After seeing dad leave and spending the morning with my now strange family, Brendan an Ursus and Athena an Avis. Mum served each of us, putting on a smile.

“I’ll be heading off to see Queen Daz,” I mentioned to break the silence. “I need to see if there is anything I can do for her.”

Can I come?” requested Brendan.

“Why?” I asked curious.

“Well…Um…” he hesitated, then took a deep breath and spoke. “I want to be strong to protect Athena.”

I smirked. “You’re still committed to that then.”

“Yes,” he nodded.

“It’ll also be a good experience for him, to see his new home,” added mum.

“Come on then.” I could picture when dad first took me out to see the city and I was filled with an even greater sadness, perhaps dad would have done what he did with me with Brendan, welcoming him even more into his new family. Brendan nodded, already standing up ready to go.

Brendan and I headed off together to find the queen, which was never too hard as she was always about somewhere. We found her just before she was heading out into the streets to be amongst her people.

“Your highness,” I bowed.

“Fang,” she smiled, looking at Brendan. “So, this is Brendan, nice to meet you,” she shook his hand. From her words I was guessing she had already talked to Gual about my mission. “Have you chosen Brendan to be your mission partner?”

“Mission partner?” I repeated.

“Considering you are still a knight-in-training, you should really be doing your missions with a fully trained knight, but considering your skills I let it slide, but I would prefer you had help, never go alone,” she gave me a weird response.

I rubbed my head. “I guess,” I answered.

“Alright,” she nodded.

“Is there anything you want me to do?” I asked.

“There is something actually,” she smiled. “I want you to investigate up stream.”

“Upstream,” I repeated.

“Yes, you see the vegetation has been dying along the riverbed,” informed the queen. “I fear left unchecked whatever is causing this will surely reach Cathopia’s grand lake or the other tribes that live along those areas.”

“Understood,” I nodded.

“If you head up to the orchards and start following the river from there, you’ll eventually come across the source.”

“Right,” I glanced at Brendan. “Ready to go?”

“I don’t know,” he shrunk back, for an Ursus he was certainly a wimp.

I patted him on the back. “Come on, this’ll be fun.”

“Sure,” sighed Brendan.

“Nothing like training out in the field,” I laughed nervously. Brendan said nothing as we headed out.

As advised by the queen we headed up to the orchard, some of the trees were still burnt but alive as new growth was starting to appear. I felt relieved that risking my life had been worth it.

“Looks like the Draco got here too,” commented Brendan.

“No, it was a different monster that did this,” I responded.

“I see,” nodded Brendan looking around, his expression filled with curiosity.

We eventually came across the river Queen Daz had mentioned, but she had neglected to tell us about the fact, we would need to somehow swim or even walk on water to get to the riverbed we wished to follow.

“What now?” asked Brendan.

“We walk across the water,” I answered. “Mila.”

“Of course, master.” Mila appeared beside me before jumping into the water. “All you need to do is walk forward master.”

“Great.” I hadn’t had Mila long, but I had complete trust in her power, after all talismans were renowned for their loyalty.

I stepped forward without hesitation even though I was holding my breath. On to the water’s surface where I was walking like I was on solid ground. I could breathe again, that was a little more nerve wracking than I had thought.

“No way.” Brendan was shocked.

“Come on Brendan,” I encouraged him to join me.

“But she’s your talisman,” commented Brendan, not believing he could do it too.

“What I will happens,” I encouraged.

“I don’t know.” Brendan’s body swayed from side to side, he was extremely nervous, I thought Ursus loved the water.

“I am sure you already know that a talismans power comes directly from the will of their master,” I began. He nodded acknowledging he had understood. “So, if I will my talisman to allow you to walk on the water, then you will walk on the water.” I jumped up and down on the water, this was actually really fun, the water rippled a little, but I didn’t sink. “Think of it as blue grass.” I was continuing to be amazed by the power that talismans could possess.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall,” smiled Mila, swimming closer to him. “Trust me Brendan.”

Brendan stared at Mila for what felt like forever, almost like he was searching for something within himself before he could step forward. I had to remind myself that he had just recently been through a traumatic experience, perhaps it would take time before his confidence and trust for us grew.

“Okay,” gulped Brendan as he closed his eyes and stepped forward. I could tell from his expression he was expecting to land in the water and get wet, but just like me he stood on top of the water’s surface.

“You’re fine,” I sighed, watching him open his eyes.

“Wow,” he looked down, slowly moving his foot forward, then gave it a little stamp , perhaps making sure it was safe. Brendan looked directly at me. “You are amazing.”

“I’m nothing special,” I shrugged. “Just have an understanding for talismans.” I turned to face the direction we were headed. “Let’s go.” I glanced back at him. “If we’re going to be allies you need to start trusting me.” I headed off in a run. Brendan said nothing, simply followed without any more hesitation.

I wasn’t sure if that were his way of responding to my words, but I was certain I would make him a warrior strong enough to protect his friend, like I wanted to protect Tigra.