In the open field, the warm wind blew, the shade of orange is cast over the land- in each blade of grass, in each leaf of trees, and the crevices of the rocks. All the while, the sound of chirping birds was interrupted by the sound of clashing swords.
The clinking of metal resonates as they bounce off of one another.
A typical day for Darius as he trains with Oraculi to improve his swordsmanship.
It had been two months since his training officially began and it was tiring, to say the least.
In the morning both Darius and Brennan would hike in the forest to increase stamina and muscle mass. During midday, they would be in an endless sword lesson from Oraculi. And in the evening if his body didn't collapse from exhaustion, he would have to study records of the creatures in the dark, all information collected by previous hunters.
To study their weaknesses, learn their strength, the power they hold, to understand their wit, and to learn how they were previously dealt with. All of those can be learned from books... which can be useful in one way or another. It's just a matter of execution and timing. That's what Oraculi would always say.
The sword from Darius's hand fell to the ground with a subtle thud.
The young man could only sigh, another win for Oraculi he thought to himself. As he went to pick his weapon up.
"Will there be a day when you finally defeat me?" Oraculi mused.
If Darius can't surpass him soon, he might not make it to the white crow, and he's not happy about it.
"There will be, it's just a matter of time" Darius replied confidently, making Oraculi frown softly.
"Time is not a privilege we possess Darius, you said it yourself. We only have a year."
Darius could feel his mouth go dry, it was true but his growth wasn't just fast enough. He could barely manage against Oraculi, what can he do out there.
"I have a proposition to make. Well… it would be more of an instruction truly." Oraculi said, gaining Darius's full attention.
"People learn better through experience. Therefore, I think it would be for the best if you and Brennan go out there and hunt. I had already thought you what you need to learn, but I cannot teach you enough to truly prepare you for what is out there. So how about it?"
"You're going to let us do as we please?" Darius knitted his brows, feeling confused.
"No, not entirely. While I did say the two of you will be on your own, that doesn't mean I won't guide you. I think it's about time for the two of you to handle your own mission. Therefore, I decided that I will be sending you on a mission. From there you can independently gain strength and knowledge, as I already said. Only through experience can one truly learn." His suggestion did sound reasonable and offered some benefit, while at the same time very dangerous.
If they happened to stumble in the wrong place at the wrong time, they could end up dead.
Then there is the question of competency, will they be good enough to even survive? Especially with such little experience that they have.
"There is no need to tense like that, I will tell you where to go and what to do. That will ensure that the two of you will not engage in anything you can't handle."
Darius looked at Oraculi not fully convinced but agreed nonetheless. Everything is meant to fail and collapse, everything will go wrong. He thought to himself, but Oraculi was right. In order for him to become stronger, he must leave the nest and pend for himself.
"Where must we go then?" Darius asked curiously.
"I have received a request the day before yesterday, it was a simple task. I know it's something the two of you could handle."
"A hunting request?"
"Yes, I will explain it to the two of you later once that fool is done with his archery practice," Oraculi said turning the Brennan who's shooting arrows on horseback to master his accuracy. A small smile appearing on his lips, he may act harshly towards them. But Darius could see how much Oraculi cares for them.
By the time of first light, Darius found himself holding the reins of his horse. While Oraculi stood from the doorway, as Brennan began to mount his horse.
"Darius, remember what I told you." The mentor said as Darius mounted his horse.
"I will" he replied before they left.
As the two of them grew smaller from the distance, Oraculi could help but worry. Is he making the same mistake as before? Will he eventually send those young people to their deaths?
He shook his head, no. This time will be different, this time when they face the white crow they will be ready.
For now, he must give his students what they need to grow.
"Where are we going again?" Brennan suddenly asked as they ride through dawn. Catching his companion off guard with his question.
Darius gawked, unable to believe Brennan's carefree attitude. "What? Were you not listening earlier?"
"No. No. I did listen, I just forgot because I was a bit… well… spacing out" Brennan turned to the side, not meeting Darius's gaze.
"So you were not listening…" Darius stated, narrowing his eyes at Brennan trying to see his reaction. But the young man only cleared his throat.
Darius could only sigh in defeat.
"We're going to a small town in the west named Slazgo. The request came from a rich family that lives there, the mother had gone ill after giving birth. They seek medical help but nothing ever succeeded, now they believed that she was cursed by a witch." Darius explained.
Brennan hummed in response, "Do you think they are right?" he asked knowing Darius have more experience with witches.
"There's a chance, but we can't know for sure until we get there and see it for ourselves"
"What happened to the mother anyway?" Brennan asked again.
"Well… she was said to be seeing things that others can't. Apparition and the like, but the worst is that… she tried killing her newborn baby. That was a common way for witches, making their victims lose their minds."
"Is that what happened…" Darius muttered.
"Stronger witches can use the elements. Such kink of trickster's game no longer appeals to them, also they can't use mind games if their opponent is also a witch. Because stronger witches fight among themselves, it was a power struggle. That's what I've learned from Ravana at least."
From what he had seen, only the low-laying witches victimize humans. The stronger ones, especially the ones in the coven think highly of themselves and refuse to associate themselves with normal people. If anything, a quick gruesome death is the only attention they will give towards them.
Like high-class snobs.
"Does it scare you that it's just the two of us?" Brennan asked.
"No, I only fought with Oraculi once. Unlike you, I wasn't used to having him around."
Besides, Oraculi reassured Darius the night before their departure.
"You're strong Darius, stronger than me, a hundred times over even. I only defeated you in training because I have more experience, but in sheer power… you had the upper hand."
But of course, Darius still begs to differ, this strength was only because of Ravana and the sword. But he supposes that it was a great advantage and that's why he will utilize it the best way possible.
Subconsciously, Darius clutched the material covering his chest. Holding on to it as if it was his way to salvation.
"Is everything alright?" Brennan asked as he noticed his companion's actions.
"Yes, there's no reason for you to worry. I'm alright."
After their little conversation, the travel remained quiet. Which makes Brennan a little uncomfortable, he wanted to talk to Darius. To learn more about him, after all, they are supposed to be each other's companions. It is only natural for him to try to get to know him better.
Brennan bit his tongue, stopping himself from asking more questions. He does not wish to annoy Darius.
But then he remembered, Darius asked him about his past. That means, he can ask him in return… right?
"Darius…"
"Hmmm?"
"I just thought, I hardly know you." Brennan thought for a moment, considering which words to use.
"You want to know about my service to Ravana?" Darius took the words from his mouth.
"I'll tell you later," Darius added.
Brennan could only nod, finally focusing his eyes on the road ahead as they travel west.
Ah, such a familiar road, the very same ones he took with Robbie.
The tall trees stand along the wide earthen path, casting a shadow over the road. Hiding the travelers from the shining sun.
All the while the birds chirped as they flew around the treetops.
The wind blew across their faces, the chill biting into their skin ever so slightly.
Brennan looked at Darius for a second time, his stone-cold face focused on the path.
Today is the beginning of their adventure.
The day when the new chapter of the story unfolds.