It took Fenrir and Dolan approximately 11 hours of horseback riding to reach the city of Deepfalls. The city itself stretched far and wide, its outskirts marked by lumberjack cabins and hunter's lodges. Beyond these, a protective wall enclosed the inner city. Two imposing gates, one in the north and the other in the south, granted access. Deepfalls was renowned for its perpetual snow, which blanketed the city for nine months of the year, enhancing its picturesque charm. When Fenrir and Dolan reached the north gates, they were granted entry without question, as knights were welcome in any city without hesitation.
Inside the city, the streets were bustling with people. Deepfalls, being the northernmost city in the Kingdom of Grivania, served as a hub for trading unique and exotic items found in the harsh, frigid lands of the north.
Seeking respite for the night, Fenrir and Dolan decided to stay at the White Boar Inn. They booked two comfortable rooms at a cost of one silver each. Fenrir's family had provided Dolan with the necessary funds to cover Fenrir's expenses. However, sleep avoided Fenrir that night, as the following day marked one of the most critical moments in his life.
With a mix of nervousness and excitement, Fenrir awoke the next morning. The tests for intent and affinity were organized annually, spanning an entire week to accommodate all eligible candidates. Children who turned 14 from nearby towns and villages assembled to the nearest city to participate. Yet, only one in a thousand managed to pass each test.
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Leaving the inn behind, Fenrir and Dolan made their way to the City Hall, where the tests were to be conducted. The hall was teeming with people, including candidates from neighboring towns and villages. City officials at the entrance issued numbered tokens to the candidates, determining the order in which they would undergo the tests.
Fenrir received token number 45, and a total of 234 children had arrived for the tests from nearby towns and villages on the first day of the examination. Inside the City Hall, candidates and their guardians gathered in the vast hall, which usually hosted speeches by leaders. On the stage, three figures took their positions, with one stepping forward.
"I welcome you, my fellow countrymen. Those who have come from other towns and villages may not know me; I am Landgrave Berstrain, the Count of the City of Deepfalls. Joining me on the stage are representatives from the Mage Academy, madam Janet Manild, and the Knight Academy, sir Hanekin Yvon ," the Count announced, gesturing towards a lady in green robes and a man in a knight's uniform. Both nodded and smiled at the assembled crowd.
The Count continued, "Candidates will enter the room behind us, where they will be tested by the affinity and intent stones, based on their token numbers."
After delivering this speech, the Count, accompanied by the two academy officials, retreated to a room adjacent to the hall. One by one, candidates approached the room, and one by one, they exited with downcast expressions, signifying their failure. Finally, it was Fenrir's turn to step into the room. Inside the room, Fenrir found himself standing before a massive wooden table. On the table lay two distinct stones, their presence both imposing and mysterious. Beyond the table, the Count and the two academy officials were seated.