Azena and the sheet of parchment were stuck in an eternal staring contest. Nothing came to mind to help the half-elf break free of this vicious problem. All she had before her was the drawing of a map of a battle plan and she understood nothing of it. The arrows were pointing everywhere and in every directions which made the task of dissecting this plan difficult. She wondered for the hundredth time that day why she had applied in policies & command for her optional course. She had thought long before choosing between that and the battle tactics course. She wanted to become an excellent warrior, but she also wanted to be a leader who could be counted on.

- But those fucking maps, she thought while pulling a strand of her hair out of frustration. What the hell is this mess? Looks like the work of a mad baby.

She sighed, let her head fall on her desk and raised her hand in the hope that Master Nymia would be lenient with her, completely discouraged that she could not finish this puzzle.

The familiar roar of Rendar announced the end of the third period and the beginning of dinner time. Azena had not finished her homework of the day and she did not care. She had had enough. In front of her, Ariella gave her work to their teacher.

- It went well I assume? Nymia asked her daughter.

- Really well, Ariella replied, smiling. It was a piece of cake.

Ariella left and gave way to Azena.

- And you, how did it go? Nymia asked with a hint of suspicion in her voice.

Azena put the horrible monster on Master Nymia's desk and ignored the disappointed look of the blonde when she saw the untouched parchment.

- Azena, she called firmly.

The half-elf pretended to not have heard her and left this accursed classroom as quickly as she could. At the beginning of the year, every second year apprentice had to choose and apply to an optional course of basic specialty that they would follow for two years to finally choose a major specialty in which they would get a masters degree. In the list, there were: healing & herbs which allowed to qualify to become a healer or an alchemist, command & diplomacy which allowed to qualify to become a commander or a diplomat, craftsmanship which allowed to qualify to become a blacksmith, a leatherworker, a builder or a tailor, combat tactics that allowed qualify to become a marauder or a guard, control of mana which formed dragon rider mages, advanced control of the elements that formed the dragon rider elementalists and geography & advanced survival that allowed to qualify to become a ranger or an assassin.

She met Fayne a little later who was coming out of her healing & herbs class. The brunette had already decided she wanted to become an alchemist. Teriondil, meanwhile, opted to become master elementalist. Therefore, he had two control of the elements class instead of one.

Azena dragging her feet heavily. Almost half a season had passed since she began her course to become a commander one day and she could not keep up with the class. She was just not good at that stuff. Nymia kept telling her that she was too angry, too impulsive, and she had to stop and think about her actions. That was not all, there was the theory too. It was total hell; her brain refused to absorb anything. Did she not just have the state of mind for this job?

- And Ariella will become Commander so damn easily, she grumbled.

- Still pissed off at Ariella? Fayne asked after catching up to her friend.

Azena grunted and avoided her eyes.

- Would you stop, continued the brunette. Did you think of changing branch? You still have time to do it.

Azena was thinking about it and that was the problem. She liked combat and command equally, but she always had a better affinity for combat. She was just stubborn at this point because she wanted to climb as high as possible in the ranks to make a bigger difference.

- A single warrior into a sea of ​​peers does not seem appropriate for me, she answered. I would just be a little insignificant underling.

- You're already a superb archer, complimented Fayne. If you train and you become a weapon master, you will distinguish yourself from your peers. I promise you. You just need to apply yourself and I know you have the determination to do it.

- I'll think about ... how long do I have to change branch?

- Only a few days. If you decide to switch, you'll need to notify our titular.

- Master Nikala eh? Ah fuck ... I don't get along very well with her. Last year, she hated me during our meditation course.

- Do not worry. It will be fine as long as you go before the deadline.

Azena had to decide and fast. Deep down, she acknowledged that the combat tactics specialty was more appropriate for her, but her stubborn side gave her a hard time.

- Anyway, continued Fayne, take a break. Focus on your dinner.

She knew that food was one of the great loves of Azena. Usually it managed to calm her down.

- Don't forget that I have to return the book, mentioned Azena. I must do it during dinner. The masters' tower is deserted during that time. You're finished with it right?

Fayne nodded.

A head of mint green hair attracted the attention of two friends. Teriondil was disheveled again; Master Neige must have teached him a lesson in his control of the elements class as usual. The wood elf was an excellent elementalist, but not enough to defeat Neige. It was the only class in which he paid attention and it showed in his growth.

- Here Teri, called Fayne.

- Oh there you are, replied the wood elf joining his comrades.

- Man you look like a mess again, said Azena with a laughter.

Fayne and Teriondil went to the Great Hall for dinner while Azéna crept her way up the masters' tower and waited until the way was clear to put the book she had borrowed without permission in front of the door.

It was only when she turned the corner on her way back that she heard the door open and someone pick up the book.

- Strange, said the man who Azena assumed had to be a master.

Once back at the table where her friends were still eating, Azena started to devour the spicy chicken wings. Her companions chatted while she was too busy to stuff herself up than to answer them. She did not eat the entire day and the stress of the command and policies class had starved her.

- Did you return the book? Ariella asked whispering.

- Yeah, yeah, Azena grunted between bites.

Ariella raised an eyebrow observing her friend, visibly disgusted by her glutton ways. At dessert time, when she reached for the last piece of caramel cake, her rival stole it from under her nose without a care.

- How rude, grumbled the blonde who took a piece of apple pie instead. You don't even like caramel cake that much. What's the problem?

Azena turned her attention to her cake. She took a bite and forced herself to swallow too quickly and choked instantly. Panicked, she got up and tried to take deep breaths in vain. She imagined turn blue and felt her heart pounding. She was finished! She was going to die! All for a senseless grudge against her friend.

Fayne realized it first, and jumped up.

- Azena is choking! She screamed, her round eyes.

Two somewhat dark gray arms grabbed her around the waist, slightly leaned her forward and with both hands into fists, the newcomer pressed on her belly. He gave few firm pushes and finally Azena spat the piece of cake and began to breathe heavily.

- You damn crazy turkey! Ariella shouted in fury. Stop scaring us like that.

Azena turned and recognized Serfantor who stared at her like a parent would when they are about to scold her child. He crossed his arms and opened his mouth, but ultimately he gave up on the idea of ​​saying a word and sat down at the table next to Ariella.

- Hi Serfantor, said Ariella that suddenly seemed a little uncomfortable.

The gray elf greeted his interlocutor with a little smile and turned his attention to the young dragon rider he had just saved:

- You're an idiot Azena.

The serenity of the tone of the skotar captain took Azena off guard. He made it sound as if what had happened was an everyday thing for him.

- Excuse me? She growled, sitting on the other side of the table between Fayne and Teriondil. What did you call me?

- An idiot, simply replied Serfantor who served himself a piece of apple pie. That's what you are, is not it?

Azena gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. She had quite the sore throat so she refrained from talking. Fayne gave her a look that seemed both worried and surprised. Azena knew what her best friend wanted to tell her and she did not want to her it.

- I know, she thought by plunging her eyes on her cake. I am a ... crazy turkey ... and an idiot ... Don't add anything more please.

Fayne smiled as if she had heard what Azéna was trying to tell her and returned to her desert: a simple apple topped with brown sugar.

The group of friends spent the rest of their dinner discussing their choice of basic specialty. They all knew what they wanted to become except for Serfantor, who didn't see himself very well in any of the branches. Teriondil proposed him to join the advanced geography and survival branch, which was often the black dragon riders' strong suit.

- Strange, said the grey elf. That's what I've chosen in the meantime for my final choice. It seemed to make the most sense. Still, I don't see myself filling those roles.

- Apparently there aren't enough assassins, said Teriondil in his soft voice. That could be useful. It's not a very popular route.

Ariella squirmed in her chair and changed the subject of the discussion:

- Say Azena, don't forget our first skotar game is in six days. We didn't have time to practice, but I imagine you and Tyrath know what you're doing.

Azena remembered the blonde mentioning last year that she was against the Guardians having assassins in their ranks. She didn't think it was honorable. In Azena's honest opinion, sometimes it was a necessary evil.

- I'll try to get there, Azena replied with a grimace of pain. Excuse me, my throat hurts.

Ariella raised an eyebrow.

- You're gonna try to get there...?

- I want to save Umah and Yuzia, Azena replied, squinting slightly because of her sore throat. We haven't...

She coughed and then she pulled herself together:

- W-we have a plan of action.

Ariella blinked, impressed by the determination of her skotar partner.

- You do have the guts, but do you realize that you'll probably get into trouble again?

- As long as it doesn't concern me this time, Serfantor informed.

- By the way, what the hell are you doing sitting with us? Azena questioned him as she watched him with suspicion. Usually, no one is good enough to deserve your presence.

She giggled, clearly laughing at Serfantor. Though, karma hit her in the face: she felt as if her throat had been ripped open by tiger claws. She grabbed her glass of water and drank so quickly that she almost choked again. The grey elf simply ignored her and continued to eat his dessert. Meanwhile, Ariella blushed softly.

- Ehh? Azena continued once she recovered. What's going on with you Ariella?

The blonde remained silent.

- Hey answer me! Azena insisted. And that applies to both of you.

Serfantor sighed for a long time as if he had endured torture for hours. In the end, he got up from the table, abandoning his dessert.

- Be at the skotar game, he said firmly.

- Well yeah, of course, I'll try, Azena grumbled, crossing her arms. Raahh, you're not listening to me.

Serfantor exchanged a glance with Ariella before walking away.

Once he was far enough away, Azena began to complain:

- What's wrong with this guy?

She noticed Serfantor's half-eaten apple pie and swapped her cake for it. Embarrassed, Fayne softly hit her face with her palm. Ariella stared at Azena as if she had just made the strangest gesture she had ever seen and Teriondil laughed softly.

- Really? asked the blonde. You're unbelievable.

- Well wha..., Azena started.

Rendar interrupted the conversation by announcing the last fifteen minutes of dinner time with a beastly roar. Azena dropped her food and rushed out of the Great Hall.

- Come on! she called.

Teriondil and Fayne apologized to Ariella and followed her. The trio headed to Reaginn Ruvior's classroom the hopes of meeting him before classes began.

Fayne had thought of going to talk to him last night after she had finished probing the book that Azena had found from the Mother Tower. According to her theory, which she insisted was just that: a possibility, Master Ruvior should be aware of what's going on with Umah and Yuzia since he is the best tracker of the Guardians of Aerinda. Azena wanted to accompany him on this rescue mission that Fayne was confident would happen soon.

In the classroom, Azena saw a piece of the black cloak that disappeared behind the front door. It was him, for sure. He was still wearing his rogue outfit. She quickly followed him and almost hit her face in the door before Fayne could open it.

- Master Ruvior, let me come with you! shouted the half elf, suddenly standing in front of the Dungeon Master's desk.

- You're not in this class, Reaginn informed sternly as he sat down in his chair. You should concentrate on where you should be, Apprentice Kindirah. The commander path, isn't that right?

The man's small gray eyes examined the trio with obvious annoyance. The man criss-crossed his hands together and stepped forward as if expecting to witness a most grandiose spectacle. Azena was relieved not to have him as her master this year. She was so annoyed with him.

- You don't understand! she replied, already raising her voice. The mission...

- What are you talking about, Apprentice Kindirah? Reaginn questioned coldly. In fact, ignore the question. I don't have time to deal with you. Return to your appropriate class immediately. I have a class to teach.

Fayne intervened before her impulsive friend did more damage:

- Excuse Azena. She's so passionate and impatient when something is important to her heart.

Azena wanted to explain, but the herbalist motioned her to shut up.

- Explain yourself, Litfow Apprentice, Reaginn ordered.

Fayne played with her thumbs and stared at the floor, clearly uncomfortable with being the sole focus of the master. She took a deep breath and raised her head, her eyes full of determination.

- Do you know anything about Umah and Yuzia's abduction ?

Azena had to restrain herself from insisting. Fayne was beating around the bush too much. This situation, in her opinion, required action! She watched the master impatiently who took his sweet time to answer.

- Do you seriously think the Guardians don't do anything when one of their own is captured? he said with a touch of mockery. Of course we have a plan. Grandmaster Terenas put me in charge of it.

- I knew it! Azena cried out in a high-pitched tone. Oh, sorry...

- Don't worry, the tracker continued. I'll find them with the help of my team. Now get back to class.

- Master Ruvior, Fayne continued, what I really wanted to ask you...

Reaginn had a little smirk that immediately silenced the herbalist.

- You wish to be part of the rescue team, don't you? he asked.

Azena and Fayne nodded. The half elf elbowed Teriondil, who jumped slightly and then imitated his friends.

- I'm not surprised at you, Ruvior confessed. Unfortunately, you're far too inexperienced for this kind of critical mission. There's bound to be great danger, and I can't afford to be distracted by your mistakes. This isn't a vacation. Besides, only apprentices with three years' experience are allowed to go on missions. Those are the rules. And furthermore... This mission is too demanding for even a third-year apprentice.

Azena sneaked between Fayne and Teriondil to get the closest seat to the master.

- Please, Master Ruvior. Umah and Yuzia are our companions and it is our choice to take this risk. We won't get in your way, I promise. Besides, we have our dragons to help us in battle. They're young, but powerful.

Ruvior pondered for a few minutes while Azena's patience was running out.

- Since this is so important to you, I will discuss it with Grand Master Terenas, but I can't guarantee anything. Absolutely nothing. You know, he's probably going to refuse. Anyway, come back and see me tomorrow. By that time I should have a team assembled and I'll have an answer for you.

A huge smile appeared on Fayne's lips. Azena was happy for her. She knew how much her friend was worried about Umah and how much she would love to be being part of this rescue team.

- Thank you Master Ruvior, she said, bowing her head slightly as a sign of respect.

- Go away, Reaginn ordered with incredulous disbelief. You're going to be late for your classes.

The trio obeyed.

✦×✦

For the rest of the afternoon, Azena pondered about what she should do during the rescue mission. She imagined the same scenes over and over again. According to her, it would be easy with the help of their dragon and the full-fledged dragon riders. Those damned rebels were going to have a field day.

✦×✦

After supper, overflowing with confidence, the young half elf spent some time with Tyrath to tell him about the day's events. The dragon seemed half impressed, half worried.

- Just be careful, he repeated.

- But you're up for the mission, aren't you? Azena asked.

- Of course I am! he roared. Who do you take me for? I'm ready to leave anytime. It's settled. Now I have to go feed. Can you get to your room by yourself? I'm starving.

- Yeah, I'm not a baby! Enjoy your meal and good hunting.

The teenage girl smiled, satisfied with Tyrath's enthusiasm. She hugged his big scaly torso and headed back to the academy. On the way, she thought she heard someone whisper her name. She turned around and grabbed the elvish bow she was carrying on her back. She probed the darkness and saw nothing suspicious.

- It must be my imagination, she thought. I have to calm down.

She took one last look and when she was reassured, she put away her bow. That's when a winged figure, in a silent wingbeat, landed in front of her. He may have been wrapped in his hooded cape, his face hidden in the dark, but she recognized him anyway.

- You again! she roared.

She armed herself again and shot an arrow in her direction, aiming for the head. Her target jumped to the side and avoided a few shots. However, he didn't get close to the half elf.

- Damn it! she said between shots. You're agile.

She cursed and stopped her attacks. She didn't put the weapon down, though.

- What do you want? she asked. Where's Umah and Yuzia? I bet you're one of those damn sadists.

To his surprise, the individual raised his hands above his head as if he wanted a ceasefire.

- I know where the young dragon rider and his dragoness are, he hissed between his teeth like a reptile.

- Then speak, Azena shouted as she drew the arrow and bowstring.

- In exchange, I wish to become your new teacher. Does that seem like a fair deal to you?

The creature had an extremely soothing voice, but strangely enough, it also reminded him of the voice of dragons. Even so, she didn't intend to play its little game. She had the intention of standing firmly up to her enemies.

- I must be dreaming. You're joking, you filthy creature. What can I learn from you?

- A lot of things. You have been given the gift of the God Dragons. No one can help you but me. You must master the flow of life and death.

Azena guessed that he had never stopped observing her and that he must have known that she could control the element of life. So he knew about Turion and everything else. Frustrated, she took a step back and bit her lower lip. He was right; no one at the academy could help her with that.

- If you're not convinced, let me demonstrate, said the creature.

A clawed hand, half of which was covered with human skin and the other half with scales slipped out of its wide sleeve. Azena couldn't believe her eyes, purple scales.

- Are you a purple dragon? she asked, completely shocked by her discovery.

- No, the creature replied calmly. I am a bridge between your people and the Dragon Gods.

- A bridge?

Azena didn't understand what the creature was getting at. She didn't have time to play guessing games; her interlocutor started making strange movements that made her nervous.

- Watch the ground, he commanded. I won't do it twice.

Azena hesitated, but obeyed. She hated making herself vulnerable in the presence of an enemy.

The creature moved his two hands in a sort of wave-like fashion, and some flowers were drained from their lives before the eyes of the two individuals. Azena uttered a cry of exclamation.

- What the hell are you doing? Stop it. You're killing them!

- This is the cycle of life, the creature explained in a growl.

He guided the life energy of the dead flowers by continuing its wave-like movements to a young tree that hadn't had a chance to survive to adulthood. Its bark seemed to glow with new life, new hope. Its branches straightened and small leaves grew at an amazing speed. He was alive again.

- You traded the lives of a few flowers for the life of this dying tree? Azena asked, stunned by what she had just witnessed.

- Precisely, the creature answered in a grave tone. This power can cause miracles that would otherwise be impossible, but if you don't know how to control it, you can do a lot of harm.

Azena imagined herself siphoning off the life of one of her friends without meaning to. No, she refused to believe she was capable of such power. At least not without training. Not her.

- Turion, she thought, hoping to awaken the dragon within her. Is he telling the truth?

After a while, the presence of the purple wyrm in her grew and she felt her mind being pushed back and dominated.

- Yes, he replied in his cavernous voice. I'm afraid so.

Turion tried to retreat, but he had difficulty and his efforts weakened Azena. The young half elf eventually dropped her bow and found herself on her knees, short of breath. Within a few moments, complete control of her body was returned to her.

- For a moment your hands were like mine, the creature said in a tone that almost seemed sad.

- What? Azena replied in panic.

She confirmed that her hands were normal and took a deep breath to calm herself as Mistress Nikala had tried so often to teach her. The technique somewhat worked. She picked up her bow and stood up.

- You are in an extremely delicate and dangerous situation, said the creature. Your dragon cannot help you. He cannot teach you what you need to know to regain control of your mind and body in his presence because you are too weak. He hides and enslaves his own soul trying to protect you. He is very noble.

- So, let me guess... You're all I have left? Azena questioned suspiciously.

- Sadly.

- No, I refuse to believe you. You only want to manipulate me. I have about fifty accomplished dragon riders who are here to support me. I can learn to control the element of life with them!

At which point, the archer shot an arrow at the creature who spread its wings and disappeared into the darkness. As the adrenaline wore off, Azena fell to the ground completely exhausted. She didn't know what to do after these revelations. She felt confused and helpless. Her situation was unique, and deep down she knew the strange creature was right. All the same, she was determined to find her own path.