room. “I came to inform you that refreshments will be ready in a moment.”

“Thank you.” Gregory smiled.

“I’ve been getting hungry, so it’ll be welcome,” Lon said.

“Let’s get started,” Vexlin said. “The sooner we finish, the sooner we get some of that good food.”

~*~*~

The three of them were chatting as they headed back toward the academy. “I’m still surprised by that,” Gregory said.

“So am I, honestly,” Jenn said. “It just makes sense to me when I’m at the board.”

“Some people excel in certain things,” Yukiko said. “Or perhaps you’re a reborn soul?”

“I don’t think I am,” Jenn said. “I haven’t had memories of a previous life… Aren’t those required if you’re a reborn soul?”

“No,” Gregory said, “they aren’t.”

“Oh, huh. Maybe I am, then,” Jenn said thoughtfully. “It would explain some of the odd feelings I get at times when I know almost exactly what to do.”

“It would,” Yukiko agreed, “unless it’s just regular déjà vu, instead.”

“That wouldn’t explain the Shogi,” Gregory added.

“True…” Yukiko conceded.

“That’s not bad though, right?” Jenn asked, glancing at Gregory. “Would that make me odd?”

“Not to us,” Yukiko said. “Considering Greg’s skill with the naginata, we believe he might be, as well.”

“Yuki, maybe you are, too,” Gregory said slowly. “You were always helping your father and learning, but how much was learning and how much did you just know?”

Yukiko’s steps slowed. “Hmm… I don’t know. I’ve never been blessed with a masterful level of skill like you two are, but there have been times when I was younger and it seemed like I was remembering something instead of learning it.”

“Maybe that’s why the three of us get along so well,” Gregory said. “Maybe our souls harmonize with each other.”

“Mine does with yours,” Yukiko said softly. “I don’t mind Jenn being with us as much as I initially thought I might, either.”

Jenn glanced at Yukiko. There was a brief moment of guilt on her face before it vanished just as quickly. “I really do appreciate you both being my friends and including me. I fully expected you to tell me to leave you alone.”

“The thought did cross my mind when you ran into us the day after the tournament. However, since you’ve respected my love for Greg, I’ve mellowed on that stance.”

“I know that you two are going to marry,” Jenn said. “Even a blind person can see the love you feel for each other.”

“When you find your heart, you’ll feel the same,” Gregory smiled.

“What does that saying mean?” Jenn asked.

“In my family, it has a long tradition,” Yukiko said. “I’ll try to explain it later, as some of it is personal.”

“Mister, would you like to buy a flower for the ladies with you?” a young voice called out to them as they walked up the street.

Gregory looked back to find the flower girl from before standing next to an alley. “The guard’s not going to be happy if he finds you.”

“He hasn’t found me yet,” she smiled. “I was able to stay off the streets for a bit when someone bought all my flowers last time.”

“I’ll take a dozen for Yuki and one for Jenn,” Gregory said, pulling some vela from his pouch.

“Greg, is this the same girl as last time?” Yukiko asked.

“Yes.”

Yukiko stepped forward to look the girl over. “Still some time before your age day… Do you sell flowers to live, child?”

The flower girl paused in selecting the flowers to meet Yukiko’s gaze. Looking back to her basket, she replied in a soft voice. “I do what I have to.”

“Resourceful, if the guard hasn’t found you yet,” Yukiko said.

“Very. They normally pounce on street sellers,” Jenn added, coming up on Gregory’s other side.

“Maybe I should go…” the girl said, starting to move away.

“There you are!” a rough male voice said. “Caught you in the act this time.”

Gregory looked up to see the same guard as before coming toward them. “What do you mean, sir?”

The guard slowed. “This urchin has harassed people on these streets for over a year, selling her flowers. Selling goods without a license is a crime.”

“She wasn’t selling us flowers,” Yukiko said. “She was going to show us to a park. We asked for her help in finding one with flowers as pretty as she was carrying.”

“We were just about to follow her, but you stopped us,” Jenn added.

The urchin was staring at the three of them, shocked that they would lie for her. Her back was to the guard, so he didn’t see her expression.

“I saw her picking out flowers,” the guard said suspiciously.

“She was just showing us how pretty they are,” Yukiko said. “None of us has exchanged money with her. We might’ve given her some when she brought us to the park, as a guide should be compensated.”

“I was planning on giving her some,” Jenn added. “As Yuki says, a guide should be paid for their help.”

“If there’s nothing else, sir,” Gregory said. He extended his hand to the girl. “Are you ready to show us the way?”

“Yes, right away,” the urchin squeaked, taking his hand.

“Wait!” The guard stared at Gregory hard. “I’ve seen you before.”

“Undoubtedly,” Yukiko said. “He was the winner of the novice tournament.”

“Caused a stir in the academy,” Jenn nodded.

The guard stepped back a pace. “Oh… Never mind. I must have had you confused with someone else. Have a good day.” Turning on his heel, the guard marched away.

Gregory blinked. “What was that?”

“A winner of the tournament is going to be part of a big clan, and a big clan can make his life difficult,” Yukiko said. “I didn’t want to do that, but he was going to cause a scene.”

“Umm, thank you…” the urchin said softly, her hand still in Gregory’s.

“You need to stop selling flowers,” Gregory said. “Take this for now.” He dug out all the vela he had on him. “Next week, meet us at sunrise outside the academy gates.”

The urchin’s eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw the money he shoved into her hand. “But—!”

“Don’t worry. He’s mine, and he wouldn’t do what you fear,” Yukiko said quickly. “He just wants to help and is very clumsy at it.”

“He’s too good a man for that,” Jenn added. “Sunrise at the academy gates, okay? Now go, before the guard returns.”

The girl dropped her basket of flowers and bowed at the waist to them before sprinting away, the money clutched to her chest with both hands. Jenn picked up the basket of flowers and handed it to Gregory. Yukiko watched the little girl run off with a thoughtful look on her face.

“Baylyss?” Yukiko asked.

“Yes. I was going to ask Gin first,” Gregory said.

“We need to hurry or we’ll be late to the gate,” Jenn said suddenly.

The other two startled when they realized how long they’d been stopped. With no more warning, the three of them took off running.

~*~*~

Knocking on the postern gate as the sun was getting ready to set, they were breathing fast after having run the entire way back. A guard on the wall looked down at them before calling down to the people inside.

The gate opened, showing an apprentice and the sergeant with him. The apprentice eyed the three of them for a long moment. “Medallions?” he finally asked. They each presented their medallions, which made both the apprentice and sergeant’s eyebrows rise. After another few seconds, the apprentice’s brow furrowed. “Novices, and ranked to the eighth and ninth circle already?”

“Novices Pettit, Warlin, and Bean,” the sergeant said. “Three of the final eight for this year. Another few minutes and you’d be breaking curfew.”

“We were delayed,” Gregory said.

The guard looked at the flower basket in his arms, and a sardonic smirk appeared on his face. “Delayed for important reasons, it seems.”

“We’re back before curfew,” Yukiko said, “as you admitted, sir.”

“You are,” the sergeant agreed.

The apprentice looked sour. “Maybe you’ll get delayed a little longer next time.”

“Doubtful,” Jenn said. “May we enter?”

The apprentice walked away, clearly dismissing them. Watching the magi, the sergeant shook his head. “You three may enter.”

“Thank you, sir,” Gregory said. “Would you care to take some flowers home to your wife?”

The sergeant stared at Gregory before he barked a laugh. “On your way, Novice. Guards inside the walls are not allowed to be married.”

“I didn’t know. Apologies,” Gregory said as he trailed after Yukiko and Jenn.

“Not many do,” the sergeant said. “On your way.”

Taking the least used path near the wall of the academy, they began to loop toward the clan hall. “I didn’t know the guards had restrictions on them…” Gregory commented.

“Neither did I,” Jenn said.

“It might be to make sure they can’t be leveraged,” Yukiko said. “Family would make it possible to coerce them.”

“To what ends?” Gregory asked.

“A way in or out without being seen is the first thing that comes to mind. If you knew the magi on the gate was in your clan and the guard could be coerced into looking the other way, it gives a number of options.”

Gregory lapsed into silence as he thought about what Yukiko had said.

~*~*~

They reached the clan hall just as the sun set and found Dia on the porch. She gave them a questioning gaze. “Novices, I’m glad you made it back before curfew. Did you risk being late to pick flowers?”

Gregory sighed. “No, Dia. These flowers were from a girl who was selling them on the street.”

“He wants to help an urchin girl,” Yukiko said. “He believes she can be helped.”

Dia shook her head. “That does seem in his character.”

“He is kind,” Jenn agreed.

“I need to talk to Gin about it,” Gregory said. “I figure dinner is soon enough?”

“It should be ready by the time you finish washing up,” Dia said, exhaling a long line of smoke.

“We’ll go now,” Yukiko said.

“We won’t take long,” Jenn added.

“Did you want me to see about getting some water for those, Gregory?” Dia asked when he went to follow them.

“Oh, uh… Yes, please.”

“Set it beside me. I’ll see to them in a few moments.”

“Thank you, Dia.”

She bowed her head slightly, taking a deep drag on her pipe.

~*~*~

When Gregory came downstairs after his bath, he smiled when he saw the flowers on the table. “Huh, I beat the others here,” he said, noting the lack of Yukiko and Jenn.

“Not by much,” Yukiko said from behind him.

“We followed you,” Jenn added, chuckling because Gregory had startled when Yukiko spoke.

“Now that you’re all here, we can begin dinner,” Dia said.

The food was served as the three novices took their places at the table. Gregory cleared his throat. “Sensei, there’s a matter I need to discuss with you.”

“Dia mentioned something about an urchin who sells flowers,” Gin said.

“I ran into her months ago,” Gregory began. The story of his two encounters with the girl didn’t take long. “I was hoping you’d consider adding her to the staff at your house. Baylyss looks like she could help make sure the girl is okay.”

“I think it’d be an interesting idea,” Gin replied. “The house is being kept by the clan, though, so you would have to ask Dia if they are willing to hire another person.”

“Before you even ask,” Dia said, “I need to meet her first.”

“She’s supposed to meet us at the gate on our next day off, at sixth bell.”

“Hmm. Very well. I’ll make sure to meet the girl. If I approve, Baylyss will have the final word on the matter.”

“That makes perfect sense. Baylyss would be the one responsible for her,” Yukiko said. “I think she had some eurtik blood in her, but I’m not sure.”

“You do?” Jenn said. “Why?”

“When she spoke, I could hear a faint hum to her voice. Since neither of you mentioned it, I thought that my acute hearing allowed me to detect it.”

“Interesting,” Dia said. “I look forward to meeting her.”