“Nor Ung Li,” he says, his deep voice forcibly measured, “if I erred in pushing Apprentice Calix too hard, it’s simply because she is one of the most powerful Asrai in the Vu Trin forces. Like myself, she is bound to the largest river in all of Erthia—”

“Which is why,” Commander Ung Li states, “when you continue to train together, you need to pace yourself.”

“Wait,” Tierney blurts, forgetting herself. “Did you just say ‘continue to train together’?”

Ung Li narrows her blade-sharp glare at Tierney. “Yes. You’ll deploy west together the day after Xishlon. I’m assigning you both the new, equal rank of Fae Military Advisors. You two are the most powerful Asrai in our forces and are equally bonded to the largest river on Erthia, so it makes sense to match you in military authority. An uneven rank is proving detrimental to you both and possibly Noilaan, as well.” She fixes her attention back on Fyordin. “Your initial efforts will be directed toward working with Advisor Calix as she hones her vast power.” She levels another glare at Tierney. “Work together.” She sighs, her expression losing some of its rigidity. “We need both of you in this fight, Asrai’kin.”

Tierney looks down, humbled to be so rapidly elevated in rank and deeply cognizant that she’s forgotten herself during the last few trainings. Forgotten what’s important. As infuriating as it is to admit, Fyordin is right in this one thing. I need to work with the Vo, not against it.

And suddenly, Fyordin’s power is rippling around her in a different way. Almost tentative. Almost...gently.

Tierney swallows, unsettled. She ventures a look at Fyordin to find him doggedly focused on Commander Ung Li even as his water power remains wholly fixated on Tierney.

“I’m pleased to work with Advisor Calix,” Fyordin states.

Commander Ung Li eyes him. “Share your military expertise, Advisor Lir.” Her gaze flashes. “But if there are any more out-of-control lightning strikes, I’ll discipline you both.” She fixes her attention on Tierney. “Advisor Calix, take this evening off from Asrai training to reflect on what it means to work with your fellow Vu Trin instead of against them.” She holds out a formal summons, and Tierney accepts it. “For the remainder of the day, you’re to report to Or’myr Syll’vir’s geomancy laboratory. He’s just returned from Northern Noilaan and it seems he’s in need of water power. He’s been informed of your elevation in rank.” She stares down each of them again. “You’re both dismissed.”

As Tierney shoves the summons into her tunic’s pocket, she doesn’t look at Fyordin, finding the gentle touch of his water power in this moment to be more unnerving than the angry lash of it. She salutes Ung Li and strides out the door.