A Family Stronger Than Steel

Chapter 03

A small group of students from Hexside embarked on a field trip to the snow-capped mountain formed from the raised right leg of the Titan, also known as the Knee. "Now, the Knee is known for being rich in the Titan's powerful, lingering magic," explained Mrs. Puckelgrom, the teacher leading the expedition towards the summit. The students, among them a ten-year-old Dell, were bundled up in warm coats and hats.

The air grew colder and thinner with each step, causing their breath to form small clouds in front of them, and the sound of crunching snow echoed. A breathtaking view of the vast, snowy landscape stretching out in front of them greeted them as they arrived at the top clearing. Mrs. Pucklegrom continued, "It is said that long before Belos, witches and demons of old were drawn to its natural magical presence, using it as a training site."

After spending hours climbing, the students were exhausted and needed a break. Dell noticed Viney huffing and puffing as she struggled to catch her breath. "You alright?" Dell asked with concern.

Viney nodded. "I just need a moment." They both sat down on a nearby rock. "How are you not exhausted after all that hiking?"

Dell shrugged. "I guess... I've always had a knack for endurance." A small smile played on his lips. "And who knows, maybe the energy of this place is invigorating me." They glanced around, their eyes lingering on the ancient trees and the shimmering lake in the distance, taking in the serene beauty. "It's no wonder witches and demons were drawn here."

Viney nodded in agreement, her eyes also scanning the enchanting surroundings. "Yeah, there's something special about this place. It feels like the very air is infused with magic." She took a deep breath, savoring the refreshing breeze that seemed to carry whispers of ancient spells. "I can understand why they would choose this spot to master their powers-learn from the forces of nature."

"Uh, your bag?" Dell pointed to Viney's backpack, noticing it was acting up.

Viney glanced down at her backpack, realizing something was wiggling inside it. She unzipped it, and to her and Dell's surprise, a small griffon stuck her head out and let out a playful chirp. "Puddles? How'd you get in there?" Viney gently pulled the young griffon out of her backpack, cradling her in her arms. Puddles nuzzled against her, seemingly content to have found a cozy hiding spot. "I must have left the zipper open at home, and she snuck in."

The unexpected visitor made Dell chuckle. "Well, I guess Puddles wanted to join in on our adventure," he said, stroking the griffon's feathers. Puddles cooed in response, enjoying Dell's attention.

"I just hope Mrs. Pucklegrom doesn't see her," Viney said nervously. "She's not a big fan of pets, especially if they're not a beastkeeper's companion." Puddles seemed to sense her worry and nestled closer to Viney as if seeking protection. "Come on, girl, you must return to the bag."

"None of us want to get into trouble," Dell added gently, helping to coax Puddles into the bag. However, the griffon resisted, letting out a soft whine as if pleading to stay with them. And as if things couldn't get more complicated, a snow fairy flew up to Puddles and punched her beak, laughing mischievously. The fairy's actions startled the juvenile griffon, causing her to break Viney's embrace and go after the fairy with a vengeance.

Puddles lunged at the snow fairy, snapping her beak and flapping her wings aggressively. "Puddles, no!" Viney exclaimed, rushing forward to try and separate Puddles from the fairy. However, the juvenile griffon was too caught up in her fury to listen and flew after the sprite into a dense snowy forest, determined to catch her. "Puddles!" Viney followed closely behind, worried.