Chapter Two

Seath repeatedly woke from the occasional bumps of the journey. The cart was built to last to get from point to point, ignoring most comforts. Though he didn't mind the rough ride in comparison to mildly burning sun which slowly toasted anything under its light. Unfortunately between the light and the rough ride, Seath managed to hardly sleep throughout any of the journey. Near the end of the trip, he decided to surrender his sleep to later time. The others, they either never required much sleep or gave up on sleep earlier than Seath. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by an outpost and small camps lining the entrance of the forest. The outpost was large enough to settle all the participants and more. Sir Shaylicht hopped off the cart first, he observed other knights hopping of their carts. Sarteaus stepped out of the cart, the cart jumped as soon as he lifted his weight off it. A few seconds passed by then, Norbil kicked Sarteaus. Chains rung from the sudden jump. Sarteaus stumbled one foot forward giving enough room for Sarteaus to step out. "Don't just stand there." Norbil jokingly complained. Sarteaus glanced over his shoulder. He was just about taller him but he looked twice his size. They both moved out forward together, until there was enough room for everyone else to exit. Once everyone stepped off the cart, Sir Shaylicht slapped the cart signalling the horse driver to take his leave. Sarteaus already made his way to the camp before anyone told him. Only Norbil followed his lead. Once Sir Shaylicht gestured to follow, everyone else followed. Sarteaus only looked back to see if anyone followed him, when Norbil whispered to him.

Sarteaus quickly navigated through the camp to their tent. 'Thirty-Five' written in black on either side of the tent. The tents had a few chairs and small table at the centre. A few dummy swords, arrows, spears a variety of other weapons hung on racks. "Ashelbeck has prepared a speech at the central campfire. You can either stay here or listen. Otherwise, there's an open field with training dummies to practice on if you so wish. If anything, make sure you're prepared for tomorrow." Sir Shaylicht informed, leaving the all tent. Seath took a look at everyone. Kaerth and Hemlir continued their conversation from before the carriage. Sarteaus busied himself inspecting the equipment while conversing with Norbil. Realising he doesn't much to do in the tent, Seath stashed his gear away then slipped out. He followed the loose body of students that he spotted, assuming they led to the central campfire which they did. Eventually he found himself at the central camp which placed itself in front of the White Stone. A large stone easily bigger than an adult elephant, curving at the top like a tear drop. No obvious cracks could be seen, but Seath suspected that time didn't leave it alone - he would find some cracks he went close enough.

After searching for some time, Seath found a familiar face. He gently pushed other participants to pave his way to this teacher. "Mr Silver." Seath called. Silver quickly redirected his attention to Seath.

"Seath, you decided to participate this time." A big smile replaced his tired face. He reached out to shake Seath's hands. Despite not being the first occasion, Seath was always surprised by the size of Silver's hand to his own as well as the roughness. "How are feeling?" Seath took his hand back from the gentle shake.

"Tired." Seath answered. Silver was slightly hunched over yet he was still taller. His muscles gave him some broadness, otherwise he would've been a lean man.

"I can say the same. But unfortunately for you, your gonna have to prepare yourself for the next few days. Night watches, constant surveillance, hunting and almost half of everything under the sun and moon."

"Sounds so tedious." Seath depressingly said.

"Beyond any doubt. On the upside, it is a nice experience as well as a good break from paper work." Silver smiled. "Though, I thoroughly missed my bed after the first few nights."

"The beds at the dorms are probably just as bad than sleeping on the ground." Silver chuckled.

"I've had the blessing of not sleeping on one of those beds." Silvers eyes opened noticeably wider. "That reminds of an incident, one student from Bayleth a few years ago managed to bring his bed into his dorm though an magical tool. No one realised for quite some time until a teacher from the Bayleth family noticed something odd. He said something about there being a disturbance and investigated it. In the end, that student was apprehended and went into a lot of trouble for bringing an undocumented magical tool into the academy."

"I can imagine, he got into a lot trouble with his family."

"They definitely scolded him, they almost decided to pull him out of the school and probably send him somewhere private. If he wasn't an exceptional student that might've worked, but because he was an exceptional student so a few teachers helping his case for staying. By the end of it he managed to stay albeit with a few restrictions and continuous persuasion from his family to move."

"Is he still in the school?" Seath half excitedly asked.

"He left when you started. Knowing their family, I honestly expected that they would've forced him to leave earlier for bringing an item like that. Something that can be disguised as a pen that can hold something the size of bed is a dangerous secret especially in the wrong hands."

"Or it could be used to carry the equipment that I had to carry."

"You can try to ask Banileth for it, but you'll find them quite stubborn in their decision. Quite unlike your parents. On that note, how are they? They were pleasant to talk to. It's been some time since our last meeting."

"They're doing fine. Mother is busy taking care of the children and managing the household while father is managing our fief. Mother doesn't write much about my siblings."

"I'm assuming you'll take over your fief when the time comes."

"If everything goes without a hitch. They really don't care what the end of result of my graduation, only that I come out of here more than what I knew before."

"A lot of higher nobles really only see their children as tools for self gratification. It is like I said, your parents are nice people. So then, how how is your education going? I know I haven't been able to attend the past few lessons but I did mention the pages I was supposed to cover."

"I've read through them, but it would've been much better if you explained it to us."

"Enough students have said the same as you that it would be ignorant for me to deny some truth behind it." Silver bashfully smiled. "But someone like you could understand the content if anyone were to explain to you. I'm sure Orsiek could attest to that, he's good at retaining then teaching he reads."

"Not to your standards."

"Well, I have a few years of experience." Silver reasoned. "Maybe if he had at least hmm... half of what I did, he could be better than me." Silver raised his head to search for him in the crowd. "Where is Orsiek? He's not the type to miss anything."

"I thought I would find him here as well. I doubt he's learnt not to be diligent."

"Thats part of why he never falls behind." Silver glanced at Seath.

"I've haven't scored that far from him."

"No you haven't, which is praise within itself. Especially since you've missed a couple of lessons from when you fainted a couple of weeks ago. Since that time, you've been more diligent than ever."

"Sir Silver. Is it okay if I borrow you for some time." A knight asked. He wore full plate armour, his helmet covered most of head. Silver's eyes hovered between over Seath and the knight. Silver sighed.

"I guess I have to go. I'm sure Orsiek is discussing with his team. Glory to you."

"Thank you." Silver followed the knight as they swiftly left. Sir Ashelbeck hopped on a pedestal on the head of the crowd. He rubbed a blue stone, that echoed an unexpected loud humming noise. Seath left to return to his camp before the Sir Ashelbeck begun his speech.

As soon as Seath entered his camp, he awkwardly bumped into Norbil. He slapped Seath's shoulder, his hand reached over on to Seath's back. "Ah, perfect. I was just going to look for you. Come with me." Seath relieved his shoulders when Norbil took his hand off of him. Norbil took a few steps. "Also, bring your stuff." Norbil led Seath through the other exit of the tent.

"Where we going?" Seath asked. He hastily wore his gear whilst walking.

"We're going to train for a bit." Seath trailed Norbil. "Did you listen to the speech?" Norbil asked once the awkwardness risen amongst the silence.

"No. I was looking for someone but I couldn't find them."

"A friend?"

"Yeah."

"Did you find him?"

"No."

"You can go back and check if he came later, I'll just tell you where to go." Norbil offered.

"I doubt he will show up later, unless he had to. I'm guessing he's busy with his team or something."

"I seems I was lucky enough to be paired up with someone I know. Sarteaus is one of the few people here that I know I can rely on. But I probably will have to on you too as well for the next few days."

"I trust myself enough with this bow, but I can't say much if anything gets to close."

"It's good thing that I can deal with that." Norbil smiled raised a tad higher. "Though, I doubt we will run into such trouble. Sarteaus has done this before so I trust he knows what he's doing."

"How long have you known him for?"

"Five, no maybe six years. Something around that time. Not to long before we joined the academy. Though, we only got to know each other about a year or two ago. We were in a duel and that brute tossed me like sack of flour."

"He's that strong?"

"He was surprised when he threw so I guess I'm lighter than I thought or he is that strong. Though I did get him back for later." Norbil peeked the crowd of people in the open field they entered. "Come, our team is just right there."

"That was quick." Sarteaus said on Seath's and Norbil arrival. He sounded surprised.

"He was on his way back anyways." Sarteaus closely examined Seath primarily taking notice of his bow.

"Seath, how you feeling?" Sarteaus asked, reaching out to shake his hand.

"Fine." Seath hastily replied. Sarteaus large figure and coarse black beard intimidated Seath. Seath caught Norbil sneak out a snigger. His hand was similar to Silver's however the their grip vastly differed.

"No need to be nervous, I'm sure that'll affect your archery." Seath felt his shoulder's unintentionally loosen. "That's better." Sarteaus took back his arm. He looked at Kaerth who was engrossed with her archery. "You should join Kaerth in archery practice. Other than that prepare for tomorrow as best as you can."

"What are we hunting tomorrow?" Seath asked.

"Ideally whatever we can find and handle. I don't want to fight a giant nor do I just want show a scarlet wolf. Anything else?" A little silence. "Ask me when you think of one."

"Get your sword ready." Norbil slapped Sarteaus arm. He headed to an open area.

"Ready when you are." Sarteaus joined Norbil in a spar. Seath tightened his grip on his bow. He headed towards the group of target practices, one of which already being used by Kaerth. There were a few target practices set up in a row unlike the other areas which had multiple target practices set up. Moreover, not all them were in prime condition. Some were had parts of their straw bleeding out or their stands chipped. Kaerth took the target practice at the furthest side. She wore a gold finger guard on her index finger and the backside of her fingers. The finger guard extended from her bracelet. Kaerth pulled back the blue string with her index finger. Her bow had two glowing crystals at each end. The crystals connected to each other by a blue fiery string. At full extension, a blue arrow rose from her index finger to the riser of the bow. She took a deep breath then quickly fired a shot. A blue flash struck the target practice which added another hole to the target practice.

"You've never seen a construct before?" Kaerth asked, noticing Seath's keen stare.

"Only a few times from afar. Never when its manifested." Seath answered. Kaerth knocked another arrow.

"It's similar to a normal bow but the arrows burn the target. The arrows burns more if I put more strength into it." The arrow grew brighter. Kaerth fired the arrow hitting the stand of the shooting target. The arrow passed straight through the board striking the legs. After a brief moment, the target practice collapsed backwards. "Pretty impressive don't you think, considering that was the third one." Seath inwardly sighed.

"The previous were half broken anyways." Hemlir informed. He appeared next to Seath with no sign. Seath managed to hide his small scare.

"Impressive nonetheless." Seath unwillingly admitted. Kaerth smirked.

"Use these arrows instead. They're duller but you'd want to save your arrows for later." Hemlir held a quiver of arrows on his hand. Kaerth bow disappeared into a small stick. Small enough that it could hide into her sleeve, instead she attached it to her belt. The two crystals at both ends remained but no longer retained their shine nor were they the same size. Seath swapped the quivers on his back with the one Hemlir gave.

"Thank you." Seath whispered.

"No problem." Hemlir replied. Seath left his own quiver in the floor, nearby. "Can I try?" Seath asked while Kaerth fetched her next target practice. A fresh board and stand.

"You can. But, I doubt anything would happen" Kaerth warned.

"Don't embarrass yourself in front of her." Hemlir advised.

"I want to at least try." Seath curiosity took the better of him. He took the staff Kaerth offered. The staff coiled like two snakes wrapped around each other. The crystals were held in place by the wood like roots wrapping a rock except that only crystals bottom half of the crystals were covered.

"How does this work?"

"Just focus on the gemstone then it should do the rest." Kaerth crossed her arm, half intrigued and half complacent. Seath followed her advice. The blue crystal lit up and the staff extended on either side. The wood extended like snakes climbing tree on both sides simultaneously. The crystals expanded. The staff curved until coming to a halt. A blue warm line acted as a bow string. By the time anyone realised the bow fully manifested, the bow snapped back into a small staff. The light from the crystals died. "What?" Kaerth perplexedly muttered. She unfolded her arms. "No, wait." She snatched the staff out of Seath's hands. The bow instantly manifested, much faster compared to when Seath manifested it. "Hemlir, you try." She almost shoved the staff onto Hemlir chest after unmanifesting the bow. Hemlir took the staff. Nothing except a dim glow from the crystals no brighter than firefly. "So its not broken." Kaerth said with both relief and confusion.

"I'm surprised myself." Seath said.

"But's its weird you c ould only manifest it for a moment." Hemlir noted.

"That only happens in children." Kaerth informed. The crystals light faded.

"Your from the Haeen family?" Kaerth asked, glancing at Seath's eyes. Seath nodded. "But that wouldn't make sense. Unless, where is your mother from?"

"Ahinzal. Their from the east."

"Can't say I've heard of them, but that is where our bloodline comes from so its maybe its possible for you to have a higher aptitude for magic than others. Even then, you should be able to manifest it for longer than a second." Hemlir handed the bow back to her. "It's fine." She answered Hemlir odd look. "Saying this much won't get me in trouble." The staff manifested in her hand until completion.

"Is this about, how your family keeps secrets?" Seath hesitantly asked.

"Yes. But never mind that, I'll have think about your odd situation later. Fo r now, how good are you with a bow?"

"Confident enough." Seath picked up his bow and took his place, further away than Kaerth. She closely watched as Seath drew his arrow as well as a deep breath. Seath aligned his shot slowly exhaling. Thud! The arrow landed to close to the centre but noticeably different.

"Almost." Kaerth remarked. Seath drew another arrow. Pulled the arrow until he heard the bowstring groan. Aligned his shot, adjusting his aim from the last shot. Thud! The arrow struck the centre. Kareth continued to set her own target practice. She immediately begun to fire her shots, once she set up her own target practice. The blue arrow from her finger guards to the riser of the bow. Her arrow streaked the air. It disappeared momentarily after it struck the target practice leaving a burn mark on the centre. With satisfaction (clearly shown with a smile) with the bullseye, she took a few more paces back. Seath copied.

Seath and Kaerth kept practicing until his fingers begun to become sore. Most of the arrows in his quiver were used even after picking up them up numerous times. In doing so, he shortened and extended the places from where he took a shot. He also did try for a robin hood shot however the arrows would need their dull heads replaced or sharpened. They would always collide with another arrow stuck into the target, knocking them both onto the floor. "Are you done?" Kaerth asked. She ended not much earlier Seath. Her arrows burned caused her new practice to barely stand. A few holes and several burn marks especially towards the centre.

"I don't want to strain myself to much." Seath collected the arrows, putting them back into quiver. Seath loosened the quiver's belt, once he returned all the arrows.

"Can you try to manifest the bow again?" Kaerth directed the staff to Seath. He dropped the quiver and took the curved staff. "But try to turn into another bow." The crystals shone. The wood extended like snakes coiling up a wire, much shorter than before. The staff transformed into a smaller bow just about the size of his chest. A blue string connected the ends. As soon as Seath touched the string. The bow reverted into a staff and Seath winced. He drew back hand. "Did you not feel the heat from the flame?" Kaerth disappointingly yet worryingly pointed out.

"I didn't think I'd be that hot." Seath handed Kaerth back her staff. Kaerth sighed. She took her staff back.

"Pour some cold water over it. A blister wouldn't help for tomorrow."

"Is that the same for all constructs?" Seath ignored the sting from his finger.

"No. The crystals are exceptional. Even after all this time it's still better than most, though the wood is quite old. Also not all weapons are manifested the same. Swords are manifested to have to more weight and less heat to last longer and other weapons have different designs, whatever is engraved onto the crystal. I haven't bothered learning all of them." Kaerth rubbed crystal like polishing a window.

"Is there anyone else using constructs?"

"If you look right there," Kaerth pointed with her staff, "that person training with Sarteaus. He uses a long sword. Though his mana control isn't as good as mine, he's still pretty good. Then there's one other person, Minath. I've only met him once. I tried to look for him before but I couldn't find him. But judging by your skill, I don't think you'll have to worry about them two."

"That's a reassuring thought."

"What are you two doing?" Norbil asked. He stuck his sword into the ground as he sat down on the grass.

"We've just finished." Kaerth answered.

"Already?"

"After taking down three and a half target practices, I think I've trained enough. And it's not exactly like your training or anything." Kaerth replied with a bit of scorn.

"No need to get your knickers in a knot. I'm just tired after fighting Norbil. I truly do hate spear users." Norbil answered kindly.

"Ah, I can imagine he gave you a tough time." Kaerth immediately sympathised.

"Indeed he did. Despite his size, he's rather proficient with that spear. Worst of all, he held back so it didn't feel like a win."

"His dumb caution holds back."

"Cautious of injuring me?"

"Tiring himself out, injuring himself, damaging his spear or shield thats not even his and whatever else he worries about. Most of the time its annoying."

"But it can be helpful." Seath said shaking the quiver Norbil gave him. He picked up his own quiver, then slung it over his shoulder.

"Your leaving." Norbil half-questioned.

"I didn't get much sleep on the cart, so I might as well get some now; the sun's starting to set."

"Make sure your well rested then." Seath returned the quiver to his tent amongst the other equipment. Then he entered his room once he found it within the many buildings. The empty room gave him some peace to enjoy except that his burn started to irritably itch. He tidily put away his equipment by his bedside before he searched for a water tank which was not to far from his building. He filled a small bucket with enough water cover at half of his hand. He returned to his room while keeping his hand underwater. In the meantime, he used his other hand to gather blankets and pillows for himself. By the time he finished his bed, his hand felt numb and the itch disappeared. While his hand was still numb, Seath took that opportunity to sleep.

Seath woke up much earlier than he usually did. The sun has yet to rise yet a light quietly emanated in the room. Seath gave a quick search around his peripheral. Hemlir had a candle sitting rather close to him. His figure casted a large shadow over the room. He sat on the table engaged in the book in front of him. The sounds of careful flicks of pages were somehow calming. Seath peaked out the curtains to be immediately greeted by the sinking moon. "You're up early." Hemlit noted. He twisted in his chair to face Seath.

"You didn't much sleep did you?" Seath noticed his late reaction.

"I couldn't sleep much." Hemlir twisted back to face his book. Seath approached him, wary not to accidentally stumble over the two other bodies in the room. Seath begun reading the thick book in front of Hemlir once he could make out the words. Hemlir pushed the book to the right while pulling his chair left. "Is this a beastiary?" Seath asked, impressed by the quality of drawings and numerous notations on each creature. Seath leaned his hand on the table.

"Yeah. I thought that this would be the best way to prepare." Norbil occasionally glanced at Seath, slightly adjusting the position of the book every so often. Seath looked at the candle. It only had a hour left before the flame drowned in its own wax.

"Did you get any sleep at all?"

"I've used that candle. I only woke a bit earlier than you." Hemlir rubbed the bottom-right corner of a page with his thumb on side and his index on the bottom side. Seath read through the rest of the page, focussing on the annotations of the creatures.

"You can turn page." Hemlir gently flicked over the page. A drawing of a large thick man. Veiny arms, large beard and little clothing only to cover its chest and waist. "I doubt we'll run into any giants."

"Even if we do, I don't think we'll be able to beat it. But I'd rather be prepared than not to be." Hemlir rubbed his eyes. Seath hastily read through the page. Seath primarily noted a giant's immense strength, eagle like vision, laziness yet stubbornness.

"I'm going to prepare myself. Sunrise is right around the corner." Hemlir made a muffled noise which Seath recognised as approval. Using what little moonlight filtered through the window, he searched for his equipment. He tested the bowstring, stretching it until he felt satisfied with its integrity. Then he tested his arrows, sampling the sharpness of a few arrows. He pressed a few of the arrowheads against his skin until he felt his skin split. During Seath's preparation, Norbil shot up. He glanced at Seath and Hemlir then sighed. Once his shoulders dropped as low they could fall, he threw his blanket off of him rubbing the salt off his eyes. Seath ignored the returning pain of his burn as he continued to fasten his bracers.

"You two awake." Norbil loudly slurred. Hemlir glanced Sarteaus. "Is it almost time?" He said quieter and clearer than last time.

"Yeah." Seath whispered. Norbil stretched his arms upwards, a crack popped from his spine. Immediately followed by a loud exhale. Norbil kicked Sarteaus instantly waking him up. Sarteaus snapped to face Norbil.

"Rise and shine love." Norbil sarcastically said. He tiredness creaked from his voice. Sarteaus sigh depressed his entire body.

"If that leg was used to kick anything other than me, everyone would want to cut it off." Sarteaus massaged his stomach, specifically where he was kicked.

"This foot is dedicated just for you."

"Then maybe I should replace it."

"You're not going to replace it with a cow's leg or something in my sleep." Norbil kept his light sarcastic tone, more tired than anything else. Sarteaus sighed, again.

"Sort your sheets out and get ready." Sarteaus sorted out his sheets while Norbil prepared himself after his sheets appeared as fine as when he entered it. Norbil strapped on his gear. Hemlir flicked through the pages at a faster rate. Sarteaus took some time to wear his gear due to his size. In due time, he eventually had all his gear prepared. By then, Hemlir managed to put away his books and prepare himself.

Kaerth was waiting in the tent. She played with staff, experimenting with changing sizes of the bows dynamically. She stood up, like how an elderly struggles to stand, when Sarteaus entered the tent. The bow snapped back to a staff. "A few teams have already entered." Kaerth informed.

"Then we ought to enter soon as well." Sarteaus said. He immediately went to take his weapon. Both Sarteaus and Hemlir took a spear. Sarteaus's spear befitted his size albeit not to much bigger than Hemlir's spear. Norbil took an axe and shield. He secretly swung the axe, familiarising himself with the weight.

"Good, your all here." The Sir Shaylicht entered the tent, slightly startling everyone. Everyone turned around to face him. He carried a few cloaks over his shoulders. "I've arranged a few supplies for you before you leave the forest." The old knight handed out a cloak to everyone but Kaerth. "I assume your cloak and dagger is better than we can give."

"Most certainly." Instead she got an item hidden within the cloak. A small goat horn and a dagger. Sir Shaylicht held the horn in his hand.

"Blow into the horn, if you ever feel as if you're in danger. If you do, of course, it will count as an automatic failure. But I'd rather have one more person alive than die." Sir Shaylicht to Norbil, the only one who didn't have a horn. "The cloaks are enchanted to have additional layers of defence. Not impenetrable but it will help. Use the knife to cut trophy of beast you've slain. As well as for foraging or gathering." The daggers were sharp to the touch. A plain simple dagger with no designs nor guard. Expect that the blade was curved. "Finally." He laid out (on the table) four plain smooth lockets and a strangely patterned small cuboid, which could all easily fit in Seath's palm. The cuboid had a diamond shape engraved on each side three-quarters down its length. A line extended form each corner connecting all the shapes together. "This Focus is the convergent point." He opened a locket. An hand pinned to the inside pointed in the direction in the point. "All these compasses point to Focus." He demonstrated by moving the compass around the Focus. The hand continually corrected itself to point to the Focus. "You may organise between yourselves who holds what. That is all I have to say. If you have any questions, ask them now?"

"No Sir Shaylicht, the rules are simple enough." Norbil answered.

"May glory follow your feet." The old knight left. Seath tied the horn to his belt.

"I'll take the Focus." Sarteaus claimed. He hesitantly took the focus, in case anyone objected.

"I veto Sarteaus to hold the Focus." Norbil confidently supported him. He took a compass to affirm his stance. Seath took a compass after Norbil. Kaerth was the last to pick up a compass. Seath, also, tied his compass and dagger to his belt (on his right side). After everyone finished their final preparations: storing as many provisions in their pouch, collecting any extra pieces of cloth and tying it on to their gear. they headed out. Their first trial begun.