"Enough about us. Now what is that you young ones had planned for the holidays?" Gavin asked curiously.
"We will be here at the Academy town itself as we don't have enough time to visit our families." Said Kate.
"In that case, are you kids up for a visit to the ancient forest? We are planning to go for hunting in a couple of day's."
Simon's sudden invitation was followed by a profound silence for more than a minute. Then everyone shouted their agreement with such enthusiasm that the other patrons at the Inn started to staire at them incredulously.
Simon then spoke. "Alright then. Be ready at the Southern gate before sunrise the dayafter tomorrow. Pack your gears and other basic necessary items to last atleast for a week. "
"I know, it's too early to ask you but.... Had anyone here awakened their Magical abilities?"
Everyone shook their head in disappointment.
"Father, as per the headmaster, all of my friends here will be able to awake their magical abilities soon." Phoenix piped in seeing the disappointed looks of their friends.
"That's a great news. It's not a big deal if you are unable to use your mana now. I was just planning to have a kind of training if you already had. Now ... We will plan a different method to do some training along with hunting."
The word training, brought a huge grin on everyone's face. Simon Dragonheart, their Hero. The hero of their nation will train them. What an opportunity. What a blessing!!!
The dinner that night was a happy and exited affair. Everyone gradually came out of their shell and started to enjoy the evening. It was almost midnight by the time everyone took their leave.
Phoenix again spent the complete day with Fiona. And had a happy family time in the evening.
All the Dragonheart's except Phoenix grandparents along with Richard had decided to join the visit to the ancient forest.
The next day as decided, everyone gathered at the Southern gate and from their started towards the forest area.
The travel was a peaceful one for the first half a day as it was still the edge of the woods let alone the periphery of Ancient forest. By the time the sun was about to set, they had travel almost 10 miles given the strength and training the teenagers had received. There was only 2 horses amidst their group.
The first was a carrier horse used to carry some luggages and rations. The second was the one which was carrying Fiona. To everyone's astonishment, she walked till the sun was about to set. Her determination and endurance surprised everyone including Phoenix.
"Fiona, you had became strong." Phoenix stated the fact after watching her sister walk for hours together matching the pace with others.
Grinning widely, she spoke. " Mother had started to teach me in basic combat training and running exercises since an year brother." But suddenly her smile froze and she looked at her brother with guilt and her started to tear up
"I am sorry brother, I didn't tel you about this. I was so exited to listen to all of your stories that I totally forgot to tel you about my studies since an year." And then she hugged Phoenix and started crying.
"Silly girl, I am not angry or mad at you. I was just surprised thats all. It's an excellent news that you had started to study and learn new things." It took almost 10 minutes for Phoenix to calm the crying girl down.
That night, they decided to set up their camp at a clearing near a small pond. The tents were set up quite quickly and Phoenix observing the fishes in the pond informed everyone not to take out their packed food.
"I will catch some fishes, and roast it. You guys can start a fire."
"Where is the line, the fishing stick to catch the fish?" Samantha asked him skeptically.
"Who told we need the line or any other tools?" Simon grinning widely joined Phoenix and started to walk towards the pool.
10 minutes later more that Two dozens of fishes were grilling on top of the camp fire.
Everyone including the adults were stunned and were in awe at how both Father and Son were grabbing the fishes out of water with their bare hands.
Nic can you teach me how to catch the fish like that?
Me too.....
I also want to learn it ....
Everyone of his friends started to pester him after the dinner.
"Alright, I will show you how. But, let me be very clear upfront. It's extremely difficult and needs extreme concentration and fast reflexes. Don't expect to succeed in your first attempt its3lf or even in your 5th attempt for that matter."
And then another weird thing happened. Everyone were staring at the scene with disbelief. Everyone except Kate and Samantha.
Phoenix, after dinner informed his fater to wake him up after 3 hours to take his turn to keep the watch, went into the pond and started floating on top of it.
"Is he crazy. Why is he floating on top of the water?" Henna asked looking at the pond
"He is definitely crazy. Infact he slept like that on the pond behind our house almost for the whole year." Kate sighed.
"What?!!!" Everyone including Simon, Martha and Fiona asked in shock and wonder.
"Yes. He always says he feel one with the nature when he is sleeping like that. Stupid Nic." Kate grumbled with a defeated sigh.
"I need to learn that art of sleeping on top of water too." Fred said shaking his head ...