We groaned as the carts jerked to a stop.
"Ugh, my tailbone hurts," groaned Eliza.
Looking around, trees stretched into the distance, poking up from around us. We were nearly halfway up the mountain, and it was frigid.
Looking up, the mountain stretched off into infinity, the peaks covered by clouds.
Sighing, I turned from the breathtaking sight right in time to see Orion and Thorne step forward. Their contrasting personalities were immediately apparent.
Orion was as composed as ever, his frosty demeanor unfazed by the imposing landscape. Thorne, on the other hand, seemed ready to charge headfirst into the mountains. He was pacing around, in heavy stomps.
"Cadets," Orion began, his voice carrying across the assembly. "Before we begin, I want to introduce you to the herb we're after." He gestured to a specimen he held, its leaves a vivid shade of green. Crossing its leaves were bright white veins which highlighted the leaf.
"This is Frostfern. It has remarkable medicinal properties, particularly its ability to alleviate severe burns."
Thorne couldn't resist interjecting, with a chuckle, he exclaimed, "Ya'll better try hard. This is the only medicine you guys will be getting to help you heal from training."
As an afterthought, he murmured, "We'll also sell the rest for profits, I suppose."
Orion continued, undeterred by Thorne's comment. "Indeed, do your best. The Frostfern thrives in shady, damp places, often near water sources. Your mission is to collect at least two specimens of this herb. Any group that fails to do so will face serious consequences."
The gravity of Orion's statement hung heavy in the air. "If you're currently in Class C, failing this mission means you won't proceed further in the Academy," he added with a steely gaze.
"For the rest of you, success in this mission may lead to a promotion," Thorne chimed in, his words as brash as ever.
"But remember," Orion warned, "you have only eight hours to complete this task. The top four groups that collect the most Frostfern specimens will be promoted."
With that, the cadets scattered quickly, their determination etched on their faces.
Eliza, Jonas, Caspian, and I gathered around Orion before leaving, in order to see the Frostfern up close. One other group stayed as well for a look. The leaves, with their serrated edges, glistened with a subtle frost, lending the plant its name.
Orion's voice was crisp and precise as he explained further, "Good. You will do well as adventurers. Always closely inspect the item you are seeking. The others will soon be disappointed to learn that there is another plant - called Frozen Ivy, which looks nearly identical. However, it is poisonous and will burn your hand if touched."
He looked at us carefully before continuing, "As a reward for staying, I suppose, I'll tell you this - remember that Frostfern prefers the shade. Especially in the crevices of rocky outcrops. Look near water sources, as it thrives in damp areas. When you find it, be careful not to damage the plant. A clean cut will ensure the herb's potency remains intact."
Walking off, the four of us couldn't contain our excitement, and we erupted into triumphant whoops and cheers that reverberated through the rugged mountains. We had an advantage! We were going to get promoted!
Quickly, we ran off into the woods, making sure to keep pace with one another. The terrain was treacherous, but our training with Thorne had made us capable of withstanding even the worst footholds.
Our eyes darted about, scanning every nook and cranny as we pressed onward. Eliza's sharp gaze locked onto a cluster of green leaves that seemed promising.
"Over there, guys," she whispered, gesturing toward the base of a massive tree. "I think I see some Frostfern!"
Excitement surged within us! We had already found some! We hurried over to examine Eliza's discovery in a bustle of excitement. Her keen eyes had spotted something that appeared to be Frostfern, but as Jonas and I crouched down for a closer look, we noticed subtle differences from our expectations.
Jonas frowned, inspecting the leaves with a critical eye. "Hold on, Eliza, I'm not so sure. Look at the edges here. They're different."
I nodded in agreement, peering closely at the leaves. "Jonas is right. These aren't Frostfern; it's Frozen Ivy. They look similar, but they're not the same."
Eliza's shoulders slumped slightly in disappointment, but she quickly regained her composure. "Alright, let's keep searching. The Frostfern must be around here somewhere."
Suddenly, a chorus of howls pierced the stillness. We froze, our blood turning to ice. Emerging from the shadows of the trees, a pack of wolves appeared, their eyes gleaming with predatory hunger.
Wolves were nothing new to me; I had faced them in Havenwood. However, Jonas, Caspian, and Eliza had never fought them before - and this was one of their first battles.
Indeed, this time was different. The wolves were numerous, and they were twice the size of the ones I had faced near Havenwood. Their fur bustled and their muscles twitched as their aggressive posture made it clear that we had intruded on their territory.
We jumped backward, and Eliza quickly yelled "Back to back, everyone! We can handle this."
Our formation tightened, our backs pressed against each other as the wolves circled us, their growls and bared teeth creating a menacing ring. It was a standoff, each side assessing the other for weakness.
For a long, tense moment, we were locked in a primal stare; one which would determine our survival. Then, one of the wolves lunged, and chaos erupted.
It immediately collapsed, an arrow poking through out of its eyes. In the corner of my eye, I could see Jonas quickly reloading his bow as he moved into the center of our formation.
I quickly swung my sword in a quick slash; my earlier experience served me well, slaughtering the creature.
Nearby, Eliza and Caspian brandished their weapons, slashing and parrying with skill born of months of training.
In a mindless frenzy, I continued swinging my sword. Fighting. Protecting. Every time I faltered, Jonas would cover, shooting the wolves before it could reach me.
However, the wolves were relentless and powerful. Each thrust of my sword met two-hundred pounds of hurtling flesh, and it was taking a toll on me. Looking over, I saw that Eliza and Caspian were not doing much better.
Our group was outnumbered. We fought valiantly, but we were losing ground. The prospect of collecting the Frostfern seemed more distant with each passing second.
In the midst of the chaos, Eliza's voice rose above the clamor. "I can see a cave up ahead! We need to fall back and regroup."
With a mixture of relief and desperation, we made a break for it, with Caspian in the lead.
We rushed for our lives.
I could hardly breathe.
We made it to the cave entrance. But the wolves were right there. Damn it. What are we going to do?
Quickly, I swung around, swinging my sword. Before me the wolves had stopped at the entrance of the cave, unable or unwilling to follow. Looking them in the eyes, they quickly retreated with frustrated snarls.
Inside the cave, the air was damp and cool. Our breaths echoed in the darkness, and the ground was slick with moisture. We had no choice but to venture deeper into the cave, away from the prowling wolves.