Kaden awoke early the next morning; He wasn’t able get much sleep last night, especially after experiencing a sudden case of foot in mouth syndrome. Sofia’s question had caught him severely off guard and he had managed to distract her by changing the subject. Fortunately Sofia’s biggest weakness was a thirst for knowledge, especially science.

Closing his eyes; Kaden pounded his fist down on the bed. He always hated this part about himself. Recalling his past, “every time, every time”, he muttered under his breath. When he would finally work up the nerve to ask someone out, a paralyzing anxiety would come over him and he would lose his nerve. This had happened so often that Kaden had become extremely adept at controlling a conversation.

Sighing… “I guess I should be more worried about this morning’s torture secession. Seriously I think Gion has more fun beating the training into me then…” a moment of clarity suddenly hit Kaden. Laughing to himself, practice today is going to be fun.

“Hey Sofia, you awake?”

Kaden was in an exceptionally good mood during of breakfast. “Are you sure you’re feeling alright? Yesterday’s training was harsh, perhaps we should cancel todays just to make sure everything is ok.” No one ever looked forward to training with Gion before and Kaden’s enthusiasm caused Padvor to wonder if Kaden had any undiagnosed head injuries.

Kaden still smiling as Gion handed him a training spear, “Good attitude boy, perhaps you are not completely hopeless. Don’t worry, I had Padvor ready more fish for today”

The training thus far was similar to the previous secession with Kaden on the ground for most of it. Padvor finally intervened to heal Kaden before the next round while Gion pointed out several mistakes he was making.

Kaden rose to his feet and smiled; Sofia now. Kaden launched his spear thrusting it Gion. She stepped into it and pushed it aside with her own spear. Kaden closed the distance between them swinging the butt of his spear at her temple. “Nice try boy”, she taunted launching a knee towards him. Kaden smiled expecting her response and was already pivoting on his leg closest to her.

Thud! Gion fell forward as she felt something hit the back of her head. Kaden had replicated her round house kick from yesterday catching her by surprise. She just barley recovered into a forward roll and as a spear came thrusting from behind almost catching her in the back. She spun around to see a kick coming at her from above; leaving her no choice but to defend using a kick of her own. Her instincts kicked in as their feet connected and Kaden was launched back. A spear came hurtling at her and she forced to dodge out of its way. She was on the defensive and he was already charging at her the instant he touched the ground. Gion thrust the end of her spear into the dirt. At that moment she felt, confusion, frustration, anger, mainly anger. She flicked her spear up launching dirt at his eyes forcing him close them for half a second. That half a second was all it took. A spear caught Kaden directly in the chest launching him back; his feet once again off the ground.

She walked up staring at the unconscious boy. In less than a day he had managed to copy part of a fighting style she had taken years to develop.

Earlier that day: It occurred to Kaden when Sofia transfers a memory of something they witnessed, he was able to absorb it fully. That is why he was able to use the intruder and the commander’s moves flawlessly.

Padvor and told her about the boy’s gifted memory but what he demonstrated was impossible. Gion decided she would test this further and step things up a notch. Even if the boy could replicate her technique he still lacked the necessary strength and stamina.

Gion was eager to begin the next round as Kaden finally sat up after recovering from a collapsed lung thanks to Padvor. This time however they were interrupted by a frantic Saba, “Padvor, Gion come quick. We found Jily hurt”

The four of them rushed over to find an unconscious boy laying on a bed. He had been badly mauled, had several broken bones and was missing several chunks of flesh. The look on Padvor’s face told Kaden that things didn’t look good. “Saba, have someone bring my equipment then take Gion and Kaden to where you found him.” There was no hesitation in Padvor’s voice and the three of them followed his instructions.

Kaden and Gion were examining the spot where they found Jily; Gion had made sure to arm Kaden with a real spear before they left. “Notice anything boy?” she asked him as if she were a teacher.

Kaden thought over all the information they had, “He fell from there, after running from something.”

“Yes but what was chasing him?” further questioning him.

“I don’t know, it looked like it had claws and teeth and had to have been smaller than him or he wouldn’t have made it this far.” Kaden responded.

Gion approvingly nodded, “It was a Spine-back Raptor, judging from the size of the claw marks and wounds on the boy. I’d say no more than a month or two. Notice the…” She continued to educate on methods of identifying different creatures from the tiniest clues.

When she felt satisfied that Kaden had learnt enough she touched the tattoo on her arm. “How’s Jily?” She spoke the words into the air, confusing Kaden. It took a moment before he noticed the dull glow emanating her arm. “It was a Spine-back.” She paused for a moment, “I will take the boy, see if I can find the nest”

Excerpt Korin’s Jungle Survival Guide: A Spine-back Raptor is most easily recognized by the defensive protruding spines on its back. The Spine-back is perhaps one of the most intelligent predators to stalk the Jungles around Rakan. Herd, Distract, Strike; this perfectly coordinated pack hunting strategy has taken down prey many times its size. Even well-armed and coordinated groups of adventurers have fallen victim to the pack. Spine-backs are fiercely territorial and will only leave their territory if the pack is threatened, shortage of food or to hunt any predator that made the foolish mistake of gone after their young.

“We are what now???” Kaden reaction almost caused Sofia to burst out loud in laughter.

“Time to learn how to hunt” Gion smiled. “We need to know if this was just an accident or if a pack has chosen this area as their new hunting ground”

“And if they have chosen this as their new hunting ground?” Kaden asked

“We leave”, Gion tone was flat.

Gion taught Kaden as they tracked the pack to a cave deeper in the Jungle. “Not good, they look like they are settling in. The village will become part of their hunting ground.” Gion touching the tattoo on her arm to let Padvor know as Kaden slowly looked at the pack.

“They are close enough together, can’t you just blast them with a fire ball or something?” Kaden whispered.

Gion looking at Kaden like he just said the most absurd thing she had ever heard. “Boy, do I look like a high-born to you?”

“Weren’t you high up in the Legion, I would think they would have taught you magic.” Kaden spoke almost shocked at her response.

“The only thing the Legion teaches us common-born is how to fight. Only Commanders or above in the Legion can use magic; it keeps the rest of us in line. We are retreating” She ordered slowly backing away from the pack.

“What about your tattoo isn’t it magic? And I know Padvor can do that heal spell” Kaden still not willing to drop the subject.

“Boy, this is not the time or place to talk.” She said a firmly and continued backing away quietly.

Looking at Kaden’s disappointed face she finally sighed, “Fine, I will tell you more when we are back at the village”

Kaden’s face lit up with a smile as he firmly stepped down on a large twig snapping it in two, producing a very audible sound.