The One True Commander [BOOK 1]

Chapter 13: Tondc

I fitted my amour onto my upper body and braided my hair. All of us natblidas had just woken up and were getting ready to go to Tondc. Tondc was a village, just outside Polis and for the next day and a half we were going to train there for a change of scenery. But most importantly, we were going to meet a great warrior called Ace. Heda used to be Ace's second, before she became commander, and all of us were pretty excited about meeting her. It has been the conversation of the past few days after the execution of the Azgeda traitors.

"Hurry up, Cree. We don't have all day!" I commented as the others walked out of the dorm, heading to breakfast.

Cree fiddled with his raven black hair, trying to get it styled, "my hair is not ready! It looks like a bird nest!"

I rolled my eyes, "come on, Princess!" I pulled him away from the mirror towards the door.

"Awwwwww, come on, Y/N!" He argued, pulling out of my grip.

"Your hair doesn't matter! Your going to get all hot and sweaty from training!" I laughed as we walked down the corridor.

Cree grunted, "my hair is the best part of me."

I laughed loudly this time, "oh come on!"

He shoved me and smiled, "shut up, Y/N."

***

After breakfast we headed down to the stables, where we were told to meet. When we got there, Titus was waiting for us, looking as miserable as ever.

"Natblidas, as you know today you will be going to Tondc to spend some time there, training with Ace, one of the greatest warriors of Trikru." Titus stood by his grullo horse, with his hands behind his back as he spoke. "Now, mount your horses and folllow me."

I mounted on the back of my raven black horse called Callus and got my reins sorted in my hands. Once I was ready I looked over to Cree who was on the back of a chestnut horse.

"Don't fall off this time," I commented, remembering a few months ago when he fell off during a riding class.

Cree scoffed, "that wasn't my fault, a bird scared the horse!"

I laughed, "yeah, yeah, keep thinking that."

We started our ride to Tondc with Cree and I at the back of the line. I scanned my surroundings in the early morning sun. The forest surrounding us was a mix of lush green and earthy brown and the air smelt of flowers and herbs. I really enjoyed rides out to places, it was a change of the sight of Polis and the training arena. As much as I loved Polis, going somewhere different was something I always looked forward to. I urged my horse forward as we jumped over a log and I heard Cree follow on behind me.

"Well done, you didn't fall," I commented, sarcastically.

"Will you ever stop?" Cree questioned, coming up beside me as the path widened.

I smiled, "no."

"Are you looking forward to today?" Cree asked, changing the subject.

"Of course I am, it will be good to learn from a great warrior. Are you?" I raised my eyebrow.

Cree smirked, "yes, I wonder how she will teach? What she will do?"

I nodded in agreement, "maybe she will teach us new skills." I looked to Cree's back. "You brought your sword, right?" I asked, noticing the absence of the blade on his back.