The Silent oath

Chapter 6: The Matron's Apprentice

The day Mistress Seraphine informed us of the upcoming apprentice selection process, a murmur of excitement and anxiety rippled through the ranks. For the next six months, we would train intensively under Teacher Amos, honing our skills in preparation for the selection trials. It was a rare opportunity, one that could change the course of our lives within The Family.

Teacher Amos was a formidable orc with green skin and muscles like iron bands. His stern demeanor was tempered by a surprising kindness, and he had a knack for pushing us to our limits without breaking our spirits. His training sessions were rigorous, but he balanced the physical demands with lessons in strategy and mental resilience.

From dawn until dusk, we drilled relentlessly. Teacher Amos focused on refining our combat techniques, emphasizing speed, precision, and adaptability. My smaller stature, once a disadvantage, had become an asset. I had learned to use my agility and quick reflexes to outmanoeuvre larger opponents. However, the selection process demanded more than just physical prowess; it required mastery of advanced skills that went beyond basic combat.

One afternoon, after a particularly grueling session, Teacher Amos gathered us around. "In six months, you'll face the selection trials. Only the best will be chosen as apprentices. Remember, it's not just about your skills. It's about your character, your ability to think on your feet, and your loyalty to The Family."

Aqua, Damion, and I exchanged determined glances. We knew the stakes were high, and we were ready to give it our all.

The months flew by in a blur of training and preparation. We practiced hand-to-hand combat, honed our proficiency with various weapons, and drilled in stealth and infiltration techniques. Every day, we pushed ourselves harder, driven by the knowledge that only a few would be chosen.

The selection trials were held in the Grand Hall, a vast space adorned with tapestries and statues honouring The Family's history. The air was thick with tension as we waited for our names to be called. The overseers and Masters, including Mistress Seraphine, were seated at a long table, their eyes fixed on us.

The first part of the trial was a combat exercise. We were paired off and instructed to demonstrate our skills. When my turn came, I faced off against Braden, the boy who had been my rival during training. His smug expression told me he expected an easy victory.

We circled each other, the tension palpable. The signal was given, and Braden lunged forward, his movements powerful but predictable. I sidestepped his attack and countered with a swift strike to his side. He grunted in surprise but quickly recovered, launching a series of aggressive blows.

I danced around him, using my agility to avoid his strikes and land precise hits. The audience watched intently, murmuring in approval as I deftly maneuvered around Braden. Finally, I saw an opening and delivered a decisive blow, sending him sprawling to the ground.

The overseers nodded in approval, and I stepped back, breathing heavily but triumphant. The next phases of the trial included tests of stealth, strategy, and loyalty. Each challenge was designed to push us to our limits and reveal our true potential.

As the trials progressed, I felt a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion. The final challenge was the most daunting: an individual test where we had to navigate a complex maze filled with traps and hidden enemies. We were given a map and a time limit, and success depended on our ability to think quickly and adapt to unexpected situations.

I entered the maze with my heart pounding. The dimly lit corridors twisted and turned, and the air was thick with tension. I moved cautiously, relying on my training to avoid the traps and dispatch the hidden enemies silently. The minutes ticked by, each one adding to the pressure.