The next day I made sure to look after mum, taking her breakfast in bed and started the morning shift in the bakery. I had seen and done this with mum a few times, but didn’t usually stay long enough to actually help, I’d be off training.

I had to hold in my temper as I got ridiculed by any knight I served. “Aw, did the little knight-in-training find it too hard to become a knight.” Obviously he wasn’t aware of my recent promotion to knight, and I was not in uniform to show off my new shoulder pad.

“Back to serving pastries and bread, baker boy,” laughed another.

I ignored them all, focusing on my duties at the bakery, it was more important. I was just glad Athena was doing the cooking, she had become the main baker since dad left, refilling the stands for the customers.

“You didn’t have too,” said mum joining me.

“Since dad left I haven’t been doing a very good job of looking after you as the head of the house,” I responded.

“That is still my job.” Mum took my hand. “You must become the finest warriors if we are to stop the spread of darkness, understand?”

“Understood,” I nodded.

“Alex.” Tigra came in. “Dad has summoned you.”

“And you came instead of a messenger?” I gave her a weird look. “Not being a server girl are we?”

“No,” she snapped. “I wanted to come and get you.”

I glanced at mum, unsure if I should leave her. “Go, it is your duty.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“I’m fine just go,” she pushed me towards Tigra.

“Okay, okay.” I let out a sigh, then smiled. “Let’s go Tigra.”

“Right.” We both headed off to the throne room, where King Alton was accompanied by Queen Daz and Dumah, just like yesterday. Tigra went to stand beside her mum.

I reluctantly bowered before the king spoke. “After a long discussion with the queen, I should have commended you more for capturing such a high ranking assassin in the name of my daughters Guardian.”

“It was nothing your majesty.” I shook my head modestly.

“It was something,” said King Alton. “I have not been the best listener these past years.” An expression of shame crossed his face for a second. “Perhaps words your father once spoke to me were true.”

“What were they?” I asked curious.

“Not now Alton,” snapped Queen Daz. “We are here for one reason. I think you ought to be put in charge of your own team.”

“Pardon,” I blurted out, not expecting her words.

“Both accounts from Dash and Zack said you were a fine leader, even when you thought you faced death,” smiled Queen Daz.

“You can’t let him run his own team without the necessary tests,” snapped Dumah.

“You would object,” I mumbled under my breath.

“What would you suggest Dumah?” questioned King Alton. It was fairly normal for those to be put in charge of a team of knights to undergo a test first.

“A test of my making,” he grinned.

“Mum,” protested Tigra.

“It’s alright.” She lifted her arm to silence her daughter. “Go on.”

“Give him a team and see if he can beat my specialist team,” responded Dumah.

“Is that it?” I wasn’t very impressed with his suggestion. I’d heard rumours of those he claimed to be the leader of, consisting of Cutter, Seth, Valli, Scorlax, a small pack of wolves and rumours were flying about he had recruited someone else too, who I wasn’t sure.

Dumah snarled at my comment. “You can pick anyone you want, but you cannot use your talismans.”

“Brendan, Ibiki, Zack, Dash and Tigra.” Dumah’s expression changed the moment I said Tigra’s name. I was a little surprised by his final condition but with skill and natural abilities I could win.

“Very well,” nodded King Alton, pleased with how things turned out. “The test will begin in the forest around Cathopia tomorrow”

“Last Feles standing wins Fang.”

“May the best Feles win, Dumah.” I turned to leave. “Come on Tigra we have preparations to make”

“Right behind you.” I heard her make a stick your tongue noise before she came beside me. “Let’s go get our team.”

“Yeah.” We both left the room heading down the corridor.

“What made you pick me?” she asked.

“You’re my best friend there is no one I’d rather fight besides, plus your natural abilities will counteract his no talisman rule,” I answered.

“I see,” she smiled. “So, you need me.” I nodded. “Most of the ones you picked have natural abilities except Brendan.”

“Brendan is an Ursus and stronger than any Feles within Cathopia and a perfect match for Dumah’s Seth.” I put on a smile. “This will be fun.”

“Are you sure it was so wise master, to fight without us?” questioned Raziel.

“Trust me Raziel, all those I have chosen will back me up and protect me in your absence if necessary,” I responded.

“Very well,” nodded Raziel. “I will wish you all the luck of your ancestors in your victory.”

“Thanks.”

A new challenge laid before me and I would pass it, unlike all those stupid tests at the academy I would win.