1 - Daughter Of The Storm

Azena - Crossing Illustra

4th day of the season of birth - Year 2447

- Today, Reaginn announced with enthusiasm, we walk to Illustra, the forest of illusions. It is found in Detmor, the human kingdom of the Red Wolf. I hope you are familiar with its wildlife. We only come back in ten days, on the 14th day.

- What? Fayne panicked. Have you thought about our other classes, Master Ruvior?

- Do not worry. Everything has been arranged.

A few days had passed since the incident with Umah. Azena had shared her worries with Ariella about the duel with Serfantor and the half-elf had dedicated herself to her success. Ariella did not like her team captain much and had spoken of the duel to her two skotar teammates. The role of trainer had been offered to Lythrana and Nymfrein, the two second-year twins. Of course, Ariella could have found someone more experienced, but she was assured that they were going to be excellent trainers. Azena had given her the freedom of the pick and trusted her judgment. The most ironic in her eyes was that those who were going to help her were all members of the Darkblade team. She did not blame them; Serfantor was not always easy to deal with. The gray elf was a cold, stern and authoritarian leader, which made Darkblade a disciplined and difficult team to defeat at the end of the line.

Azena, Lythrana and Nymfrein had not yet held their first session together. Azena knew a little bit about them, but nothing more. They were supposed to meet tonight, but since Reaginn had other plans, it was not going to be possible.

- Go get ready and join me at the main entrance in ten minutes, Reaginn ordered. Think about survival; Illustra is far from being a peaceful forest.

Azena felt frustration gnawing at her patience. What joy! Being away from the Kindirah to replace them with monsters who roam in the darkness of the woods.

- Excuse me, Master Ruvior, said Ariella politely.

- What is it, Apprentice Valkirel? Replied Reaginn.

- Are we going to bring our dragons?

- What is a survival part without our partner? We will pass to the Great Nest after having all met at the main entrance. Above all, make sure you are well equipped. There will be no turning back.

Azena felt her stomach relax. Having Tyrath with her would simplify things and greatly increase her chances of survival.

- But we did not learn to fight, Katanor whined.

- You must learn on the battlefield as well as in class, Reaginn replied sternly. Being one of the princes of the gray elf people, you should have a minimum of experience under your belt, right?

Katanor dared not reply. He contented himself with glaring at the grand master.

- Get ready, Reaginn ordered without worrying about Katanor.

Once out, Azena, Fayne, Teriondil and Ariella went together to the dormitories to pick up their belongings. Fayne, over-anxious, had arranged to make enough room in her bag for all her books. She wanted to have access to all possible information they might need. Azena focused more on the accessories useful in the wild and in combat, such as her weapons, her armor, Tyrath's saddle and reins, her first aid kit and her sleeping bag.

- Fayne, leave some books behind and remember that we're going to sleep in a forest.

Fayne sighed.

- Oh, you're probably right. I'm just nervous.

She sat down on the floor, took out several books from her backpack and stared at them for a long time. She tried to choose two that she would take with her.