Chapter 51: Day one of training.

Chapter 51: Day one of training.

THE ROOF OF Nigel’s home was completely flat, a broad, sturdy platform. The wood his family had used to build the crown of his treehouse consisted of thick, bound-together trunks, overlaid with a woven stick carpet and smoothed leaves to cushion any falls.

His creator had built this square space for him and his brothers shortly after they were born, a dedicated training ground. It had been a while since Nigel had stood on this spot, expecting to train.

As Nigel eyed Pete, a tall, muscular, eager blue form, he decided he would have to figure out what Pete knew and what he didn’t. The royal must’ve been taught some fighting skills on his home planet, right? Dagerstanteen warriors weren’t allowed to wander around all bloody willy-nilly—were they?

He recalled Pete falling into the mega sludge, a clumsy splash. Maybe they didn’t make the royals learn combat anymore.

“Show me what you got, ducky.” Nigel eyed the chap, a challenge in his tone.