Chapter 13

"You'll be here tomorrow before dawn, understood?" Sjorn asked after into the fresh evening air with Alvar standing right before him as the only warrior trainee that had the wish to join their ranks after the introductory event had ended.

"Yes sir!" Alvar replied to which Sjorn grunted in reply and waved his hand in the air as if swatting an annoying fly away which was the signal for Alvar to leave the training ground that was equipped with rudimentary but well crafted training equipment, already foretelling all the excruciating horror's Alvar would have to go through in the coming years.

After finding out Alvar was the only trainee he had been a little surprised. After all which child doesn't dream about swinging a sword around but if he thought about it Alvar could understand that controlling the elements and throwing around fireballs held more appeal to the young and impressionable with delusions of grandeur.

Thus Alvar had come to find that he was rather happy about the fact he was to be trained alone. After all that was as if he had a personal trainer all to himself that would correct every single mistake he made and thus cause Alvar to develop as quickly as possible. Though Alvar couldn't deny the fact that he would have liked some company for the times he would have to repeat over and over again to hammer some exercise into his brain. But it couldn't be helped.

On his way home Alvar thought about his upcoming days and how excited he was for those, unconsciously letting his thoughts drift to his friends as especially his friend Veli had been very happy with his choice.

As Alvar had expected Veli picked the profession of the guardian. In Alvars opinion that profession had always been destined for Veli as his friend was a kind soul but very protective of his family and friends.

But what had surprised Alvar immensely was the choice his friend Gerdi had made. Unexpectedly she had also picked the profession of the guardian, something that baffled Alvar to no end.

Gerdi was kind yes, but she had never been overtly protective of her family or friends. In fact Alvar had often wondered if her family was as important to her as she made them out to be in public. On top of that Gerdi sometimes had a vicious streak that she was very well known for by those that got to know her over time. Thus Alvar couldn't help but muse to himself if she had followed the ravens advice or not. In the end though Alvar had put those thoughts to the back of his mind and enjoyed the cool evening air while observing the bustling of the evening in Hoelbrak as men and women alike deconstructed their stands or began to carry their goods back into their homes for storage as the next day they would bring them out again.

A few minutes later Alvar arrived at his house and entered the wooden building through the front door. While stepping inside a warm cloud consisting of a pleasant smell and the sounds of the burning bonfire in the middle of the room greeted him and embraced him in its comforting hug only a home could provide.

"Hello Alvar! How did it go?" His grandfather asked while reclining in his chair, a calm and completely relaxed expression covering his face as he was slurping from a pitcher of mead.

"Good. I am now officially a trainee in the ranks of the warriors. Tomorrow morning I will have to be up before dawn though so I'll head straight to bed." Alvar replied after which he walked over to the firepit and got himself an early dinner since the long day had left him rather hungry.

"That is good to hear. Give it your all, you hear me? I'll not have my grandson bring shame over this house!" His grandfather said to which Alvar could only nod as he hadn't planned it any other way. After all he was really looking forward to learning how to be the best warrior their ever was!