Under the instruction of Cala, Nona made a speedy recovery. He was able to use each of the three elements he used prior in the ways she had explained but it was not anything to brag about. He noticed they were slightly more responsive with his new understanding, but he could not help thinking he was missing more about the elements.
Once he was up and moving around he immediately checked on Aquiline. The poison had already left his body. The toll of healing had greatly weakened him forcing them to stay until he recovered. Cala had plans for Nona while they stayed.
Every morning she would wake him and have him spar against the other warriors in their village until he could not swing his sword any more. They never offered any instruction, but rather let him learn on his own. He faced wielders of axes, short swords, staff, spears, and more. No two people attacked him the same way with the same weapon.
Under such training he began to develop a sense of when he should block or simply dodge. Unfortunately, for him none of them dulled their weapons or used practice weapons, so every spar left him cut up and force him to heal himself.
After sparring he was sent out of the village alone to gather food. He would have to bring it to Cala for inspection before than learning the proper way to cook what he found. The first few days of this he went hungry as what he brought back was inedible. When asking if he could eat what the villagers had found he was asked if he planned on becoming a villager. Picking up on the undertone of the answer to that was the answer for food he left it alone.
At night Cala would lecture him on the elements and their proper uses. When the lecture would run out she would have him call forth pure mana and just hold it in his body. Not understanding the purpose of this but wary of a tongue lashing he simply obeyed. When is body became full of mana he would feel energized and every part of him would feel alive.
Focusing on that feeling he expiremented with moving it around his body. He quickly noticed, that when he had the mana flow out of his heart and through his body, it was natural and easy. If he did this for to long he would begin to feel a burning sensation, and fear of this would cause him to stop.
Weeks passed in this manor. His skills in both magic and swordplay greatly improved requiring less time to heal. His meals became more bountiful and better tasting. Aquiline was starting to make small trips outside of his sick bed.
As Nona was taking pleasure in his progress he could not shake the nagging feeling that it was time to move on in a certain direction. With each day it would become more insistent, and if he was not paying attention he would find himself walking in that direction. He finally brought himself to ask Cala about it.
"Hmmm guess I should have made you study maps as well. No use worrying about it now. There simply is not a way to teach you everything you need to know to survive. In that direction lies the capital. Is that where you were originally heading?"
"Yes, I was told there is a magic academy there that will teach me all I want to learn." replied Nona.
"There is indeed, but be careful all the magicians they produce end up on the Frontline."
"Is it not honorable to fight for your country?" Nona was confused since honor was so important to the nomads.
"Yes, but this is not a war between equals. Other countries have moving chunks of metal that are impervious to the sword, and require immense amount of mana to destroy. Meanwhile our troops are only armed with their swords and personal armor."
"Than wouldn't a victory in such conditions bring more honor?"
"If there was a victory, but we have been losing for so long now. The kingdom can barely delay their advancements. This is why we are looking for a way to leave and you should join us instead of going there."
Nona tried to think about that, but the sensation in his head got so bad he nearly started running toward the capital. This forced him to acknowledge the fact that he had no choice, but to go there. Resolving to figure out the why of it he responds to Cala. "I have no choice but to go there."
Cala looked deep into Nona's eyes and saw his resolve. "Very well lad. I can not force you to go with us but there may be something to increase your chances of survival. Our ancestors the primordial elements created a sword back when the creatures of myth were banished from our world. It was meant to help break the banishment, but instead the mages built there academy on top of it. I believe the mana you can produce in your body is because you are a descendant of those myths. If that is true than the sword will be a great boon for you and may allow you to survive." Cala could not prevent the sadness from entering her voice.
Nona bowed to her. "I will keep that in mind. I owe you and your tribe a great debt. Without knowing who or what I am you took me in and have taught me so much. I will forever be grateful." With that said he went to start packing his things.
As he walked toward the place where Aquiline had rested he saw the villagers gathering up. It got to the point where they blocked his way to Aquiline. They were all smiles as the red chieftain with fiery hair and burning eyes spoke. The sound was like crackling logs in a fire. "You came to our tribe in peace and now you leave it in peace. You have done us a great honor by helping Cala with healing. So to show our gratitude and so you will always remember us we prepared something special for you."
After saying that they parted to reveal Aquiline wearing a finely crafted saddle. He noticed the typical stirrups, but was confused by a similar straps going down Aquiline's back.
"Those are in case you get hurt again. It will hold you in place without Aquiline having to support you, though it will not be comfortable." The chieftain comments after seeing Nona looking at it.
"I don't know what to say except thanks. I will put it to good use." Without further ado Nona climbed on Aquiline a started heading toward the capital.