The Test

While we are laughing, I notice two men at Haka's side who were not in the audience during the fight. And from a distance, it seems that they are talking about us. The first one is wearing a golden suit and he has a bluish coat on his shoulders that goes down to his ankles, his collar is orange and reminds us of the petals of a poppy. His military cap, the same colour as his coat, lets out some rather elegant blond highlights. The second is quite the opposite, his black clothes bring out his red buttons. He has on his shoulders, a kind of cape on one side red and on the other black with a yellow crescent moon. His fists are clenched in leather gloves, suggesting a rather cold man. As for his cap, it does not let several brown locks stick out and I also notice that he has a mask over his right eye.

I imagine it must be the captain and commander. The question now is who is who? I will ask the others.

-In your opinion, which of the two men next to Captain Haka is the captain and who is the commander?

-Um... I think the guy in gold is the commander. Said Hirion.

-Funny, I would have thought the opposite, the man in black looks more authoritative and less relaxed. Adds Lyra

-I don't see how that means he's the boss. I think more like Hirion, the golden outfit is more commanding. Reply Pold.

-In any case, they don't seem to like each other. Continue Zoe

-Why do you say that Zoe? asks Pold.

-Look at the man in black, he doesn't say anything and as soon as the man in gold speaks, he looks in our direction and stops listening.

-The only thing we can be sure of is that the guy in black doesn't seem to be a talker unlike the other one who doesn't stop talking. Having fun Wistom.

-I think the captain is waving at us, we have to go.

So the others follow me, we walk towards the three men, while they seem to be analysing us from head to toe as we make our way towards them. The two characters are at the antipodes of each other. One smiles and seems to greet us with kindness while the other seems not to want us at all.

-Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to Captain Okata and Commander Promethy.

-Pleased to meet you. Zoe and Pold, I'm going to ask you to come with me because we have a lot of work to do. We say Commander Promethey.

-See you guys later. Said Zoe smiling at us.

-See you soon, don't worry. Finish Pold by following the commander while taking Zoe's hand.

-For my part, I am Captain Okata. I want you to know that if I find myself in charge of a team, it is against my will so don't expect any form of empathy from me. You are now soldiers and you will be treated as such. Have I made myself clear?

-Yes, Captain Okata. We answer in unison.

-Good, then follow me. We're going for a little walk in the forest.

So we go around the arena and then we go to the forest around the training ground.

-It doesn't look very convenient. Hirion whispers.

-No, that's the least we can say. I answer him.

-Maybe, but he's our superior so we have to obey him. We answer Lyra.

-Yes, you're right. Let's keep a low profile and especially you Wistom.

-I imagine that you must be saying to each other right now. No, but what a cowhide. We really haven't had any luck running into a guy like that. And you're not entirely wrong. I'm a cowhide. I'm even sectarian, cold and sometimes misogynistic.

-It's off to a good start. Let go of Lyra.

-But if I'm doing this, it's to prevent you from dying too soon in the field.

-This guy doesn't reassure me at all. Said Hirion in a low voice.

-We are starting to sink into a forest that doesn't reassure me at all. Said Wistom.

-Why is that?

-Don't you hear whistling sounds?

-No why?

-I think there are snakes here.

-We'll stop here.

We are in the middle of a luxuriant forest, we could even talk about a jungle because the vegetation is so wild and not at all familiar to us. Most of the plants that surround us are completely unknown to me. Only Hirion seems to be at home with his shining eyes. Lyra also wonders what we're doing here, but the best thing is Wistom's face, who imagines that there are snakes, which he is scared to death of.

-Very good. To see what you are capable of outside of a fight, you will have to survive in this forest and meet me at the other end of it by a lake.

-Are we allowed to have equipment? I ask

-Your arms and your abilities.

-Ah well, no thanks. Answer Hirion.

-Not even a captain's knife? Continue Wistom.

-I'll see you tomorrow. At best.

Suddenly a screen of black smoke gushes up all around us. We cough several times before it dissipates and we notice that the captain has disappeared.

-Quite a joker that one. Ironise Wistom.

-To say the least. Complains Lyra.

-We're going to have to organize ourselves a bit and stay alert.

-I agree with you Myo. Hirion, don't you know a little bit about the plants that are in this forest so that we can use them?

-You know, most of the time you used to make fun of me because of my love for Lyra plants.

-Only when you prefer them to girls your own age. Laughs Wistom.

-Come on, don't get upset. You know very well that it was always under the tone of humour.

-Well... I have indeed seen some interesting plants.

-There you go. That's the Hirion we need.

-But you promise to make fun of my passion in the future.

-I promise.

-Promise.

-I can't promise something I know I won't keep. Said Wistom.

-And Wistom will make an effort. Says Lyra, giving him a little pat on the back of the head.

-Ouch.

-Well, first we need to know which direction to go in. I tell them.

-Yes, there's no point in getting tired if you're going in the wrong direction.

-I can climb up a big tree and try to see which direction it's in.

-Not silly and with my bubbles I should be able to help you get there without too much difficulty.

-Go ahead. Wistom and I will go around the area to see if there are any interesting things to pick up.

-It works, but don't go too far away. Worries Lyra.

-Don't worry, we are warriors now. Answer Wistom.

-That's what worries me.

On that note, we move away from Hirion who starts to climb the tree behind us, turning his whole body into ivy, while Lyra has made a lot of bubbles appear all around his skin, to make him feel a little lighter.

-So, what do you think of Lyra? Wistom asks me.

-Well, I...

-That's what I thought.

-And what did you think?

-That there are two of us staring at the same dessert.

-That's a fine thing, at least.

-Stop it, I saw your little wet eyes and your lips tightened when Haka hit him.

-Aren't you going to tell me that you weren't worried about her either?

-Of course I was, of course I was. That's not what I meant. Anyway, forget it.

-Maybe we'll talk about it some other time, now we have more urgent things to deal with.

We look around and look for something to eat because we are starting to feel hungry. And it would be difficult to walk for hours on an empty stomach. I pick a few berries, while Wistom picks leaves that look like mint but when in doubt, I preferred to dissuade him from tasting them.

So we come back a few minutes later, while Hirion slowly comes back down.

-You found some interesting stuff. Lyra asks us

-Not much, but it will always give us a taste. I said to him.

-I have mint but Myo doesn't want to believe me.

-I'm coming, gentlemen, to reassure you.

Hirion sets foot on the ground and starts to look human again. He approaches Wistom who holds the unknown green leaves in his hands.

-Hmm... It's lemon balm. It looks very much like mint, but it is not.

-Damn...

-But don't worry, it's edible and it's even very good for digestion.

-That's why it was good to pick them up.

-But I never said otherwise. Just don't taste it when you're not sure...

-On our side, we have good news and bad news. Say Lyra.

-Start with the good news.

-The good thing is that the lake is in that direction and is perhaps half a day's walk away.

-The bad?

-There is a huge crevasse that blocks our way. Let go of Hirion a little sad.

-There is no way around it? Ask Wistom.

-Impossible, unless we lose maybe a week or two because it seems to stretch as far as the eye can see. I'm not even sure it stops anywhere.

-Damn... And is it wide? I ask.

-Pretty much. But at this distance I couldn't tell how wide. Hirion answers me.

-Well, we know what we have to do. We walk straight towards the lake while we get something to eat and drink. Once we are in front of the crevasse, we'll decide what to do.

-Ok, then we'll go on our way, my friends. Hirion finishes by proudly taking the lead of the group.

Hirion is sometimes quite confusing, he goes from one emotion to another without delay. It must also be said that he is only a young teenager of fifteen years old. This makes him the youngest and smallest of the group. But he is far from being the least intelligent, since I have known him he has been interested in all the plants in the world. He spends his life between books and the gardens or forests that surround him. He will be able to shine here because I don't see us surviving in such a place without him, moreover, the deeper we go into the forest the less we see the sky because of the huge branches that cover our view.

For his part, Wistom continues to look at the ground to the right and left so as not to be surprised by a snake. I think he is doing well, I didn't tell him but I also heard hissing sounds that sounded like snakes.

-Ah!

Lyra has just fallen to the ground with a high-pitched cry.

-What is it Lyra?

-A snake, it bit my ankle.

-Did you see what it looked like before it bit you?

-Ah! Damn! Do you still have any good ones like that, Hirion?

-That's to see if it's poisonous.

-We won't take the risk, I'm going back in time.

I turn the dial of my watch and I find myself ten seconds before the snake has bitten Lyra.

-We all stop and you look at your feet.

-What is it Myo?

-We have snakes around us and they might bite us if we're not careful.

-Damn it! I knew it! I told you so!

-Thanks Wistom! You'll get a good point.

-What do we do now?

-We think about it and we watch out for the ground.

-Guys... let go of Hirion and shake it off.

-What Hirion? asks Wistom angrily.

-Look above us, but don't panic.

So we look up and we see an atrocious spectacle. Dozens of snakes are coiled up in branches and along tree trunks. They slip and slither along the foliage, while we try to keep our cool.

-Above all, do not move. I whisper to them.

-I promise nothing. Admits Lyra.

-What are we supposed to do in a situation like this?

-Don't provoke them and go around the area hoping it's not too big. Hirion whispers

-I think it would be a waste of time. If, like the ditch, the area is huge, we would only be wasting valuable time.

-Do you have another idea?

-No, I'm thinking.

-Uh... I think I have one.

-Seriously? Hirion is having fun. If you tell us to run straight, I'll be sorry to tell you it's called suicide.

-Let's set fire to this place. All animals are afraid of fire.

-Brilliant idea Wistom. Said Lyra.

-Thank you, I am a strategist in my spare time. Answers Wistom proudly.

-It's a good plan, except that we have nothing to start a fire.

-Uh yes... That's the flaw in my idea.

-Let's use cymorium. Said Hirion, taking out of his pocket a few red seeds.

-What is Hirion seed? asks Lyra.

-They grow on top of certain trees, it's a weed that can catch fire. It allows forests to restart and be healthier.

-What could you burn with this amount?

-Um... I would say a few branches for five minutes at most Myo.

-Perfect.

-That's suicide. Did you see how many snakes there are here? Lyra tells me.

-I agree with Lyra and it's not at all because I hate those bugs that I say that. Continue Wistom.

-It's very risky but it could work. exclaims Hirion.

-Look, we have no other solution. If we defend each other in a circle, we have a chance.

-I don't like this plan at all.

-But we don't have any other plan, and given the snakes' mouths on the branches, we should make a choice very quickly.

-Well, we have the majority. I start the fire.

Hirion rushes to the ground and crushes the seeds on branches that immediately catch fire. Each one of us takes two of them and starts and walks in the middle of this hell. I lead the way while Wistom stays behind to close it and prevent the snakes from following us too closely. The plan seems to be working but this filthy thing, around us hundreds of snakes crawl and hiss as they follow us. In front of me, the snakes take time to react and several times I am forced to give blows on the ground or in the air to frighten the most reckless. Left and right, Hirion and Lyra do the same with a certain dexterity I must admit. Lyra has swallowed her fear and doesn't let any snakes approach while Hirion insults them while hitting them on the ground.

We must be a rather unusual sight for them to take the trouble to follow us for several minutes. Little by little, our torches begin to lose their shine and frighten our monsters less and less.

-Guys, behind them they start to want to taste my calves a little too much for my taste.

-Same on the left. I even have the impression that there are more of them than at the beginning.

-Keep hope, in front there are almost none left.

-We'll have to do a few things and quickly because one of my torches has just gone out and the other one is not much better. Wistom shouts.

-I think I can do something, come closer to me and Wistom takes my torch. Orders Lyra.

So we get closer to Lyra while we keep walking. We now form a triangle as she closes her eyes and joins her hands.

-Whatever you are preparing Lyra. Do it quickly. Wistom screams.

At that very moment Lyra hits the palms of her hands on the floor and hundreds of bubbles go around us and burst at the mouths of the snakes, which recoil and slide back and forth as if they were lost.

38

-What was that? asks Hirion.

-Soap bubbles. I figured he shouldn't like them.

-You're great Lyra. I tell her.

-Thank you.

-You are too strong. Keep going Wistom.

-Stop it, I'm going to blush. Confides Lyra.

-I'm sorry, but for the time being I'd better watch out for the rest of you. Say Hirion.

-You're right, there are no more of them. Let's take the opportunity to sprint away from this place.

-All right, come on, let's go, everybody.

With these words, we all run at full speed and don't look behind us, to forget all those bugs that had dreamed of a superb dinner. The race lasts a good ten minutes where we only think of one thing, to put as much distance as possible between us and these monsters so that we don't see them again.

We can say that we are very tired of it. I catch my breath by leaning against a tree while Hirion and Lyra are leaning forward trying not to spit out their lungs. Only Wistom looks good despite the obvious side fist that he has but tries to hide as best he can.

-Do you think we're going to be dealing with dangerous stuff like this again? asks Lyra as she tries to calm her breathing.

-I think, considering the twisted teacher we've been given. exclaims Wistom.

-Funny test if you ask me. I tell them.

-That's the least we can say. Listen to me well Akota, if you can hear me, know that you are a big sadist. You almost killed four teenagers for a simple test. You sick bastard.

-Calm down, Hirion. There's no point in you getting so angry. Right now he is probably enjoying a cocktail in the sun among young soldiers. Said Wistom.

-I don't think so.

-What do you think he prefers men?

-No... That's not what I meant. I think he can't be far away observing us and assessing our level.

-I told him he's a sadist. Let go of Hirion as he collapses on his back exhausted from effort and stress.

-It's better if we don't stay here still. We might get caught again.

-I agree with you. We need to get back on the road, even if it's only by walking.

-I don't think so. Continue without me. I don't have the strength to take another step. Said Hirion.

-It's a good thing. They don't even ask you to walk. Wistom amuses himself by approaching Hirion and taking him on his right shoulder like a potato sack.

-Hey, get off me you brute. Protest Hirion.

-Sorry, but the others are right. We mustn't stay here. Answer Wistom.

Hirion finally allows himself to do it and stays on Wistom's back, arms folded and a little upset. The rest of the way is calmer and we just have to sneak through the vines and brambles. Despite the fact that Hirion still refuses to set foot on the ground, the walk goes rather well but we continue to be on our guard.

-We've been walking for almost two hours. I need a pose. Ask for Wistom.

-Ok. We're going to take five minutes to rest. I tell them.

-Are you ready to walk again Hirion? asks Lyra.

-Mmm.

-Come on, stop sulking and help me find some food instead.

-Very well, but it's good because it's you who's asking me Lyra.

-Don't go too far away. Is that understood?

-Understood Captain Myo. Laughs Lyra as she walks away with Hirion.

I don't like taking on the role of the leader but someone has to make the decisions. Otherwise we're all good for the grave.

-In the end, you're not doing so badly as chief Myo. Confiscate me Wistom.

-Thank you, Wistom. You're a great help to us too, I don't know what we would have done with Hirion without you.

-You would have slapped him around until he was motivated again. Laugh it up, Wistom.

-Maybe I would.

-What do you think he's still waiting for us?

-I don't know, Wistom. But the way I see it, we're just at the beginning of trouble.

-All right. (laughs) As the boss, you have to consider all possibilities, you know that, right?

-Yes, but why do you say that?

-We're going to come up against something much more dangerous than snakes, I'm sure of it and at that moment you'll have to make a choice.

-A choice?

-The choice of who to sacrifice.

-The choice of who to sacrifice. No, I will never leave us in a situation like that.

-Listen to me, make me a promise that if that happens. You will choose me.

-Why are you asking me such a thing?

-Because you have the best constituted brain that I know and if the situation arises, you will be able to make a logical choice and no heart. Promise me that.

-How can I promise you something like that?

-Because you know that I am a sacrificial pawn, it's like in the Shogi, you don't sacrifice the king, the general or even the horse. But the soldier, that's what he's there for.

-…

-Promise me.

-I'm sorry but I can't promise you that. But I can promise you that I will do everything I can to bring us all to the end of this adventure together. Are you reassured?

-We shall see.

I don't like this sudden loss of confidence in Wistom. It's not like him at all, on the contrary most of the time I have to make him stop because he doesn't know when to stop. But recent events and the discovery of a new world must have changed him internally.

-What's happening to you Wistom?

-... For the first time in my life I am afraid Myo. I'm afraid for me, I'm afraid for you.

-It's normal to be afraid little brother. The only thing we can do is try to overcome it. Even if we don't feel able to.

-Yes, but you are a genius. It's easy for you to think like that.

-Oh, on the contrary. The fact that you sometimes understand before others what is going to happen is an unequivocal burden, believe me, you wouldn't want it. I would gladly trade your muscles for my brain. If only to impress Lyra a little.

-Don't worry. You have already impressed her in front of Captain Haka. You impressed us all with your calm and intelligence.

-But that wasn't enough.

-And it won't always be enough. Some fights are lost in advance, that's why soldiers are made, to allow the king to retreat.

-We're back, boys. Shouts Hirion, jumping up and down.

-You're back in the saddle again, it's good to see.

-We wonder who's to blame. Ironise Wistom.

-We've brought you all the food and drink you need.

Lyra is holding some sort of purple pineapple in her arms, while Hirion is running around with a sort of huge salad in her arms.

-Have you found a camouflage outfit in your Hirion size? Laughs Wistom.

-No, sir. Let me introduce you to Cornellia Echinacea, also commonly known as "Bush Salad".

-Funny plant and you Lyra, what are these pineapples?

-They are still not pineapples but Heucherella Trillium, also known as "Heart of Walnut".

-What's the point of reading them? Lyra enjoys watching Wistom.

-Well...

-So instead of launching a philosophical debate, how would you like to break the crust? says Hirion.

-With pleasure my friends and thank you for everything. I answer them.

So we sit in a circle and eat some salad and this "pineapple" as I like to call it to annoy Hirion who is a bit fussy about the terms. This meal does us a lot of good, but I don't let my guard down and I look to the right and left while we eat and luckily we are not disturbed during our snack.

So we start walking slowly so as not to upset our stomach which is in the middle of digestion. The vegetation is more and more different as we get closer to the crack. For more than two hours the landscape changes, the trees are smaller and drier. Grass is becoming scarce and the earth is less and less loose.

-This place is rather sinister, don't you think? asks Lyra.

-Yes, in my opinion we are getting closer to the crack. I had noticed that the vegetation was much less dense around the crack. Answer Hirion.

-Do you think we'll be there soon? I ask.

-I would say an hour or two more steps.

-What? It's getting dark and we still have more than an hour to walk. Lyra complains.

-That's an approximation. I can't be certain.

-It's going to start doing a lot. Even for me. Replies Wistom.

-We keep walking and once we get to the crevice we'll see what happens. I tell them.

-Ok. But slow down a bit. Ask Lyra.

-All right, but not too much or we'll find ourselves in the middle of the forest in the dark. I tell her. So we decide to get back on the road and for an hour, we walk without any problems and without too many complaints. After this time, we see the crevice lit by the moonlight. The hole is gaping and we don't even see the bottom.

-Well, well, well. It's not a small hole this thing, it must easily be fifty metres to the other side. Say Wistom.

-If anyone has an idea how to cross, I'll take it. Ask for Hirion.

-What is certain is that we won't have the solution tonight. Not with so little light. I answer him.

-I agree with Myo. We'd better rest here and think it over tomorrow. Press Lyra.

-I'm not against a little nap. But be careful not to sleep too close to the precipice. It would be a shame to fall while you're sleeping. Laughs Wistom.

-Super reassuring, thank you Wistom. Said Hirion while lying on the ground along a root.

-I suggest that we do guard duty. I tell them.

-Good idea Myo. Wistom, you take the first one because you are exhausted, then it will be Hirion's turn, then Myo's and finally mine. Does that suit you? Suggest Lyra.

-Sold. Answer Wistom.

-Ok. Go ahead, Hirion.

-It's perfect. I'm telling them.

-Good night, everyone.

-Good night, everyone. Good night.

-Good night. Good night.

-Good night. Finally let go of Hirion with a laugh.

So we all start to fall asleep except Wistom who admires as he sits on the edge of the ravine for his watch. I am woken up during the night by Hirion to start my turn. I hadn't even noticed that I had fallen asleep. The fatigue and probably the stress also exhausted my body. So I try to keep my eyes open and pay attention to the noises around me. But nothing. This night is perfectly quiet, too quiet even. Not the slightest bird, animal or insect disturbs this silence, not even the wind. I look to the other side of the precipice. I have to find a way to cross. We absolutely have to make it. Maybe it's silly but I want to prove to the captain that we are worth something. That we're not just soldiers who are good at obeying orders and keeping quiet when they are given. I want to show him that we are capable of surviving and even surpassing ourselves by moving forward together, all of us together.

But soon my reflections are interrupted by a noise, a branch that has just cracked.

-Who goes there?

-It's me. It's Lyra.

-It's you. I was afraid it was someone else.

-Who do you want it to be in the middle of this forest ?

-I don't know an animal or another human being who came to attack us.

-Don't worry. We are the only ones here. As for the animals, there haven't been any in this forest for a long time.

-You're right, there aren't any. But I am doing this to protect us.

-Yes, I know you are. You don't have to worry. Do you think things can get back to normal?

-What do you mean, "back to normal"?

-Do you think we'll ever be able to go back home. Back to our parents, our friends, our house, our school.

-I think we can. But I don't know when we'll get that chance.

-I haven't even been able to say goodbye to my parents or even my sisters. Lyra sighed as tears streamed down her face.

-I know Lyra. But I promise you this. We will see them again and on that day they will be proud of what we have become and before that we will make sure that we let them know so that they don't worry and we don't hear from them again. I said to him with a smile.

-Thank you Myo. I don't know what I would do without you. And she takes me in her arms, without us saying anything.

I put my arm over my shoulder and she puts her head against my heart. And we stay there. Motionless, in silence. I wish this moment could last forever, I feel her breathing against my skin and my heart keeps beating faster. I don't dare to move anymore. I don't know if I should take the risk of taking his hand against mine or if I should say sweet words to him. So I just stand there and do nothing more than hold her against me, as if unconsciously I thought she couldn't leave and we would stay there forever. In the end it is she who breaks the silence.

-You're going to have to go to bed now Myo, if you want to be able to guide us tomorrow.

-I will only guide you with your help. Otherwise I won't be able to move forward.

And so I let her go, I get up and go to bed a few metres away from them while she leans against a tree and watches us while we dream.

In the early morning I am woken up by Wistom rocking from right to left.

Uh-oh. Standing in there. It's over for a nap brother.

-Thank you for this awakening, which is most tender, little brother.

-You're lucky, he woke me up by slapping me. Hirion Rail.

-Olalala right away the big words. I patted his cheeks until he woke up.

-Well, now that it's starting to get light, look to our right on the cliff side. We say Lyra.

So we approach the cliff and we notice a suspension bridge about a kilometre away.

-This is our chance. Said Wistom.

-I feel like we don't have a ton of choice either. Go on, Hirion.

-True, all the more reason to be extremely careful. I tell them.

-Do you think it's a trap? Lyra asks me.

-Yes, I am convinced of it.

-What do we do then? Ask Hirion.

-Let's rush to it, says Wistom.

-Wistom. What? We know it's a trap and we go in? Lyra exclaims.

-For once Wistom is not wrong. We have no other choice, so let's stay on our guard.

-We'll say I didn't hear anything and I'll go in confident. Said Hirion as he started to leave in the direction of the bridge.

-I will close the march, don't worry. Say Wistom.

So it is rather on our guard that we advance towards this suspension bridge. The closer we get to it, the more we wonder if it is really our only solution. Many planks are missing or suspended in the void by a few wires. For the rest, four ropes support the whole thing by being attached to two rocks.

-If you ask me, I think this bridge will not even support Wistom alone. Let go of Hirion.

-Yes, I have been on a diet.

-It's true that it doesn't look very strong, but we don't have any other solution either.

-We should do a test before we go. I tell them.

-Could I use my samurai?

-That's a good idea. He goes first and we'll see what happens. Approve Lyra.

-If no one objects, I invoke her.

-Go ahead, I think it's the wisest thing to do.

Wistom then closes his eyes and starts to concentrate and his samurai suddenly appears before us. So he leaves the direction of the bridge and stands on the ropes while putting his feet on the planks slowly and always at the level of the outer edges to prevent the planks from breaking.

-I was wondering Wistom. How do you control it? asks Lyra.

-I just think about what he has to do and then he does it. Then I can make him change his focus, but he's very independent. I'm not the one guiding his every move right now.

-In any case, he seems to be doing not too badly. Underlines Hirion.

-Yes, it's perfect what you're doing. I said to him.

The samurai continues to impress us and slowly but surely he advances and reaches almost halfway across the bridge when he stops.

-What's going on Wistom? asks Lyra.

-He can't go any further. I think that's his maximum range.

-Damn. We were almost there. Annoyed Hirion.

-It doesn't matter, what he has done already lets us know that we have to go one by one and with caution. Who wants to cross first? I say.

-Wistom said he wanted to finish the walk but I'd rather go last if you don't mind. asks Hirion.

-If you want. No one?

-It's not that I'm afraid of heights. But this bridge doesn't reassure me at all. Admit Lyra.

-It's OK, I'm going. If my big body passes, you'll all pass. Wistom is having fun.

So he leaves first, letting his samurai get ahead of him so that he can make the same movements as him. We can say that the method is bearing fruit. Admittedly with difficulty, but with a certain panache, Wistom manages to cross the bridge.

-Too easy. Wistom screams, not a little proud of his prowess.

Now it's Lyra's turn to cross the bridge, alone this time. She has bubbled up to be lighter to the point where it seems she is holding herself more so as not to rise into the air than to simply lean against it so as not to fall. Her method is a bit eccentric but it works and she reaches the other side without too much inconvenience.

-It's good, more fear than harm. We shout Lyra, clapping Wistom's hand like a sports champion.

Now it's my turn. I tell myself before I set foot on the first plank that if it goes wrong I will have the chance to go back in time to get a second chance. But I mustn't think like that. Thinking about defeat is already accepting it. Take your time Myo, we're in no hurry. One step at a time... I can feel each of these boards bending and creaking when I put my foot down. I hate it. Not only do I have to watch carefully where I put my feet, but I have this bottomless precipice underneath me. Please make them hold on.

Crack!

No! The plank on which I put my left foot has just given way. I am holding on with all my strength with my arms so as not to be swept away in its fall. I manage to put it back on the previous one and here I am in a dilemma. Should I go back to the past? Could I not have broken it, because now I will have to jump to reach the next one. I'm weighing the pros and cons... Damn it! It's impossible! I had calculated my movement and even tested the board before I leaned on it. It shouldn't have cracked! Well, well, well. Calm down Myo and think about it. Despite all my efforts, the board gave in and

Yet I put all my energy and all my thinking into it... So it's useless to go back in time. I will try to jump and maybe it will pass. In any case, if it doesn't pass, I could always go back in time and maybe even try again to pass this board without breaking it.

Now it's a matter of figuring out how to jump those five missing boards. I'm afraid that if I jump, the board I'm going to catch will not stop under my weight... Think about it, think about it.

Um... I may have a solution but I'm going to have to hold you with my arms. I'm going to hang myself from the left rope and I'm going to move forward like a monkey. So I'll sit down on my board and take the rope with both hands. I blow a big blow and look ahead. Wistom and Lyra are cheering me on, but I am so focused that I can't even hear them. I throw myself and hold on with all my strength so I don't fall. I swing my right arm, then my left arm and so on to manage to make it through those few meters that seem to be endless.

Finally, I wait for the other side and I don't lose another second. I have the impression that the longer I stay on this bridge, the faster my heart beats and risks bursting. So I finish the last few boards almost running and rush to dry land which I kiss and lie down on my back. How good it feels to be on dry land. I notice Lyra sitting on the ground and she looks like she has suffered almost as much at the sight of such a sight.

-You gave us quite a scare, Myo. Wistom admits to me.

-We'll never do anything like that again. Promise?

-Promise Lyra. Promise.

-Don't get too excited. Hirion still has to pass. Reminds us of Wistom.

-You're right Wistom, we'll rejoice when everyone has passed by.

I get into my suit to watch him and he doesn't look very confident either. It's strange, I feel like he's turned his arm into a kind of pincer while his legs and the rest of his body look like a bush.

-Hey, do you know what he's up to? asks Wistom.

-Not a clue and you Myo?

-I think I understand and it's a very bad idea. Hirion don't cut the rope, you'll crash into the cliff.

My scream is echoing, but he doesn't react, he cuts the rope behind him, while with the other one he holds it tight. Finally, he takes it in both hands and the thing that jumps into the void screaming like Tarzan, looks more like a big bush than Hirion.

-But he is actually a sick man. Let go of Lyra.

-A real unconscious person, I love it. Pursues Wistom.

We see him swinging at full speed and he suddenly hits the rock face violently.

-Hirion, are you still alive? Wistom shouts.

-More or less! Answer Hirion.

-He's alive, that's something. Says Lyra.

-Yes, but in what state? We're going to try to give him a hand, by pulling the rope backwards to make him go up.

So Wistom and Lyra take the rope with me and we start to pull him up. After five minutes of effort, the blond hair appears on the ledge. Hirion is rather proud of him and smiles at us with a lot of bruises and scratches.

-If you have any more stupid ideas like that. Ask us before you act. Lyra exclaims.

-Yes, but I'm afraid of heights.

-I don't even know what to say to that. She lets go.

-Let it go. I'm glad you made it through. Almost unharmed. I tell her.

-Now that we're there, there are still many paths left? Ask Wistom.

-I'd say another hour or two. Answer Hirion.

-Very well, then. Everybody stay on guard. There's bound to be more dangers before we get to the lakes. I add.

On this, we get back on our way, Hirion closes the walk pretending not to be in pain while Wistom proudly opens the way with Lyra at his side. I prefer to be in the middle so that I can react in case of a problem at the front or at the back of the group.

Surprisingly, the forest is populated by animals, each more cute than the next. We see wild boars, deer, rabbits, squirrels, hedgehogs and all sorts of colourful birds.

-Do you think the captain wants to put us to the test by watching if we don't end up stroking all these beautiful animals? Laughs Hirion.

-It sounds quite surreal as a place. Only five minutes ago we were risking our lives on a suspension bridge and now we are walking in a park full of calm and majestic animals. Lyra answers.

-I'm hungry for all this food on my paws. Says Wistom

-Wistom! Repeat Lyra.

-Olala. If you can't even laugh anymore. Answer Wistom.

As they continue chatting, I notice a dead body lying against a tree.

-No. We can't afford to laugh. Look over there and tell me you don't see a dead body. I ask them.

-If it isn't one, it's very well done. Reply Hirion.

-In my opinion, when you have more than bones, you are often dead. Continue Wistom.

-Do you think we should go and see? Ask Lyra.

-Do you want to see if you can give her first aid? Have fun Wistom.

-No big beta. I want to see how he died so we don't repeat his mistake.

-That's a good idea. We'll get close with Lyra, but you guys stay back and look around in case there's a trap. I'll suggest it.

-It's a deal.

So I approach the corpse with Lyra. It's a human skeleton in armour. He has large epaulettes and metal and bare arms. He doesn't wear a helmet and he always wears a sort of white scarf around his neck. Behind his head I can see the handle of a two-handed sword sticking out. I then look down at his lower body and notice that he seems to be holding something in his two joined hands. The more I look at him, the more I find the shape of his breastplate and all the metalwork that protects him surprising. This armour looks more like the scales of a monster, than a simple flat armour.

-I don't know if it was a good idea after all. Lyra tells me.

-We've come too far to stop here. Trust me, Lyra.

When we get within two metres of the skeleton, her two hands open and reveal a white rose that emits a slight bluish light. It floats above her joints and slowly turns on itself vertically.

-What do we do now? Lyra asks me as she crouches down in front of the soldier.

-I... I don't know. I was expecting anything but that. I confess to her.

-Shall we take the rose?

-What?

-Well, yeah. He opened his hand to us when we approached. It's to give it to us.

-Or to set a trap for us.

-That would be vicious.

-Just like that captain...

-We're not going to stand by and do nothing. It was you yourself who told me that we had come too far to stop here.

-Yes, I did. But it was about seeing that skeleton. Not about stealing his flower.

-So listen. I'll take it and if you're not happy, just go back in time.

I don't even have time to react, let her take the rose with her left hand. At the precise moment she leaves the skeleton, her muscles, nerves, skin starts to resurface. And soon the soldier regains his original features.

They are those of my parents' killer, he has the same eyes, the same nose and his greyish beard. He seems peaceful and his eyes stare at us. But I can see he's breathing. Without thinking, I rush over to him and start strangling him.

-Bastard. I'm going to get revenge. I don't know how you ended up here. But it's all over for you.

I begin to squeeze my hands around his neck when suddenly Lyra hits me in the back, shouting : Stop, I beg you to stop. It's my father! Stop it! Stop it!

-What !?

-He is my father. Please stop it. Whatever he did to you, please. Let go of him.

I don't know what else to say. I let go of him and I turn around and face Lyra. She is in tears and she can't say a word. She takes me in her arms.

-I've been dreaming of seeing him for so long.

I see Wistom and Hirion running behind her.

-What's going on? Wistom asks running.

-I don't know Wistom, but the corpse has come to life.

As I turn towards the soldier, I notice that he hasn't moved and continues to stare calmly at us. My sudden attack doesn't seem to have hit him.

-Who is this guy? You know him. asks Hirion.

-It seems he's Lyra's father. I tell them.

-But your father doesn't look at all like this man? Am I wrong, Lyra? asks Wistom.

Lyra wipes away her tears and manages to say.

-It is my adoptive father that you met. It's something we kept secret. My father abandoned us when I was five years old. Later my mother met my adoptive father in another village. And to avoid being singled out as the abandoned woman and to start another life, we went with my adoptive father to live in G-Shokunin.

-But are you sure he is your father? said Hirion.

-Yes, I still have an image of him that I have kept in my room and that I hide under my pillow so that my mother doesn't see it and tear it up like all the others. Admits Lyra.

-I'm really sorry. Said Wistom.

-Don't be. It's not your fault, it's my father's fault. Go on Lyra.

-But why did you jump him then, Myo? Hirion asks me.

-He didn't know, he was afraid for both of us, so he wanted to defend himself. Answer Lyra.

-What is certain is that he doesn't seem to be very aggressive. Say Hirion.

-He even looks totally in the strawberries, he looks at us but he doesn't say anything. Continue Wistom.

-What are you doing here? I said to him.

He doesn't answer me and keeps looking at us stupidly. The murderer of my parents is facing me and he doesn't answer me. I'm angry, I can't control my emotions but Lyra's hand on my chest brings me back to myself.

-Daddy. It's been so long. Lyra says.

-I know my daughter, I know that. I'm sorry.

Then he freezes and stretches out his joined hands in the direction of Lyra. She plunges her face into it, then she gives him back the rose. When she rests on his palms, he tilts his head back while closing his hands and he releases a last word.

-I'm sorry, but it was for our own good.

He stops, his face sad and closed towards the ground. His skin flies away just like his flesh and soon only his bones are left in his armour.

-Wow! What was that prodigy? asks Wistom.

-A mirage, nothing more than a Wistom mirage. I said to him.

-Do you think all this has any meaning? asks Hirion.

-Perhaps, but we mustn't worry too much. We are here in the middle of a life-size test. It is possible that it is only the captain's invention. Answer Lyra.

-I think so too. We'd better hurry if we don't want to keep the captain waiting. Underlines Hirion.

-Here we go again. By the way, Lyra recovers Myo because he seems to want to stay with our friend the skeleton. Wistom is having fun.

Lyra takes my arm and helps me to get up. We follow our two friends but we stay a little bit back during the walk.

-Where did you see my father? Lyra asks me.

-Uh... I can't tell you. It's impossible for me. But I swear that if I could, I would.

-Did he make you swear not to tell me when you saw each other?

-I saw him at my house, but that was almost ten years ago.

-But why did you jump on his neck and strangle him?

-Lyra... I beg you to believe me. Some things can't be revealed, or they shouldn't be. I do it to protect you and I promise you that I don't know what has become of him. I have only seen him once in my life.

-And that was enough to get you thinking... Finish Lyra while thinking about the situation.

-For pity's sake, I beg you. Don't think about it any more, if you don't do it for yourself, then at least do it for me.

-Hum... Very well. But I hope that one day you will be able to talk to me without fear.

-I will be, but not today.

So we end up joining the others and we finally arrive at the Lake. It is in a clearing in the forest where many water lilies are home to toads and a few swans. We look to the right and to the left, but we do not see Captain Okata. So we go to the edge of him to observe nature and look for our leader but nothing.

-Do you think he is late? asks Hirion.

-When I told you he was sipping a cocktail. Wistom rail.

-Bravo, I haven't lost a crumb of it.

The voice comes from below the surface and little by little a silhouette spreads and finally Captain Okata comes out of the lake as if raised by magic. So he finds himself in front of us with his feet on the surface of the water.

-We can say that he takes care of his entrances. Whispers Lyra.

-It's been a long time since young recruits have gone to this much trouble and they've shown real team spirit. All you have to do now is pass the last test before you can rest and finally start your training under my command.

-What kind of test? Ask Hirion.

-It's very simple. Answer the captain.

He snaps his fingers and four people emerge from the water with their heads down.

-Let me introduce you to your doubles. You're going to have to fight them and succeed in beating them. And when I say fight, I mean kill. When we are on the ground together, we will come across armed groups and under no circumstances should you hesitate to do everything possible to stop thieves, murderers and other scum who populate this world. This will allow you to put your foot down.

-You are asking us to kill!? Lyra exclaims.

-I know that for you it seems unimaginable but you will see that one day you will have to choose between two lives, yours or that of your assailant and on that day you will have to make your choice very quickly.

-Have you ever killed a captain? Ask Wistom.

-Yes, several times it has happened to me... I have killed twelve people... And every day I keep asking myself the question but if I had acted differently. Would I have been able to spare at least one of his lives? You don't have to become killers but protectors.