28th day of the season of the scythe 2448

Peace, tranquillity... that's all Azena's mind understood. No memories, no images, nothing disturbed her sleep. This supernatural hibernation seemed to last for days, dragging with the seasons. It didn't matter. In fact, nothing mattered. She felt safe in the depths of her own sleeping consciousness.

✦×✦

34th of the season of the scythe 2448

She thought she heard a drum. Its melody resonated in the distance and became louder and louder. Boom, boom, boom, boom. Now it sounded like a riot, maybe a war song.

Azena was agitated for the first time in so long. Her drowsy mind was slow, but at last she eventually became alert. When she opened her thoughts to her surroundings, she detected two intruders. The first was small, not to be underestimated. The second, a mountain rich in amethyst. The small being was chasing the mountain with his drum.

- Stop this racket! demanded the archer.

The mountain roared and shook the dark surroundings.

- Go, said the drummer. Be one with eternal life and death.

He guided an invisible wave towards the mountain. Azena felt a tremor as the wave hit its target. The mountain did not move. Instead, she roared her defiance once more. The drummer guided a second and a third. This time the mountain was submerged and began to float. Slowly, it transformed, forming a dragon. A beautiful purple bubble surrounded him and he smiled.

The music became peaceful. The drummer turned to Azena and played his instrument so vividly that she imagined them as tornadoes that turned into a humanoid made entirely of wind.

- Go in the freedom of who you are, daughter of the storm, said the drummer.

A strange wall of wind formed around Azena. She felt herself, her determination complete and her identity restored.

She suddenly woke up. In shock, she tried to get up but lacked strength and almost fell face first.

- Look out!

She opened her eyes slowly. How long had she been unconscious? Her weakened body was crying out for food. In front of her, ready to cushion her possible fall, was Fayne, looking worried.

- F-Fayne, she stammered softly.

That's all she could say. She moistened her lips in the hope of invigorating her doughy mouth.

- I'm so happy, says Fayne. I was so worried.

- She stayed with you as often as she could, said a nurse who handed her a glass of water. I'm glad you woke up. It's a good sign.

Azena took a sip and tried to get up again without much success. The nurse forced her back to her on her bed and stared at her sternly.

- Take your time. Your body needs to get used to it.

- How much... how much time...? Azena asked.

- Nine days, Fayne said. Luckily there are plenty of mages in the academy. They were able to feed you with magic. You haven't lost too much weight. I mean, you lost some of the muscle mass you worked so hard to gain during your training...

Azena felt like she'd lost half her weight. Her stomach was tucked in and her rib cage was protruding.

- I'd eat right about now, she admitted with a smile.

Her smile faded away.

- What happened? How did they bring me back to reality? I don't feel any pressure from the Turion's presence. It's as if his consciousness is in its own lair. It's strange, isn't it? I know he's still there. I can feel it. It's as if a...

- A barrier separates you, replied a dark yet reassuring voice.

Azena turned her attention to the newcomer. Her first instinct was to retreat to avoid an attack. She was about to scream, but Fayne reacted quickly and momentarily covered her mouth.

- What the...? Azena asked. What are you?

She raised her arm as if to form a shield between her and the strange creature. Humanoid was the nicest definition she could come up with to describe it. Four enormous deer antlers protruded from its skull. Its physique, although very muscular, emanated a certain softness, like a tranquillity. Its hair cascaded around its neck and converged into a mane. Its silvery fur seemed as fluffy as that of a kitten. The most interesting thing was that despite its animal-like appearance, its eyes were perfectly human. They strongly resembled Fayne's eyes; a warm brown. Azena expected the creature to hiss wildly, but instead it observed her in a supernatural stillness.

- Rohokub, replied the creature in a small hiccup that released a musical note.

- It was the white shaman who helped you, Fayne explained.

Azena didn't know what to say, stunned by the shock.

- He's not going to roar and pounce on me? She ended up saying.

- Don't be silly, Fayne replied curtly. Does he seem aggressive to you?

The creature called Rohokub laughed, as if amused by the archer's reaction.

- I'm sure you have questions, young Far'Kili.

- ...what? Azena hesitated. Far'Kili?

- It means "free spirit" in his native language, Fayne explained. He calls everyone he meets by a description that suits them. He must have seen something in you to call you that. In fact, he's been calling you Far'Kili ever since he probed your mind.

- O-Of course... Umm... Rohokub, is Turion ok?

- Maikuwa is safe, Rohokub answered.

Azena concluded that Maikuwa must have been the nickname he had given to Turion. She felt a wave of relief overwhelming her.

- For now, Rohokub finished. Maikuwa will be hunted for all eternity. There will always be evil hearts.

Azena noticed his teeth, all molars. She deduced that he must have be a herbivore. Reassured, she managed to calm down a little. Perhaps he wasn't so alarming after all.

- And what does "Maikuwa" mean?

- Great life, said Rohokub with a musical note that animated his voice.

He folded his arms, hid his hands in the wide sleeves of his robe and waited patiently. Azena didn't know how to react to such a presence. She knew there were many creatures lurking around Aerinda, but this one was something unique. Humanoid, but still half-animal. She was amazed.

- Where did you come from?

Rohokub's thought about it. He seemed to lose himself in his dreams, his eyes blurred.

After a while, Azena finally realized her question might not have been clear.

- I mean, where were you born? she grew impatient.

Footsteps distracted the shaman. His attention fell on an elf with a warm smile who stood in front of Azena.

- I'm glad to see you back on your feet, Terenas said.

Azena blinked. She felt much better, but something was still not right. A strange feeling that she wasn't alone inside had been eating away at her since she woke up. She thought long and hard and finally the memories of the last few hours became clearer. Turion was, or at last had been in her mind as if they had been merged together. She stared at Terenas sternly.

- Where's Turion?

The elf sighed and sat down beside her.

- Let me cast an enchantment of protection around us.

Azena could barely contain her impatience, but she let him take his time. The grand master mumbled a few incantations, his eyes lit up in a bright blue for a moment and then, he finally gave her his explanation.

- A thousand pardons for making you wait, but I had to make sure that no one could hear this conversation. Are you familiar with sealing rituals?

Azena gave him an incredulous look.

- Sealing? she asked, raising an eyebrow. I don't think so, no.

- It's quite normal not to know. These are very advanced techniques that only shamans can perform.

He mentioned to Rohokub at a glance:

- Explaining the presence of Rohokub.

- And the black shaman in the cave, Fayne remarked.

- Precisely, confirmed the lunar elf. Let's start at the base, a seal allows to lock objects, living beings or mana inside a container. It's a bit like putting a panther in a cage. Once locked up, the panther can be ignored or used. Of course, a panther has its own will and its own strength; it will not be controlled so easily, even if it is locked behind bars. Another thing to consider, if the container is not strong enough, the panther can take control of its cage or, even worse, break free. Sometimes a host is not even aware that there is an entity dormant inside it. That, until it stirs.

- So... Turion is...

- In your subconscious. You are host to Turion now. Before you, he was sealed in your quill. That's why it was so sought after and legendary. People wanted to tap into its power. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on the situation, that feather is an object without magical or living properties, which prevented a solid flow of Turion's power. Thus, he did not have the ability to use them, if at all.

- Why did they seal Turion in me? Why not in one of them?

- Turion would have resisted. His mind is so powerful, so vast. I'm surprised your body can withstand such a thing. Normally, the cage should be able to accommodate the panther. In your case... You are a very small vessel for such a large being. Besides...

He took a deep breath, as if what came next was going to bring a lot of pain.

- Besides, he repeated, he almost killed you. There are different types of seals. Yours was very open, allowing the host to freely manifest himself and use his powers through his host. As a result, the seal is very unstable and breaks easily. When a seal breaks without the support of a shaman, the host risks his life, especially in your case. Your body was already unable to support such an entity. Turion struggled to repress his own consciousness so as not to break the seal.

The elf turned towards the strange creature.

- Rohokub modified the seal...

- Why didn't you remove it completely if it's so dangerous for me? Azena cried. I'm not an experiment!

Azena realized what she had said and hoped with all her heart that Turion had not heard her. She had panicked, she was afraid to die. It was so new, all this information. The delicacy and the measures to be taken weighed on her back. And, on top of that, Terenas hadn't finished his explanation of the seals. The more he said, the faster her pulse beat.

Fortunately, Terenas had a good heart. He gave her a moment to calm down and continued:

- I fully understand your fears. Let me explain to you why we decided otherwise. First, Rohokub here is a master in the art of sealing. I have faith in him and his powers. I didn't fear for you anymore once he arrived. The tricky part was containing Turion for a long night. With the help of the Sages, we managed.

On this last word, he smiles broadly. At that moment, he seemed radiant.

- It's quite a feat for mage, said Rohokub. It's very difficult to affect a seal without the spiritual bond we shamans possess.

Azena felt her body relax a little. The good news seemed to ease her fear.

- And secondly, Terenas continued in a more optimistic tone, I have faith in you.

At the time, Azena didn't understand his words.

- What do you mean, Grand Master?

- Clearly, you and Turion are destined to be bonded. You're a dragon and rider couple. Besides, it happens once every decade that someone bonds with two dragons. Obviously, Turion already respects and adores you if he chose to give up freedom to save your life. You are strong, Azena Kindirah. You are destined for great things.

Azena felt the tears rise and roll slowly down her cheeks. No one had ever boasted her so much before. A surge of courage enveloped her and she wiped away her tears.

- Thank you, Great Master.

- You are surrounded by friends who will support you, said Fayne, with a smile wider than ever.

Azena had a small laugh and crossed her arms behind her head.

- I'll do my best.

- It won't be so easy to control, Rohokub said. I've solidified the seal, but you know, Maikuwa is vast. Don't let your emotions get the better of you or you'll become your worst nightmare and even Maikuwa can't always stop you. You are his host, after all, his ground, his support.

Terenas nodded.

- You are the first person in whom a dragon is sealed. We are not aware of the effect this will have on you.

He pointed to Azena's left arm. She hurried to take a look. There, near her wrist, a small purple patch lay.

- What the hell is...

She took a closer look. They were tiny scales that had formed on her skin. Her heart went for a spin again...

- What is this!? she panicked, staring at her wrist as if it had been desecrated.

- Also, Terenas continued, who remained calm despite his interlocutor's intense reaction, we'll have to expect that you'll be the new target for evil minds who want control of Turion. Keep this secret for yourself, for your own safety.

This time Azena's stomach contracted and she became nauseous.

- Enough of the coming and going of good and bad news, Azena said with tears in her eyes. You're going to cause my nerves to twist and explode.

The group, except for Azena, laughed softly. Terenas cancelled his enchantment and brought Rohobuk with him out of the infirmary.

- Oh, he said as he walked through the doorway frame, I'll give you a day's rest.

Azena's eyes sparkled at the news.

- In the infirmary, said Terenas, pointing to her before disappearing.

Azena pouting. She hated being stuck in bed.

- You should get some rest, you know, said Fayne, still as kind as ever.

The two suns lay lazily, letting the sky bathe in their dying glow. Azena worried about her friends, her masters, her comrades. The small purple stain on her wrist reminded her of the seriousness of the situation that had brought her to where she was. She even worried about herself, about Tyrath and the dragons. Besides, a war was about to break out. Would her family be safe while she was gone? Argent, as confident as ever, loomed large in her mind.

The warmth of Fayne's hand pulled her from her thoughts. Her comrade must have noticed her anguish.

- I'll get through it, she said, forcing a smile.

She shook Fayne's hand, which she had placed on her in the hope of comforting her.

- Don't worry. I'll go to bed like a good girl.

This time she smiled sincerely. Satisfied, Fayne nodded her head and left.

- In any case, I'll keep an eye on you, said the nurse.

- I give up, I give up! Azena said, startled and cold blooded with fear. If I had a white flag, I'd wave it right now. Just no weird liquid that tastes like a bag of garbage, I beg you!

The healer raised an eyebrow and turned her attention to another patient. Azena sighed, relieved that she didn't have to swallow another disgusting concoction to make her relax. She glanced at her wrist. The scales were gone.

- Does this mean that Turion's mind has calmed down? she thought to herself, wondering. I should talk to him...

Her stomach clenched. She realized she was afraid to agitate Turion's conscience. She hesitated and finally, she got over her anxiety. She tried to call the purple dragon, but she received no answer. Was that good or bad?

Slightly worried, she tried to relax the rest of the evening waiting for a sign from Serfantor. The plan to retrieve information from the masters' private library was supposed to be executed in the middle of tonight.

Tyrath stopped by for a visit. He had scratched at the window until the healer opened it for him. Azena promised to explain everything to him once they were alone. Tyrath was worried about his dragon rider, so he left despite his resentment.

- I'm glad you're alright, he had said purring before he left.

✦×✦

An half an hour before the apprentices' curfew, the grey elf showed up. His pace was slow, as if he didn't want to face Azena. The young half elf motioned for him to approach. She almost jumped into bed just at the thought that their plan was finally going to be set in motion the next night.

- Come on, come on, I have to sleep soon.

Serfantor sighed, hid his hands in his pockets and sped up. Once beside Azena's bed, he examined her at length in silence.

- Stop that, said Azena. Your actions are eventually going to make me shy.

- Those sparkling eyes... You're too enthusiastic.

- I'm what?

- I already know what you're going to tell me. Let's put it off until tomorrow. I can see it coming, you're going to get us in trouble. You're stirring up trouble like a hungry man at a mushroom feast. The proof is where you are right now.

- Eh? Mushroom fest?

- It's what we eat most often since the suns... Forget it.

- Oh, stop it! You've already agreed to it, so let's go tomorrow night. It's important and you know it.

She placed both hands together and gave him the most disgustingly cute look she could improvise. She waited for the pressure to build and finally, he cracked and turned his face sideways, letting out a small, almost inaudible laugh. She cursed the elf's long hair that hid his facial expression.

- Women, he mumbled plainly as he turned his heels.

- Does that mean "yes"? Azena asked. At dusk, meet me at the Dragon's Nest, near the cave of the grey dragonflight.

He waved his hand goodbye to her and then, as he crossed the threshold of the exit, he gave his approval by turning his thumb upwards. Azena's heart jumped, happy. In the end, she had won.