The next morning all of the ranger candidates formed up in the half mist. Chip was all nerves, Sam pulsed steely resolve and Sela had no idea why anyone wouldn't be super happy to come to training.

Obviously Chip thought that Sela knew what was coming. Ortho finally arrived to walk up and down the line, checking cloaks and weapons. It wasn’t until he got to Bonsai that Selas' bond pulsed with confusion. Chip had spent a lot of time getting to know the eager beavers, but he couldn't push a dossier over their bond.

"We are getting lumped in with the ones who haven't gotten a druid yet."

Sam's voice was chilly. Chip hadn't expected to be this cold this late in the season, but they had marched north. Maybe the seasons broke later up here?

Ortho finally passed by the trio, stopping first at Sela.

"I've heard about you, candidate."

When he spoke, the word candidate came out like a slur.

"Eventually we'll spar just you and me," Ortho said, "but first since we're all Riverfolk here."

Ortho peered at the beavers.

"You get to be the rabbit. Do you know where my docks are, candidate?"

Sela shook his head.

Ortho pointed off into the distance, where a break in the valley showed sunlight. It wasn’t too close. It wasn’t too far, either. He handed Sela a small worn pirate flag.

"When I say the word-and you'll know it- you run all out to the docks, right candidate? Guard this with your life."

Chip felt Sela swell with pride.

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Ortho raised his voice now.

"Gather around, candidates."

About thirty shapes solidified in the dawn light, circling around the Otter.

"You're going to touch my docks and run back, and then we'll start some sparring drills. The first one back will get to choose their partner for drills. If…" he nodded to Sela who started running," You catch Sela you can have a break. No flying, no breaking bones. Catch him and grab his flag and bring it back."

A voice came from across the way, and Chip was surprised to see a cat.

"When do we start?" The cat said, repeating his words.

"Now. Go touch the other side of my docks." Ortho yelled.

And with that they were off. Chip hooted as the candidates all filtered into a large mess of limbs, each trying to make a space.

"And when the last one returns, we fight so don't be last."

Ortho's voice trailed over the crowd.

The cat pulled ahead of Sam and Chip.

Chip frowned as they reached halfway to the crack in the valley.

The rest of the candidates were well behind them. Perhaps the cat already had a bond as well? A question for later.

The sun was clearly illuminating the path as Sela passed through the crack. That at least was wide enough for a small team to pass through.

Behind Chip, he was happy to see the beavers break away from the pack.

Then they were in the pass.

The darkness was only punctuated by the entrance and exit.

They ran. Paws across the dark rocks, almost slipping here and there, and then blessed light.

Gravel between his paws, Chip sprinted.

Only the cat was between him and the old docks as he cleared the valley to the beach. Above them a corvid flew, probably keeping watch.

Then the mass of candidates trickled through and Ortho's plan made sense. The docks were large and long. Thankfully they were straightforward and Chip could see Sela at the end.

Chip felt Sela coming closer now. He had hit the edge hadn’t he? It wouldn't be far now.

But Sela was coming back on a different dock, probably so he didn't get touched. He had the flag on display at least. As they passed, Chip couldn’t help but laugh. Sela was making this a game.

The mass of runners behind them reached the docks as Chip touched the outer edge, turning to follow Sela back on the circuit.

And that was when a large fish surfaced over the port side of the docks. Chip stopped, slaw jawed as he stared at the largest dea monster he had ever seen.

Sleek fangs led to a slimy looking head and green scales all the way down. That couldn’t be a dragon, could it?

And just like that, it plunged into the water, passing only behind the salt water that drenched Chip.

Sam, being the sensible one, was already back to the pass. Chip cursed under his breath as he picked up the pace.

"Fish guts!"

Sam had gotten ahead of the cat who was not seemingly tired ahead of Chip.

"Hey let's go guy, you can do it!" Chip said, passing the calico cat.

The cat grumbled and then tried to keep Chips pace until they had to go single file.

Ortho waited for them with Sam and Sela. The latter whooped with joy, seeing his husband approaching. Bonsai and his brother Oak, the two beavers were right behind them.

"Well fish Squad," Ortho said, addressing all of them, "I hope you're all ready to fight your comrades."

"Fish squad?" The calico cat asked.

"The fastest five ranger candidates are my fishes that everyone is trying to catch. So. Fish Squad."

The remaining fole of candidates finally arrived and Ortho handed our practice staves to each of them in turn.

"Round robin. Everyone fights everyone else so you know where you stand."

Ortho arranged the fastest runners in order and had them pair off.

"Let’s do it," he grunted.