Polis was only a day's ride from their village near TonDC, yet Lexa had never been. When the city came into view, she immediately saw the Commander's tower. It stood tall at the center of the city, dwarfing everything around it. Lexa stared at it in awe. "Come on. We have to keep moving," Anya urged her. They came to a stop at the temple, the sacred crypt of the first commander. They dismounted their horses and Anya walked up confidently to the temple guard. "I need to see the Flamekeeper. I've brought a Natblida," Anya said. The guard nodded. "Wait here," he said. All of this felt so strange to Lexa. She felt like she didn't belong, yet at the same time she felt like maybe she was exactly where she was supposed to be for the first time in her life. Anya's voice broke through her thoughts. She grasped Lexa by the shoulders. "We don't have much time. Remember everything I have taught you. Do not trust anyone here. You must look out for yourself. Any friendship or attachment will only make what you have to do worse. You will make a great Heda, Lexa." Lexa was moved by Anya's words and her confidence in her. "Thank you, Teacher. I will strive to make you proud,"Lexa replied. "You already have." "The Flamekeeper will see you now," the guard said. Lexa had not even heard him return. They followed him into the temple. It was decorated with many things Lexa did not understand, strange relics from another time. A bald man approached them. He was wearing robes. To Lexa, he looked to be in his forties. "I am Titus, Flamekeeper," he began. "And you, I presume, are the Natblida?" He said as he turned his attention to Lexa. "Hold out your hand." Lexa set her jaw and tried not to look scared. She offered her right hand to him. He pulled a knife from his robes and sliced her palm. Lexa didn't even wince. Black blood trickled down her hand on onto the floor. "Very well then," Titus said. "Come with me and we will begin your training." Turning to Anya," Thank you. You may go now." Anya nodded respectfully and turned to go. She and Lexa locked eyes for only a brief moment. And then she was gone and Lexa was alone with Titus. "What is your name, Natblida?" He asked. "Lexa kom Trikru." "Well, Lexa kom Trikru, you have much to learn."