The Chronicles of a Scalebound Sage: Wandmaker Vol.2

WM [59] The Day After

"Tanisha. Tanisha, I'm coming in," A voice cut through the silence

It took a moment for the fog in Tanisha's mind to allow her to recognize the source of the voice as Adelheid. The wifwolf entered the tent, her presence sharp. Adelheid settled into a chair, her sharp eyes scanning the space, taking in the tent's size and the details of their makeshift home. For a long while, there was only silence, the distant hum of the camp outside barely registering. Then, Adelheid set a plate on the table, and the aroma of roasted meat filled the tent. Tanisha rolled onto her side, her gaze landing on Adelheid, who sat quietly, waiting.

"I know the floor must be comfortable, but will you join me?" Adelheid's tone was almost pleading, yet there was a firmness in it. "It's important that you eat."

Tanisha wasn't sure when she managed to stand, but she found herself sitting across from Adelheid at the table, staring down at the plate of food. The tent, she realized, was more like a mobile home, complete with furniture, a wardrobe, and even a mirror. Everything seemed too stable, too normal, given the chaos inside her. She looked at the food, but her stomach churned with reluctance.

"Hurry up," Adelheid pressed, her tone unwavering. "Or do I have to feed you?"

"I'm not hungry." Tanisha's voice was a feeble whisper, a hollow echo of her usual self.

"I don't wanna hear that shit." Adelheid's response was sharp, and she grabbed a chicken leg from the plate, thrusting it toward Tanisha. "You didn't eat anything last night. You need to eat. We have training to get to."

"Training?" Tanisha asked.

Adelheid's brows furrowed. "Yes, training. You're not getting out of it. Now open your damn mouth. The next thing I hear from you better be chewing."

Tanisha searched Adelheids expression for anything, but she just looked concerned. Her voice, her anger, a thinly veiled facade. She chewed mechanically, the taste barely registering, but with each bite, the emptiness within her receded slightly. Adelheid watched her closely, not relaxing until the plate was clean. She then pushed a cup of water into Tanisha's hands, and when that was finished, she stood up, fetching Tanisha's clothes.

"Change into these," Adelheid said, her voice softening for the first time.

Tanisha realized that Joha actually had her wagon and without it she only had what was in her personal storage. She didn't have long to think about it before she was in a loose fitting robe and linen pants. A sash around her waist kept her modesty. She didn't have time to look herself over and protest before Adelheid hurried her outside.

Tanisha's chest felt tight as she stepped out into the new encampment outside of the mountain fortress. The coolness of the morning air pressing against her skin. She had little time to dwell on the calm atmosphere the day after everything changed. They passed through the camp, weaving between tents as the scent of campfires and cooking food mingled with the earthiness of freshly churned soil beneath boots.

She was grateful when they reached a quiet spot away from the main encampment but still close enough that they were visible to anyone who might need them. Two mats lay on the ground, and Adelheid stepped onto one, directing Tanisha to the other.

"We are here. Teach me." Adelheid's voice was unwavering.

"Teach you? What are you talking about?" Tanisha asked.

"The Way of the Rakshasa. I know you do this every morning." Adelheid said. "You think I'm gonna let you slack off? I'd lead the training myself, but I don't know a damn thing about it. I've been copying some of your moves, but now it's your turn to teach me."