The first rays of dawn stretched across the training grounds of Corsaril, illuminating rows of soldiers clad in polished armor. The sound of swords clashing and boots pounding against cobblestone echoed in the crisp morning air. Sorvin, commander of King Farodin’s elite guard, stood at the edge of the grounds, observing the men and women under his command.
“Keep your footing steady, Andrak,” Sorvin called, his voice calm but firm. “A staggered stance leaves you open to a counterstrike.”
“Yes, Commander!” the young soldier replied, adjusting his posture before resuming his sparring.
Sorvin folded his arms, his sky-blue eyes sharp as he assessed their movements. Though the Fornyren Guard were renowned for their discipline and skill, Sorvin knew that the threat of the Cøsræthian Empire required nothing less than perfection. Every swing of the blade, every maneuver, had to be precise.
“Commander Sorvin!” a voice called from behind. He turned to see Captain Ellarion approaching, a scroll in hand. The older officer’s expression was grim, his weathered face creased with concern.
“A summons from the king, he knows of your successes during the War of the Raging Flame and wishes to assign you to a task,” Ellarion said, handing Sorvin the scroll.
Sorvin broke the seal and scanned the contents. As his eyes moved over the words, his jaw tightened.
“Arlith,” he murmured under his breath, his thoughts racing.
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The king’s request was clear: Sorvin was to assemble a select group to escort Princess Arlith on a diplomatic mission to rally allies against the encroaching empire. It was a task of immense importance—and one fraught with danger.
Ellarion studied Sorvin’s face. “It’s no small responsibility, to lead such a mission. The princess will need protection, and she’ll need someone who can keep her steady.”
Sorvin nodded, his mind already turning to the logistics. “The princess has a very gentle heart,” he said. “But she’s stepping into a world of politics and war while also being easily manipulative. It’ll be my job to ensure she makes it through unscathed.”
The following hours were a blur of preparation. Sorvin personally selected the members of the entourage, choosing only those he trusted implicitly. Among them were seasoned soldiers, skilled marksmen, and an Irithil mage known for his mastery of celestial magic.
By mid-afternoon, the group gathered at the port of Corsaril. The soldiers that would make up Arlith's entourage stood in neat rows, their uniforms gleaming in the sunlight. Sorvin addressed them, his voice steady and commanding.
“This mission is unlike any we’ve undertaken before,” he began. “We’re not just protecting the princess. We’re protecting the hope of our kingdom. Each of you was chosen for your skill, your loyalty, and your ability to rise to any challenge. I expect nothing less than excellence from all of you.”
The soldiers responded with a resounding, “Yes, Commander!” waiting until Arlith arrived.