by Sven Grams
Though Sara had gotten Captain Felx’s assurance that no one would ever know of her trespass, the young wolf was still a little hesitant to return to the scene of the crime, particularly considering their escort.
Lieutenant Millan walked on the other side of the Sage. The serious looking black haired lioness occasionally glanced over at Sara, as if trying to figure out if she recognised her or not.
This did not help Sara feel any more comfortable.
Sage Filfia stopped at a crossroads. To one side, a tied up horse suddenly pulled at its reins, managing to get free with a few tugs. The large animal calmly moved over to the standing Sage. Sara only glanced at the action, not surprised any more by such actions.
Lieutenant Millan looked up at the surrounding structures. All manner of animals, birds, house liezons and even an ossum or two were seemingly following the Sage at a respectable distance. It had been like this since Lieutenant Millan had ‘joined’ the two at the lion border post.
The Sage’s presence was felt by all around her, well before she was ever first seen. This worked for animals as well as Anthros. Small and large creatures alike were drawn to the Sage, wanting to get close to this master of nature.
Sage Filfia stroked the horse, not saying a word. She then suddenly turned to look up a small side street. It was the same one that Karthen and Sharlee had walked up only moments before.
“I think,” said the Sage suddenly “that I would like to go this way.”
The Sage gave the horse one more pat before moving down the side street.
“The palace complex is more quickly reached via the main road,” said the Lieutenant coldly.
“Within certain guidelines I am free to move where I like just like any other wolf,” said the Sage airily. “If you insist on escorting me, you will have to indulge me a bit.”
Millan gave the Sage a cold look, clearly indicating that this freedom was highly limited.
The Sage smiled kindly before moving on.
“I take it you don’t care for Sages,” Sage Filfia asked suddenly.
Millan thought for a moment before responding.
“I know how dangerous they can be,” she replied.
Filfia stopped for a second, turning to look at the lioness.
Sara stopped to, interested in the interaction of the two older females.
“I hope those scars were not from a fellow caretaker,” stated the older dark-brown furred Anthro wolf. Sages were occasionally called caretakers of nature, given their strong bond to all animals and plants.
“Unfortunately yes,” replied Millan coyly, “but I wouldn’t worry, the dear Sage looked a lot worse then I did afterwards.”
Sage Filfia inspected the Lieutenant closely.
Sara could see that there was a test of wills being fought, the Sage probing ever so slightly at the Lieutenants resolve.
Millan held like a rock, completely immune to the emotional play, and unreadable. The Sage was sure that she was one of the few, other then potentially Captain Felx, with the experience to face a Sage alone.
“I am sorry to hear that,” said Sage Filfia before turning around, her voice carrying sincerity.
The three moved forward again until they reached a large arch in the side of an otherwise featureless wall.
Trex and Brekiz were completely surprised when the three females suddenly appeared in the archway of the school.
Sage Filfia looked around, taking in her surroundings. Sara looked shocked at the sudden appearance of Trex, but didn’t say anything. All stayed quiet as Sage Filfia and the other two moved over to the boys.
Brekiz was looking apprehensive, feeling the latent power of the Sage.
“Hello Trex Tristfull,” said the Sage kindly.
“Hello Mrs. Filfia Ma’am,” greeted Trex hesitantly, unsure of how to act, and very nervous that Lieutenant Millan was there.
Sara was also looking increasingly nervous, annoyed that the Sage had put them into this situation, surely the Sage knew that admitting a connection in front of the Lieutenant was a bad idea.
The Lieutenant raised an eyebrow.
“Ahh hi… hi Sara,” added Trex hesitantly, not sure if acknowledging her was really the right thing to do given their company, but feeling compelled to, considering how long they had not seen each other since the adventure.
“Hey Trex,” replied Sara hesitantly.
The Lieutenant frowned noticeably.
“Am I allowed to inquire as to how we all know each other so personally?” the Lieutenant asked pointedly, looking between the three.
The Sage smiled calmly.
“My potential apprentice here is the neighbour of the Tristfull family on the border between our two lands. It is also well known that the Tristfull family includes a halfling.”
“And how is that relevant,” asked Millan, becoming ever so slightly impatient.
“Am I correct in stating that the halfling was just here?” the Sage asked calmly.
“My cousin just left,” answered Trex.
“But how did you…” began Brekiz.
A house liezon chose that moment to slink its way into the midst of the group, rubbing the side of its head against the leg of the Sage as it circled it a few times.
The appearance of the animal was enough to answer the question.
The Sage smiled down at the small creature, which let out a kind of chirp before slinking away.
“And you would have to be the grandchild of Head Councillor Huzzel,” the Sage suddenly asked Brekiz, looking back up.
The blond haired Anthro lion was momentarily stunned, and he showed it.
“Yes…” he answered.
The Sage revelled in the confusion that was evident around her. All were too confused to even speak, simply waiting on what she said next.
“I think this is a good place for us to part momentarily,” the Sage suddenly said, turning to Sara.
“Ma’am?” asked Sara questioningly, unsure of how to react.
“My first meeting is of a personal nature. We will meet up again in half an hour at the main council chamber at the public discussion.”
The Sage turned back to face the Lieutenant.
“The council chambers are open to the public today after all due to the Open Forum,” she said slyly, heading off any objections.
“As indeed they are,” answered Millan calmly, “though I am not sure I approve off leaving Sara alone.”
“Surely my travel companion is not deemed too dangerous to be left unescorted, just because of her association with me, she is still but a girl.”
Millan was unimpressed. Looking for a way out, she focused on Brekiz’s armband.
“Brekiz,” she said suddenly, remembering his name.
“Yes Ma’am,” replied Brekiz automatically.
“I want you to escort Sara until we meet up again.”
“But I was going to…” Brekiz started to complain.
“You just successfully finished your citizenship exam,” interrupted Millan in a commanding voice, “your one year’s compulsive service has already started.”
Brekiz seemed to contemplate arguing for a second, but then backed down, knowing it was hopeless.
“Yes Ma’am,” he said in defeat, his displeasure evident.
“Good” said Sage Filfia with satisfaction.
The older Sage suddenly turned abruptly, walking back to the street. Millan was close behind, not saying another word.
The two adults were quickly gone, leaving the three still standing there wondering what had just happened.
Trex had barely time to turn towards Sara before the door to the hall opened again.
“Trex Tristfull!” said the sickly lion male from before.
Trex hesitated before replying.
“Yes… coming,” he said, quickly grabbing his staff and heading down the ramp. The other two youngsters could only watch, still not one hundred percent up to speed.
Trex entered the large hall throug
h the side door. The high windows allowed a limited amount of direct sunlight in. The bright rays further darkened the corners of the cavernous interior with its stone walls and timber ceiling, making it look even bigger then it was. Dust could be seen floating in the rays of sunlight. The orange hue caused by the indirect light of the hall had a distinct cosy, if not stuffy, feel to it.
To one side of the hall was a large timber podium. Next to it the imposing looking eight sided cage had been set up. It encased a standard sparring mat area of about eight by eight meters.
“It has a roof?” asked Trex, finding the sight rather amusing, and a complete over-kill.
“It’s authentic,” said a voice near Trex.
Trex turned to see an enthusiastic young adult male walk up to him casually. The hansom young male Anthro lion gave Trex a smile.
“Hello. My name is Tommy, I’ll be your raging wolf for today.”
Tommy put his hands on his hips casually.
“Hi… I’m Trex.”
The two males greeted each other with a respectable half bow. Trex couldn’t help but be slightly relieved. The young lion male did not look particularly formal with his ponytail of longer hair and disarming smile.
“Over there we have my teacher, the very honourable Professor Ferric,” said the young adult, pointing to a middle-aged, male Anthro lion who sat near the cage on the wooden podium.
“He’ll be the match referee for our fight. But don’t worry if he’s a bit gruff with you, he’s still recovering from the potion he took for your friend.”
“Thanks,” said Professor Ferric in a groggy tone, he then gave Trex a small wave. He really did look under the weather.
“Hi,” said Trex, giving the adult a polite half bow.
“And this is Stevtro,” continued Tommy pointing out the sickly middle aged Anthro lion.
“Hi.”
Stevtro, shuffled from one foot to the other, simply nodding.
“He’s the potion master and the key master,” said Tommy happily.
Tommy moved forward and indicated for Trex to follow him. The two orange furred males moved towards the steel enclosure.
“And this beauty, is, THE CAGE!” he boomed in a dark voice, going for effect. His efforts where hindered by the goofy smile immediately after.
“Where did the dig up this old thing?” asked Trex, bemused.
“I have no idea,” said Tommy honestly, “but probably the same place they dug up the old procedural documents. Me and the professor had to relearn all this just for the two of you, the last time this test was done, none of us were alive.”
“I feel honoured,” said Trex sarcastically.
“But the cage comes later,” continued Tommy, “first, its time for the hard part of your test.”
Trex raised an eyebrow.
“You have to show us a flawless Quncy form,” he said with a teasing smile, knowing that this was anything but a hard challenge for any trained Anthro lion.
Trex chuckled. This was going to be a lot easier then expected.
Back outside with Sara and Brekiz, there was a distinct awkward silence. It had now lasted for a few minutes.
“So… you’re Trex’s neighbour?” asked Brekiz, arms crossed.
Brekiz was obviously not impressed with the situation, but was sick of the silence.
“Yeah,” answered Sara, unsure of what she could discuss.
“And you’re… Brekiz,.. right?” she said, her hand rubbing the back if her head.
“Yeah.”
“So… how do you know Trex?” she asked, one of her pointy ear drooped to the side, clearly indicating her unease.
Brekiz looked mildly annoyed that Trex had not spoken of him, even if the two had not had that much time together during their last adventure.
“I’m a close friend of Trex’s actually,” said Brekiz in a cold tone.
“Oh.”
“I do know about your little excursion with the exiles after all,” added Brekiz.
Sara’s eyes flashed distinct displeasure and her ears sprung back to attention, instantly snapping her out of her awkward state.
This reaction generated a small smile from the Anthro lion youth.
“Don’t worry,” Brekiz continued coolly, “I won’t tell anyone… I’m a friend of Trex’s after all.”
Sara eyes narrowed, inspected the youth more closely and trying to read his subtle emotions properly. It was pretty obvious that he had a level of animosity towards her, and Sara suspected this was the case towards all wolves.
“Listen,” said Brekiz suddenly, sounding a bit flustered “I saw a way to watch Trex take his test, but as I have to keep an eye on you you’ll have to come along.”
Sara thought about this for a second. She almost rejected the idea out of spite, but it was still better then just standing around here.
“Ok,” replied Sara, though her enthusiasm was sarcastic at best, “could be interesting... Trex is an old childhood friend of mine after all,” Sara added, putting the emphasis on, childhood friend, something that got the appropriate negative reaction from Brekiz.
Inside the hall, Trex was finishing his form, performing one final sweep before standing back up straight.
“Good,” said Tommy, who was sitting on a lone chair nearby, “that takes care of that formality, now onto the good stuff.”
Tommy got up and walked over to a small wooden table were Stevtro and Professor Ferric were sitting, it was near the entrance gate of the cage.
Turning to follow, Trex caught some movement out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head to look up at the roof of the small storerooms that were against the far wall of the hall. The roof of the room was about half the height of the hall itself and piled high with old material. There were some open large access windows a bit lower down and Trex caught sight of Sara as she dashed from the window to hide behind some boxes on the roof of the small room.
The young wolf must have accidentally kicked something as she dashed across to find cover because there was a loud noise, followed by some muffled cursing.
Trex immediately dropped his staff. The three adult lions turned at the noise Sara had made to instantly see Trex’s staff hit the ground with a large bang.
“Damn it!” grumbled Trex, barely convincingly.
“He he, sorry,” he offered, “it slipped.”
The three adults turned back to continue what they were doing.
With one final glance back to make sure his friends were now out of sight, Trex walked over to the table with the others.
Up on the roof of the inner storeroom the two intruders huddled together awkwardly.
“Why do you wolves have to be so clumsy!” hissed Brekiz in anger.
“How was I meant to know there was something under that sheet!” hissed back Sara, the two jostled a bit so as to positioned themselves better to sneak a peak.
Trex had walked up to the simple wooden table with the others. The furniture had obviously just been pulled out from somewhere for the duration of the test, like most of the setup in the stuffy hall.
“Now comes the interesting bit,” said Tommy with a smile.
“So what exactly is going to happen?” asked Trex, not sure of the procedure.
Professor Ferric finished writing on a parchment and then looked up at Trex.
“According to tradition,” the old professor started, stroking his long dark brown pointy beard, “the applicant is to enter the cage with one instructor. The combat instructor then takes a potion which induces a high degree of wolf like projected aggression.”
The Professor paused, seemingly enjoying the chance to lecture on an exotic topic.
“There is also one match referee,” he continued, “their job is to ensure that the projected aggression is appropriate, and they decide when the student has held out for long enough.”
Again the professor paused.
“So I have to beat the instructor?” asked Trex, a little impatient.
The
Professor and Tommy chuckled.
“No, nothing like that, you just have to survive,” said Tommy.
Trex looked a little shocked.
“More specifically” interrupted Professor Ferric, “you are not allowed to be disarmed or brought to the ground… a difficult enough task in itself.”
Trex looked relived, and confused.
“The first time facing projected emotions can be quite a shock. It was apparently not unusual for applicants to fail this test the first time,” said Tommy informatively.
Trex remembered back to his fight against Sara, he could well understand how many Anthro lions could simply freezing up in fear. Trex was suddenly mildly impressed that Brekiz had so easily passed the test.
“The final witness to the test is the key master,” continued the Professor, not wanting to be interrupted in his lecture, “he is there for safety reasons.”
Stevtro nodded nervously, fidgeting with his hands
Trex didn’t like the sound of that, or for that matter, that the key master had such a nervous disposition. Trex put it down to the potion master having unwanted responsibility.
“Come on. Let’s get this over with,” said Tommy enthusiastically, “the less time you have to think about it, the better.”
Professor Ferric looked at Trex expectantly.
Trex nodded his head in approval.
“Ok then,” confirmed the older academic, “Stevtro, if you could please prepare the door.
The professor slowly got up and walked up to the platform to get a good overview of the cage.
Stevtro grabbed a large mug and walked over to the cage entrance where Trex and Tommy were waiting.
The key master opened the door and stood to one side. Trex waited near Tommy, unsure of how to proceed.
Up in her hiding place next to Brekiz, Sara was looking on critically at what was going on below.
“A potion that imitates wolf emotional projection?” whispered Sara sceptically, “are they for real?”
“Why so surprised,” whispered back Brekiz, who was sure that the potion was not a national secret, “wolf ‘tantrums’ are nothing more then an internally drug induced state.”
Sara gave him a scolding look.
