Morning was beginning to creep into the forest, light reflecting off the leaves. The crew was preparing for training, while Morir reviewed the symbols on the Black Jewel.
"I feel stronger today," Darius said, brandishing his sword. "Perhaps because we're far from the palace."
"Don't be fooled by the calm," Kallias replied, scanning the horizon. "The island never sleeps."
"Morrer," Nikos said, opening his bag. "Do you think your brothers will come today?"
"My father doesn't wait long… He'll probably send Orman first," Morir replied calmly.
"My father doesn't wait long… He'll probably send Orman first."
*
"Orman? What's so special about him?" Romulus said, scribbling in his notebook.
"He plans quietly, doesn't talk much, but he never misses a beat," Morir replied.
"Then let's spread out around the hideout," Linus said, rising. "We don't want to be caught off guard."
Darius said, laughing, "Let him come... I'll welcome him in my own way!"
Callias said sharply, "Don't underestimate someone raised in the House of Markor."
*
An hour later, they heard soft footsteps among the trees.
"Someone is approaching," Nikos whispered.
"Get ready... Don't attack until we're sure," Linus said.
A man emerged from the trees, wearing a gray cloak, his face calm, his eyes carefully scanning the area.
"It's Orman," Morir said in a low voice.
"Beautiful... He came himself," Darius said, drawing his sword.
*
"Orman," Orman said, approaching, "... I didn't expect betrayal to be easy for you."
"Not betrayal... but a choice," Morir replied firmly.
"My father sent me to bring you back... or to finish what you started," Orman said. Linus said, advancing, "You won't take him. He's with us now."
Orman stared at Linus, "You don't know what you've gotten yourself into."
*
Romelius whispered to Callias, "Shall we attack?"
Callias replied, "No... Let Linus speak first."
Linus said, "We're not looking for conflict... but we won't retreat."
Orman said, "Then there'll be no more talking."
*
Orman rushed toward Darius, blocking him with his sword.
"At last!" Darius laughed.
"Don't get too excited... He doesn't fight carelessly," said Callias, standing beside him.
*
Orman moved briskly, attacking and then retreating, watching their movements.
"Fire!" said Nikos, waving a torch.
Morrer said,
"Orman isn't afraid of fire… but he hates the light."
"Then light all the torches!" said Linus.
*
The crew began to light the place, and Orman was forced to retreat a little.
"He's retreating!" said Romulus.
"I won't fight you here… but I'll be back," said Orman, retreating.
"Tell Father… that I've chosen my path," said Morrer, staring at him.
"Your path will not be easy… nor safe," said Orman, before disappearing into the trees.