The Wolf Mage

Journey to the Capital

I awoke earlier than usual. Not a glimpse of sunlight had yet to rise over the horizon yet. I stared up at the ceiling of the cabin. I wanted to leave today for Tristand, but I had to have permission before leaving. I sighed, and just what would I do if I didn’t get permission. I heard snoring from the other side of the cabin, and suddenly a loud thud. The snoring continued after the thud. I peered over the edge of my bed to see that Brad had fallen out of bed, and was still asleep. I shook my head. Through the window the sun was beginning to show at last. I grabbed my pillow, and threw it at Brad’s face. He groaned,

“What the heck” he complained groggily. He threw the pillow back in my direction, only he missed and hit Tyler who threw it back at Brad. Brad caught it before it could hit him. He sat up, looking very tired still and irritated.

“You wake up after being hit by a pillow, but not falling out a bed?” I asked him humorously. Erza and Hunter laughed at this, they too were also awake now.

“I wake up when other people bother me, like throw pillows at me” he snapped. He was sounding really irritated. He stood up, and left the cabin. Out the window we could see him heading towards the bathroom. It was silent for a few seconds after his stormy leaving.

“Maybe he’s hungover?” Hunter suggested. It seemed like a logical reason after everyone was partying and gloating in the mess hall the other day. Outside I could hear Captain Brooks announcing breakfast was being served. We headed out to the mess hall where it seemed everyone was a little beat up since yesterday. It was mellow, calm, and without a lot of arguing. I started eating a bowl of cereal.

“Everyone is pretty down since yesterdays fighting” Erza noticed. Since our cabin wasn’t in the same battle with them on the coast the effects of the fighting were different, but Brad was taking it a bit rough. ‘Maybe when I left the mess hall something happened, perhaps with his father?’ I thought.

“I’m going to go look for him” I finally decided.

“Heh, good luck with Mr. Sour” Hunter joked.

“Right” I laughed. I dumped my empty bowl in the sink near the kitchen, and left the mess hall. I caught his scent down the trail. 'What the heck is wrong with him?' I wondered. I kept walking down the trail, but I didn't see him. "Hey Jeremy!" I heard Dale call. I stunned to see him walking down the trail.

"Whatcha doing out here?" He asked.

"I was looking for Brad, but never mind that. I wanted to ask you something" I replied. He raised an eyebrow curiously.

"You want to go to Tristand" he guessed. I stare at him blankly in surprise. He laughed,

"After finding out your dad is out there I figured you wouldn't stay here long " He admitted.

"I guess that's reasonable" I replied, "is that all you came to ask?" I questioned him. He didn't reply, and I knew he had something to say. He put a hand on my head,

"Don't do anything risky and unfocused" he told me, "Because when people don't focus, and they do risky things they take shortcuts. That's where they die" he said sternly.

"So you're not going to stop me then?" I asked.

"Well I won't be here to stop you. I'm being sent out" he said. I didn't need to know where when he said he was being 'sent out'. He meant he was going to Ethivo, the enemy country.

"Besides, I think you're finally tall enough" he laughed. He messed up my hair,

"Take Erza and Brad with you, too" he added,

"And take care of Erza"

"Erza can take of herself" I reminded him.

"Heh, not like that" he chuckled.