Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One)

by Julian Saheed

Friedrich walked through the garden with his back hunched and his feet dragging along the ground. He had never been so bored in his entire life. The last two weeks in Duathnin had dragged by at a painful pace. There was nothing to do in this foreign land and being limited to the boundaries of the Academy had not helped Vrill and him to find things to pass the time. As he trudged along he came to a small dell where he heard the familiar hum of a speeding arrow. He rounded a corner to find a young man, standing tall with a bow at eye level, aiming at a hay sack fifty yards away. The blonde youth let loose another arrow and it soared through the air to strike true.

  "Fine shot," complemented Friedrich.

  The young man turned and lowered the bow. "Thank you. I gather you are Friedrich Hermagoras."

  "And I gather that you are Christill Greyspell," replied Friedrich.

  "How did you know?" asked Christill, walking over to retrieve another arrow from his quiver.

  "Mandigal told me of you. He said that like me, you are somewhat of an outcast amongst the Karmanians," replied Friedrich, moving closer.

  "Not quite like you," said Christill cautiously.

  "Hmm...Then this is your refuge from the drudgery of the Academy?" asked Friedrich, motioning towards the hay sack.

  Christill could not help but grin. "Perhaps."

  "Can I interest you in a little competition?"

  Christill cast one final wary glance at Friedrich then lifted his arm and handed over the bow.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  THE ACADEMY OF NYRUNE