Chapter 6: The First egg
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Lowmoor academy's stone walls vanished behind Zephyr in the pale light of dawn as he hiked east along the disused service road that wound through the academy's game reserve.
A chill breeze swept across the frost silvered scrub, carrying the distant cries of winter thrushes and, somewhere far off, the deep boom of an earth bound ursine beast greeting the morning.
He moved at a brisk pace, pack thumping against his spine, thoughts racing faster than his boots. Yesterday the Bound Beast System had issued its first quest, 'Form a true bond; unlock the bloodline' and Zephyr intended to answer it before doubt or bureaucracy could slam another gate in his face.
Getting out had taken a sliver of cunning. Wren's transfer paperwork bought him leniency, but not freedom; caretakers were still expected on shift. Before sunrise he visited Fenna in the north dormitory, tapping lightly on her window until she cracked the shutters and blinked sleepy hazel eyes at him.
"Fenna, I want to go outside the academy." he informed her.
"You're sneaking out," she murmured, pulling a wool shawl tighter around her shoulders. "Tell me you aren't going alone."
"I have to," Zephyr whispered back. "I want to find a beast to tame. Can you cover for me?"
He thinks,"The system's objective won't wait. If I don't bring back a potential bond before inspections tighten again, the chance might slip."
Fenna gnawed her lip, then shoved a canvas pouch through the gap. "Wild care kit. Dried calm leaf, stitched bandages, did you take those with you? I know you are a strong man. So, I won't stop you. But you shouldn't be reckless. Try to tame a small and low rank beast. Promise me you will come back to me without any injuries."
He swore it and managed a faint smile. Her trust was like a boost to him, warmed him as he set out through the frost. "I promise, I won't be reckless."