Frost (EDITING)

A CALL FOR HELP

After lunch, everyone assembled on the grounds for training.

" I can't wait !" Amber squealed, "Hansel said that we might have a mock battle today."

Hazel was not as excited by the idea. "I am a novice compared to these people." she thought.

Hansel stood in front of them, a stern gaze fixed on each individual.

" He looks like he intends to make us run a good ten rounds around the camp." Nate said.

" Oh no ! The morning ones have given me enough pain for a lifetime." Amber sighed.

" You can never be sure with Hansel."

" I hope that Red turns up soon." Amber said, " He is such a shy gentleman in front of her. It's really adorable to watch."

" Hazel, step out of line." Hansel said. Hazel obeyed.

"We must begin your training." he said.

Hazel nodded.

"I cannot pretend to understand the extent or mechanism of your abilities, but I do have knowledge of combat." Hansel said, "In battle, it is important to think on your feet and move as fast as you can. Therefore, I shall take care of your physical training."

Hazel dreaded the idea. She had always hated physical education classes in school.

"Ten rounds around the camp...starting now." Hansel shouted out.

Hazel fell in line with the others.

"I had hoped that I would be allowed to miss training on my first day." she sighed.

"Haha! Wishful thinking, Hazy Smith." Ced said.

At the end of four rounds, Hazel fell to the ground, panting for breath and drenched in sweat. "I... can't."

"You definitely can!" said Cindy, offering her a hand. Nate cheered her on.

Five. Six. Seven. Eight.

"Hazel, stop!" said Red.

"But it's only been eight..." Hazel protested.

"I think Hansel will agree with me when I say that it's been enough for a day." Red said, "The rest of you may continue."

Red offered Hazel some water, which she gulped down gratefully.

"I think I could have completed my rounds if you didn't stop me, Red." said Hazel.

"I have no doubt that you would." Red said, "But all in good time, dear. You would have exerted yourself unnecessarily."

While Hazel knew this to be true, she felt a need to rush her training and make up for the months she had lost.

"I don't want to be a bystander in battle. I don't want to be a liability to my friends." she sighed.

Red patted her on the back. "I can assure you that you won't."

****

The mock battle began. Two groups stood in the field, facing each other. Hazel had been exempted from this session. She stood at a distance, with Red, Hansel and Gretel.

" One of their teammates has been imprisoned by the enemy." Hansel explained, pointing to the trees at the corners of the field. A dummy tangled in a fishing net hung from their branches.
Two people from each team were assigned to guard it.

" The team which frees their member first, wins." he said.

Hazel recognised Cindy, Nate, Edyta and Edina in the first group. In the second, she found Amber and Ced, among others. Amber and Ced in one team , made the whole affair worth a watch.