195. More Training is Needed. *

I was expecting a speech of some sort but instead they all mingled in the crowd and soon disappeared completely.

" They have very high expectations from them .. from the soldiers I mean..." - added Demelza.

" Like we're going to actual war. " - I said agreeing with her.

" We don't have enough time to make a proper evaluation of these man. They're just enthusiastic, those who been training for the last 9 months will be most likely chosen. " - said Zephyr shaking his head while looking at soldiers.

Seeing our surprised faces he went on.

" It's not fair letting them come and didn't give a chance so let them do as they want. " - he said shrugging.

We watched the people get more intense and show off their skills some even injuring themselves in the process.

Those were showed the infirmary and some needed to be carried away.

" Alright now stop! " - Alexander raised his voice putting his hands up. " We seen enough for the day, those passed today's trial will be summoned back tomorrow. Thank you for your hard work. "

The people left and the field soon became quiet.

" Any luck?.. " - Zephyr asked looking genuinely interested but just for a second. " Just kidding..I don't care. You have one more day .. we need training of our own."

He took my hand and picked up Anna and left a nervous lot behind us.

" I thought you letting them have some fun. " - I said smiling at him.

" I know but, those heading for the actual fight are all family of ours, they need be extra careful.. " - he said looking ahead. " Besides they basically choosing bodyguards for you 3 three. "

I suppose he wasn't wrong but, it still felt like an arrow through me. Calm down and remember his promise, I will be silent as a field mouse until we head towards Misao village.

" Dad, I was thinking and I would like to learn the bow and arrow as well. " - Anna said cutting the silence.

" Really!!? " - I asked and took her from his fathers arms.

She smiled brightly and nodded.

" Hmm.. my daggers will be my main weapon but, I need learn something that has range. " - she explained.

Once again I was amazed how smart she is. If she learns the basics of archery at such a young age it will be a breeze mastering it by the time she will be my age .. and I'll be 32.

Let's not think about that for now..

" Just go and learn from your mother and aunts. I was never a good shot. " - he said caressing her hair.

" You don't need it my love, your power is terrifying on it's own not much use for .. wood. " - I said with a coy smile.

" Mom, I need a bow, make it two in case Ciren want to join. " - she asked.

" Done .. I'll will personally oversee it after we return. "

I made a mental note and adjusted her in my arms. 

" What kind of training you want to do with the boys? " - I asked remembering what he said before we left.

" I want to train their readiness in case thing get out of hands. Such as how they would handle certain situation, mostly reflex training and whether they can handle it at all, we will bring certain people like Manata and Stuart who never had to swing their swords in a real fight. " 

It was true enough, he didn't mention us three or the possibly those his brothers will choose because as far as he was concerned we just be at a shopping trip around town with 25 or so guards.

All the same he can't tell Manata and Stuart to stay with us after all their pride was on the line, not to mention, I wasn't alone feeling the needed to prove myself.

" You and girls would benefit from them as well, as long as you were serious about joining the actual combat when we arrive at Misao. " - he said pulling me out of my thoughts. 

" I would love that, Demelza and Eli will be enthusiastic as well, after all they're changed as well and have much bigger and different dreams now. "

We all changed so fast, just last year most of us were content with the life Ehlite gave us and never dared to dream of more. Even then I wanted more, wasn't exactly sure what, but I sure wanted more.

" Good, the next few days should be all about training and testing out limits within safe limits. "

------

The next morning was important, the captains all gathered at out house before the sun even risen and discussed todays selection and Zephyr's first special training.

" Before training I need you to pick your men and make sure they understand the assignment, after that is done we all meet at the field at do some exercises, make sure to bring the Monroe girls as well. " - Zephyr said during breakfast.

The boys exchanged some looks and inhaled the rest of their food, quickly left our house.

" What about you? " - he asked Nifa. " Are you sure, you don't wanna join us? "

" From what I hear, we don't need any of it. I'll be attending your training for pure interest, besides once they understand our power they won't be foolish enough to attack. " - she shrugged it off.

It was hard to imagine they're were willing to strike the hand that offered them help but with our knowledge being so limited, it might be the complete opposite. We won't know until we arrived.

" Do as you wish, when are your merchants friends arrive? " - he asked.

" I will send for them once we returned, as long as your mission in Tetra will conclude quick it will be done before the summer greets us. " - she answered.

Zephyr stayed with the kids and others, while we went out for our morning run around the village.

The people greeted us on the way and we finished a full circle in mostly silence.

By the time we arrived back home so our surprise the captains returned as well wearing proud smiles, meaning they most likely succeeded in choosing the men.

Zephyr noticed us walking in and stood up from his chair. " Alright let us go, we will begin our first training .. Let's go now before something else hinder our process. "