Chapter 2

They found a small clearing amidst the trees, carpeted with soft, spongy moss. The old man gestured for Aedan to sit down on a nearby boulder, and he obeyed. "Today," the master began, his voice strong and clear, "we will begin your training in elemental magic. The dragon is not only cunning and strong, but it has an affinity for the elements as well. You must learn to master them if you are to defeat it."

Aedan nodded, his heart racing with anticipation. Elemental magic had always fascinated him, and he was eager to learn its secrets. The old man produced a small leather pouch, filled with vials of colored sand. "Each color represents an element," he explained. "Red for fire, yellow for earth, blue for water, green for nature, and white for ice. You must learn to summon and control each one." He handed Aedan a vial of red sand. "Start with fire."

Aedan took the vial, his fingers brushing against the smooth glass. The sand inside felt warm to the touch, as if it were alive. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to calm his racing thoughts. "Focus on the fire within you," his master said softly. "Call it forth, and let it guide you."

Slowly, Aedan opened his eyes. The forest around them seemed to shimmer with energy, like a living tapestry woven from the elements themselves. He focused on the fire within him, the heat that coursed through his veins. He imagined it growing, spreading outward until it engulfed everything in its path. With a deep breath, he summoned the flames.