Rae van Daleon – The Roots of the Storm
by Lea von Löwenstein
Chapter 12: Invisible Like Shadows
Night had fallen, and the Scola was shrouded in darkness. The corridors were silent, with only the occasional hum of servitors and the distant echo of footsteps breaking the stillness. In their hidden chamber, Rae and her companions waited, their eyes adjusted to the dim light, their bodies tense with anticipation.
Rae stood in the center of the room, her posture calm but resolute. “Tonight, we learn how to become invisible,” she began, her voice quiet but firm. “Not literally, but as close as possible. If we’re going to move through the depths, we can’t leave any trace—no sound, no motion that can be noticed.”
Tyren raised an eyebrow. “That sounds… impossible.”
“It’s not impossible,” Rae replied, shooting him a look. “It’s difficult. But difficult is not impossible.”
The Basics of Invisibility
Rae started by explaining the fundamentals. She demonstrated how to distribute weight evenly on the feet, how to move step by step without making a sound, and how to control the movements of the body.
“It’s not just about being quiet,” she said as she took a silent step. Her movements were fluid, almost like a dance. “It’s about not being seen, even when you’re in plain sight. You have to become part of the environment.”
The others watched intently as Rae let them take turns practicing her steps.
Celestine went first, moving with a precision that impressed Rae. Her steps were light and fluid, and she skillfully used the shadows in the room to her advantage.
“Good,” Rae said with a nod. “Now slower. More controlled.”
Marcus was next. His steps were heavier, but he made progress by consciously shifting his weight. “I’m not made for silence,” he muttered.
“You weren’t born silent,” Rae replied. “But you can learn.”
Tyren struggled the most. His movements were jittery, and his boots scraped against the floor several times. “I’m more of a tech guy,” he said with a crooked grin.
“Tech won’t save you if they hear you,” Rae said calmly. “Slower. Breathe. Try again.”
Moving in the Shadows
Once the basics were practiced, Rae introduced the next exercise. She set up small obstacles around the room and simulated a patrolling guard. “Imagine someone is looking for you,” she said. “You have to get from one end of the room to the other without being seen.”
The exercise was more intense. Celestine moved with a smoothness that Rae found remarkable, while Marcus advanced slowly but steadily. Tyren struggled but showed determination, and Rae guided him in refining his movements.
Soren hesitated before starting. His uncertainty was evident, but Rae watched him closely. “Slowly, Soren,” she whispered. “Trust your body. Trust your instincts.”
He nodded and began moving cautiously. It wasn’t perfect, but Rae could see him learning and adapting.
Becoming Invisible
After hours of intense training, Rae initiated a final exercise. She turned off most of the lights, leaving only a faint glow from a distant lamp seeping through the cracks of the door. The room was almost completely enveloped in shadows.
“Now,” she said quietly, “move through the room as if you’re part of the darkness. Let the shadows guide you.”
The others began moving, and Rae observed them carefully. Celestine moved like a shadow herself, her steps so silent that Rae could barely detect her. Marcus was slower, but his movements carried a steady and unshakable presence. Tyren moved more skillfully than before, his earlier nervousness replaced by a growing sense of focus.
Soren was the last to move. Rae watched as he carefully placed one foot in front of the other. His movements were hesitant, but he persisted. When he finally reached the other side of the room, a faint smile crossed his face.
Concluding the Training
The group gathered in the center of the room again, their bodies tired but their expressions filled with determination. Rae looked at each of them, her voice quiet but commanding.
“That was a good start,” she said. “But it’s only the beginning. Being invisible is more than a skill. It’s a mindset. If you lose yourself in the shadows, you become invisible. And if you’re invisible, you can accomplish anything.”
The others nodded, their eyes reflecting understanding and resolve. Rae felt a flicker of pride but knew they still had a long way to go.
“Go back to the chamber now,” she said finally. “Rest. Tomorrow night, we continue.”
One by one, the group left the room, their steps quiet, their movements like shadows. Rae lingered for a moment, her thoughts on the depths of the Scola and the challenges that lay ahead. She took a deep breath and then followed her companions into the darkness.
