---
The farewell was quiet.
There were no dramatic partings or tears spilled like wine. The king and queen embraced their son in silence, holding him tighter than words could. The queen brushed back his silver hair once, twice, as if trying to memorize the feel.
Eryx didn't cry. He didn't fully understand what it meant to leave.
He waved cheerfully as he walked beside the centaur into the rising mists of the mountain.
"Bye-bye!" he shouted, voice echoing. "Don't worry! I'll learn everything! Even bird racing!"
The queen covered her mouth and turned away.
---
They walked slowly. Deliberately.
The mountain was alive in its silence. The wind carried old stories, the trees whispered secrets only heroes could hear. Eryx's small feet crunched against the dirt path while Chiron's hooves thudded gently beside him.
"Do you know what you wish to learn?" Chiron asked, his voice smooth like riverstone.
"Sword!" Eryx said without pause, puffing out his chest. "All the coolest heroes in my mother's stories had swords. One had a magic one that could even cut wind!"
Chiron chuckled.
"And what would you do with such a sword?"
"Win!"
"Win what?"
Eryx blinked. "Fights?"
Chiron nodded, amused. "A fair answer. But battles are only part of greatness. Tell me—what else do you wish to learn, besides battle?"
Eryx thought. Really thought. His brows scrunched, lips pursed, then he said, "Hmm... I want to learn how to win fast. Is that something I can learn?"
Chiron laughed.
"That is the same thing, little one. Very well... If you wish to win fast, then you must learn strategy."
Eryx tilted his head. "Is that like... tricking people?"
"In a way," Chiron replied, eyes warm. "But also knowing when to fight. And when not to."
"That sounds like cheating."
Chiron smiled. "It's called being wise."
---
The path ended at a simple cottage nestled against the curve of a hill, surrounded by olive trees and the distant murmur of a waterfall. It looked ordinary — but Eryx could feel something old and important in its air. A place where many feet had walked, many minds had sharpened.
"This will be your home now," Chiron said, opening the door.
It was cozy. A small hearth already lit, books stacked high, scrolls rolled into baskets, and a bed made with neat care.
Chiron handed him a small bowl of lentils and soft bread.
"You will rest here tonight. Tomorrow, your lessons begin."
Eryx nodded happily, munching.
Chiron turned to leave, then paused at the doorway. "There are others here, too. Students, like you. Brave, strange, noisy, and wise in their own ways."
Eryx's eyes lit up. "Can I meet them now?"
"Tomorrow," Chiron said, with a rare smile. "Let them finish their lessons. And let you begin yours with sleep."
Eryx nodded, mouth full.
He did not know it yet — but the stories his mother told him were about to become very, very real.
---