Chapter 4
In his present condition, Thaddaeus was horrified at the idea of exerting more effort. However, Solis didn't make it seem like a suggestion. So the two hunters headed off into the wilderness, away from the clearing where the camp was located. As they moved further into the forest, Solis asked Thaddaeus question after question as to the way he would go about his activities before he met them. He included activities such as hunting and tracking as well as spanning into subjects like sword care and even sword stance. Solis viewed this part of training as the most important part. He very much valued intelligence gathering in life, but certainly when it pertained to battle. He believed a soldier must have their knowledge correct before their actions could be.
"Correct perception and accurate intelligence are your most important tools in a battle." Solis explained as they drew closer to their prey. The animal Solis had chosen to hunt was called an ulfudyr. They were quite plentiful across all of Atlas. The ulfudyr were dangerous to humans as they possessed large fangs and were agile hunters. However, they rarely attacked humans since they had more success hunting and tracking smaller animals.
"I do not require my two-handed sword to defeat my target." Solis continued quietly as he drew a well-crafted dagger from a concealed sheath on the side of his right thigh. Thaddaeus watched as Solis would wait for the perfect opportunities when the mid-sized animal took a step which would hide the noise of Solis slowly sneaking up behind it. When the ulfudyr stopped, Solis would stop and wait. Once he had gotten close enough, he quickly reached around and stabbed its heart and cut its throat. Thaddaeus at first thought it was overkill, but then he realized that Lux and his people were extremely merciful. He soon understood that Solis wanted to keep it from suffering.
"Are you not able to move incredibly fast like Lux?" Thaddaeus asked the hunter.
"You are limited to normal movement, it is of the utmost importance that you gather information before acting." Solis responded, clearly avoiding the question asked. Walking away he called out, "Lunch is waiting!" Thaddaeus looked down and realized that he left him to carry the animal back to camp. Crying on the inside, Thaddaeus began the painful transportation.
After Solis left him to prepare the food by himself, everyone gathered around to eat. Thaddaeus noticed that they did everything really closely with one another. They even gathered in small spaces to eat, and they always pushed their seats as close together as they could. He thought it was strange, but it did always lead to a lot of conversation and fun. They may be on to something there, he thought to himself. As he sat with them enjoying the meal, he reflected on Solis' lesson for him in the forest. It makes a lot of sense, and he is no doubt skillful, he contemplated, I of course can't let him know I think that, though. That guy is goofy!
"Ready for real training?!" Solis asked barely containing his excitement. Feeling much better after resting and eating, Thaddaeus willfully agreed. He made a detour to retrieve his antique sword, then followed Solis a small distance outside the camp to a flat area.
"I feel certain we are available for a few minutes to enjoy this." Ignis suggested to the others. They jumped out of their seats almost simultaneously racing one another to watch the show. They positioned themselves a safe distance to the side and knelt on the ground to view the much anticipated training.
"Very well," Solis initiated, "Your first challenge is to simply strike me with your sword. Do not concern yourself with injuring me. If necessary, Telucani can heal any minor wounds."
"I refuse!" Telu exclaimed, resolute in her declaration. Solis and Thaddaeus looked over at the stubborn but regal woman who was sitting with her legs crossed and her hands folded together over her top knee, then at Lux who was clearly beguiled. Apparently, he was too entranced by Telu's long flowing hair that reached most of the way down her back to help. Their faces doing nothing to hide their disbelief and shock, they tried to reason with the unwavering Telu. Unable to convince her, both warriors reluctantly assumed their stances.
Just then, they heard Luna's voice interrupt, "Mind yourself, Thaddaeus! Solis has perfect 360 degree vision reaching up to five miles! He can even see spirit energy when he desires!"
Dropping his stance and leaning his head back in frustration, Solis yelled back at her. "Why Luna?! I meant that ability to be a fun surprise!" Ignis and Lux looked at each other, then burst into laughter at Solis' foiled plans.
"Apologies, My Sun!" she exclaimed.
"I accept, My Moon!" he called back. Luna could get away with anything as Solis was a hopeless romantic.
"When were you going to tell me about your sneaky powers?" Thaddaeus questioned.
"It is your job to learn them prior to death." Solis regained his stern expression.
Feeling as though he had been underestimated again, Thaddaeus quipped, "You won't have any tricks to save you this time." As they regained their stances, he planned a swift attack that would aim at Solis' head which he would of course block. Then Thaddaeus would be free to take out his legs. He took a breath, then with a swift swing of his blade he followed the plan. Immediately, however, just as he shifted to swing down on Solis, there was no Solis left to attack. His next feeling was a sharp blade touching his back.
"I surrender!" Thaddaeus half joked, "So, I guess you do have the same speed as Lux."
"No, Lux' movements are impossible to match. However, we all possess a measure of that ability. I simply wished for you to be aware of the world you are entering," Solis explained as he walked back to his place across from Thaddaeus. "Now, enough distractions. Attack!" They both took their stances once more, and the sparring match commenced. Solis believed he needed to see his young disciple's style and abilities firsthand if he was to help him improve.
As teacher and student continued trading blows, Lux addressed the others. "It is time we depart, we must reach the commercial town of Montibus before nightfall." Lux, Telucani, and Ignis arose and headed for the supplies sitting in the camp, but before they got too far Lux turned around. "Luna," he yelled over to her, "Do you wish to join us?" Luna was still resting on the ground not far from Solis' training session. She turned to see their leader awaiting a reply, she simply smiled and turned her attention back to the makeshift arena. Lux already knew the answer to his question, but he preferred giving his people options. Warmed by Luna's subtle affection for Solis whom she bullied quite often, the leader turned his attention back to the supplies. Then, the remaining three began their travels for Montibus.
"Is it necessary for you to make so many movements when attacking?" Solis playfully questioned.
"What does that even mean," the frustrated Thaddaeus retorted, "how could I possibly make less movements?"
"I have noticed many opportunities to strike you during your own attack," Solis responded. "There are many creatures in this world, some of which appear human, that would cut you in half just as you began your attack. It is extremely likely we will find many of these on our journey." As Solis was talking, he noticed that Thaddaeus appeared uninterested. "Would you believe that myself and the others are not the strongest beings in this world?"
Thaddaeus' eyes grew wide, "What? How can-I thought Ignis was saying you could destroy the Damna with relative ease!"
"Yes, most likely those creatures will not be an issue. Did you think it stopped with them? They are mindless brutes being overwhelmed by the power of nature. Imperials, however, have not lost their minds, they have only gained. They have gained intelligence, power, and cunning, these beasts in human form are unlike anything you have witnessed in this world. The very weakest of them are stronger than the strongest Damna." Thaddaeus looked lost in thought, he seemed as though he was going to fall apart. Solis began worrying that he had told him too much. He knew it was a risk. He had hoped to motivate his student, but he could have just as easily destroyed any hope Thaddaeus had.
In an instant, however, Thaddaeus snapped back, "Then we have no time to stand around running our mouths!" He resumed his stance. Surprised and entertained by the boy's quick about-face, Solis laughed giddily while resuming the sparring match. As night fell, and with several scrapes and bruises, Thaddaeus collapsed. He had fought with everything he had for hours. With the careful instruction and practice that Solis provided him, he believed his form had already improved greatly. Both sitting directly adjacent from one another, they rested and gazed at the night sky. Seeing that the sword practice was over, Luna joined them.
"I've been wondering something," Thaddaeus broke the silence. "You guys all look close to my age, maybe a year or two older. The only thing is, you have knowledge and wisdom of possibly twice that, and I see it in the way you act as well. So, how old are you, really?"
"It is unfortunate," Solis smiled, "that I am unable to answer that question completely. However, it is not untrue to say that we are all 24 years old. A portion of what you see in us is because of the nature of our people, but we cannot inform you further for your own protection and the protection of our home."
Thaddaeus laughed and fell to his back, "Boy, you guys sure are strange, but that's what makes this so much fun."