Book of Faith

Chapter 8: The Druid and the Guardian

The next morning, Brody and Seth were once again in the Refectory eating their rather exquisite breakfast when they were approached by Sage Galadhrim. She told them that as they had nothing better to do, the Archmagian thought it might benefit them to go through some rudimentary lessons regarding their training.

When they finished their meal, they began winding their way through the cavernous Sanctum corridors to the training facility where they found Derek concentrative and sitting at his station writing out fitness plans for his many students. He must have sensed their approach as he looked up just as they were closing the distance between them. He sat back luxuriously in his chair and folded his hands together.

"Ah," he said. "Finally come to start your training, I assume."

Seth smirked. "We thought we'd come see what it was all about," he stated boldly, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

Derek's eyebrow raised. "Is that so?" he pondered. "Thought you'd just come and get a bit of exercise, build some stamina, and be done by lunch, eh?" His eyes were shrouded, as though his thoughts were swimming behind them. His gaze was very unlike Hank's warm and calming look. It made Brody feel uneasy, restless.

"I suppose you can't wait to get the chance to learn about Guardianship," he said finally. "I think it's about time you started learning about this world. Go grab some gear, both of you. You won't need any weapons. Return here once you're dressed."

They immediately went to the armory and found a new set of uniforms that were resting on the walls. Once they had returned newly adorned, Derek began going into their training logistics.

"Every morning at nine o'clock, you are to report here for your cardio routine. We will conduct this in as many terrains as possible over the course of your training: mountains, forests, deserts, tundras, valleys, swamps. Each session will span longer than the last as you build your endurance and tolerance. After cardio, you will have core strengthening for forty-five minutes. You'll need to understand what muscles you are building and how exactly to strengthen them. Once you've finished with your morning workout, you'll be given a study period where you will be accompanied to the Athenaeum by Asher to brood over whatever topic he chooses to teach you for that day.

"Lunch is at one in the Sanctum. You will have one hour to go to the Refectory and eat before you report back here to me for weapons training. You will be required to learn standard swordsmanship and archery, but you will also have an hour-long interval to become more dexterous in your own weapon of choice. You will then be separated for the remainder of your training day. Seth will stay with me to learn more about Guardianship, while Brody will be sent back with Asher to learn how to properly execute magic.

"Your day will end at six o'clock sharp. Dinner will be served then in the Refectory should you choose to go, which I highly recommend you do as you will need the energy. Afterwards, you will have the evenings to complete whatever additional studies or extracurriculars you have planned for yourselves so long as you stay within the confines of the Sanctum. Do you have any questions regarding your regimen thus far?"

Neither of them felt confident in answering. It all sounded simple in theory, but if they had learned anything over the last couple of days, nothing was simple in the Hidden World. Brody especially was not looking forward to these morning workouts.

"Good," Derek smirked. "Let's get started."

The run and core training weren't as bad as Brody had anticipated. Seth of course was running circles around him as he was in much better physical shape. Once they had finished with their run, which had been in a hilly park terrain, Derek had them do an entire body-building workout. Seth was in his element, his determination and strength shining through. Brody on the other hand found himself taking frequent breaks, much to Derek's disappointment.