Nights of Fire & Ash

Chapter 19

Every morning became routine, I'd wake up early enough that the sun had yet to rise, head to the training arena by the gardens, and I'd work on every stance, every movement, every physical exercise I could do on my own. Caythan, Heldius, Zathrian, and Makiel would make an appearance after I had been most of the way through my exercises.
We'd spar and work our way through new warm ups and routines for me to practice.
"We need to start your training on how you're going to survive while you have no one and nothing on the side of the mountain. You won't engage in much hand to hand combat out on the mountain." Zathrian mentioned while Makiel and Caythan threw each other around. The playfulness in each jab and punch looked more like they were playing than actually training.
"I lived as a practically feral animal for about 10 years, Zathrian. I know more about living without people and supplies than most anyone else that I know." Makiel rolled over top of Caythan's shoulders. As graceful as a cat, he landed back on his feet and swept his feet to catch Caythan's ankle. As the dust plumed around Caythan's heaving body, Makiel walked away chuckling at him.
"You know about human world and its nature, but the Fae world is much different. You could be killed in an instant if you aren't ready for what monsters and wrath wait for you out there. We aren't the only monsters you have to fear." Zathrian's voice rumbled deeply enough that I swore I felt it in my bones. The thought about what could be lying out there past the safety of the castle grounds left a pit in my stomach.
"Well, then, I guess we better put down the swords and get to work then. I only have a month before his majesty says I have to begin my little adventure." I raised my eyebrows.
"I think the perfect person for the book training is actually Aillard," I groaned inwardly as Makiel planted a kiss on my temple. He pulled away and glanced back towards Zathrian. "Not that he would be willing to do any favors for me."
"Don't worry about my brother. He'll be more than willing by the time we are finished." Zathian's feline smile sent a jitter down my spine. Makiel smirked back at him.
~
"Best learning stems from experience. Tonight, we will stay out here until well after dark." I watched him as he plopped out of the carriage and snapped up a pack of supplies. The entire trip up here had been utterly silent, painfully silent. I would have rather been dumped in the woods by myself at that rate.
"Okay. So what do I get?" I watched as he stomped into the woods. I quickly followed him as the darkness started swallowing him.
"A dagger, a sword, and only enough food, clothes, and other small supplies that you can carry in a small pack." He then tossed me a bag that was small enough to be a purse that dainty women back in the village carried around.
"Are you serious? This is all?" I was baffled. I would take more with me on hunting trips.
"The more you pack, the slower you travel. You can take more, but it will take twice as long. Your choice." I nodded and fumed as he continued to move through the forest. Not watching where I wandered, I tripped over an overgrown root sticking out of the ground and fell with an umph!
"Watch where you're walking. The ground is more than capable of moving with you if it feels like such." I looked around and didn't see anything else move. "Get up, princess, we don't have all day."
Gods, this was going to be a long day.