Darian and Remira arrived at the valley in a few minutes. Everyone waited, anxious and scared, huddled in a corner like animals being led to the slaughter.
Around them stood Hirel and some of his soldiers, all with cold stares, making sure no one tried to run.
When the two of them arrived, all eyes turned to Darian. He waved with a slight smile:
"Don't be so scared. The poison pill will only take full effect and kill you after a day. If you pass today's training, I'll give the antidote before then."
Everyone swallowed hard. A day? They were more afraid of dying before that deadline.
"Let's not waste any more time. But first, we need to warm up a bit," Darian said calmly, looking at the dozens of disciples.
Then he looked around until he found a thick fallen branch.
He walked over, picked it up and snapped off the thinner end, leaving it the size of a sword blade.
