Windsweeper, the Tempest Warrior of the Sky Children tribe, one of the mightiest of Aeroquill tribes, sat atop a large warm stone boulder at the edge of the training ground, his sky-blue eyes observing the martial assessment below. One of the three Sky Warriors testing Skyheart had just been sent flying backward.

  The young warrior who had the appearance of a fifteen-year-old landed hard on the packed earth and became more acquainted with the specks of dust in the cloud that greeted his ‘knock’. The remaining two immediately pressed their advantage, not giving Skyheart a moment to celebrate his hit.

  Their wooden staffs spun in coordinated arcs, cutting through the air from different angles. Skyheart ducked low under the first strike, using his momentum to sweep his leg at the nearest attacker’s ankle. The Sky Warrior’s stance was broken, causing him to stumble, but unfortunately for Skyheart, he did not fall. Skyheart didn’t have the time to feel disappointed as he had to dive sideways to avoid the second warrior’s downward strike that cracked against the ground where he’d just been.

  Their staffs cracked against his in a rapid rhythm of wood on wood, forcing him to constantly pivot and backpedal.

  Good, he has improved a lot, Windsweeper thought pleasantly while watching the exchange.

  Skyheart’s breathing had grown heavier over the past several minutes of combat. His robes were dusty from the multiple times he’d rolled across the ground, his arms heavy from continuous blocks, and a bruise was already forming on his left shoulder from a hit he’d only partially blocked. But his movements remained sharp. When the warrior on his right overextended on a thrust, Skyheart trapped the staff under his arm and yanked forward, pulling the man off balance. A quick elbow to the ribs sent him stumbling back, gasping.

  The remaining two immediately adjusted their spacing, but Skyheart had already shifted his stance. He feinted high at one, then swept low at the other’s legs. The Sky Warrior jumped the sweep but landed awkwardly, giving Skyheart the opening to crack his staff across the man’s guard, sending him sliding back. All three warriors regrouped once more, their own breathing labored, sweat dripping from their faces. They’d been at this for nearly ten minutes, and while they’d landed their share of hits, Skyheart was still standing strong.

  “Enough,” Windsweeper stated.

  The three Sky Warriors bowed slightly, spinning their staffs once before thumping them against the ground. Skyheart stopped as well, performing the same gesture of respect.

  “Good work, junior brother! You’ve definitely improved. You’ve earned my recommendation, no question about it. Do the three of you agree?” Windsweeper pulled his staff to himself using the wind from the rock below.

  The three Sky Warriors looked up and gave smiles.

  “You’ve gotten a lot better, Skyheart,” one of them said.

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  “Don’t get too cocky—we’ll catch up to you sooner or later,” the second added.

  “I’m quite content as a Sky Warrior,” the third one said with a shrug.

  Skyheart gave a beaming smile. “Chirp chirp!” came Sky Child’s call.

  Skyheart stared up at his friend and said, “Oh, Grandma is already here? Okay, I’m heading there now.”

  The Sky Warriors followed, as did Windsweeper.

  “And why are you three tagging along?” Windsweeper asked.

  “I have nothing better to do,” one said.

  “I’m scared of getting beaten up by my big brother again,” another admitted.

  The third shrugged. “I have no reason. Just because.”

  Windsweeper sighed.

  “ThirdMellow, you have plenty to do, for example more training? Or helping out somewhere?.” Windsweeper looked at the first Skywarrior, then the second and third.

  “Begotwind your brother is trying to prepare you, and Pel… actually nevermind im wasting my breath.” he shrugged.

  They continued their walk between some trees for a few more minutes, Skyheart pushing aside a few branches along the way. The sound of rushing water grew louder with each step, and after passing several trees that blocked his view, he suddenly gazed upon a waterfall cascading down weathered rocks into a clear pool below. Fish darted through the waters, their shadows flickering across the rocky bottom.

  Smooth boulders lined the edges, creating a natural bridge from one side of the water to the other, with water flowing between the stones. The pool stayed roughly chest-deep throughout, its waters kept bright with air by the pounding waterfall, allowing fish to dart easily through the currents.

  Elder Feather stood on one of the larger rocks. Beside her was Skysong.

  Windsweeper walked beside Skyheart, and the three Sky Warriors appeared next. Their eyes immediately locked onto Skysong, one of them letting his mouth fall open. Windsweeper quickly raised a breeze with his Aeroquill to shut the man’s jaw.

  “Show some respect,” he said quietly. “You are in the presence of Elder Feather, and the leader of this generation’s Skywalkers—Skysong.

  Windsweeper continued as he gave a low bow. The three Sky Warriors, still stunned by Skysong’s beauty, barely registered what he’d said.

  Skyheart, on the other hand, raised his eyebrows high. He knew Skysong was exceptionally skilled, but he hadn’t realized she was the leader of this generation’s Skywalkers. That was news to him.

  “I take it you have given your approval Windsweeper?” she asked.

  “I have, Elder,” Windsweeper confirmed with a respectful bow. “Junior brother Skyheart’s martial skills are ready.”

  “Good.” Elder Feather’s gaze settled on Skyheart. “Then let us not waste any more time. We move to the Aeroquill assessment.”

  “Skyheart, step forward,” Elder Feather said.

  Skyheart felt his stomach tighten slightly. The martial test had been simple and straightforward—hit people with sticks, don’t get hit too badly yourself. But now was the Aeroquill test, and he knew a measure of control would be a part of it. This was a weakness he knew very well he had.

  Windsweeper gently pushed the three Sky Warriors back to stand by the trees as Skyheart walked forward.

  “I will now begin testing your Aeroquill,” Elder Feather announced.

  Skyheart gave a proper bow. “I’m ready,” he said.