Time, as it so often does, seems to defy its own laws as the students completed their tasks before bed. It seemed that they had all just started to rest when the first light of dawn peeked across the Academy’s courtyard.
The birds suddenly came to life, and even the most dedicated sleeper couldn’t help but be disturbed by their constant singing.
Not to be outdone, the church bells began to ring. The Academy had its own schedule to keep, and it cared not for how tired some of its students may be.
Master Rodrick had been up before dawn, of course, and had readied Steadfast. He knew not where Darrick was going, he only knew that the young man had been assigned a task. Now he had Steadfast ready to go, and attended to his other duties. Surely Darrick would be along shortly to gather his mount.
Sentinel was always up, always doing something. But as the day started for the very small ones, he found himself thinking of Catherine. He had been handed so many very small ones over the years, he did not understand why Catherine had always been on his mind. He did not understand, but he found himself thinking that he would very much like to see her again, and he very much wanted her to be safe.
Argent rose before dawn and completed his morning exercises in silence. There was no reason to worry about Kaelan, and yet there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind. But, Kaelan had to grow up some time. He had to stand on his own, and he had to face his own demons, nothing that Argent could say or do would speed up the process. Argent only hoped that Kaelan would grow up before it was too late.
Headmaster Goludov slept fitfully. He couldn’t help but wonder if there was something he was forgetting. He had started to doubt himself in his middle-age, and that was unbecoming of someone in his position. He decided that he would see the students off, and hastily rushed through his morning routine.
Students with early classes were already filtering on to the Academy grounds when Goludov reached the stable. He figured that Darrick would take Steadfast, and so he thought the stable was the best place to big farewell to the group.
Anyone may act. Time to get started for real!