CHAPTER 2

"My father is stronger than yours!" the blond boy shouted, pointing his wooden sword at his partner.

"Is not!" the other one retorted, swinging from below with his own practice sword.

"Is to!"

"Is not!"

The blond boy dropped his piece of wood and lunged at the one who made him angry. They stumbled to the ground, rolling in the dust of Devona's training yard.

"Regan! Darrey!" the warrior rushed to split them up just as they were trying to strangle each other. She grabbed each boy by the back of his vest and separated them.

Regan shot Darrey death glares, but they were both unable to move due to Devona's firm grip. She narrowed her eyes, "How many times do I have to tell you two that this kind of behavior is unacceptable?!" she hissed, "This is your last warning. Next time you'll be expelled."

That last word seemed to take effect. Regan looked up at her pleadingly, "No, please, not expelled. I really want to become a warrior."

Darrey joined in, "Yes, miss, what will my father say?"

Their trainer gave them one last glare before she softened a bit. She let their vests go and crouched to look at both of them directly in the eye, "If you really want to become a warrior, you need to know that it's not just about the strength and the ability to overcome the enemy. First and foremost, it's about the discipline," the boys listened to her in awe, "Learn how to control yourself and not let fright or anger cloud your mind, because you'll need it clear in the battle. Otherwise you don't have a chance to survive. Do you understand me?"

Darrey and Regan nodded quietly.

Devona smiled and was just about to send them back to practice with the other students when a voice interrupted her, "Milady?"

She recognized the King's messenger immediately, "Class dismissed! Don't forget to put away your swords!" she shouted and the children hurried out of the training yard, vividly talking about the moves they have learned just now.

Devona turned around to the thin, tall man standing in the shadows, "Yes, Caleb?"

The messenger came closer, "The King requested your immediate presence, milady. He said it is of great importance."

Hearing this, Devona didn't hesitate a second, "I'll be right there. Thank you, Caleb."

The messenger bowed his head and left, quietly as he came.

King Adelbern was an old man. His strength was leaving him gradually, but his mind was as sharp as his sword once was. He was surrounded by people who worship him, especially now that the Charr are gone. His wealth was immeasurable, his palace coated in pure gold.

But, now he was standing in his own luxurious library and wondering: What good of it all? What good, if he can't share it with his own son? Memories come flooding his mind in those days of solitude. Grief was almost unbearable. It pained him to think about the times he and Prince Rurik conflicted and even more when he remembered the good times. Countless nights he prayed to Balthazar to take him, so that he could join the heir of his throne in the Mists. But, to no avail. He stood firmly on the ground, just as he did years before.

A quiet knock on the door returned him abruptly to reality.

"Your highness, lady Devona is here to see you," the little chambermaid announced.

"Yes, send her right in," the King turned away from the window and sat at a large desk made of the finest wood in all of Ascalon.

Devona entered and bowed, "My King, you wished to see me?"

"Yes. Please take a seat," he offered, gesturing to a leather armchair in front of his desk, although he already knew it was no use.

"I prefer to stand, if that's alright," Devona's answer was already expected.

The King smiled warmly at this, "Of course it's alright," but then his face turned serious and a shadow darkened his features as his mind trailed to what he had to say. Devona did not fail to notice this.

"As you have seen for yourself, Devona, all of Tyria is flourishing. We can finally live at ease."

The warrior sensed this was just an overture for something not as pleasant. There was a slight pause before the King continued, rising from behind the desk and approaching the window once more, as if to comfort himself by gazing at the careless and free townsmen below.

"Sadly, a tragedy has happened," his voice was grave, "North, on the Wall. One of our finest men, general Tydion, went missing. His stallion came back alone early this morning, with no sign of its rider. He was supposed to be patrolling a small area just across the Wall over the night."

Devona was listening intently, watching the King turn to her and look directly into her eyes, "I need you to assemble your team once more and go north, in search of the general. Anything you find, report directly to me."

She nodded and was just about to leave when the King called her back.

"Oh, and Devona: Tydion was my close friend and a great soldier. You will understand why this has to be done quickly and quietly."

"Yes, your highness," she nodded again and bowed before leaving the library.