The Source (Chronicles of the Elements #1)

Chapter 7

Darren and Aiden met back up with the others to make their way to dinner where Danu was waiting for them at the grand wooden doors of the dining hall.

"I hope you all settled in and found your chambers to your liking. We have arranged the dining hall so that you may sit with your trainers and get to know one another. Your lessons will begin after just to assess where you are followed by intensive training commencing at dawn."

"Everything is wonderful! Thank you for this opportunity. I know you all must have so many other things to do and places to be. We promise to learn quickly and work our hardest."

"I have no doubts you will, Fiadh. Let us go in, and I will introduce you to your trainers."

Within the hall, the large table they saw earlier had been replaced with smaller circular ones evenly spaced throughout different parts of the room. Aiden felt her breath catch at the sight of the Fae at the different tables because they were all unique and beautiful in their own ways each with coloring and markings that proudly showed their magical abilities. The power humming throughout from all the magical beings in one room was suffocating but awe inspiring at the same time. She knew her friends would give off that kind of power one day, but would she?

"Attention. May I introduce your trainees. These brave ones come to us eager to learn and grow in their abilities. Welcome them. Challenge them. Push them. Help them grow in strength so that they may continue to protect their kingdom from the evil we all know is growing. For now though, sit. Eat. Converse."

Danu escorted Beck to the table closest to the group that was clearly suited to the water magic he possessed. An array of seafood like they had never seen was spread down the center of the table which was covered in a bright, turquoise blue silk cloth with plates and goblets made of pearl and magnificent seashells.

"Ronan and Shannon, I would like to introduce you to Beck. He is strong in water magic and has mastered the basic skills already. Beck, these two will teach you how to not only manipulate water from a close source but to summon it from far away, up out of the ground, or even dehydrate the body of an enemy. They have studied for centuries under Manannan Mac Lir himself."

Beck had a smile that seemed to take up his whole deep brown face as he joined his trainers and began piling what looked like huge prawns on his plate.

Danu took Caden and Cillian to their table next. It was decorated simply and efficiently laden with roasted meats, hearty vegetables, and ale. The two trainers had ancient Celtic and Fae symbols tattooed on their forearms and probably other places that weren't visible underneath intricately detailed fighting leathers. It was customary in all realms for warriors to earn those tattoos. Caden and Cillian each had two of their own already.

"This is Eimear and Cathal. Both are generals in our army. They can teach not only advanced weaponry but also how to strategize and plot battle plans in your mind in seconds. They were key pieces in helping to capture Olc the first time, so they are familiar with his tactics. Cillian and Caden are two of the strongest in sword, bow, ax, spear, and mace. However, they have much untapped power to explore."

The two sat down with their trainers and began piling their plates high. Aiden could already tell Cillian was extremely taken with Eimear. She was equally as beautiful as she was strong giving off the power and stature of a highly skilled warrior while still showing off her feminine curves.

The shifter table was out on the terrace. Fiadh always loved being outdoors, and it seemed that quality was shared in the shifter nature. Their table was bare of a cloth like the warrior one with wooden bowls and trays full of smoked meats, dried fruits, leafy green salads, and pitchers of sparkling water. The shifters themselves even seated moved with the grace of an antelope while still exuding the power of a lion. Fiadh had always been that way as well. She was the most exquisite dancer but also a most ferocious warrior.