The day of parting

After Apophis reached the village, he told everyone to get some rest.

The parents came to collect their children, and the children showed them what they had accomplished that day.

Apophis, meanwhile, discussed with the old chief how to handle the new class that would soon emerge within the clan.

"Old chief, you have no idea how well our children did." Apophis gestured excitedly as he described everything that had happened at the Eternal Elves' outpost.

The old chief listened quietly to Apophis's account.

"What's wrong, old chief? You don't look happy."

"You've only seen one side of things," the old chief said, looking at Apophis.

"One side? Is there another?" Apophis asked.

"Have you thought about what things will be like once these mages grow up?"

"Hmm, by then our clan will be immensely powerful," Apophis said in all seriousness.

"Apophis, you are an honorable warrior. Integrity and fairness will guide you throughout your life. That is why I chose you as chief."

"But you still have much to learn. I can't teach you these things; you'll have to find your own way."

"The conflict between mages and warriors cannot be reconciled. Mages will fight to gain more for themselves, while warriors will seek to protect their standing in the people's hearts."

"I know all that, but it's not something I need to worry about. All I understand is that with the mages' help, my people can live better lives and have more food. Our people won't leave us because of the cold in winter."

"The conflict between mages and warriors is a problem for future chiefs to worry about. Relax, old chief. Our descendants will have their own fortunes; why worry so much?" Apophis returned to his carefree self and patted the old chief on the shoulder.

"That's true. I was overthinking it. I'll be long gone by then," the old chief said with a smile.

"By the way, have the children eaten?" the old chief asked.

"No, but Brother Jarod prepared food for them. It's in the packs they're carrying."

"They've helped us a great deal. We must give them something of equal value in return. Letting our brothers give without receiving anything in return isn't our tribe's tradition."

"Then tomorrow I'll lead the hunting party to bring down more game. Beast hides would make a good gift, and the herbs in the jungle would be a wonderful addition," Apophis said after thinking for a moment.

"That's a good idea, but be careful. Make sure the tribe has enough supplies first. Only a fool would put on a show of wealth he doesn't have."

"They'll be staying here for a long time. We have plenty of time to prepare gifts for our brothers."

The old chief said.

"I understand. I'll put the clan's interests first."

"All right, go get some rest. You must be tired after today."

"Then I'll be off. Today wore me out." With that, Apophis yawned.

"Go on, go on," the old chief said, looking at the thoroughly exhausted Apophis.

And so, in the days that followed, Apophis led the hunting party into the forest each morning, while the old chief took a group of older warriors to escort the mage apprentices to and from their lessons.

After receiving another letter from Jarod, Snyder also sent the Druids and Shamans requested in the letter, along with some hunter troops, to help Apophis establish farms and pastures.

Time flew, and in the blink of an eye, ten years had passed.

The farms and pastures of Apophis's tribe had long since been completed, and they no longer had to worry about food. At Jarod's suggestion, the small village had also been developed into a simple city, with walls built to keep danger out.

"All right, that concludes today's lesson. You don't need to come back anymore," the Eternal Elf mage told the Vrykul apprentices.

"What's wrong, teacher? Did we upset you?" asked the little girl with a great talent for the Arcane.

Though it was no longer fitting to call her a little girl. She was sixteen now, a young woman.

"You're ready to complete your apprenticeship. From now on, each of you is a qualified mage."

"Always remember that a mage must keep the heart of an apprentice at all times. Only then will you go further."

"All right, there's no need to be sad. All gatherings must come to an end," the Eternal Elf mage said, seeing the sadness in the Vrykul apprentices' eyes.

"We still need to continue learning from you," the "petite" Vrykul said.

"The rest is for you to explore on your own in the course of your lives."

"These are our insights into magic. They'll help you continue your studies," the Eternal Elf mage said, pointing to the books on the lectern.

The Eternal Elf mage began handing out the accounts best suited to each apprentice.

As he handed one to each person, he went over their strengths and weaknesses and offered some of his own insights.

Once he had handed them all out, the Eternal Elf mage sent them home.

After the apprentices had all left, his brothers and friends came over.

"What's it like being a teacher?" a friend beside him teased.

"It feels all right. I'm just a little reluctant to part with them after spending so long together." His words betrayed some sadness.

"All right, don't be sad. We're a long-lived race. Ten years is nothing to us, but to a short-lived race, ten years is already a part of their lives."

"Try not to form unnecessary attachments. They'll only bring you more trouble," his friend said, comforting him.

"I understand. I just can't quite accept it yet."

"All right, hurry and pack. We'll be leaving for home in a day or two," his brother said.

"Yes, we're finally going home." The Eternal Elf mage smiled faintly.

"How are the ship repairs coming along?" Jarod asked.

"They're almost finished. We expect to be ready to sail after you've said farewell to Chief Apophis," the adjutant beside him replied.

"Good. I'll say goodbye to Apophis tomorrow, and then we're going home!" When Jarod said the word "home," all the elves present cheered.

Seeing how happy the elves around him were, Jarod smiled too.

The children away from home were finally going back, and everyone was happy.

Jarod also prepared to meet the person he had been set up with. He hoped it was the person he had in mind.

A graceful figure had always lingered in Jarod's heart. The sight of her wielding a moonblade and killing enemies on the battlefield fascinated him.

He just didn't know whether her mount was still as hostile toward him. After all, it was the apple of her eye.

(Can everyone guess who Jarod's girlfriend is?)

When the mage apprentices returned to their town and told Apophis that Jarod was leaving, Apophis summoned his trusted followers and hurried over with the gifts they had accumulated over the years.