Note: This story is set mere days before Chapter 0 of the Novel.

Mishra tightened her grip on the axe, feeling its weight settle comfortably in her hands. She stood in the clearing, surrounded by tall trees that loomed like silent sentinels. The star was setting, casting long shadows across the ground. She had always been a soldier, trained to protect her City. But today felt different. An uneasy tension hung in the air, a whisper of danger lurking just beyond her sight.

Suddenly, a rustle broke the silence. Three giant bats, each the size of a large dog, emerged from the trees. Their wings spread wide, darkening the sky above her. Mishra's heart raced. These were no ordinary creatures. Their fur was matted and wild they looked mangy with drool falling from their fanged snouts., and their claws glinted in the fading light, sharp as knives. Their teeth were bared, jagged and ready to tear. She knew she had to act fast as they attacked.

She swung the axe with precision, the blade slicing through the air. The first bat lunged at her, claws outstretched. Mishra sidestepped, feeling a rush of wind as it missed her. With a swift motion, she brought the axe down. The blade connected with a sickening thud, and the creature fell, twitching as it lay still. Mishra didn’t have time to celebrate. The other two bats screeched, their voices a mix of fury and fear. They weren’t backing down.

The second bat charged, its eyes wild. Mishra could see the gleam of its teeth, a flash of white in the dim light. She pivoted on her heel and swung again, aiming for its neck. The axe struck true, and the bat crumpled to the ground, a defeated shadow of what it once was. But the last bat was not deterred. It swooped low, aiming right for her face. Mishra ducked just in time, the creature’s claws grazing her cheek. A burst of adrenaline surged through her.

With newfound determination, she turned to face the final foe. The bat hissed, its breath hot and foul. Mishra steadied herself. This was not just a fight for survival; it was a test of her strength and resolve. She raised the axe high, feeling the power coursing through her. With a fierce shout, she brought it down one last time. The bat let out a final screech, then fell silent, joining its companions on the forest floor.

Breathing heavily, Mishra surveyed the scene. The clearing was now quiet, save for the rustle of leaves in the breeze. She had faced her fears and emerged victorious. The battle had been fierce, but it had also shown her what she was capable of. As she wiped the sweat from her brow, she felt a sense of pride. She had defended her home. She was not just a soldier; she was a warrior. And in that moment, she knew she could face whatever came next.

A golden head peeked through the bushes. Mishra spotted the strangely colored giant weasel and grinned.

“Hey, Bril!” she called out, tucking her axe away. She extended her hand for a friendly sniff. “I’m sorry I couldn't come sooner, but I’m glad you’re alright, my dear.”

“It’s been a day,” Bril replied, shaking his head. “I was busy with a young troublemaker. She thinks she can take on grown cobras.”

Just then, a small, normal-colored weasel burst from the underbrush, scrambling up onto Bril’s back. It was panting hard, eyes wide with fear.

A moment later, a massive cobra burst through the bushes, chasing after them. Just as it prepared to strike, Bril swooped in, his sharp claws crashing down on the snake. In seconds, the creature lay torn apart, a chaotic mess left behind.

The little weasel, still rattled from the close call, shook on Bril's back.

“See what I mean?” Bril laughed. “She’s a spirited little pup, the runt of her litter. But trust me, one day she’ll be just as fierce as the rest of us.” His eyes sparkled with certainty.

As he spoke, the tiny weasel hopped off and nestled against Mishra's neck, finally looking at ease.

"Looks like she took a liking to you. I’ve taught you a lot, but they say a familiar chooses their master. Seems that just happened between you two. I remember when I found mine long ago."

Bril’s eyes softened with memories. “His name was Fredvan. Our connection is still strong. He made me the guardian of these woods when he started the weasel corps.”

Mishra’s face turned white. “Granddad?” she said slowly, piecing it all together. “I didn’t know he was a beast master.”

“Fredvan is many things,” Bril replied. “He’s the strongest cryomancer on Jistoa. Plus, he knows a bit about every kind of magic.”

Just then, a voice broke through the moment. “Mishra!”

Bril sniffed the air. “Speaking of Fredvan…”

Suddenly, the Elderly Guildmaster appeared, gliding in on an ice floe before landing right between them. Noticing the tiny weasel on Mishra's neck, he quickly pieced things together. “Mishra, Alexiiana sent me to find you. Dinner is almost ready.”

He smiled and extended a hand to Bril. “Good to see you, my old friend.”

Bril sniffed his hand. “Likewise, my friend. Always a pleasure.”

Fredvan wasn’t surprised to hear Bril speak. “Mishra, you might be curious about Bril's talent,” he said. “It’s a spell from the Beast Mastery branch of Nature magic. You can give speech to any animal. But with Bril, it just stuck.” He gently ruffled the fur behind Bril's ears.

“Now, I won’t keep you much longer, but there’s one last thing. Mishra, your new partner needs a name.”

Just then, Bril perked up, and the baby weasel on Mishra's shoulder looked around. “Hey, I have an idea. I’ll call her Sari.” Mishra said, scratching behind the tiny weasel's ear.

With that settled, the Sammet family and Sari said their goodbyes to Bril and made their way out of the Forest. They climbed the cliff toward Avalon as the sun dipped into the ocean, painting the sky a deep orange.

When they finally reached Kerith Sammet's home, they found Alexiiana, Mishra’s sister, busy finishing dinner. Sari, excited, jumped onto Alexiiana and started licking flour off her face. Mishra rushed to grab the little weasel but stopped when she saw Alexiiana smiling.

“She’s cute. What’s her name?” Alexiiana asked, adjusting the plates with Sari comfortably perched on her shoulder.

“Her name is Sari. She’s my familiar,” Mishra replied, beaming.

“Welcome to the family, Sari! Grandad, are you staying for dinner? I still have enough for Mom and Dad,” Alexiiana said, looking down at the little weasel.

“Of course, I’ll stay. Your cooking is as fantastic as your Cryomancer skills,” Fredvan said with a grin.

Alexiiana set out three large plates and a small bowl for Sari. The group gathered around the table, eager to dig into their meal: biscuits smothered in gravy, tender slow-braised beef, and fresh broccoli. They offered a quick grace before diving in.

Meanwhile, deep in the woods, a giant bat had found Mishra's cellphone. Instead of taking it home, it was busy munching away,leaving chunks of plastic all over the forest floor.