Morning sun filtered through the leafy canopy of the Redhaven Guild training yard as Liam and Tomlin joined the other rookies. The group stood in a rough circle, each in simple gear. Liam hefted his worn wooden shield on one arm and his sword in the other, while Tomlin lightly tested the polished new spear in his hand. Around them other hopefuls shifted into light armor, leather straps catching stray sunlight. Both boys felt the same mix of nerves and determination in the crisp morning air.
A grizzled instructor named Gregor clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. His voice was rough like worn leather. "Remember," he barked, "survival is more important than flair." There was no room for showboating in this test. Liam glanced at Tomlin with a small grin; they knew Gregor's words meant he expected them to think carefully, not rush headlong. Tomlin rolled his shoulders. He was eager.
The first trial was an obstacle course. A set of swinging ropes, low walls, and narrow beams stretched across the clearing. Tomlin took off quickly, hunger for speed in his eyes. Halfway through the rope swing, Tomlin lost his footing and felt himself tipping. In a heartbeat Liam reacted. He dashed forward and caught his friend's arm, steadying him. Tomlin grabbed the rope hard and climbed back onto the platform. They both landed on the mats with grins, hearts pounding. A few spectators snickered, but Gregor only nodded gruffly.
Next came the simulated rescue mission. A wooden dummy stood chained in the center of a circle, meant to be a fake monster guarding a captive. The air smelled faintly of straw and paint. Liam stepped forward with his shield raised. He looked carefully with his Eye, noting subtle cues. When Tomlin muttered, Liam tensed; the dummy's head jerked toward the sound. "It reacts to sound," Liam whispered, eyes narrowed. "Distract it with noise."
The other rookies dived into action. A cocky young man named Fennis puffed his chest out. "Enough of this!" Fennis sneered, drawing his slender sword. "I'll show you all what strength is!" He charged forward with theatrical flourish, but the dummy creaked and reached out with scrawny wooden arms. Fennis's sword clanged off the metal binding on the dummy's jaw. With a surprisingly loud groan, the dummy swung out and knocked Fennis aside. The brat squealed as he tumbled onto the ground, straw poking from holes in the dummy's base and from his own torn shirt.
Meanwhile Liam and Tomlin played it safe. Tomlin clapped his hands on the far side, catching the dummy's attention. As it swiveled, Liam dashed in with his shield and pushed it aside. Tomlin freed the pretend captive, a fellow trainee, from the ropes. Success was quiet and precise, exactly as Gregor had said. When it was over, Gregor grunted, "Well done."
The final part was a verbal evaluation by a senior hunter sitting at a simple wooden table. The sun beat down as Liam and Tomlin answered questions about strategy, bravery, and trust. Liam spoke calmly and thoughtfully, describing how he would help fellow hunters and choose safety over glory. Tomlin admitted frankly, "I'm not the smartest among us, but I trust Liam to think of a plan." The old hunter gave a hint of a smile at that.
By midday it was finished. Gregor issued the verdict, grunting, "You boys pass." He handed each of them a rough cloth pouch. Inside glinted a small bronze tag, stamped with the guild emblem. Liam and Tomlin looked at the tokens in wonder. Their first official hunter badges, given by a man who believed in them.
Outside the training yard the two friends walked side by side. Tomlin rubbed the little bronze coin between his fingers, disbelief in his voice. "Hard to believe that little bronze coin means we're hunters now," he said softly. Liam looked at the tiny badge, then at Tomlin. "It means we've started," he replied with a grin.