The Birth of a Ranger

Chapter Eight

Dante had woken that day to receive word from a messenger that she was needed by Harbarad. It had been four years since she had become an initiate to the Dunedain Rangers and was finally able to hold a longbow as well as use one. She had been properly outfitted and even learned to make her own clothing.

She had been training with her father, Connor, when he was available to do so but for the most part trained by herself. She hardly ever sparred with anyone that wasn't her father either, in fear of possible injuries from not being able to properly defend herself, but it didn't stop her from training daily.

On her way up to the tent to speak with Harbarad she noted her father speaking to a woman that she vaguely recognized. Their gaze shifted to her as she passed and instead of letting her gaze linger she just kept walking.

"Is that her?" Azura asked Connor silently.

"Aye."

Dante could feel their gaze on her as she moved up the hill and the little bit of conversation told her she was being asked for to go somewhere. She was just an initiate so being sent on any type of mission confused her.

When she got to the top of the hill she parted the tent flap and walked in, her hand on her sword hilt. She had gotten into the habit of doing so even if she wasn't in any danger. It was a sort of comfort that she held close to her and she knew how to strike someone down thanks to her father's training.

"Ah, Dante. Lady Azura, if you remember her, as requested your assistance on a mission on another island. You will be with her for a month to two months before returning. She and her guards have offered to take up your training at that time."

Dante nodded her head and turned to walk out when he was done speaking but was stopped in her tracks by two Rangers at the flap. She turned to look back at Harbarad with a question on her face.

"Keep an eye on her. I know you are cautious regardless, Dante but do not let your guard up even for a second. Send letters to us on occasion when you are able. We will be in contact." It confused Dante but she nodded her head and pushed past the Rangers blocking the entrance.

Once outside she let out a sigh and took note of how her stomach twisted and turned. Why was she needed by Azura in the first place? She had some of the best warriors in Avenixia next to the Dunedain Rangers. Surely she had more than enough protection; she didn't need them.

She was quick to make her way down the hill to the small gathering of Rangers and Akiyama guards and to her father's side.

"She is still in training, Azura. Do not expect her to be one of our best." Connor had spoken up at the sight of her leaving Harbarad's tent. Dante had a rare moment when her long her wasn't braided and noted how she was cooled off walking down the hill to the group, the wind getting caught under her hair.

"We don't need the best. We need her." Azura lifted her head in her statement, clearly making a point. "She will remain unharmed, I assure you. We will not stop her if she chooses to return home, here."

Dante smiled and nodded her greetings to Azura upon joining the group. Eraden and Elrohir, the two twins of the group stood by Connor's side and nodded their greetings when she joined the group. Azura was beautiful. More so than she remembered. Her complexion was untouched, not a scar to be seen and her skin was olive toned, blending almost perfectly with her long black hair. She was adorned in a long blue gown that had a V-neck and silver jewels adorned around her breasts. Everything about her screamed nobility.

"How The Morrigan dresses more for formality than battle, I will never understand." Dante spoke up at the sight of her outfit and crossed her arms. "Nevertheless, it is good to see you once more, Azura."