--- Lowan

"Commander?"

Lowan was brought back to reality. He was almost pissed by it at first, but then he remembered about the republican boy, still standing inside his pavilion. He was waiting for him to talk, and deserved at least an answer.

Man, I'm so tired lately.

He rubbed his eyes. It was the tenth day since he had accepted the job in Aregat. Despite his initial doubts, in that short time the commander had been forced to admit that something was definitely happening within the small town and that guarding its many streets and corners was a difficult yet necessary task.

"You should be one of the youngest among us... Right, Demios?" he asked. "Tell me, why did you come to me with such a request? Do you really think to possess enough experience?"

"Yes, commander. I've been in the company for more than two years. I've spent this time creating bonds and gaining the trust of my companions. For these reasons, I feel ready to take the responsibilities of a leading figure."

Lowan stood up and walked outside, with the young mercenary in tow. They went through Aregat's narrow streets, that looked a little creepy even in the light of the day if you knew what was happening. A couple of their men passed nearby, following their scheduled patrol route.

"So, Demios," asked the commander. "Is there a particular reason why you want to become an officer?"

"Certainly, sir. In truth, it's because of you."

"Me?"

"Yes, sir," replied the boy. "During the last few years, I've always admired your leadership and since our cavalry got disbanded I've been dreaming to become a captain worth of this company."

Lowan chuckled to himself. He knew Demios to be an honest guy, but was his ability really that much of an inspiration for him? If nothing, even in the most difficult situations, his orders had proven effective and managed to win most of their battles. That was probably why.

I've heard from Ugrin that this boy was good at leading others, but there's no way to be sure before putting him to the test.

"You have chosen to stay with me despite the recent events, and for that I'm grateful," he said. "However, I hope you'll understand that a similar role isn't given out for free."

Demios nodded, lowering his eyes.

"I already know, commander. Is there something I can do to prove that I'm capable, then?"

"There's a little task that needs to be done, in fact. I will grant you three subordinates of your choice for that, but you can't take any of the veterans. Keeping this town guarded is crucial."

"What are we talking about?" inquired the young mercenary.

Lowan stopped walking and faced him, putting his right hand on his shoulder.

"It's very simple. I need you to gather this small team and visit Lord Stelvan's countryside mansion. Bring him news of what's happening here, if he isn't already informed and just needs a reminder. His people are in danger," explained the man. "Try to convince him that his presence is needed, if possible. If you can't, your objective will be to obtain a formal permit for a deeper investigation, because the Lord is the only one who can grant it."

Demios changed his attitude. That topic must have captured his curiosity.

"Do you... Have any idea of what is going on here, commander? Something you won't tell the others?"

Lowan looked left and right, to check if there was anyone within hearing range. Then he lowered his voice.

"From the moment we arrived, I saw there was something off. Call it a bad feeling, if you want. I was quite skeptical when the townsmen offered us the job, but now I'm convinced that there's definitely a weird atmosphere in this place. You can feel it too, right?"

Demios spoke at a lower volume, as well. "So, it wasn't just me. Some of the men were saying that the disappearances are indeed real."

"I was referring to that. It might be nothing major, but the risk is there. We must keep the people of Aregat safe."

"Very well, I accept your task." declared the boy "I can take any three people of my choice, right?"

"Correct. Just don't bother the veterans, as I said."

After a quick salute, Demios went on his way with a resolute look on his face.

His ambition is admirable. It might turn him into a good captain, if he pairs it with an equal amount of skill. I feel that this decision is correct... Oh, I almost forgot.

"Wait, one last thing."

The young mercenary stopped, turning to face him.

"If you come back with a written word from Lord Stelvan, make sure that it's addressed to the paladins who are stationed in the capital."

"Paladins?" wondered Demios "Is the situation... That bad?"

"This might not be a case of common crime," answered the commander "Something tells me that we might require the aid of some true experts here, just to be sure. Now go."

***

--- Roric

The last day of the trip finally came.

As always Roric was facing his mentor, sword in hand, his mind now full of strategies he intended to use to overcome the test. Despite his dedication, in fact, improving his fighting prowess was the only thing he had been able to do during those two weeks. Establishing a contact with his spirit had proven to be an impossible task in such a short time. For that reason, he needed the potion.

"This will be your last chance, Roric," Tolwin addressed him. "Are you going for it or not? What are you waiting for?"

The boy had already learned not to fall into those clear traps. Had he rushed forward, all he would have gotten was another beating. What the priest expected him to do, instead, was to find the right moment for his attack and chain his every move in an unpredictable way, relying on his natural instincts as much as on his martial teachings. Hopefully, that day Roric would have forced him to use his spirit shield a second time.

He felt some sweat running down his forehead. That forest was a cool place, but it was summer nonetheless and that helped in building up his fatigue.

I have to endure it. Tolwin decided to give me this challenge, so there must be a way to win.

He went into his stance, focusing all his attention on the surrounding space and trying to look as relaxed as he could. Then, suddenly, he charged at maximum speed. He needed to close the gap with his opponent quickly, relying on the fact that even a paladin couldn't possess faster reflexes than him. The boy lowered his blade at the very last moment, jumping sideways and spotting a smirk on Tolwin's face. That was the signal he was finally doing it right.

With a rapid motion, he spun his blade and clashed against his mentor's hammer. On the first day, that would have been enough to scare him and stop his assault, but at that point he had grown used to that level of defense. Crouching to dodge the counterattack, he swept the priest's legs and made him stumble, preparing his final strike.

To his delight, the sword went through Tolwin's guard without any sign of resistance. An instant before it could hit the upper torso, as expected, the golden barrier was raised and deflected his weapon. With a big smile now on his lips, Roric stepped back and relaxed, helping the man to stand up.

"Well done!" exclaimed the priest. "Just in time. For a moment, I thought you weren't going to make it. I'm happy to see that my initial faith in you was well founded."

"Thanks," panted the boy. "Do you think I've improved, then?"

"Hmm," answered Tolwin. "We were just doing a little game with its own set of rules, but in the end I think you did. But remember, it is only when you find your spirit that the Elemental nature inside you will express its true potential. I can't wait to see how far you can sharp your skills."

Roric's face went a bit red, but in his heart he was really proud of himself.

"As promised, here is what we agreed on," stated the man, giving him the precious vial. "Take it after dinner and go in a place where there's little noise. Your power will find a way to you."

With the potion finally in his possession, the boy literally counted the minutes as they passed. The two ate some grilled meat he had hunted the day before, and then his mentor went to sleep. Despite his cheer, in fact, it was clear that he was very tired as well.

Training me every day must have been a burden to him. Let's try to make this count.

The evening was pleasantly wet, and rain seemed to be on the horizon. Roric traversed the meadow and found an empty clearance where he could sit. Then, he placed the potion at his feet and looked at intently. He had put a lot of work into obtaining that prize, but now that he had it he was starting to have second thoughts. After all those days, he felt a bit doubtful about actually using his reward.

Do I really need it? What if I try one last time to do it like Tolwin taught me to? Maybe I just have to be really focused on it and everything will work out.

Surrounded by the sound of crickets in the night and that of the wind running through the trees, Roric closed his eyes and directed all his attention inward. Strangely, he realized just then how many things had happened since the last time he had been in peace like that.

He took a deep breath, thinking about everything he had accomplished up to that point...

No. I have to stay focused on the present.

The minutes passed without anything unusual happening. The young mercenary was starting to feel impatient like during the previous sessions, but didn't want to give up.

A little more. A little more and I'll down that potion, but I need to know that I've put everything I had into the exercise. Come on.

All of a sudden, he had stopped feeling the need of taking a shortcut. With a determination he didn't deem possible, Roric increased his effort. The silence was unreal, his body completely motionless. The fear of the unknown began to fade, leaving place to newfound curiosity. Despite being unsure of what was waiting for him the boy let his senses blend together, as he went deeper and deeper...

A thunder grumbled among the clouds. And this time, something answered.

It was a weird sensation, like an echo that came from his body, but the moment he felt it Roric knew for sure that it was the sound of his Elemental spirit. Like a calming voice it went through his torso and limbs with an indescribable delicacy, like a reassuring, ethereal caress.

That's my power. It's there.

When the boy opened his eyes, the first drops of rain were already falling. Still dazed by the experience, he stood up and ran back to the shelter. There, Tolwin was fast asleep.

Careful not to wake him, Roric put the potion back into the priest's bag.

"Thanks, Tolwin," he whispered. "I think I've learned something new today."