Dread Mage

After a restful night's sleep, Sonder was abruptly awakened in the early hours of the morning, just before daybreak.

Groggily, she opened her eyes and rose from the straw bed she had been sleeping on, only to find herself face-to-face with Bachram's sister.

Half-awake, Sonder mumbled, “Miss...”

Her words were swiftly met with a correction.

“Don’t address me as Miss,” she retorted, pulling Sonder out of bed. “I am no maiden. Call me Hrygo.”

“Is that your name?” Sonder asked as the sleep-induced fog lifted from her mind.

“No, but it’s the title I’ve chosen for now. Until I’ve healed from my sorrow, everyone, including you, will address me as such. Alternatively, you can call me Hersir, as I'm your superior. Now, rise and cleanse yourself; we've got no moment to squander.”

“What are we going to do?”

“We’re going to do the best we can.”

Sonder then went to freshen up with the chilly water provided, which didn’t bother her much due to her non-mortal nature.

Having rejoined Hrygo, she discovered Vell leisurely puffing away on a long pipe outside, his feet resting on a lifted-up rock.

Sonder thought it a strange sight. He smoked pipes like an old person would, though he looked so young.

“Finally awake, are you?” He quipped, his words accompanied by a plume of smoke.

With a nod and a rub of her eyes to chase away the last bits of sleep, Sonder responded, "Yes, but I can’t fathom why we’re up at this ungodly hour.”

Hrygo, with crossed arms, shot Sonder a stern expression.

"There is no sense in wasting time," she stated resolutely. “Every day, every hour, and every second is crucial."

Sonder nodded again, understanding the gravity in Hrygo's voice.

"What's the plan?" She asked, eager to contribute and prove herself.

“First, we’ll eat heartily, then we can start your training.”

Hrygo turned to Vell, who was still immersed in his pipe, and asked, “Will you join us?”

Before he could answer, he was interrupted by an approaching stranger. His demeanor hinted at urgency.

"Vellichor, Dread Mage?” The stranger inquired.

“Yes?”

“You are summoned to an audience with the chieftain in the blackhall.”

Vell glanced at Sonder and Hrygo, “It appears I’ll have to decline.”

He rose to his feet and proceeded to follow the messenger, leaving Sonder in Hrygo's company.

Afterward, Sonder and Hrygo sat down to eat a simple meal of plain meat and vegetables. Hrygo paid no mind to Sonder's small appetite.

“Eat,” she commanded. “We can’t begin before you do.”

Sonder obeyed and ate everything that was handed to her, eating more than she usually would.

After they were finished, Hrygo instructed, her gaze falling on Sonder, “We need to gather. We need to gather a few things.”

Sonder followed Hrygo as they entered a small storage room nearby. The room was filled with tools, a few weapons like swords and spears, and old armor.

It was reminiscent of her father’s toolshed in her former village.

Hrygo selected two axes, one substantially larger than the other, and passed the smaller one to Sonder.

It was clear that these weren't weapons, but ordinary tools.

“We’re off to fell some trees.”