Knight Commander Aldric Steelhart watched the younger knights on guard duty, their stances still uncertain yet eager. He remembered standing there himself once, driven by ambition and a fierce hope for a better life. Now, however, dissatisfaction filled his heart. What future could he have serving the count's youngest, least promising son? In the ranks, Aldric could have achieved glory and distinction, but under Lord Arvind, he saw only obscurity.

Aldric's life began humbly; his family had struggled with poverty. His parents and siblings sacrificed what little they had, even going without food, so he could focus on training. They had pinned their hopes on him, believing his success might lift them from hardship. Aldric, determined to make their sacrifices worthwhile, Rose promotion to apprentice knight is a standard practice in the count's recruitment process for his knight squad. This promotion offers his family a better life.. Yet he had learned that true power lay with nobility. He dreamed of a title, a small land grant to secure his family's future, and he worked relentlessly, hoping to earn military merit in war.

When the count summoned him, Aldric expected a new mission, perhaps a call to arms. Upon arrival, he asked a servant about the summons, but received only a vague reply. Had he done something wrong? Yet nothing could have prepared him for the count's words: he was to serve Arvind.

The assignment felt like chains binding him to a forgotten post. Aldric masked his disappointment, but inside, bitterness grew. Why Arvind? The third-born son, without talent or drive, destined to waste away in a neglected barony. Aldric's years of training and ambition seemed for nothing, as if the count expected him to forge greatness from nothing.

Still, duty held him firmly. The count had raised him to his rank, and Aldric's loyalty remained unshakable. Refusal wasn't an option, so he accepted silently, though he secretly yearned for a chance to leave this post should war break out.

To contain his resentment, Aldric kept a professional distance from Arvind during the journey. He shared no meals with him, only interacting when necessary. He told himself he wasn't targeting Arvind personally but rather his way of managing his own dashed hopes.

---

Afternoon, as the group prepares lunch near a dense forest, the sounds of distant creatures occasionally breaking the silence. Aldric sits by a tree, sharpening his sword with intense focus. Scholar Faelan, carrying a stack of worn parchments and a protective magical amulet, joins him.

A flicker of concern crossed Faelan's face as he observed Aldric's tight grip on the sword. He said,: "Your blade's already sharp, Aldric. But it seems you're honing something else—perhaps your thoughts?"

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Without looking up, Aldric replied, still sharpening his blade: "Just preparing for what lies ahead. This world doesn't forgive the weak, Faelan. We train to survive, to protect what we have. I worked hard to rise in the count's service, and yet… here I am, guarding a boy with no battle prowess, no drive, and only mediocre talent. He doesn't understand what it takes to survive out here."

Faelan nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful before replying: "I know the feeling. When the count assigned me, I questioned it too. For years, I thought my knowledge could bring real influence, guide those who wield power wisely. Instead of advising the count, I'm sent to a remote barony with an Unproven lord. But there's purpose, even if hidden."

A scoff escapes Aldric's lips, his eyes narrowing with frustration and replied: "Hidden? If it's there, it's buried deep. I've trained all my life to earn my rank, to build something lasting for my family. But instead of the battlefield, I'm posted to protect a young lord whose skills are… lacking. He has a title, but titles mean little when creatures lurk beyond our borders, and strength is our only shield."

Faelan's voice was low and cautious as he said, "You're treading on risky thoughts, Aldric. Speaking them aloud can bring more danger than any beast."

Aldric's voice, low and laced with bitterness, cut through the silence. "I know. Yet I can't ignore what I see. My family sacrificed everything, hoping I'd bring them security, maybe even a noble standing. And now, I'm bound to a lordling more sheltered than most of his own guards."

Faelan studied Aldric, his eyes narrowing in thought. He said, "Strength isn't forged from talent alone. Arvind may lack skill now, but he's young. Hardship reveals potential, often where none was seen before. If we push him—truly push him—perhaps this role will help him grow."

Aldric's frown deepened as he spoke, "And if he doesn't? If he folds the first time a real threat strikes? This land is unforgiving, and survival demands more than a title."

Faelan's expression turned thoughtful as he said, "Then perhaps we're here for more than protection. Perhaps we're here to make him something more—a lord who understands what it takes to survive. You could help train him in the knight's path so he can protect his people when danger comes. Nobility is more than rank; it's earned through strength and resilience. We might be the ones to guide that within him."

A thoughtful pause. Aldric's eyes, filled with renewed consideration, settled on Faelan. He said, "Perhaps. But I've spent my life fighting, not teaching. And I've yet to see if Arvind even has the will to train harder, even though his talent is mediocre at best."

Faelan shrugged indifferently, saying, "Then let him prove it. There's danger enough here to test him—perhaps even to awaken him. If he can't rise to it, we'll know soon enough."

Aldric nodded, his expression a mix of agreement and uncertainty. "I suppose you're right. Maybe there's more to this than I see. But if he fails, it won't just be him who pays the price."

Aldric's eyes darted to him, a sharp glint in his gaze. He said, "What brought you here, scholar? Surely you didn't study all those years to end up in a backwater territory?"

A deep sigh escaped Faelan's lips as he pondered. He said, "I once believed knowledge alone would bring influence and respect. My family were merchants who valued trade more than books. I took a different path, hoping to rise by wit rather than wealth." smiles faintly "Now, here I am, following a young lord who may need a teacher more than a strategist."

A smirk played on Aldric's lips as he said, "So we're both bound to this 'backwater' for now."

A slow nod accompanied Faelan's words, "Yes."

Aldric nods slowly, still wary but thoughtful "I'll think on it, scholar. Perhaps there's merit to your words."

A small smile curved Faelan's lips as he said, "All I ask, Commander. We may yet find our place here—if we help him find his."

A look of hesitation crossed Faelan's face. He said, "Wouldn't it be wise to join the lord for the launch, Aldric? Everything's ready.."

A flicker of hesitation crossed Aldric's face before he nodded slowly.