50 Five Days
AUTHOR'S POV
It's unusually quiet in Brandenburg considering most of the new warriors have already fled to Hesam and Beorg Mountains. Haelan stared at the scribbled spells on the academy's solid walls. She half-heartedly wanted to inform the Lords about the disabled spells, however, if she does, her identity might be revealed as it will keep her from getting in its sacred walls. Haelan thought hard how to tell the palace and even the lords about their vulnerability. After all, it's only right that they be made aware of such life-threatening predicament. The sooner, the better.
Feeling forlorn about several overbearing thoughts, Haelan brought Areon back in the stables as she carry her heavy heart. Staring at Stellan's stallion, she reminisce about the first time she met the Paladin knight. She smiled at how Stellan easily filled every corner of her mind. Then, she gave Areon some food and water, before closing the gate. "This might be the last day we'll see each other, Areon. Don't forget about me", she said as she brush his black mane.
MEANWHILE in Brandenburg Chancery
"The rainy season have started. I'm sure the mystic healers will have to lie low for a while", Lord Harlan said as he sip on his morning tea in the chancery. It is known that mystic healers are weaker when the clouds are dark and the skies are unclear.
"They have. In fact, the palace has been quiet all night.", Alesso said as he cross his legs on the crimson velvet Savonarola seat across Lord Harlan's table.
"Perfect time for all of you to train Haelan", Lord Harlan said.
"I doubt that. Weathers like this, I'm certain Stellan wouldn't be seen around more. He hates the rain unlike I do", Alesso said as he blow the steam from his coffee. "Is Lord Callaghan up already?", he asked.
"He's out to send off the remaining warriors.", Lord Harlan said. Due to the bad weather, some warriors chose to spend the the night in Brandenburg, while most braved the strong winds and heavy rains the night before.
"Always a morning person", Alesso replied as he stared at his half-filled cup of coffee. "Lord Harlan, he can't read the books", he said as he remember Haelan who gave him an impression of not being able to read any of the soul traveler's books as Haelan flip its pages rapidly.
With his teacup on his mouth, Lord Harlan stared at Alesso as he report what he found out. "Can't he?, he asked.
"Yet, he somehow look a little bit flustered when he saw Tris on the oil painting", Alesso said. "Like she totally saw a ghost", he added.
"Did he say anything?", Lord Harlan asked.
"No", Alesso placed his coffee cup on the table. "So what do you think, Lord Harlan? Is he the Knight in the prophecy, or just another Paladin?", he asked.
"That's something we yet to see. Haelan is quite unique, if only we have more time to know him, we'd at least find out", Lord Harlan replied.
"Five days, huh?", Alesso replied as he gaze at the worried lord. Five days is very short to train and know a Paladin like Haelan, however, with much confidence, the Paladin Archer believes that the given time is enough already to know more of the mysterious warrior.
IN THE WARRIOR'S QUARTERS
After safely taking a warm shower in the warrior's privy, Haelan dressed up in her white silk long sleeves chemise and black brocade. Thinking long and hard, she recalls what's written on the map that she took from the soul travelers' books. She could only remember that the fastest way to Snow Mountain is through the Black Caverns and Merewif's Springs.
When she heard a few men laughing entering the privy, Haelan hurriedly went back to the quarters to finish dressing. As she put on her leather belt, she noticed the personal things of Atrius and Jacomus still on their beds. "They're still here", she uttered while she finish putting on the damask cuff on her arm.
While she was securing her hilt and crest in her brocade, she heard series of quick knocks on the door. A knight requested her presence at the training grounds to meet the respected lords. Without hesitations, she immediately went down to see them with slight nervousness and anxiety. As she arrive at the rendezvous, she found the lords in deep red tunic waiting right in the middle of the training grounds.
The sky isn't the brightest today. The dark clouds all gathered high up with no sun rays. Haelan walked her way in the gusty field, then briefly curved her lips at the lords of Brandenburg. "My Lords", Haelan bowed at the presence of her mentors.
"Haelan", Lord Harlan greeted. "We are beyond fortunate to have crossed another Paladin in Brandenburg.", he said with his notable smile. "I and Lord Callaghan here are both Paladin ourselves. We couldn't be more anxious and excited to witness greatness in you", he added.
"For five days, you're here to learn how to control your core energy and maximize your strenght.", Lord Callaghan said as the wind blow the hem of his tunic. Though Haelan know that they are not the same paladins that walk the same path, she couldn't imagine how the training would go by. "We will be commencing the trainings, and Stellan will lead the actual training. You will learn from us, and we will learn from you", he added.
"Pardon me, did you say five days?", Haelan asked in complete disbelief. "I don't think there's something you and the Paladins would benefit from me. I have very little experience in battles, and I doubt that my skills are way that better", in fact, Haelan have no experience in battles at all. Confused, Haelan thought that they wanted to see everything she could do. And if they figure out the ways of her magic, they will easily know that she's a healer soul traveler.
"It is indeed a terribly short time, but the King demanded to have you trained for only five days before we have you assigned as a palace paladin", Lord Harlan explained. "The prince confidently recommends your presence because of your ability to protect him, and kill a mystic healer", he added.
"As for how we'd learn from you, none of the Paladins have killed a mystic healer before, it's important that we understand your skills and fighting techniques too", Lord Callaghan said.
"Will I be able to learn how to use the staff?", Haelan suddenly asked.