Page 19 of Ava's Love of the Dragons
Indeed, it wasn't a bad place to gain basic knowledge of self-defense. Ava let her gaze wander searchingly over the facility. "Who trains them?"
While Marcus shook his head contemptuously and crossed his arms over his chest, Lilly was already pointing to a figure standing in the shadows. The small person made an inconsequential impression, which was why they could easily be overlooked. Moreover, their back was turned to them.
"Master Boom!" Lilly's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Ava laughed. "That's not his real name, is it?"
The girl observed the inconspicuous trainer, a similar admiration in her eyes as when facing her great hero. "Of course not, but he's legendary because he's trained the best dragon fighters for decades."
"Let me guess, Kilian was also trained by him."
"Of course!"
"Why is Master Boom teaching here, then, and not at the official training facility?"
Marcus snorted in disgust. "Because he was caught using magic!"
Ava raised her eyebrows, while Lilly shrugged a shoulder. "It was never proven, but the rumor was enough for the king. I bethis co-trainer spread the claim, because he's been training the aspiring dragon fighters ever since. And he's not even half as good as Master Boom. Now come on, let's go! You want to learn how to fight, don't you, Ava?"
She hesitated, and Marcus held her back by the arm, his finger raised in warning. "I don't believe someone would spread such a devastating rumor without reason. If there's any truth to it, he could betray you to Elora. I doubt it's worth the risk. We can't trust him."
Thoughtfully, Ava looked from him to Lilly and then to the arena. She knew what she had to do. She needed to learn how to fight if she didn't want to be a pawn any longer. And since only a few students trained with the master, she would at least remain undetected for a while. Determinedly, she squared her shoulders.
"There's only one way to find out."
Marcus's eyes widened in horror. "You want to go to him?"
"Yes, because false rumors are spread about me too. But I understand if you don't want to come along."
He clenched his jaw. Nevertheless, he immediately tensed his body and nodded. "Of course I'm coming with you and keeping an eye on the trainer and the facility. I promised to protect you and accompany you wherever your path may lead, and I will."
Lilly clapped her hands. "Well, that's settled then. Now let's go! If we're lucky, we'll be invited to lunch."
A trail led down the rocks. Less than ten minutes passed before they were standing in front of the gigantic gate, which even a dragon might have fit through—not Kilian's huge fire dragon, but the smaller ones.
Ava couldn't help but think of her newly hatched dragon. Surely it was doing well. It was safe and hopefully growing up far from any power struggles. It was sensible that their paths had separated. Still, her heart felt heavy.
She quickly pushed the feeling aside.
Lilly raised her fist and hammered against the gate wings, making them clatter. The sound echoed through the area, accompanied by occasional groans and sword blades from the arena. Time dragged on until finally, the gate opened. In the narrow gap between the gate wings appeared a woman Ava's age with short black hair. She smiled kindly and seemed far too delicate and gentle to be expected in a combat arena.
"Good day, what do you wish?"
Ava pointed to the arena. "We want to talk to the master."
The stranger eyed them closely before nodding and opening the gate wide to let them in. "He's training right now, but he'll have a break in half an hour. You can watch until then."
"Awesome!" Lilly immediately jumped into the arena.
The woman locked the gate behind them—which Ava observed with an uneasy feeling—and turned to them smiling. "By the way, I'm Lynn."
"Ava. And these are Marcus and Lilly."
They followed Lilly, who had already reached the stands and secured the spot with the best view of the arena.
"Is that your daughter?"
Marcus grinned and wanted to link arms with Ava, but she crossed her arms over her body. "We're traveling companions."
