Chapter Twelve: Training the Storm
The morning sun poured over Eldervale like molten gold,but Draven barely noticed,his mind filled with curiosity , from the night before.
Draven's hands itched as he stepped into the sunlight. A shiver ran down his spine, with excitement, and fear.
Alright, Draven, Miriel said, her eyes sparkling. Let's see what the wind can do when it listens to you.
Draven swallowed, glancing around the abandoned courtyard where they had set up. I'm not sure I can. What if it gets out of control?
Miriel grinned. Then you'll learn fast. That's how everyone learn.
Klein, juggling a small basket of apples he'd get from a free acrobat show, he muttered, nudging Draven. Come on, Storm Boy, show us, what you got.
Draven clenched his fists, trying to calm the thrum in his chest. He lifted a foot, and the air above it stirred faintly, brushing at his hair. It was small a whisper of motion,but enough to make his heart leap.
Good, Miriel encouraged. Now let it grow. Feel it, don't push it.
He focused harder. The wind twirled around him like a living thing, brushing against Klein's hair and ruffling Miriel's cloak. Draven smiled, his eyes lighting up.
Ha! Look at that! Klein exclaimed, stepping back as a loose basket of apples lifted slightly into the air. You're like some kind of magician!
Joren and Lys, leaning against the crumbling wall, exchanged mischievous glances. Bet you can't make that basket spin in the air! Lys challenged.
Bet I can! Draven said, raising both hands. The air around the basket shivered. Apples rolled and bounced, spinning in a chaotic dance above the stone courtyard.
Draven! Careful! Miriel shouted, flames flickering along her fingertips. Control it, or you'll ruin the market next door!
Draven concentrated. Slowly, the spinning apples settled into a neat stack midair, hovering like they had been set on invisible shelves.
Wow..Klein breathed. "That… that was amazing!
Joren clapped sarcastically. Oh yeah, very impressive,But can you make them float higher?
Before Draven could answer, a gust of wind surged from him without thought, tossing the apples into the air like confetti. They landed with loud thumps, bouncing off the walls and narrowly missing Miriel's feet.
I said control it! Miriel shouted, laughing.
Draven laughed, a mix of triumph and embarrassment. I'm trying
You are powerful," Miriel said gently, touching his arm. But power without control is trouble waiting to happen. That's why we train. That's why we practice.
Klein grinned. Yeah, and watching you spin apples like a tornado? Best morning ever!
As Draven wiped sweat from his brow, a shadow flickered near the edge of the courtyard. His stomach flinched,the wind curled, playful at first, then tense, alert.
Uh..he muttered, squinting. Did anyone else feel that?
Miriel's eyes narrowed. Yes. Someone's here.
Joren and Lys froze, a little less confident now. Watching? Really? Lys said, squinting toward the shadows.
The wind wrapped around Draven, tugging insistently. He focused, extending the sensation outward, tracing the presence like a thread through the air.
There, he whispered. At the alleyway,two figures,I can feel them.
Klein, shifting nervously from foot to foot, muttered, We've been chased all the way from Glen, Draven. If you say we need to move, I'm not arguing.
Draven turned toward the others,Joren and Lys, who had been brimming with confidence just moments ago. Their bravado faltered under the same tension that wrapped around him. We can't risk staying. We have to go back to Glen,he said firmly, extending a hand. All of you.
Joren hesitated, eyebrows raised. Back to Glen? That's… your hometown, right? You sure about bringing us with you?
I don't care,Draven said.
Miriel exchanged a glance with Lys, then nodded. Fine. But we move smart and fast,she
Said.