The new elements

Chapter 4: introductions

The next day in the afternoon Clay and Cassidy are getting some basic training from the commander while Danir is busy working on their gear.

Mind your footwork Cassidy and remember, striking power comes from the hips.

Cassidy puts everything she has behind a punch and the head of the practice dummy spins around.

Much better!

At that moment a girl on a horse comes riding into the training compound. She takes down her hood and long blonde hair falls down onto her shoulders. When she looks at the rest of the group her round cheeks and blue eyes stand out immediately.

Hello, I'm Kalea. I was told to report to commander Thalos.

Ah, the girl from the eastern part of the region. I'm commander Thalos, nice to meet you. These are your teammates Clay, Cassidy and the one tinkering away back there is Danir.

She waves to everybody with a big smile on her face and immediately goes over to Cassidy.

I'm not the only girl, this is great!

The commander laughs.

There's one more girl on the way but she's from up north and that part of the region has rough mountain terrain so she'll probably be the last one to arrive.

Kalea takes of her coat and puts her bag down.

Do I just show you what I can do?

If you're not too tired from travelling then go ahead.

I'm fine, the horse did most of the work. Clay, can I see your hands please?

Clay holds up his hands and his knuckles are a bit scraped from hitting the practice dummy. Kalea puts her hands above the scrapes and some blue crystalized mist starts spraying out of them. They form a layer of crystal over the scrapes that slowly starts fading. When it has fully dissipated the scrapes on Clay's hands are gone.

I can only do it at close range and only small wounds, I haven't had the opportunity to try it out on big wounds... not that I'm eager to find out.

We'll be going into dangerous situations so you'll be very useful, right commander?

The commander nods affirmingly.

Keeping the team in good shape will be essential for longer missions.

Danir approaches and takes a quick look at Clay's hands.

Remarkable talent you have Kalea, could you do it again so I can have a closer look?

Sure, no problem.

Kalea holds her hands out in front of her and Danir studies them closely as they're secreting the mist.

Hmm, maybe I could make some gloves for you so that the mist would be more concentrated instead of so widespread. That might increase your range and accuracy.

That would be great! Sorry for changing the topic so suddenly but I'm hungry after being on the road all day.

Cassidy grabs her hand.

Follow me, I'll show you where the kitchen is!

A modest smile appears on the commander's face.

Fine, training is over for today. See you tomorrow.

Kalea eats her dinner as if it's a race which prompts Clay to laugh.

You and Cassidy are definitely going to get along, you have the same appetite.