The Tale of Friedensberg

Chapter 9 - Training for Battle

With the view of the fortress growing more unclear by the minute, Jade was struggling to stay awake due to the injuries. Though she was resilient and determined to stay awake. Ivory flew for what felt like hours until she landed in front of what looked like a large cave - It was Ivory's home. She let out a roar, and moments later multiple Wolgans emerged from the mouth of the cave, both young and old. Jade slowly got off of Ivory's back, but struggled to hold herself up. Ivory looked to Jade, as if to tell her to sit down. Jade refused at first, but then agreed and sat down. Donshawaro stepped forward from the pack. "What happened Oshanravischa? Was our elder's prophecy a lie?" Ivory lowered her head, sadly. "No Donshawaro. It seems Seth had grown his strength since our last encounter years ago. Jade fought with everything she had and was still no match for Seth. Had we not escaped when we did, we would have both died." "Well she shouldn't have gone in the first place if she knew she had little battle experience," Donshawaro sighed. "She will recover from her injuries then she will begin training." Jade tried to stand up, but fell over. "I'll do whatever it takes. Even if it must be rushed. I can feel it already, my mate beaten half to death." Jade balled her fist up, slamming it onto the ground. "So, you said I need to heal first right Donshawaro? How do you propose that happens considering I am human?" The majority of the pack was shocked, discovering Jade could understand Donshawaro when he spoke. "Well, Jade. We happen to have a unique spring that has many healing properties. All you need is to rest in it and then you will be good as new. However, it takes time. So take the opportunity to try and relax. It will make your training easier. A tense body is more prone to vulnerability." Donshawaro walked to Jade, stopping at her side. Jade reached up, wrapping her arm around his back, pulled herself up and leaned on him for support to avoid falling again in her weakened state. Donshawaro, Jade and Ivory began to slowly walk to the spring as Jade was limping. Luckily, the spring was not too far from the cave.

As the spring came into view, Jade marveled in the beauty. It was surrounded by flowers of all kinds, as well as bushes and trees. The small waterfalls gave a lovely ambient, peaceful sound. "It's... beautiful Donshawaro." Donshawaro chuckled. "Yes, it is. As is everything in nature. Though there is one thing I must share with you, that was not appropriate to mention in front of the pack." Jade looked to him curiously. "Oh?" "You must go in with light enough clothing for the waters to properly heal your wounds. Anything heavier will take twice as long." Jade was understanding of Donshawaro's reasoning for mentioning this in private. "I will stay here." Ivory said. "That's fine Ivory. Though were you not injured in the fight as well?" Jade questioned while removing her top. "A little, but I will be fine." Ivory replied, sitting down. "Alright if you say so." Jade removed her shoes and pants, then stepped into the spring. It was the perfect temperature. Not too hot and not too cold. "Ah. Just right! I can already feel my body healing." Jade lowered herself into the spring until the water reached her shoulders. Several minutes passed, and she felt back to normal. Jade then decided to swim within the spring. As the sun began to settle high in the sky, Ivory stood up. "Jade," Ivory called out to her, "it is time to ready yourself. We must go meet with the pack to begin your training."

Jade rose to the surface, then swam to the shore. "Alright. But it will take me a bit to try off before I can get dressed." Jade said as she walked out of the spring, water draining off of her. She squeezed the majority of the water out of her hair. "Let me help you dry off then." Ivory said as she began moving her wings, creating a powerful draft of wind towards Jade. Within moments, she was completely dried. "Thank you Ivory. I guess wings have more than just one purpose." Jade chuckled as she put on her leather body suit and combat boots, her artillery belt, bow, quiver and lastly her sword. "Alright. I'm ready. Let's go." Jade said, beginning to walk towards the pack, Ivory following by her side. As they approached the pack, Donshawaro stepped forward, a hint of a smile in his voice. "Ah, Jade, I see you're feeling better. Good. We have much work to do. Your training begins now." The pack parted, revealing a large clearing. In the center stood a tall, imposing figure - a Wolgan warrior, his fur a deep, dark gray, his eyes piercing yellow. "This is Kael," Donshawaro said. "He will be your mentor, your teacher, and your guide. He will push you to your limits, and beyond. Are you ready to begin?" Jade nodded, her determination evident in her eyes. "Then let us start," Kael said, his voice deep and commanding. "We will begin with the basics. Stance, movement, and combat techniques. You will learn to harness your strength, your speed, and your agility. You will learn to fight with precision, with strategy, and with honor." Jade nodded, her focus intense. "And remember, Jade," Donshawaro added, "a true warrior never stops learning, never stops growing. The moment you think you know it all, is the moment you fail." With that, Jade's training began. 

Kael led Jade through a series of exercises designed to improve her physical prowess and combat skills. First, they started with stance and movement drills. Jade learned various stances, such as the "Wolgans' Crouch" and the "Hunter's Stance", which improved her balance, agility, and reaction time. She practiced moving swiftly and silently, like a wolf, and learned to use her surroundings to her advantage. Next, they focused on hand-to-hand combat techniques. Kael taught Jade how to use her opponent's strength against them, how to disarm and disable, and how to use her own body as a weapon. They practiced various throws, takedowns, and submission holds, until Jade could execute them with precision and ease. After that, they moved on to weapon training. Jade learned how to wield her sword with deadly precision, how to use her bow and arrow with accuracy, and how to throw her daggers with force and speed. Kael taught her various combat techniques, such as the "Wolgans' Strike" and the "Hunter's Sweep", which she practiced until they became second nature. Finally, they practiced combat scenarios, where Jade faced off against Kael or other Wolgan warriors in simulated battles. She learned how to adapt to different situations, how to think on her feet, and how to stay focused under pressure. Throughout the training, Kael and Donshawaro offered guidance, correction, and encouragement. 

As Jade trained, Ivory watched with keen eyes, offering words of encouragement and advice. Whenever Jade struggled or felt frustrated, Ivory would approach her, her voice soft and gentle. "Remember, Jade, strength comes not from physical prowess alone, but from the heart and mind as well. You have the spirit of a true warrior, don't let doubt or fear hold you back." While Donshawaro observed, his expression thoughtful, he too shared words of encouragement. "Your movements are graceful, like a wolf's. Trust in your instincts, trust in yourself." When Jade faced difficulties with a particular technique, Donshawaro would offer practical advice, drawn from her own experience as a skilled hunter. "Try shifting your weight slightly, like this. And remember to keep your center of gravity low, like a wolf stalking prey." As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the clearing, Jade finally collapsed, exhausted, her body aching, her muscles screaming in protest. Kael nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "You have done well, Jade. For a human, you are surprisingly resilient. But remember, this is just the beginning. Tomorrow, we will push you harder. And the next day, harder still." Jade nodded, her eyes closed, her body trembling with fatigue. And so, her training continued, day after day, each one a test of her strength, her courage, and her determination. But Jade was not one to back down from a challenge. She was a warrior, a fighter, and she would stop at nothing to become stronger, and defeat Seth once and for all. However, training for Jade would only get more difficult. She would need to face Donshawaro and Kael in a duel, two versus one to ensure Jade was ready. Little does Jade know, the power sleeping within her would be drawn out soon.

-------------------------------------

Thanks for tuning in! I apologize for taking so long to update. I will have the next chapter out soon! Stay tuned for Chapter 10 - Powers Revealed!