The child of wolves (English version)

Training part 1.

Two years had passed since Astral and Virion's return to Frostheilm. Life in the village remained peaceful, though a subtle change seemed to float in the air. For Astral, memories of Isenhavn had softened with time, yet certain details still resurfaced in his dreams: the towering walls, the bustling streets, and that vibrant energy.

The young boy continued his training with Virion, showing more discipline than before. His movements grew more confident, and he felt his strength gradually increasing. Each lesson fed his insatiable curiosity, drawing him to dream of a future filled with adventure.

Around Astral, his friends were also beginning to find their own paths. Lyone and Mars were interested in trade, often lingering around the markets to observe the exchanges between villagers and merchants. Lya, on the other hand, spent more and more time with Thoria, who was teaching her the basics of plants and simple remedies.

Virion remained the protector of this small group, a figure both wise and imposing. Thelaria, with her usual gentleness, watched over them all, intervening only when their games became a bit too daring. For Astral, this harmony made Frostheilm a reassuring home, even though his spirit longed for the unknown.

That midday, after an intense training session, Astral turned to his father, his eyes gleaming with an idea.

"—It's this week that you're going to Isenhavn, right?" he asked.

"—Yes," replied Virion, wiping his forehead. "We need to review our agreement with Hakon. Things are changing."

Astral hesitated for a moment, then asked the question that had been burning on his lips.

"—Can I come with you?"

Virion raised an amused eyebrow.

"—And what about your training?"

"—Oh, you know, rest is important too!" Astral retorted with a smile. "And besides... it would do me good to leave the village for a while, don't you think?"

Virion sighed, thinking it over, then turned to Thelaria, who was watching the scene in silence.

"—What do you think?"

She cast a knowing look at Astral before replying, a slight smile on her lips.

"—He's not wrong. He won't stay here all his life... he may as well see a bit of the world."

Astral held his breath, watching his father, hoping for a positive answer.

Virion sighed again, as if to prolong the suspense, before placing a firm hand on his son's shoulder.

"—Alright, you'll come. But on one condition: you stay close to me and follow every instruction. Understood?"

Astral nodded enthusiastically, a wide smile lighting up his face.

"—Promise! I'll be as wise as a wolf in the snow," he laughed.

Thelaria and Virion exchanged a tender glance. With Astral's enthusiasm, Frostheilm suddenly seemed very small.

After the meal, father and son climbed into the cart, ready for the journey to Isenhavn. Spring bathed the landscape in soft light, and the clear paths made the journey far more pleasant than in winter. The cart moved through meadows scattered with young flowers among the lush grasses, and the trees, still half-naked, were covered in budding leaves. Astral, rediscovering these landscapes he had crossed two years earlier, gazed at them with the same pleasure, as though in a springtime ritual.

As they neared Isenhavn, a different atmosphere seemed to hang in the air. It wasn't a sudden change, but rather a faint impression, almost elusive. The city finally appeared on the horizon, its imposing walls bathed in sunlight, and Astral shivered with excitement, though he noted a slightly more... reserved ambiance.