Neseve bit her bottom lip nervously. Finally she nodded, "Yes, I think so." She shook her head angrily, but resisted an urge to tug her long braid again. This will be tough, little one, Gaidin thought to her, But we will prevail.

Rhan leaned against a tree, shrouded by her dark black cloak. With skilled silence she watched the girl and the white dragon, satisfied by what she saw.
Will they suffice?
A low voice asked in her ear.
I will test them.
She raised her right hand, and concentrated for a moment. A band of fire exploded around them, growing taller and stronger by the minute.

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. O r b i s N o n S u f f i c i t .