Chapter 5: A New Dawn

Lenmana's POV-

The quiet rustling of Nayla's green cloak was the only sound that filled the empty air. She had been the one Greencloak who volunteered to come with me on the journey over the sea to Greenhaven. We had only arrived on the island a few days ago, and I was swiftly escorted to a room with what little belongings I brought.

Tellun barely fit in the rather large area. His presence still brought awe to me every time I looked at him. Regal antlers almost brushing the ceiling, he slowly approached me, eyes twinkling. I reached out to his snout and stroked him softly.

"Have you felt the bond with him grow yet?" Nayla's strong voice suddenly asked. I hadn't felt any new abilities appear since the first time I met Tellun, just the very vague mind speaking. I briskly shook my head. The tall woman swiftly switched her gaze to Tellun before continuing, "Make sure to spend as much time as possible with him. Bonds grow only when you are close to each other."

"I know, Nayla," I responded, as this was the third time she had repeated this explanation in the past two days. I noted the small tattoo of a blue jay on her wrist, wondering how long it would take for Tellun to trust me enough for the dormant form.

"Have you heard?" Nayla questioned out of the blue.

"Heard what?" I asked, curiosity peaking.

"That other children are summoning Great Beasts around the world. One just arrived a few minutes ago. The girl had summoned Suka." I gasped, relief washing over me. So the Great Beasts were returning. "Another is only moments away. A Niloan boy who had summoned Cabaro. He should be arriving any second."

"May I meet him? And the other girl who called Suka?" I couldn't wait for some more company other than Nayla and the other Greencloaks who kept staring at me like I was some jewel.

"Yes. Actually, you can meet the children who had summoned the Four Fallen as well. Olvan has already arranged for it." Doubt pricked at me. I had heard many news of the heroes. What if I wasn't good enough for them? What would they say about my weak bond with Tellun?

A swift series of knocks resonated from the other side of my door, startling me out of my thoughts. Nayla, as quick-reacting as always, quickly opened the door to reveal the Greencloak messenger: Lann.

He nodded his head at me in acknowledgement before sharing the news. "Olvan wants to start training with the newest arrivals as quickly as possible. He thinks these summonings may have something to do with the lack of Spirit Animals lately. You should be at the training room as fast as you can." With that, he rushed down out the door again, no doubt having to inform the other girl as well.

"Well. That was quite rude of Olvan to rush us like that," Nayla commented, scoffing. "Best be going then. Mustn't anger the great leader of the Greencloaks." I smiled at her almost unnoticeable sarcasm.

After many minutes of navigating the castle that was actually quite similar to the Amayan forests, Nayla and I had arrived at the training room, where Olvan and five others stood. I recognized four immediately, as they had their Spirit Animals out. The summoners of Briggan, Uraza, Jhi, and Essix were having a quiet conversation with Olvan.

One other girl stood a good distance away from them, and an intimidating creature sat beside her.

White fur glowing bright in the dim room, a gigantic polar bear rested on her haunches, massive paws sitting in front of her. The creature observed me with shining eyes. The girl next to Suka fidgeted slightly. I switched my sight to her.

She had dark, flowing hair in a braid similar to mine, with shy eyes hiding under long bangs. A hood lined with fur covered most of her face. She looked like she came from a place that froze anything that entered. Arctica, I assumed.

Before I could say anything to her, Olvan had noticed me and abruptly ended his talk with the heroes.

"Thank you for coming, Lenmana. Once the summoner of Cabaro arrives, we will begin training immediately. Recently, news has come that the Evertree is not doing well. We believe the Great Beasts have something to do with it," the burly leader of the Greencloaks announced in a voice that was all too booming. "The summoners will have to follow us on the journey to Nilo. But lack of training could mean death."

Almost immediately after his speech, a terrifying roar shook the training room. Suka suddenly stood up and bared her teeth at the entrance. Tellun also paid close attention to the roar's origin.

After a few petrifying moments, a seemingly harmless Niloan boy strided into the open space, radiating pride.

A golden blur leaped in right after, and I almost jumped in surprise. When it finally landed after seemingly flying through the air. I realized it was a lion. A very large lion. A long and regal mane made him look even more gigantic. His tail swished gracefully behind him. His movements were sinuous and cat-like, but his posture spelled a king. The creature swiftly sat down only a few metres away from Olvan, his eyes tracing his every move.

For a moment, I thought even the great leader of the Greencloaks couldn't find a voice to address this magnificent animal: Cabaro. But at last, he spoke. "So you've arrived. Zuberi," he nodded at the Niloan boy, "Cabaro," Olvan's eyes stayed on him for a longer moment, but then he nodded to him as well. "Now we have three new summoners of Great Beasts. Our training begins now."

A/N: Oh deary, shame on me for updating so late. How long has it been? A month? Terribly sorry. I have been quiiite busy this summer. BUt now that school has started, I'll be even more busy. Horrible, I know. Anyhow, sorry if this chapter was boring or whatnot but I was in a rush.

Until the next time,

Rainbowcookies :)