BloodLust (Rise of the Iliri Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

private.  It was much nicer than the quarters she was usually assigned.  When she turned back to Shift, she was smiling.
    "It's perfect.  Thank you."
    "So you know, I'm two doors down in 14.  Arctic is next door on the other side in 11 and Zep is across the street in 17.  The others are scattered on this row, but if you need us..."  He let the words trail off, an open invitation. 
    Sal thanked him again, then shooed him out of her small but private space.  The door barely closed behind him before she peeled out of her uniform.  Folding it carefully, she set it beside the table and began to unpack, hanging her clothes to let the wrinkles fall out.  Her mind wandered over the Lieutenant's words.  Her chances were probably slim, but he hadn't told her to give up.  Instead, he seemed pleased that she was willing to fight to earn her place. 
    Finally reaching the bottom of her bag, she pulled out a worn book on military basics.  She cradled it to her chest as she flopped on the bed and opened the cover.  Before she began studying, she dared to allow herself to hope.  "Please let me pass these trials.  Please!" she whispered, then focused her mind on weapons regulations for mounted soldiers.
     
     

 
    Chapter 3

     
     
    The first two days of the trials started with paperwork.  Written tests on strategy and tactics, knowledge of weapons, poisons, and siege warfare were all covered.  By the third day, the remaining applicants were excited to finally get the chance to show their weapon proficiencies.  When the Lieutenant approached, they sprang to their feet.  Most stood at parade rest, others at attention, but they all hoped to make a good impression. 
    LT looked them over.  "Today, you get to prove your fighting skills.  Report to your assigned officer, where you will be assessed on various styles of combat, from hand to hand through the basic weapons.  Today is melee only, so no, you won't get to shoot any shit."
    The recruits chuckled politely, and he continued, "The order of weapons is to be determined by the officer in charge.  You will be given a score based on your proficiency with each type, as well as your innovation and decorum in combat.  Questions?"
    With none forthcoming, they split into their groups.  Shift waited with another Black Blade – the dark skinned human.  Riblour, Saong, and Kinetry, the recruits from her group, gathered around them.  When she approached, Shift nodded in her direction but made no attempt to introduce the new elite and Sal refused to ask.  The Lieutenant made it sound like the Blades were all iliran, but this man was obviously human.  It made her wonder how truthful her initial meeting had really been.
    Keeping silent, she followed the group into a small, green pasture where practice weapons waited on a canvas tarp spread across the grass.  Each of the recruits retrieved a set, and Shift put them through the standard military warm-up.  Today, his mind stayed silent, locked well away from Sal.  She hoped he was just trying to stay impartial.
    The human stood with a scowl on his face the entire time. 
    Shift demonstrated new moves with the sword, staff, spear, and knife, guiding each applicant through the proper execution with a patience Sal wouldn't have expected.  Over and over, he made corrections, working them until the moves flowed easily.  When the moons began to overtake the sun, he called a break in their training.
    "Ok, so ya pretty much got it.  Take five and catch your breath, then we'll see if any of you are as bad-ass as you think."
    Sal set her weapons down, the size of them too large for her small body, and rubbed her arms.  Taking the brief respite for what it was, she stretched and breathed deeply, forcing air to her tired muscles.  When her male competitors began to mutter about the lack of refreshments, she rolled her eyes.  They weren't here to be pampered.  They were supposed to prove that they could make the cut. 
    Sooner than