Dread Mage

Hrygo gave Sonder the order to swing the axe at a tree until it fell over.

She watched her, overseeing her progress.

The task was draining. Despite not being prone to sweating a lot, Sonder's hands and muscles were growing fatigued from relentlessly hacking at the wood for a solid ten minutes.

Hrygo made no move to assist her, nor did she offer any advice or make corrections to her technique.

She simply watched.

When the first tree finally keeled over after nearly an hour, Hrygo did vocalize a comment.

“Has he not taught you anything?”

It was clear she was referring to Vell.

Wiping away the little sweat that had accumulated on her brow, Sonder responded, “He has taught me a great deal, but it's the mind he focuses on, not the body.”

Hrygo chuckled. “What good is the mind when faced with the finality of a sharpened blade?”

Sonder frowned. She didn’t want Hrygo to look down on Vell. He was the sole reason she was here, even being able to ponder the idea of revenge.

Sonder paused for a moment, her grip tightening on the axe handle.

“He has and will teach me magic. Powerful ones, so that I can reach what I desire.”

Hrygo's expression softened slightly as she listened, intrigued by Sonder's words. She leaned against a nearby tree, crossing her arms.

"Tell me more," she said, her voice filled with curiosity.

Sonder took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts.

“He’s the Dread Mage, and I am his apprentice. He wants to form me into something strong, something that won’t break so easily, and I have gotten stronger, all due to him.”

Hrygo nodded, a hint of malice flashing in her eyes. "I see. So, you believe that your training with Vell has prepared you for what lies ahead?"

Sonder nodded with conviction, perhaps too eager to defend her master. “Indeed, I am.”

In a swift motion, Hrygo rose and seized Sonder's arms.

Her grip was iron-like, lifting the girl off the ground and bringing her face close.

Sonder writhed in discomfort.

There was great pain in her shoulders, and it felt as though her arms were on the verge of being dislocated.

“Let me go!” She yelled.

“I thought you were prepared?” Hrygo said mockingly, “How will you get anywhere if you cannot even escape the grip of one woman?”

She threw Sonder to the ground.

Her eyes were those of burning bronze.

“The Irath, they have riders of amber, with the face of their master on their helmets. A handful of them can take on a tribe of Simerians. What chance does a solitary girl have? You're barely anything.

I wish that the next time I confront them, I could declare their reign over and their doom impending, but alas. I know I will waver.

They took Bachram for a reason, and given what your master has shared, I am certain they will return even stronger.

I may not be their match, but it seems the fire in your heart blazes fiercer than mine.

You have learned nothing as of yet.

However, when I'm done with you, your heart will be an inferno and your body akin to tempered steel.”