Zelnard could hardly contain his excitement as he ran down the dawn lit, sandy path that led to the coastal river near the Zouken Monastery. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the undulating landscape, and the scent of saltwater mingled with the fresh morning air. He had been looking forward to this day for weeks...Ferson, one of the kinder Mage elders, had promised to take him and a few of the younger boys on a fishing trip. It wasn’t just about catching fish; it was about learning new ways to use their water magic, and Zelnard was eager to show off his skills.

Jabar trailed behind, his face a mixture of anticipation and mild disgust. “Do we really have to dig around for sand worms?” he asked, wrinkling his nose. 

“Yes!” Zelnard replied, not slowing down. “How else are we going to catch anything? Besides, it’s good practice for when we have to use our powers in battle.”

“Battle? Against what? Giant worms?” Jabar quipped, shaking his head. “I’m not squeamish, I’m just… selective about what I touch.”

Ferson chuckled as he walked alongside Gavid, at eight years old the boy Mage trainee was young enough to idolise Zelnard and Jabar who were more than a full year ahead. “You’ll get used to it, Jabar. Every great Mage needs to understand the world around him...worms included.”

Zelnard, never one to shy away from a challenge, grabbed a small spade and plunged it into the soft, wet sand near the riverbank. “Come on, Jabar. It’s not so bad.” He pulled up a handful of sand and within it were some wriggling sand worms. He shook off the excess sand and held out his flattened palm to show the writhing worms. “See? They’re harmless.”

Jabar recoiled slightly but managed to keep his composure. “Fine, but you’re handling the bait. I’ll… supervise.”

Gavid giggled, watching Jabar’s discomfort. “Maybe I’ll learn how to control the worms with magic one day. Then we won’t have to touch them at all!”

Zelnard grinned. “Now that would be something. But until then, we do it the old-fashioned way.”

Bait? For what? Write down your prediction for what you think they will catch with their worms. Enter it in Thy Quests to move on. 

E10 Q4 Waterball