Day 41 of the Suns season, year 2447

“Here we are,” Fayne suddenly declared.

Two intimidating black gates greeted the women. This place was lifeless, so very still. Leith saw a few huge graves behind the rows more of them, but much smaller.

The one place Leith hasn’t expected to come: the royal cemetery.

Every capital had one, and they were all placed near ruling family's dwelling. The Kindirahs’ pale castle seemed so large there. Hanging pots of white woodruff flowers were on display at every corner. Sometimes they play tricks on the mind; making you think a spirit is what you’re seeing in the corner of your eyes. Maybe thought it was haunted, and it probably was.

Two heavily armoured guards were posted at the gate and seemed to wait for something.

Fayne took a few steps ahead and bowed. The guards crossed their spears in perfect synchronicity as she straightened up.

“Two spears to protect the royal family,” the redhead began with astonishing confidence. “The first, white, defends honour. The second, lilac, destroys the evildoer. Together, the sisters serve Daigorn, the Woodruff of Peace.”

The guards exchanged a glance and moved apart, giving enough space for an individual to pass between the spears that were still crossed high in the air.

Fayne stopped in front of a medium-sized tombstone that Leith could not remember. The engraved dark stone was not located in a usual place. It was in a corner of the cemetery. No other tombstone was placed like so.

A hiding spot.

She pushed the grave with some difficulty. A hole as black as a moonless night was hidden underneath. From the depths, an excited voice echoed:

“Fayne! You’re back! I’m sorry. I got stuck at home again.”

“It’s fine! Oh, and I have brought someone with me,” the herbalist warned.

“Why?”

“Because of her I managed to get the bandage roll. I had no choice but to steal it and she saved one of my hands by paying for it.”

There was no reply. Fayne's breathing accelerated slightly. She continued to stare at the darkness of the hole. 

In the end, the silence was interrupted by a grumble.

“All right, then. Make sure no one sees you enter.”

A ladder was leaned against the walls of the deep opening. With a smile on her face, Fayne grabbed it firmly and descended, disappearing in the dark. She offered her help to Leith, who kindly refused. The old woman let herself slide to the bottom of the abyss as if it was all a daily task.

“Impressive!” exclaimed the stranger who quickly returned to her severity. “Who am I speaking to?”

“Leith,” simply replied the old woman.

A little further down, the narrow tunnel was lit by a few torches hanged on the walls. The shadows danced to the rhythm of the small flames. The faint light revealed the stranger who was shorter than she and Fayne. Other details were difficult to discern because of the hood that cast shadows on her face. Somehow the girl felt familiar to her, but why? Leith did not remember.

Without a word, the two teenage girls entered the depths of the tunnel. Fayne was behind her friend, who still hadn't introduced herself. After a while, the torch's appearances became more frequent. Cautiously, the three women walked in a straight line until they reached a room big enough to comfortably accommodate around seven adults.

On a nest of leaves, hay, blankets, and pillows lay an animal. Leith squinted her eyes to better inspect it without getting closer. The small thing was the size of a large eagle. Leith cursed her vision, which was not as sharp as it once was.

“What is it?”

Fayne's friend knelt down to be at the same level as the creature.

“A baby troxx.”

“This creature is very rare considering your geographical location. Where did you get it?”

“A travelling merchant wanted to get rid of it,” grumbled the nameless girl. “’Said she was too nippy and chaotic. I think she’s just fine.”

“Do you mind if I examine her?”

The young woman nodded in approval. Then she began to pet the troxx’s muzzle. Leith proceeded cautiously, trying not to alarm the creature. It was a bipedal carnivorous reptile with long powerful legs, small arms and a thick tail. Its scales were mostly dark orange with grey stripes. The underside of the body was grey. Its aggressive gaze followed the old lady’s. Irritated by the newcomer, its pupil narrowed and gave way to the background colour: a deep golden glow.

“They are ferocious hunters,” the traveller explained. “Only the grey elves and moon elves have managed to tame these creatures. An adult troxx can reach the height of a horse. This one is very young.”

“Indeed,” replied the teenage girl.

“Do they all have horns like hers?” Fayne asked, applying the bandages around the left leg of the troxx.

Leith stared at the animal's head and noticed a pair of horns bent backwards that strongly resembled those of mountain goats. She smiled.

“No. But the fact that he is…”

“She,” cut the stranger sharply.

“She’s a normal troxx. They’re generally more colourful and more massive than the dark troxx, but also have curved horns.

“What are those?” inquired the Litfow.

“These guys are mainly tamed by the Grey Elves, because they have a much more aggressive and territorial character, which these elves appreciate. Their scales are darker and their body is smaller. But that doesn't mean that they should be underestimated. A dark troxx has feathers instead of horns on its head, but it is armed with retractable claws on each leg. These creatures are powerful hunters. They can support an elf on their back. With an effort, a light human.”

She paused and took the opportunity to position herself more comfortably before continuing.

“Your troxx is just that, a regular troxx. It will therefore be more enduring. It will be able to carry an adult human or two elves without any problem. Fortunately, they have a softer attitude. They make excellent mounts, very loyal, although a little cowardly over random things that seem insignificant to their rider. They are much better suited for long journeys.”

“Thank you for the information,” the mysterious girl replied dryly.

Fayne elbowed her and pointed at Leith with her eyes. Irritated, her friend gave in.

“All right, all right,” she groaned, frowning. "I would have preferred to avoid this introduction, but my name is Azéna.”

Leith had difficulty breathing for but a moment.

The one named Azéna grunted and reluctantly stepped into the light, revealing her face. She relentlessly watched Leith’s body language. The old lady was doing the same. A warrior could feel a fellow warrior.

This girl is tenacious, strong.

Azéna’s hair was as admirable and well cared for as her friend's, but it had a particular silver hue that seemed familiar. No imperfections afflicted it. Perfectly straight, it cascaded gracefully down her body and almost touched the ground when she was kneeling. 

Such beauty was rare in a human. Her thin lips and the black makeup that surrounded her small piercing blue eyes gave her the tools for intimidating and charming. In her gaze, one could read a lifetime of mistrust and frustration.

She could be dangerous.

She wore what resembled a rogue or a thief’s attire: a tunic, long breeches, boots and fingerless leather gloves and a hooded cloak. The entire outfit was of a dark hue, which promoted subtlety.

Guessing the identity of the young lady, Leith felt her blood run cold, but she calmed down smoothly. Her memories streaming through her mind, she smiled.

“Shirah seems more able to walk,” Fayne informed.

The troxx stood up with some difficulty, and then, she uttered a triumphant cry.

“I think she's already feeling better,” Azéna concluded.

She leaned against the walls of the cave and stretched her arm out to gently pet Shirah's neck, who purred loudly. A ring was resting on her left index finger. Intrigued and worried, Leith tried to make out the symbol engraved on the jewel without appearing indiscreet.

A white woodruff. That's what I feared. Here I bear witness to the young Lady Azéna Kindirah.

In a momentary panic, her heart skipped a beat.