Rae van Daleon – The Roots of the Storm
by Lea von Löwenstein
Chapter 8: What Now?
The night was dark, and the cold of the Scola pressed down on the four novices like tons of frozen ice, weighing heavily on their minds. Rae, Celestine, Tyren, and Marcus sat motionless on their beds, as still as statues, their words and thoughts lost in the darkness. The labored breathing of servitors and the heavy footsteps of patrolling guards added an eerie undertone to the silence, binding them closer together.
“I understand,” Rae finally whispered. “We need to prepare ourselves much better before we venture into those tunnels again. The training will be harsh, and it will take at least a month. We have to embrace the unknown, even if it might cost us everything.”
The others silently agreed, their bodies tense like taut bows. In the recesses of their minds, they knew that the fate of the Scola lay behind those sealed doors. These secrets couldn’t remain hidden forever.
Rae hesitated, as if the decision wasn’t hers alone to make. She concluded that further training would only strengthen her comrades, better preparing them for the Scola’s secrets and dangers. “There’s more hidden in the lower levels than we can imagine. We need to be ready,” she said finally.
“We start combat training tomorrow night after lessons,” Tyren said, wrapping his arms around the bedpost. “It’s time for me to learn some new things as well.”
“And we need to improve our stealth,” Celestine added with fiery determination. “We have to move like shadows.”
“And not focus on just one set of skills,” Marcus interjected. “Some things can be solved with fists, others with patience and strategy.” His words were a call for the versatility of a true warrior.
The discussion shifted to hidden doors, tunnels, and secret passageways. Rae remained silent, her thoughts consumed by the pressing mysteries buried within the depths of the Scola, while Celestine and Tyren speculated about the secrets lying beneath. Their hushed tones grounded them in the reality of their situation—this wasn’t a game, and the stakes were high. They eventually agreed on a secret meeting point within the Scola, the necessity of obtaining a carefully secured key, and the importance of ensuring their identities remained concealed.
“But won’t the instructors punish us for this?” Celestine asked, her eyes glinting in the dim light of the doorway.
Rae shrugged. “We’ll need to get smarter about when to stay hidden and when to take risks. We have to play to our strengths and use them to our advantage.”
Tyren nodded. “And how should we develop ourselves?”
Rae considered this before glancing at Celestine. “We should start with unarmed combat and stealth in confined spaces. You’re quick, I have skills from the forge, and your experience as a fighter on the black market will be invaluable for our group.”
“Espionage isn’t part of our assigned duties,” Tyren warned.
“Neither is your little cogitator or your hacking into the Scola’s network,” Celestine retorted with a sly grin.
Rae exchanged a look with Celestine, seeing the same concern reflected in her eyes. “We know that. But the truth is, we need to learn more about the Scola and its secrets if we want to make a difference. And we need to get better at defending ourselves. Maybe we can even find something that helps us fulfill our mission—or strengthen our reputation.”
Marcus, who had remained calm and quiet in the shadows, seemed intrigued. “And what’s my role in this?” he asked.
Rae looked slightly surprised. “Why do you ask?” She studied him more closely, noting the strength and resilience that would set him apart in a fight. “If you want to be part of this,” she said after a moment, “then you’re welcome. And we’ll help you develop your strengths.”
“Then let’s get some rest before the bell drags us back into the Scola’s daily grind,” she added.
The four of them settled into silence, each lost in thought. Although they were still in the early days of their time at the Scola, the group regarded their plan with a mix of curiosity and determination. It was more than just an adventure—it was a necessity, driven by trust and the hope that their efforts would reveal the truths hidden in the depths of the Scola.
