The group set to work setting up camp on the edge of a steep drop, where the land sloped into the swamp below. They laid out their bedrolls cautiously, the dampness from the nearby marsh clinging to the air, making everything feel slightly sticky, while the earthy scent of moss and wet leaves filled her nose.
The view from the precipice stretched far across the marshes, but the Novices were too tired to appreciate it. They settled in quickly, the tension of the long hike easing from their shoulders as they began to relax, pulling out rations to eat.
“Oh.” Fenn looked up from where he was spreading his own mat and blanket. “You didn’t think we were done for the day, did you?”
Is he serious? Rynna thought as Elara groaned beside her, tucking away the cheese ball she’d been about to eat.
“What now, Guide Fenn? No more map lessons, please,” Bran complained, joining the others as they gathered around their Unit Leader.
Fenn scratched the back of his head, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Well, you’ve all been hounding me to teach you more about Source power and the various Hollow-born techniques that use it. But you can have the rest of the day off if you're too tired.”
Smiling, Rynna watched as the three younger Novices practically exploded with renewed energy, springing to their feet and assuring Fenn they were more than ready.
Up until then, Fenn had focused most of their training on formations, teamwork, and recognizing the flow of Source power within their bodies for better control. It was basic work they’d covered in early training, but he pushed them further, making them repeat the exercises in challenging environments that tested both their concentration and stamina. One session had even involved maintaining focus while balancing stacks of books on their heads and being chased by a herd of wild horses.
“All right, if you’re all sure you’re up to it, we’ll get started,” Fenn said. “As you know, there are three main methods for using the Source as a Hollow-born.”
“Mind, body, and element,” Elara chimed in immediately.
“Yes.” Fenn nodded. “Simply put, mind techniques allow you to sense and confuse the enemy. Body techniques can enhance speed and strength, sometimes to very dramatic results, or be used to aid a comrade's recovery. And element techniques use the Source to harness the five elements and manipulate the external environment.”
“Fireball!” Bran shouted, his eyes lighting up. “Are we going to learn how to throw fire like the Great Phoenix?!”
“No,” Fenn replied, his tone dry as he began pacing around them, his hands clasped thoughtfully behind his back. “We’re going to learn something much more difficult.” He paused for effect. “And far more useful.”
“More difficult than a fireball?” Brows furrowing, Bran crossed his arms.
Fenn stopped at the edge of the drop-off, leaning back on his heels, eyes gazing out over the expanse. “The challenge with fire techniques isn’t about performing them,” he said, his tone more measured now. “It’s about knowing when to use them.” He glanced back at them with a wry smile. “But for today,” he continued, taking a deliberate step backward.
Elara gasped as he went over the edge. “Guide Fenn!” She ran after him. Even Rynna’s heart picked up a beat, though she knew he was likely fine.
They rushed to the edge after him.
This better be part of the training, Unit Leader, Rynna thought, her stomach twisting in a way it hadn’t in a very long time.
When they peered over the edge, Fenn sat there casually, his back resting against the cliff wall, one hand raised above him, fingers skimming the rock. No handholds or ledges were visible, and nothing explained how he was suspended in place.
“Guide Fenn!?” Elara called. “Are you okay?”
“What?” Fenn glanced up, blinking as if just noticing their presence. “Oh, yes. I’m fine. Just observing the terrain below.”
“Show off.” Taren crossed his arms.
Without warning, Fenn pushed off the cliff wall with ease, his muscles rippling beneath his dark tunic as he launched into a graceful backflip. His body twisted in the air before he landed lightly on the balls of his feet, barely a sound escaping from the impact.
“What?! How!?” Bran stammered, wide-eyed, but Fenn raised a hand, signaling for silence.
“If you ask someone from the independent territories, they might tell you that of all the Hollow-born’s powers, flying is among them.”
“It’s not?” Gran Hesta stepped closer.
“No,” Fenn smiled. “Or at least not from any hollow-born I’ve ever seen. But…using the technique I just demonstrated, the limits of where we can go and how we get there are drastically reduced.”
“How?” Taren asked.
“How do you think?”
Ah, forcing them to think it through, Rynna mused.
