AVERY WOKE UP EARLY THE NEXT MORNING, READY TO GO. Her hair had been pulled back in a tight ponytail, still messy, but good for riding. The ribbon had been changed to a uniform scarlet color, to show her loyalty to Coraz in any way possible. Quickly, she saddled Dragonfire and scarfed down breakfast, which was more food than any of the other recruits and soldiers. “My,” said an older soldier, setting a hand on Avery’s shoulder, startling her, “you sure have an appetite, boy.” “Um, thanks?” Avery replied, glancing at him. Her blue eyes flashed expectantly as the soldier smiled good-naturedly. “I’m Avery.” “The name’s Coram,” replied the soldier, sitting down next to her. “You must have a good body to go with that appetite, Avery. Tell me, do you fight well?” “As well as any good sword fighter, maybe better.” Avery shrugged, returning to her food. “I’m not entirely sure, since I’ve never attempted going head to head to one. Just something people have commented to me.” She glanced up at Coram. “Modest, you are,” chuckled Coram. “How do you fare against other weaponry, or even using them?” Avery cocked her head to the side and slightly back, looking up and thinking about it. After a minute, she looked back at Coram. “I’ve never tried other weapons. Nor have I fought against another weapon besides another sword. Do you know of any way to learn before we must fight?” Coram grinned mischievously. “Perhaps, Avery. I have friends here that are accompanying us to Azzen who are quite skillful with their weapons of choice.” “I’d like to meet them before we head out.” Avery replied, finishing her breakfast, turning her head to face the entrance. “What kinds of weapons do they typically use?” “You’ll see when we stop to make camp tonight. Will you ride with us or with the other new recruits?” “I’ll ride with you. It will be nice to have a traveling companion. And I’d like to talk with somebody other than all of the other recruits. You probably have a lot more wisdom than they do.” “True. I’ve had more battle experience, but you might know stuff that I don’t. We’ll see how much you know tonight. For now, it’s time to leave for Azzen.” The two of them left to their horses, Dragonfire trotting up to Coram and his steed. Coram grinned at the sight of Avery’s handsome horse. Everyone in the train of soldiers and the rest set off eastward, towards Azzen, their neighbouring country. It would be many miles, and would take them about a month before they could arrive at the capital, where they would join ranks with their ally in the impending war. Avery and Coram spoke for much of their ride, enjoying each others’ company. Avery would often ask him strategical questions, and see if he could solve them and compared their solutions. Coram was surprised at her solutions, and found them oftentimes better than his own. “You think up some amazing strategies, Avery. You should be a strategic advisor one day.” Coram sighed, shaking his head. “You are a wonder to behold, boy. How much magic do you know?” “I know most words, not all. I don’t like using magic, though.” “Why not?” “Bad past with it,” was all she replied, turning her head away from him. She didn’t want the memory to rise back up on her and engulf her senses until it was over. “I don’t really want to talk about it.” “Don’t worry. I won’t ask anything else about it if you don’t want me to,” Coram consoled. “You wanted to meet my companions, earlier, correct?” Avery nodded, turning to face him once again. Dragonfire nickered gently as she nudged the horse into a trot. “Well, these are my companions coming up to us,” Coram said, indicating five riders coming up to them, all ages between the pair’s own. “Well-met,” a man in his early twenties called as the group approached. “Coram, you didn’t tell us you have such a young companion with you. Who is this young boy?” “Avery Starshade,” Avery replied, dipping her head in greeting. “Well-met.” The group made introductions, each taking a turn to shake Avery’s hand. The first man - the one who had asked Avery her name - introduced himself as Kadence. He had long blonde hair tied back and bright blue eyes. He didn’t look as though he had shaved recently, as he had the beginnings of a beard coming in. He still looked quite dashing and had a rough, yet clean, exterior. The second was about thirty, and introduced himself as Anais. His close-shaven hair and clean face made him look like a no-nonsense kind of man, which, as Avery learned, was the exact opposite of his demeanor.
