He was about to be killed when Thea, a seven-year-old girl who lived nearby, came to his rescue. She threw a rock at the man’s head and dragged James out of the burning house. She then took him to her home and nursed his wounds.
James was grateful to Thea for saving his life. He learned that she was an orphan who lived with her grandfather, a retired soldier. He also learned that she had a rare gift of healing people with her touch. He decided to stay with them until he recovered.
During his stay, he developed a close friendship with Thea. They played together, learned together, and dreamed together. They also shared their secrets and fears. James told Thea about his dragon bloodline, which was inherited from his mother’s side. He showed her his dragon mark on his chest, which glowed whenever he felt strong emotions. He also told her about his desire to become a soldier and to avenge his family.
Thea listened to him with compassion and understanding. She told him about her own past, which was also filled with pain and loss. She told him how her parents died in a war when she was only three years old. She told him how she was bullied by other kids for being different and having strange powers. She told him how she wished to become a healer and to help people in need.
They promised to always be there for each other and to support each other’s dreams.
However, their peaceful days were soon interrupted by another tragedy. One day, Thea’s grandfather was killed by bandits who raided their village. James and Thea managed to escape with the help of some villagers who were loyal to them. They decided to leave the village and to join the Sol army, which was recruiting young people for training.
They hoped that by joining the army, they would be able to protect themselves and each other from harm.
They arrived at the Sol capital city, where they enrolled in the military academy. There, they met many other young people who shared their aspirations and ambitions. They also met some people who became their rivals and enemies.
