Saevra climbed a little farther up the ridge until she could see between the trunks for upcoming enemies. Varelya soon followed and took a place below her to protect her when needed.
Theo stayed in the middle of the path. Rhevard moved a few steps to his right while Osric went left and picked up the loose end of a dead branch.
Before Theo had time to ask him why he did that, Tavian appeared before Theo.
He looked a little older than most of the students Theo had met that morning, broad in the shoulders, with the blunt sword held low. One teammate came behind him. The other three remained in the trees.
Tavian noticed Theo first, and soon his eyes moved to the academy sword and then to the empty space around him.
"Theo Merrick," he spoke. "What a privilege to meet you here. Where is that mantis of yours?"
Theo pulled up his poker face and smiled. "Have we met?"
"Well, it is important to survey the enemy and you made quite the ruckus in the arena records."
