Chapter 35: A Busy Day
The next morning, after Alaric explained his plan to the girls, everyone was prepared to set out on their own paths.
Alaric took Aurevia, Serineth, and Cellione and headed toward the Verdant Veil for their training, leaving Virellen behind for a later purpose.
First, he dropped Cellione and Serineth off at the Inner Forest, telling them he would return before dusk. Then, with Aurevia alone, he traveled deeper into the Core Forest.
There, still in the destroyed mountaincave, he sought out the Golden Serpent Dragon. He requested the beast to act as Aurevia's training dummy. The Dragon, silent but aware, gazed upon the girl and agreed without words.
Leaving Aurevia under the dragon's care, Alaric departed once more, weaving through the forest shadows until he returned to his mansion. Virellen was already waiting in the courtyard, as if she'd sensed his arrival.
He landed without fanfare. The moment his boots touched stone, Virellen stepped forward.
"Welcome back, Master,"
She greeted. Alaric just nodded and said.
"Come with me,"
Alaric said.
"We're going to the slave market."