The day had begun like any other day at the camp, with everyone going about their businesses until it was time for combat class. Ever since he got here, Riven had tried to reconcile his own rebellious spirit with some rigid structure of this camp. Then, there's his respect for Vaelorian that has been slowly building up. He would definitely deny it to the grave if asked, but combat class is his favorite so far, and that's probably because Vaelorian is their instructor.
As the class progressed, Riven's attention was drawn to a bigger, brutish kid who seemed to be making trouble for others, always. It was low-key but you'd notice it right away if you were a professional troublemaker like Riven. The kid's comments about Vaelorian were always so misleading, but Riven hadn't really minded because he, too, had his own misgivings about Vaelorian from the beginning. But it was no longer just a few snide remarks—the guy was really pushing it, and Riven's patience was wearing thin.
Riven clenched his fists, but before he could do anything Vaelorian beat him to it.
"Kaelen, would you like to share what you just said with everyone?" Vaelorian asked, his eyes fixed intently on the guy.
Kaelen, caught unawares, shifted uncomfortably but quickly regained his composure.
"I was just talking about how this whole thing is so unfair," he grumbled, gesturing to the surrounding campers, who watched intently, sensing the tension. His minions nodded in agreement.
"What is unfair, if I may ask?" Vaelorian's calm response made him appear unfazed. His voice resonated throughout the yard, firm and charismatic.
Kaelen gestured wildly, his voice rising. "All of this! You and I are the same age. Why should I have to be trained by you, huh? Shouldn't they give us someone more qualified?"
Vaelorian's reply was slow and deliberate, making sure Kaelen understood him.
"I know it's your first time here, Kaelen. But I assure you I'm very much qualified for this position."
Kaelen muttered something under his breath, and Vaelorian's eyes narrowed.
"What was that? I didn't quite catch that."
Kaelen's voice was taunting, his words dripping with malice when he spoke again.
"I said you're here acting like some big shot when you got handed this position simply because you're a Prince."
Riven's blood boiled, and he clenched his fists, ready to march over to the guy. But Vaelorian's calm and commanding voice spoke in his head.
"Don't do anything rash, Riven."
What's wrong with this guy? Is he really not going to defend himself? Riven thought, fists clenched as he still felt the urge to march up and give Kaelen a piece of his mind. But again, Vaelorian's calm voice interrupted his thoughts as he spoke out loud.
"You're right, Kaelen," Vaelorian began, and Kaelen smirked, thinking he'd gotten an upper hand but Vaelorian continued. "While there's some truth to what you said, I think you've misinterpreted the whole thing."
"What do you mean?" Kaelen asked, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his arrogance. Riven's own mind was racing— where was Vaelorian headed with this?
Vaelorian's response was calm and collected as always.
"I'm saying you misinterpreted the fact that I got this position because I'm the Prince, which would be very wrong. Being the Prince is my birthright; I cannot change that, nor do I use it to gain favors. However, since you insist otherwise, we have to do something to change your mind. Is that fair?" Vaelorian asked addressing everyone.
The other kids chorused their agreement, and Vaelorian asked...
"So, what will it be?"
Kaelen looked surprised, "You're letting me choose?" he asked, skepticism lacing his tone.
Vaelorian nodded, "Of course. I'll agree with whatever you choose, you have my word."
Kaelen smirked, thinking he'd gotten the better end of the bargain.
"Alright then, I choose...one-on-one with you."
Riven's eyes widened, and he thought, Oh, he's so fucking dead!
"One-on-one with me? Vaelorian asked calmly, "Are you sure?"
"Of course, I can even give you a handicap." Kaelen declared proudly.
Vaelorian's response was dry, "Oh! A handicap. How generous of you."
Then, Vaelorian did something unexpected. "Riven? Come here, please."
"What are you doing?" Kaelen asked confused.
I would like to know the answer to that question too, Riven thought.
"You offered me a handicap, I'm simply taking it," Vaelorian said, his voice laced with amusement.
Riven's mind was racing as he walked towards Vaelorian.
"He's your handicap? How?" Kaelen asked.
Vaelorian's response was calm still, "I'll only take you on, one-on-one if you manage to knock Riven off his feet."
Riven's eyes widened in surprise, and he exclaimed mentally, "Are you out of your freaking mind? He's going to crush my fragile body. What are you thinking?"
Kaelen's grin turned sinister. "Knock him off his feet? Oh, this should be fun!" he sneered, rubbing his hands together like a predator sizing up its prey.
Vaelorian's response was calm as he spoke into Riven's head, "Just relax!"
"Relax? How can I relax right now? Why are you so relaxed?" Riven screamed in his head. He was fucking freaking out!
Vaelorian's response was measured, "Everything is going to be just fine. Haven't you noticed?"
"Huh? Noticed what?" Riven snapped mentally, frustration bubbling over.
"Your speed. You've become faster," Vaelorian said gently.
Riven blinked. "What are you talking about…?"
And then it hit him. He's right! His senses sharpened, his muscles tingling with newfound agility. Is the training working? He could feel the change, the rush of adrenaline, the surge of confidence.
"Just do what I would do," Vaelorian instructed in his mind, a silent guide.
"Are we doing this or not?" Kaelen's impatient question interrupted their mental link.
"Use your training." Vaelorian's voice was clear, commanding. Then, gently, he nudged Riven forward.
Kaelen sneered at Riven, "Don't take this personally, little guy, but I'm going to kick your ass." Riven scoffed, defiance flaring.
"Hate to burst your bubble, dude. But there's only one guy allowed to kick my ass and it's not you." Riven replied cheekily.
Vaelorian almost cracked a smile, that mouth of his always has something smart to say, he thought, a small smile playing on his lips.
Both boys stared at each other, tension thick in the air. The signal was given, and Kaelen charged.
"Move!" Vaelorian's mental command was the last thing Riven heard before everything changed.
In a split second, Riven found himself standing on the opposite side of the training area, Kaelen looking just as confused as he was. The other kids were stunned, their eyes wide with amazement. Kaelen's face turned red with anger and frustration.
"What the...?" he muttered, looking around in confusion, he was practically hugging the air.
Riven, on the other hand, was still trying to process what had just happened. One moment he was facing Kaelen, and the next, he was on the other side of the room. He looked at Vaelorian, who seemed to be enjoying the show.