Chapter 4 — Reunion and training

Eldrin stepped out of the forest looking calm and smiling while Arin and the others froze for a heartbeat before running straight at him. Arin shouted proudly that they had been training nonstop ever since he left the academy and that they had even practiced the Bind spell to pin him down. He declared that today would be the day they finally defeated him.

​The smile on Eldrin's face did not even twitch as the Bind spell wrapped around him, but he broke free instantly with a simple flick of his wrist. Everyone's faces collapsed into despair as Eldrin sighed and ordered them to begin their punishment training immediately. They trained until the sun began to set and long after their legs were trembling and their arms were numb Eldrin finally stopped them.

​He asked them if they seriously thought they could beat him with a spell like that which caused everyone to slowly turn and glare at Arin with cold and betrayed expressions. Arin looked away and pretended the grass was interesting to avoid their eyes. They eventually sat down to eat and laughter slowly returned to the group. Soon they were dancing and eating and shouting while celebrating their reunion with wild joy and they partied all through the night.

​By noon they were ready to resume their journey until the eyes of Eldrin suddenly narrowed. He pointed toward the forest and identified an Orc Leader before telling Arin that he would fight it alone. Before anyone could protest the Orc Leader burst from the trees while towering over them and snarling.

​Arin did not hesitate as he dashed into the fray. The Orc Leader raised a massive strike from above but Arin slid between the brute's legs and spun to leap for a stab. The Orc Leader turned faster than expected and delivered a kick like a boulder that slammed into Arin and sent him flying into a tree.

​Arin rolled across the ground but staggered up while breathing hard and remained determined. He sprinted again as the Orc Leader charged. The monster once more swung from above but Arin vaulted onto the flat of its sword and launched himself upward. In one clean motion he slashed across both of its eyes.

​Blinded by the strike the Orc Leader roared and thrashed wildly. Arin did not waste the chance as he climbed the creature while cutting through its thrashing arms. He reached the neck and ended the fight with a single Ice Blade strike.