The bustling city of Niraval lay just beyond the forests surrounding Kumbhaka. For Drona, it was like stepping into a new world--the clamor of merchants, the clang of metal as blacksmiths worked, and the constant flow of people in armor moving with purpose. Now twelve years old and recently initiated as a knight, he had left the village with a mix of excitement and nerves to build his reputation and prove himself beyond Kumbhaka’s borders.
Drona began taking on missions and tasks in the city, small at first: guarding merchant caravans, patrolling the city’s outskirts, and resolving disputes in local markets. While not grand, each task built his skill, forced him to think on his feet, and sharpened his instincts.
The days were grueling, but as he spent more time in Niraval, his determination grew. Drona noticed the way others watched him--some with envy, some with scorn. His reputation as a knight-in-training was spreading, and though he kept mostly to himself, he soon drew the attention of rival knights.
During one mission escorting a noble family through a treacherous mountain path, Drona encountered Sir Gareth, a seasoned knight with a reputation for both skill and cruelty. Gareth's sharp gaze seemed to pierce through Drona, as though measuring his worth with a single glance.
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“A mere child given the title of Knight Initiate?” Gareth sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. “What a disgrace to the order.”
Drona felt a flash of anger but steadied himself. He had learned not to rise to taunts, to keep his focus sharp, but Gareth’s words stung. Determined to prove himself, Drona worked twice as hard on every mission. He stayed up late, practicing his sword techniques and pushing the limits of his emerging magical powers. Each small flame he conjured, every spark of magic he managed to control, brought him closer to his goal.
Yet, there were moments of doubt. One night, as he struggled to summon a consistent flame, he caught sight of two other knights demonstrating their magic--casting barriers of shimmering light, wielding flame and ice with ease. The sight both amazed and frustrated him. He could feel his magic growing, but it was slow, erratic, and unpredictable.
Over time, though, he found allies. A few young knights, impressed by his resilience and dedication, began to support him. They saw his potential and respected his quiet, fierce determination. Among them was Aylen, a knight with a gentle but unbreakable spirit, and Varun, a strategist who saw battles like a game of chess.
Together, they shared secrets, practiced sparring, and trained late into the night. Drona felt himself growing--not just in skill, but in understanding. He was learning the strengths and weaknesses of his fellow knights, and though his magic was still fledgling, it was his unwavering resolve that inspired others.
End of Chapter 4
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