to secure specific positions, and the attackers have to locate and capture them. Given that there are fewer of us, it won’t be that easy. But well, that’s how it goes. There are a few decent scouts in our group, so I hope we’ll manage to find out where Aiden and his mates are holed up pretty quickly.’ A grim smile stretched across the elf’s lips.
‘We’ll see how you get on,’ snapped the redhead. A flame of rivalry seemed to have been kindled within him. ‘I guarantee it won’t be easy for you,’ he grinned, somewhat maliciously.
‘You’d better…’
‘Can we get to the point?’ the dragon interrupted them. It seemed to him there was no other way to cut short the banter. They had already emerged from the shadows of the flanking buildings and could now see the entire valley. There was quite a lot of activity everywhere, particularly near the stables, where several groups of older students had gathered. The second most popular spot was the arenas, already filled with the clang of clashing steel and flashes of magic. The training tracks were swarming with clearly younger pupils, who were most likely about to take their first test at Solvein. At the shooting range, too, lessons or drills were getting underway. It was hard to tell from this distance. Only the orangery was left in peace, its silence undisturbed.
Right on the far left, almost right under the trees, a small group was waiting, and amongst them stood the conspicuous figure of Sheth. Although standing right next to him was another distinctive figure, impossible to mistake for anyone else. Sethi Isverna Gar’quette seemed to be reprimanding the three pupils standing before her.
‘We can. Of course we can,’ Zane agreed, though his gaze also drifted towards the rest of their team and he had to draw the same conclusions as the dragon. ‘During exercises in the Crater, you can use any weapon, except firearms. Magic is also allowed. Everyone is given a necklace imbued with protective spells which, once the damage limit is exceeded, immobilise the eliminated
