The Last Aayu: Book 1 - Ashes

Chapter 2: A new Dawn

A year had passed since the Household Hound had left its mark on Utahis' calf, the faint scar a constant reminder of that fateful day when he learned that strength was not merely physical. In that time, Utahis had undergone a remarkable transformation. Now standing at nearly six feet tall, he towered over most of his peers, his frame shedding light on further growth to come. Each day of intense training had chiseled his body, while his mind wrestled with the complex strategies of war and the intricate arts of Ardorian magic.

At sixteen, Utahis stood on the precipice of a new chapter in his life. The War Academy loomed on the horizon, promising to hone his skills and test his resolve in ways he could scarcely imagine. The weight of expectation hung heavy on his shoulders, a constant companion as he prepared for the trials ahead. He often thought of his father, Sushal, whose proud yet anxious gaze followed him in his mind. The Lord of House Aayu had entrusted him with a legacy, and Utahis felt the burden of that trust with every swing of his sword.

The training yard echoed with the clash of steel on steel as Utahis faced off against his older cousin, Zutigrellus. Four years his senior and several ranks above him in the House hierarchy, Zutigrellus never missed an opportunity to remind Utahis of the gap between them. Despite their shared blood, the chasm of experience loomed large, and Utahis often grappled with the resentment that stirred within him.

"Come on, Utahis," Zutigrellus taunted, a playful glint in his eye that belied the seriousness of their spar. "If you manage to land a single strike on me, I'll share some of my rations with you." The smell of sweat and leather filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the training yard.

Utahis felt a flicker of annoyance at his cousin's condescension. "You're several years ahead of me, Tygrell," he retorted, settling into a defensive stance, his muscles coiled and ready, though inside, he battled a swirl of insecurity and determination.

"No excuses, cousin," Zutigrellus replied bluntly, a challenging smirk playing across his features. "The Academy doesn't show mercy." His confidence was a stark reminder of what Utahis had yet to achieve, yet it also stirred a competitive fire within him.

As their training blades met with a resounding clash, the impact reverberated through Utahis' arms, a tangible reminder of the effort he poured into every session. Despite his younger age and smaller stature, Utahis fought with a determination that bordered on ferocity, each exchange imbued with his desire to prove himself. He wanted Zutigrellus to see him not just as a younger cousin, but as a formidable warrior in his own right.

"Good form, Uta!" Zutigrellus called out between exchanges, his blade a blur as he deflected Utahis' strikes. "Pick up the pace!" Yet the patronizing tone grated on Utahis, feeding his frustration and pushing him to take risks.

In a moment of reckless abandon, he saw what he thought was an opening. Launching into a complex maneuver, he aimed a strike at Zutigrellus while simultaneously attempting to sweep his legs out from under him. But Zutigrellus was ready. With the preternatural awareness granted by his Ardorian precognition, he anticipated the attack. In a fluid motion that spoke of years of practice, Zutigrellus countered, his training sword finding Utahis' knee with unerring precision.

Pain exploded through Utahis' leg, sharp and immediate. His knee buckled, and the world tilted as he crashed to the cold, unyielding stone of the training yard floor. The impact drove the breath from his lungs, leaving him gasping. In that vulnerable moment, he felt an acute sense of failure wash over him.

In an instant, Zutigrellus was standing over him, training sword poised for the killing blow. For a heartbeat, Utahis saw not his cousin but an adversary, a future opponent, ready to end his life. But the moment passed, and Zutigrellus lowered his blade with a chuckle, his expression shifting from mockery to something more complex—a mix of camaraderie and concern.