Chapter 82: Dravenhart elders
As Axelius lounged at the table, lazily picking at the fruit bowl placed in front of him, a sudden shift in the crowd’s murmurs caught his attention. A wave of awe swept across the gathering like a strong wind brushing through tall grass.
"Whoa," Owen breathed, bouncing once on Axelius’s shoulder.
Axelius turned his head and followed Owen’s gaze. The crowd parted slightly as a young woman entered with steady steps. She was tall for her age, her long red hair braided over one shoulder, and her golden eyes gleaming with sharp awareness. A long dark coat trimmed in silver fluttered gently with each step, and behind her padded a majestic beast—part wolf, part feline, with white fur streaked with silver and glowing eyes.
"That’s her! That’s her!" Owen whispered excitedly. "That’s Naelia Dravenhart! She’s only fifteen, but she’s already called the greatest tamer! Her beast companion was born from an elemental egg—super rare! She’s the pride of your branch."
Axelius leaned his cheek on his fist, watching as nobles of all ranks, even knights and tutors, stepped forward to greet the girl. Some bowed, others gave respectful nods, and a few younger nobles whispered excitedly behind their hands. Naelia greeted them all with calm courtesy, not overly warm, but not cold either. Her presence carried a quiet confidence.
"She’s one of the direct descendants of Lucian Dravenhart," Owen added, voice filled with admiration. "You know, The famous battle archmage who tamed six elemental beasts and founded half the techniques modern tamers use now? Well The Grand Duke, came from Lucian’s brother—different lines, same root."
"I know him okay, He’s Lorian twin brother. The hero"
Axelius’s gaze lingered on Naelia’s beast, which moved smoothly at her side like a shadow. "Huh."
"She’s already gone through awakening at the Kingdom of Solara," Owen continued, bouncing a little. "The kingdom known for its light mages. Every noble child gets sent there when they turn seven for the Grand Awakening Ceremony but her she awakened at age 4. If their mana is strong, they awaken early with great power—and if they don’t..." Owen paused. "Well, you know how it goes."