Morning haze curled along the Academy's stone paths when Krans del Leon stepped outside. The eastern sky blushed pale rose, and dew silvered the grass. He inhaled deeply—cool air, fresh beginnings. His signet band warmed gently on his wrist, as if responding to his resolve.
He headed first to the stables, boots scuffing over damp cobblestones. Arrix Velhar caught up mid-courtyard, a small shoulder-bag bouncing at his hip. "Krans," he said, voice husky with sleep. "I left a note for Master Jerrik—just a thank-you." He grinned shyly, boyish pride shining in his eyes.
Krans nodded approval. "A fine gesture." He angled toward the stable doors, half ajar, letting the sweet smell of hay drift out. Inside, lamplight revealed a stocky groom brushing a gray mare's flank.
The groom, a lanky man with straw in his hair, turned and raised eyebrows at the newcomers. "You're the new Summoners," he said without preamble. "Figured you'd come for horses." He jerked his chin at a row of stalls. "Pick wisely. The Empire's bill covers two mounts. If you need more, summon them yourself, eh?" He barked a laugh, friendly enough.
Arrix rubbed the back of his neck, scanning the horses. "We need endurance," he murmured.
Krans stepped closer to a tall bay gelding, calm and steady-eyed. He ran a hand down its mane, feeling tension drain from the animal's muscles. "This one," he decided softly. "For me, at least." The gelding nickered softly, accepting his touch.
Arrix chose a dappled mare with bright eyes, and the groom nodded approval. "She's surefooted," he said, leading her out by the bridle. Krans and Arrix exchanged a glance. Two horses would suffice—the others would ride summoned mounts intermittently, to spare their mana.
Outside, Levara Salion approached from the kitchen wing, saddlebags slung over her shoulder. She whistled at the sight of the horses. "We're looking like proper travelers now," she teased. Her eyes shone with excitement. "I got dried fruits, salted meats, and a few bread loaves. Plus Master Jerrik's herbs."
Danek Torren came from the main hall, a rolled parchment under one arm. He lifted it slightly, voice low: "Found a map in the archives. It shows three villages along the eastern roads, ending near the frontier posts." That was a long speech for him, and it carried clear purpose.
Arrix grinned, stepping forward to admire the map. Krans guided the gelding near, so all four stood close in a small circle of camaraderie. Levara tucked her supplies into saddlebags, Danek unfurled a corner of the map, Arrix squinted at the tiny script marking creeks and hills, and Krans simply listened to their quiet chatter.
A sound drew their gaze—Master Jerrik stood by the archway, arms crossed, observing. He said nothing, just gave a curt nod. Another figure lingered behind him—High Summoner Avridian, her emerald mantle unmistakable. She watched from a distance, a faint smile curving her lips. Neither came closer. They trusted the newly ranked Summoners to begin their journey without handholding.
Arrix mounted the mare somewhat clumsily, cheeks pink. Levara smirked, then summoned a sleek wolf-like creature of mist and breeze. She swung onto its back as it solidified beneath her, a show of confidence. Danek closed his eyes, weaving mana into a broad-backed stag-spirit that shimmered into being, kneeling to let him mount. Krans took the gelding's reins lightly and hoisted himself into the saddle with effortless grace.
They looked at one another. Four Summoners, three conjured mounts, one real horse, supplies rattling softly, the future stretching out like sun-touched roads.
"East, then," Krans said, steady as a sealed promise.
Levara's wolf-creature pawed the ground, impatient. Arrix's mare flicked her ears, alert. Danek's stag-snort sounded like a quiet challenge.
They passed under the Academy's gatehouse, guards stepping aside. The rising sun crowned the distant hills in gold. As they rode out, the world smelled of damp earth and distant pine, a melody of quiet hope.
None spoke for the first mile, content to hear hoofbeats and paw-taps in rhythm. The Academy's spires receded, silhouettes against a brightening sky. Wind teased Krans's hair, carrying the subtle hum of his band's mana. He felt the weight of responsibility and welcomed it.
Arrix broke silence first, voice hushed but happy: "So, we head to the villages near the frontier. Do we… help with monster trouble, talk to local wardens?"
Krans turned slightly in the saddle, meeting Arrix's gaze. "Yes. Assess threats, secure the region. Our summons will guard travelers, maybe flush out lurking beasts." He smiled, gentle and encouraging.
Levara tossed her hair. "I'm ready. Let's see those bandits or creatures try something." Her wolf-mount flickered its ears, amused perhaps.
Danek said nothing, just angled his stag-spirit to ride closer to Krans, a subtle show of unity.
They followed the winding road as fields and orchards began to appear. Birds sang in the hedgerows, and a farmer guiding an ox paused to gape at the Summoners riding by. The farmer doffed a cap, respectful, hopeful maybe. The four nodded or waved, the Empire's guardians on quiet display.
Under the morning sun, they rode toward the unknown challenges the frontier would offer. Yesterday's trials in the Sanctum had forged them into something stronger. Today, they answered the Empire's call in earnest. Each would play their part—Krans del Leon guiding with calm authority, Levara and Arrix eager to prove their skill, Danek silently steadfast.
Hooves, paws, and summoning-song carried them east, as the horizon widened and their story continued.