9th day of the season of death 2448

- Wake up, a man grunted. On your feet! We must soon leave to begin our mission.

Azena was sure she was dreaming about this character who was trying to wake her up, so she didn't really pay much attention to him. After all, she had just gone to bed. It was impossible that she wasn't dreaming.

- Get up! the man insisted.

This time, Azena started grinding her teeth. That was enough! Dream or not, she was going to smash his face in. When she stood up and opened her eyes, she saw Master Ruvior kicking the corner of her bed with his foot. In spite of the annoying vibrations that ran through her bed and body, her murderous desire dissipated as quickly as it had occurred. However, she was still irritable. Her stomach was hurting, but she ignored it.

- What the...! she barked. It's nighttime! I have just gone to bed!

- Is it really night? asked Reaginn, who didn't seem convinced.

- Of course it is. I hardly slept at all.

She turned to the window and opened the curtains to give the master proof of that claim. A glorious light struck her in full force and blinded her.

- What? My eyes!!! she lamented as she put her arm over her face. But Fayne is still sleeping! It must be early! she continued angrily, looking for a logical explanation for this frustrating situation.

- Eh? Fayne mumbled in a pasty voice, still half asleep in bed. Do we have to go to class now? I didn't hear Rendar?! Did I miss something?!

She got up in one quick movement, completely paranoid to arrive late at a class. She immediately noticed Reaginn, blushed and hid under her blankets. Luckily for her, she was sleeping in pyjamas unlike her roommate.

- Rendar didn't even roar! beugla Azena. It's our day off, damn it! Fucking fuck! And I'm in my underwear! Some privacy, please!

- There's no privacy when it comes to your superior. Besides, you reek of booze. Too bad you don't have time to clean yourself because I would have made you do so.

Azena blinked, stunned by the presence and rude words of the master. She realized she had reacted very badly to Reaginn. Meanwhile, the tracker removed his foot from the bed, opened Azena's wardrobe, grabbed a few articles of cloth at random and threw them at the sleepy young delinquent.

- Get dressed, he ordered. We're going to track down Yuzia and Umah. I have a squad waiting for us outside.

- But, uh... Master Ruvior... Just a moment...

- It will be Captain Ruvior or just Captain until we return.

Well, that's it, then. Azena could feel the rage boiling in her guts once more. She hated it when he ignored her efforts to be polite and tolerant to him. She tried to show him respect, but it was difficult with him.

For her part, Fayne pulled down her blanket and watched the scene, suddenly interested in the conversation. She was probably still worried about the dragoness and her rider. Azena, on her side, had sat cross-legged and tried to process the master's lastest words.

- Huh? What... Aahh, it's true! Wait a second, no uniform? she asked suspiciously. That's my casual clothes you just gave me, you know? Besides, are you really allowed to show up in an apprentice's room without warning? That's really rude...

She inspected the outfit Reaginn had given her and she had to admit that he had chosen well despite the fact that he probably didn't care what she was putting on. A dark, short-sleeved tunic, grey pants and a long-sleeved coat, all a little too big for the wearer, which made her look like a tomboy.

- Stop questioning your superior and get ready, Reaginn grunted. You want to be treated like a soldier, well here's your chance. Now listen to me carefully. We're going to pose as regular everyday travelers. The dragons will stay away so as not to attract attention. If the enemy recognizes us, they'll avoid us.

Azena grumbled. She didn't expect being a soldier for the Guardians of Aerinda to be so overwhelming. But, she suspected it was just Reaginn doing this.

- What did you say? Reaginn asked with a vicious eye.

- Yes Master, the young dragon rider corrected herself.

- Well, you have ten minutes. I'll wait for you at the entrance of the academy with our group.

The young adult turned and slammed the door behind him, leaving a trail of dust and the smell of leather in his wake. As Fayne coughed, Azena hid her face behind her arm.

- What an unpleasant man, she mumbled. I hope Tyrath is awake...

It was then that she finally noticed the nausea that was twisting her guts. She wiggled on her bed for a moment and cursed as Fayne looked on in amusement.

- Oh, the beautiful hangover this morning, she commented with a big sadistic smile.

- You're vile! Azena said as she put on the outfit that Reaginn had so indifferently chosen for her.

With every movement she felt her stomach complaining and threatening to vomit what little content it had.

- Don't you have a potion... a remedy... a liquid... something f-for this?

- No, said Fayne, who seemed to be satisfied with her reply. It takes time and ingredients for me to prepare it properly.

Azena wasn't sure if she believed her, but she accepted her reality. After all, it was her fault that she drank too much last night. She got up and started stuffing her survival gear into her leather backpack.

- You're brave, squealed Fayne in a small, embarrassed voice.

- Huh? What do you mean? Azena asked.

She didn't expect her friend to get so emotional so suddenly.

- This is a dangerous mission, you know. Are you sure you want to be a part of it? I know you want to help your fellow riders, but as Master Ruvior mentioned, we're not ready. We're still in training.

Azena opened her eyes and hesitated for a moment, realizing the brunette was right. She hadn't thought about it at the time, but she might very well end up dead. She regained control of her emotions, leaving no doubt to bar her way and turned to her friend with a broad smile.

- Don't worry about it. I'll manage. I'll be accompanied by a squad of accomplished dragon riders and their dragons. If I die, it'll probably be something as stupid as choking on a chicken bone.

- Stop talking nonsense! Fayne exclaimed.

The herbalist lunged at Azena and hugged her as if it was the last time they would see each other. In shock, the half-elven froze.

- You always react the wrong way, Fayne reproached her. You could easily put yourself in danger.

Azena felt a drop fall on her shoulder and noticed Fayne's irregular breathing. She was crying, crying because she was afraid for Azena. That much wasn't hard to guess even for the archer who was often oblivious of their surroundings.

- Why do you always insist on putting your life in danger? Fayne asked.

- I have to grow up, Azena replied softly.

- What do you mean? asked the brunette, moving her face backwards so she could look into her friend's sparkling blue eyes.

- It's not in the classroom that I make the most progress... I'm getting tired of this... I need real challenges to surpass myself. I want to become an elite warrior, a master of arms! I'm going to make a difference in this world and I promise you that I'm going to make my debut by bringing Yuzia and Umah back!

- But...

- No buts, Fayne. You have to take big risks to grow up.

During her passionate speech, Azena had denied her belly the right to react to anything and now it was crying out for a break. She turned around, grabbed the trash can and vomited what little liquid was left in her stomach.

- Ughhn..., she groaned as she collapsed. No more... I'll never drink again... ever!

- That's what happens when you take a big risk by drinking the night before a mission, Fayne said after a long sigh. Well, that doesn't even surprise me. You always have a knack for breaking a tender moment...

- I have to... go downstairs... Reaginn is waiting for me... He's going to kill me!

With tears in her eyes, Azena dragged herself to her backpack filled with supplies and began to put the straps around her arms.

- You can ask for help, you know, Fayne said.

- No! Azena barks stubbornly.

A strong arm helped her up and helped her get her hooded cloak, quiver, bow, belt, dagger and boots.

- Thank you, said Azena, embarrassed by her weakness as she prepared for her first mission as a dragon rideré

- Well, you're ready, said Fayne. Now go show them what you can do, soldier!

- Yes Captain! Azena exclaimed and saluted Fayne.

- Save it for Master Ruvior, the brunette laughed anxiously.

Azena knew that the herbalist was nervous that she was going on a rescue mission that could cost her life. So she proceeded to reassure her with a good old nonchalant joke:

- Take good care of Teri and Ari while I'm gone, she said, referring to her two friends as if they were their own children.

Now that she thought about it, the names Teri and Ari would have been perfect for twins.

- You're ridiculous, Fayne replied, rolling her eyes. Instead of worrying about two completely independent people, focus on yourself for a change.

- Everything's gonna be alright! If I don't come back, you'll inherit Tyrath!

- This is not funny, Azena!

The half elf pulled out her tongue at her interlocutor, turned around and walked towards the common room under the kindly gaze of Fayne, who silently wished her good luck. The academy was near empty at this hour. That was good news. Azena didn't want to be seen leaving on her first mission for the academy with the sickly look on her face. Her hangover was truly merciless. She was so dizzy that she wondered if her skin wasn't greenish at that moment.

Once outside, she looked up to the sky and saw Tyrath diving at her. The drake landed on her right and rubbed her with his snout. The slight movement was enough to make her puke a second time.

- Wow... You look good today, Tyrath said sarcastically. Want me to help you out?

- No, Azena grunted as she wiped her mouth with a large leaf she plucked from a tree.

She'd be too ashamed to stand in front of her squad being carried around like a sick little girl. She would probably have been sent back to the academy on the spot. She straightened up and began to walk more energetically despite her persistent discomfort.

- It will pass, she said to encourage herself. It's temporary.

The light of the first sun got suddenly blocked by a large winged mass

- Hey, called a female voice from above Azena. Apprentice Azena Kindirah, is that you?

- Yes, replied the young half elf with the strongest voice she could maintain.

- Captain Ruvior sent me to find you, she explained.

- Of course he sent you the dirty dog, Azena grumbled low.

The newcomer signaled her mount towards the ground. In a cloud of dust, the dragon, twice Tyrath's size, landed to Azena's left. A scent of fresh greenery tickled the teenage girl's nose. She turned to the strangers and identified a dragon with emerald scales on which moss was growing and, strangely enough, a few flowers. His rider, a lunar elf with blond hair wearing glasses, jumped down from his shoulders. At once, Azena blinked and spotted the pointed ears sticking out of the blonde's locks. She was indeed an elf.

- Can elves even have bad eyesight? she asked.

- I am a rare case, she said as her cheeks reddened slightly. I am Sanah Tendriov, a healer under the command of Reaginn Ruvior for this mission. I am training to become an alchemist in my spare time. Plants are fascinating; they have so many different properties. Did you know that if you mix a little...

- So you're going to save my ass if I need it, laughed Azena, who didn't want to hear another plant fanatic's comments.

Sanah burst out laughing as her glasses nearly. She adjusted them and stroked the side of her green dragon's head who set off, followed by Tyrath and Azena.

- Precisely. And you, I've been informed that you wish to follow the path of a warrior. You must be an archer I imagine from your choice of weapon.

- Yeah, I'm better with a bow than any other weapon, to be honest.

- Don't worry too much about that. I'm completely useless with any weapon. At least you know how to use one.

Suddenly she seemed shocked.

- Oh, I'm so sorry. Where are my manners? This is Maratid of the Hyejiom clan, my life partner.

The so-called Maratid nodded briefly in greeting and continued on his way without saying a word.

- He's not very talkative, explained his dragon rider. I talk enough for both of us.

No reaction from Maratid. Apparently, he was used to her teasing him.

- I can't wait to introduce you to the rest of the group, she chuckled excitedly. Oh, oh! she exclaimed, turning to Tyrath. And you are? You have very pretty eyes.

Tyrath looked away for a moment as if he was embarrassed, then he bulged his chest and introduced himself:

- I am Tyrath of the Ralent Clan.

Sanah smiled, clearly amused by the drake's reaction.

- Nice to meet you, she said.

Soon after, they joined the rest of the group waiting at the gates of the academy. Azena was a little offended by Reaginn's instructions, which she thought were vague. Had it not been for Sanah, she would have waited at the main gate of the academy as he would have told her.

- There you are, Reaginn mentioned with the usual coldness.

The three dragon riders rode on their scaled companion. Azena immediately noticed that none of them had a muscular build. In fact, they were all quite thin, probably to promote subtlety, and all wore hooded cloaks.

- Group, this is Azena Kindirah, Reaginn announced. She's still an apprentice at the academy, more precisely of the second cycle. She has decided to specialize in the warrior's path. She excels at archery and accompanies us as an observer. The drake...

- Observer!? cut Azena off, offended that she wasn't allowed to actively participate in the mission.

Reaginn paused and looked at her, a look that said nothing good during which their companions seemed extremely uncomfortable.

- Observant, Reaginn repeated firmly. We don't have time to play nursemaid with you, I warn you. We are professionals and I expect you to act as I command you as captain of this squad.

He waited as if he was giving Azena a chance to retaliate, but she remained silent.

- Well, he continued. The drake is called...

- Tyrath of the Ratent Clan, said Sanah excitly, who seemed ever so happy with these new accountainces.

Azena thought for a moment she saw a large vein appear on the captain's temple. If he had been upset, he had maintained effective control of his emotions.

- I suppose you've already met Sanah and Maratid, Reaginn said. So, I'm going to move on to the other two members of our group...

The little lunar elf started hopping to the obvious displeasure of the captain who seemed to be slowly losing his mind. This time Azena was certain of it; she had seen the vein protruding from the tracker's temple.

- Go ahead Sanah, Reaginn renounced.

- Oh thank you Captain! Sanah exclaimed with such intense joy that her eyes gleamed with happiness. So, the tall one to the captain's right is called Morcan, the elementalist of the group. He makes sure that we are not seen in the crucial moments! He controls the shadows, you see. Ah! His handsome... beautiful dragon Telyx of the Kurtun clan, helps with the task.

Indeed, Morcan must have been six feet tall and yet he was so thin that he seemed as fragile as a glass of wine. He possessed a beautiful, charming smile under his battle-haired chestnut hair. He looked human and in his early thirties. Telyx, on the other hand, had the classic appearance of a black dragon. He looked like Shalith, but in a male version with bigger horns and a long agile tongue.

- Aaah, and our last two, continued Sanah, pointing at a small human with dark hair and amber eyes and his equally tiny brown dragon who could barely support his rider. This is Baldur and his partner Sidon of the Hurtheux clan, our bodyguards. They are the ones who will defend us if we are ever attacked. They are both very famous warriors among our ranks.

She approached Azena.

- Don't mention their size, she whispered in his ear. I assure you that you would regret it. They may not look like warriors, but they have more guts than all of us combined.

This little human who seemed to be no more than twelve years old and his dragonling were the most fearsome of the group... Azena found it hard to believe. Still, she decided to follow Sanah's advice. With a small smirk on her face, she nodded her head.

- I'm honoured to be part of your team, said Azena, bowing.

- So are we, little one, Telyx replied.

The dark dragon and his rider sneered together heartily. Baldur greeted her by crossing his two battle-axes as Sidon growled softly.

- Well, Reaginn began, trying to draw attention to himself. You know the purpose of this mission. Now you all know your role. So I'll explain our new strategy before we leave Atgoren in case there are spies waiting for us outside the city. I know they're nearby because our last mission was a complete failure.

- That's why Miguhel is no longer with us, Sanah mentioned with a sigh.

- Sanah... Discretion...

The lunar elf suddenly blushed, clearly ashamed of her words. She seemed to be very open about her feelings and ideas, which could be detrimental to this mission despite her innocent intentions. Azena thought that she would have to be watched.

- No disrespect Captain, but why did the last mission fail?

- Without going into too many details since these are private, make sure you maintain your incognito at all times, Reaginn explained in her honeyed voice. Especially you...

Azena suddenly felt as if she was being watched by the entire squad. She wondered if they knew about her elemental duality. She knew it was a huge risk for the Guardians to let her participate in this mission.

- Of course Captain, she simply replied.

She then noticed the bitterness in the healer's face. Had Miguel died because of the mistake he had made? Sanah seemed to be upset about it. Her little lips trembled slightly, but she held her head high like a real soldier.

- During our last excursion, we found the hideout of Umah and Yuzia's kidnappers. Only because they left us an obvious trail. So we will start by going there. I guess they must have moved. We can only hope that Yuzia will be able to help us again. Our enemies are mostly wood elves and they're all good at covering their tracks and at the art of silent assassination. Be very vigilant and never wander off alone.

- Yes, replied the rest of the squad simultaneously.

Reaginn turned his attention to Azena who had been frozen at the thought of facing assassins. She imagined herself dying unable to scream, her identity denied in her last moments.

- Errmm, yes... Yes, Captain!

- Finally, Reaginn continued, we'll travel on horseback. Once again, we want to avoid being recognized, so the dragons will have to stay away. Morcan is a mage and will be able to communicate telepathically with Sidon who is also able to control mana.

Azena knew that Tyrath didn't like the idea at all, but the drake remained calm and made no mention of it. She wondered if she had made the right decision to join this mission. Fayne was right; she was always getting into trouble. She always went headfirst without thinking about the real consequences. She only wanted to help and become stronger. In the next few days she would finally get a taste of her future life as a soldier for the Guardians of Aerinda. She sincerely hoped that her spirit would stand tall.

- We'll stop at the stable, then we'll leave town, Reaginn finished with determination.

The group set off, following the pace of their captain.

- Welcome to the Passing Shadow Squad, Sanah said jovially. That's what our team is called. We specialize in missions that require a limited number of members and stealthy skills.

Azena wondered at the time why Reaginn had admitted her to such a specialized squad and whether she was replacing the man known as Miguhel. This position was not meant to be permanent... In any case, she liked that she could be part of it, even if it was temporary.