As the two of them walked through the guildhall they bumped into a few older mages which Merigold exchanged smiles with them and Ilya followed along. When they got to the back door Merigold turned to Ilya “There are a few other younger mages who want to take a practice test as well, so you’ll be up against them. I hope that’s okay.” Ilya smiled “Of course that would be okay. I’d love to get to know some people.” Merigold beamed “That’s great! I’m sure you’ll love these kids, their all a year or so older than you, so you’ll fit right in.” With this Merigold opened the door “Hey everyone! We have a new friend who’s gonna take the test with you! Make her feel welcome!” Merigold pushed Ilya in. “Make sure she’s welcome! I’m gonna go set things up.” The door slammed behind her as she left.

Ilya stood in the middle of the room, surrounded by four other kids. The one closest to her walked up to her. He had golden hair with black streaks in it. He was a head taller than her and smiled. “Names Kred. Kred Slinger. Pleasure to meet you.” he stuck his hand to her and she shook it. He flashed her a smile. “So, Ilya is it? A pretty name for a pretty girl, am I right? Another guy walked up and groaned”

“Kred, shut up. You don’t even know her.” Kred frowned and backed up “My name is Aelan. I’m the leader of this little band of miscreants.” Hew was taller then Kred, but not by much. He had brown hair and was quite lanky. He pointed to Kred with his thumb “That’s Kred. He’s the wannabe Casanova of the group.” Kred looked insulted, but only frowned and crossed his arms. Aelan jerked his thumb over to a large red headed girl sitting at a table “Shes Merealeona, the muscle of the group.”

She looked up and put a single hand up “Yo.” she was a large girl, it was hard to believe she was around her age. She easily stood taller than Valyn, who was by no means short. She was quite muscular, and Ilya was intimidated, and when she caught of a glimpse of her face, she was quite amazed. She’s beautiful, Ilya thought to herself. A light blush on her cheeks. Aelan pointed to a shorter figure, with a headband with cat ears. “And that’s Nite.” Nite smiled and showed pointed teeth. Their ears, which Ilya at first thought was a fashion accessory, twitched.

“Good to meet you Ilya. As Aelan said I’m Nite.” They sleuthed over, walking without making a sound. They flashed Ilya a predatory smile. “I can’t wait to work with you.” Ilya smiled “ I can't wait to work with you guys as well!” she beamed. “Do you guys know when the test is gonna start?” Aelan shook his head. “No clue. We’re just waiting for Miss Merigold to give us instructions. Take a seat and lets get to know each other better before the test.” Pulling a chair off the wall he put it next to Merealeona. Ilya walked over and sat down, easily dwarfed by everyone on the table.

“So Ilya, do tell, where are you from? You smell like the North.” Nite stared at Ilya, their eyes seeming to look into her soul. “Well I am actually from the East. My brother spent most of his time in the North during the war. He put a few spells on me to keep me safe, so that's probably what you smell.” Nite tilted their head, “So who is your brother then? It smells like whoever did that put quite a powerful spell on if the smell of it retains after so long.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

“Well yeah my brother is quite strong I’d say. I like to keep a low profile on who he is but…” she trailed off. “Well now you have me curious Ilya. Let me put the facts together.” Nite put a hand to their chin and started thinking. “Well Nite, he’s from the East, spent most of his time fighting in the war in the North, and is quite strong. Hmm…” Aelan scratched his head. “Wait a minute, Ilya is you brother Ilyat Storm-Handler, isn't he?” Kred spoke up for the first time after being humiliated by Aelan. Upon this all the members of the party looked at Ilya, even Merealeona who had been reading a book looked up. “Uhh yes. He’s my older brother. He taught me everything I know basically.” She shifted uncomfortably. “Is that a problem?”

The silence was suffocating as the four friends looked at each other and back at Ilya again and again. Finally Aelan spoke up, “Well no. It’s just, surprising you see. None of us believed he had a family, or at least cared about them.” Ilya frowned and tilted her head. “What do you mean by that Aelan?” Aelan pulled at his collar “Well see. We’re mostly all from the West. I… He’s hated by a lot of us for what he did to the Great Plains. We understand that it’s our people's fault that it happen, but many think they went to far in their…. destruction of the Plains.” he cleared his throat. “Him and his Band really did a number you see. No offense to you but he’s called a demon and a monster. Our state put up a lot of propaganda about him. The Soulless Demon of the North, Drowner of the Great Plains of the Free West.” Aelan lowered his gaze. “He destroyed our way of life.” he looked at Ilya and saw a tear roll down her cheek. “Hey, hey, hey it’s alright. None of us hate him, and you aren't him so don't worry. Let’s move on. The rest of you, tell her about where you guys are from.”

Nite stood up proudly and put a hand to their chest. “I am Nite of the Great Forest. I am the pinnacle of my tribe, The Hunters of Heaven and Earth. Pride of the Great Forest. I have trained my entire life to become as strong as possible so I many free my people from the grasps of the Southern Kingdoms, and deliver the Great Forest back to its rightful protectors. The United Tribes of the South. I have joined this guild to learn new stronger techniques I can use to beat the invades.” They stood tall and let out a predatory grin, shard teeth reflecting the light of the room.

Merealeona put a hand on their shoulder and Nite sat down. Standing Merealeona had to slouch a bit to not hit her head on the roof. “I am Merealeona. A half Oni from the Dragonspike Mountains. I was born to be a dragon slayer and have joined this guild to become stronger.” She quickly sat down.

Kred stood up. “I am Kred of Clan Slinger. From the West. I have joined to strengthen myself so I may protect those who cannot protect themselves.” he sat down again. A knock at the door, pulled their attention away from Ilya.

Merigold entered the room. She had changed from her barmaid outfit into a white blouse with a black corset. Black trousers and flat boots gripped her calves and once again Ilya was enamoured. A deeper blush filled her cheeks, which she quickly hid by faking a cough.

“Hope you guys got to know each other better, because we’re ready to start!” Merigold smiled. “Follow me!” she stepped out the door and all but Nite struggled to get out. They glided over the table and followed Merigold at the heel. The other followed suit. They walked through Valyn’s Might.