"Ok, get off him!" James commanded. The visions turned blurry and I began to see double; it made me lose my balance. My head pulsed ferociously, and the blood seeping from my nose entered my mouth; the metallic taste of blood becoming even more prominent. Eventually, I found my footing.

Klayden was sprawled on the ground groaning.

"Shael, would you kindly ask Oda for a healing scroll, please, thank you!" James calmly asked. Shael complied without hesitation.

I stood in front of James with my chest held high trying my hardest not to pass out. He rest his hands on his waist and shook his head. "I know that this isn't the limit to both of your strengths, what happens when you're cornered, huh!? What if there is no one to come and save you? Are you gonna lay down or look at me out of breath, or will you keep fighting?"

Klayden lightly flailed around his arms., "Give me a break, I'm on the verge of death."

Shael returned with two healing scrolls clutched to her chest. James opened the scrolls and opened his hand above my temple and Instantly, was healed. He went to Klayden and did the same thing also.

James grabbed a chair from one of the tables, "Take a seat, all of you!" James commanded, with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Before we do anything further let me give you a warning. At the level you guys are at now I don't think you are going to be ready in six months and if you decide to make our jobs harder I don't think you all are going to be ready at all. You will be given some grueling tasks and you're gonna feel like quitting, but don't give up, you are going to hate yourself if you do–trust me."

I sat, taking in all I could from James. I felt motivated and ready to tackle anything that came my way, but those words weren't enough to prepare me for what was to come.

It was now the fourth day of Redfall my birthday. I turned eighteen and I didn't receive a letter or a gift from my family. As I ran along the path scouted for us by Mitchell, the air in my lungs started to irritate me due to the cold air. In front of me was Roger and not far behind were Shael and Klayden; Mithcell was mounted on his horse leading us on the path we were supposed to take. As we ran on the muddy road Mitchell screamed trying to demoralize us. My stomach was hurting and his loud voice annoyed me. I ignored every word that came out of his mouth and focused on my task. I had a reason for joining the regiment and no one would stop me from accomplishing it.

I could hear the weary pants of everyone as we pushed ourselves to complete the one mile out of the twelve we had left. Behind me, I heard something drop and squelch into mud followed by the panting of a female. I turned to see who it was. Shael was kneeling with her hands in the mud her chest rising and falling beneath her, she tried to grab hold of the mud trying to rise to her feet. Klayden and Roger stopped as well, we were going to help her before Mitchell roared at us. "What the fuck are you stopping for?! Keep moving!"

Reluctantly we turned and kept running along the dirt road. As I continued I could hear Mitchell yelling at Shael. "You don't have to keep going, just stop and I'll take you back to the manor it's that simple!"

A scream echoed along the path. From the trees on either side of the road, birds flew away. We whipped our heads around to find Shael rising to her feet and running again.

It was now pitch black and we had finally reached the manor. We dropped on the pebbled road, uncontrollably panting. The air wobbled in my throat as I gasped for air. Klayden ran to the thorny bushes and hurled uncontrollably. Mitchell tied his horse to the post and walked towards--us his feet crunching the pebbles. "Get up! Go eat, wash up and get some rest. You all go with Filibert in the morning," He commanded while walking to the front door.

I arose, my feet shaking as I took weary steps towards the doors. We reached the kitchen and there were huge jars of water on the dining table with cakes and chicken on silver plates laid out neatly. I ran to the table followed by everyone else and dug in. I put the jar of water in my mouth not coming up for a breath of fresh air. Roger and Klayden grabbed extra meat from the huge plate at the center of the table. Everyone ate heartily not caring about etiquette or mannerisms.

As we calmed down our hunger-driven behavior I wanted to make sure everything was alright with Shael after her incident. I wiped the gravy from my mouth, "Shael is everything ok?" She cut me off with a mouth full of chicken. "Zarek, please don't talk to me right now!" She snapped.

"Ok, Sorry."

5th of Redfall...

I was violently awakened by the sound of our door flying open. Filibert stood propped in the doorway. "Come on! I don't want to spend all day with you guys, wake up!" We jumped out of our beds barely awake with eyes redder than mine. Outside was colder than it usually was so I took a peep through the window. It was snowing earlier in the month than it usually did.

Do we have to go out in that weather?

We stood in the forest that surrounded the manor awaiting Filiberts arrival for hours in heavy armor, shivering. He finally arrived holding a metallic object with a face engraved on the front. After resting the metallic sculpture on the ground. He spoke, "Take a couple of steps back, would you!"

We stepped back more than a couple of steps. Without warning, Filibert began to speak, uttering words that I couldn't even comprehend. Seconds after speaking the eyes of the item started to glow purple. Lilac smoke covered the top of the sculpture. The unintelligible whispers of a voice echoed from it. Multiple purple orbs circled the jar before finally landing in front of Filibert. The orbs turned into pillars of smoke, which then slowly transformed into human figures. The figures had heads without skin and eyeless sockets and mouths covered with purple scarfs. The things had symbols in the middle and on the edges of the hood. A short raven black feathered cape and swords on their backs.

"What are they?" Shael asked with a fearful look painted on her face.

This is the first time I had ever seen Filibert smile. "These beautiful creatures that I summoned before you are Barastyrs; spirits that take the form of undead warriors," Filibert said enthusiastically.

Roger nervously cleared his throat. "Are we going to fight them?"

Filibert put his hand on the shoulder of the Barastyr closest to him. "No! You're going to hide from them, and if you get caught head back to the mansion. I wanted to see how long you could last without Oda's silence mark on your armor. Anyway, I'll give you five minutes max to go deep in the forest. After that time is up, head back to the manor without being spotted."

Out of all the armor, Klayden's made the most noise. I made it my objective to keep far from him. We split up into the dense forest trying to find a place to conceal ourselves. Running through the forest made me think back to my horrible time in Heolstorflod. My heart started beating rapidly but I quickly gained control of myself. I shook my head dismissing those fearful thoughts and took deep breaths.

This isn't like Heolstorflod.

I finally found a spot to hold up in; a snowy ditch behind a massive tree. The five minutes were up and I didn't move an inch from my spot–I was perfectly hidden. The only downside was every slight movement I made would cause the sword on my back to hit my armor causing a clank that lightly echoed. I made a split-second decision to take it off. It was a hard decision but I ultimately decided to do it. I took the strap that held the sword off my back and buried it underneath the snow beside the tree. To remember where I put it I took the dagger on my waist and carved a triangle on the tree trunk.

It was time to start moving to the manor.

I crouched low and moved slowly from tree to tree and bush to bush hoping that I wouldn't be somehow spotted. In the distance, I heard a loud voice; it was Klayden. "This is complete horseshit!" he shouted angrily.

If I could hear him that meant the Barasty's were not far from me. I crouched lower and quickly devised a plan for my escape.

I would follow the trees in an arc around the manor until I reached the walls of the house, there I would scale the walls. My thoughts were interrupted when the sounds of crunching snow were heading toward me. My heart leaped, and I took a reluctant peek from behind the grey and tapered tree trunk.

Two Baratyrs slowly moved through the snow. Their heads scanned the forest with jerky movements. I quickly pulled myself behind the tree and held my breath. I struggled to think straight, my heart began to pound loudly; the dead could probably hear it. Next to me was a snow-covered rock. Without hesitation, I threw it to my right, the rock hit a tree before landing in the snow.

The crunching stopped and a loud snarl rang out from behind the tree. The Barastyrs ran towards the sound before stopping–their backs turned to me. I removed my hand from my mouth as I dashed away from the tree trunk. I made a foolish mistake. Snarls were heard again followed by snow being rapidly crushed underfoot. I took a glance behind me only to find them dashing through the snow as they neared me.

How could they move that fast in the snow?

My heart began to race as I tried to get away, but the snow was even more difficult to run through. I looked back again and their arms were outstretched coming closer and closer. My legs began to feel sore as I struggled to get one foot in front of the other.

Suddenly I began to fall, a heavyweight now on my back. I landed face-first into the snow, the cold was now searing on my face. A loud growl came close to my right ear, I could feel the hands of the Barastyr pinning me to the ground. After a couple of seconds, I was released. I slowly rose to my feet. The Barastyrs Stared at me before finally running off.

With a defeated sigh, I whipped my head around trying to find the tree I buried my swords behind. The direction finally reemerged in my mind and with slow and tiring steps, I walked towards the tree.

I got my sword and headed toward the Filiberts location. I found him. I walked towards Filibert who propped himself up on a tree covered in snow. "What a surprise! I thought you would've held out longer," he said in an underwhelming tone.

Under furrowed eyebrows, I gave him an angry look that came from the pits of hell itself. He raised his eyebrows with a hint of fear on his face. Wasting no time, he fixed his gaze on the forest.

I entered the manor shivering and covered head-to-toe in snow. Hours passed, and Klayden and I were in the dining hall awaiting the return of Roger and Shael. I ran to the window and took a peek from behind short rose-embroidered curtains. Outside was pitch-black and I could only see a few feet beyond the patio. I was about to close the curtains when three figures walked towards the manor two of them looked weary while the one furthest to the front walked effortlessly.

I closed the curtain and looked at Klayden excitement almost spilling out onto my face. "They finally returned," I said while gesturing with a tilt of my head to the left towards the door. Not long after, a loud bang was heard followed by the whistling of the wind. Another loud bang was heard when we finally reached the backdoor where Shael, Roger, and Filibert dusted their snow-covered bodies.

Klayden stood at the edge of the hallway with his hands on his hips. "Why did you all take so long? He asked with anger and annoyance light on his tone.

Filibert raised an eyebrow and a smile began to curl on his lips. "They were busy winning!" Filibert said mockingly.

A look of surprise briefly lit Kayden's face before his eyebrows returned furrowed. He sucked his teeth and stormed away. Filibert lowered and shook his head with a disapproving look. "He isn't going to get far, I give him a couple more weeks before he quits," Filibert said his gaze now finding mine.

He shouted while pointing at me, "Don't look at me, you're freaking out!"

Filibert walked past me–the artifact he had swinging from his waist. I looked at Shael and Roger, I didn't know how they managed to last that long but curiosity tugged at my temple. Propping myself on the shined wooden wall to my left, I cleared my throat. "How did you two manage to stay hidden for so long?"

They looked at each other with raised eyebrows before bringing their attention back to me. "From a very young age, I had excellent skills in climbing and moving from tree to tree," Shael said with a huge grin spread across her face.

Roger smiled and shrugged. "I guess Calher's good fortune rained down on me today."

We ate our supper quietly, and I sat in my thoughts...annoyed. What was the point of this training we were receiving? We should be mastering the art of combat, not playing hide and seek.

I rapidly arose from my seat, " I will be heading to bed now, have a good night," I said, walking out of the dining room.

From out of the blue, my anger began to rise, my skin became hot and I began to sweat as I grit my teeth. I vividly began to recollect my time at Heolstorflod forest. I began to vividly recall the gore I witnessed. I recalled that man Kane, and I Imagined my sword slinking into his flesh--will savor the day when I find and kill him.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

I lived to see another day and I was awakened early once more. Surprisingly, I still wasn't used to the routine. Reinhold had awakened us by banging on the door loudly. "Get up, if I don't see any of you in the dining hall in five minutes I'm gonna hit you hard!" He warned with furrowed brows. He rubbed his nose and the sound of his heavy boots got further away.

Sitting up, I rubbed my temple trying to dull the intense headache that plagued me. It didn't take long to go away. I would've loved to take a bath but I was running out of time. I equipped my black gambeson and black pants and slipped my feet into some boots that helped with the intense frigid temperatures.

We made our way down to the dining hall without uttering a single word. Again, our breakfast was corn and bread. I heard a groan from Klayden and he began to curse under his breath and the pitiful food we will have to ingest. The only upside was a hot cup of tea steaming intensely in the cold room.

Quickly, we all ate and made our way to Reinhold. We opened the door to a cold wind that made me shiver violently. Shael wrapped her arms around her body trying to get some warmth. Klayden began to vigorously rub his hands together and Roger looked unbothered. I was freezing but didn't want to look weak in front of Reinhold, so I held my chest high and bared the cold.

"Sir!" Shael said with a wobble in her voice, "Can we please wear something suitable for this kind of weather?"

Reinhold rubbed his nose, "Well, I never said you couldn't!"

We all looked at each other before looking at the door of the house. We turned around happy at the thought of getting some protection from the cold but our excitement quickly dissipated when Reinhold commanded us to stop. "Now, where do you all think you are going?" he asked with his arms crossed.

"We are going for clothes more suitable to this type of weather sir," Klayden said, nervously.

Reinhold grumbled, "Didn't I give you adequate time to prepare, if you all knew it was cold why did you all leave underdressed?" He sighed before rubbing his nose, "Listen to me and listen well, you four are too absent of mind. This will be your first lesson from me and I want you to take it in because I will not be saying it again: get out of your little fantasy lands and think, that is what is required of you if you are to succeed in your training. Now hurry up and change into proper attire!"

Without wasting another second we made our way inside the manor and changed into more appropriate attire. We all wore black leather doublets over our gambesons and put on another layer of pants.

The training that day was much more times brutal and dangerous. We were made to trek miles through the frigid temperatures. We walked through water that made our feet numb and took the breath out of our bodies and the only way we were allowed to make ourselves warm...was to keep running.

Reinhold carried us to a shed where he made us lift stones and climbed rocky cliffs with our bare hands; the roughness of the stone tore flesh from it. My body never felt so horrible. Oftentimes when I ran, my legs hung on for life as I pushed myself trying to avoid more punishment and pain by stopping.

I went to bed that day with an aching body. The thought of wanting to quit lingered in my mind like a Morrvakian Scavenger. When I am in moments of despair such as this, I close my eyes and imagine my sword soaked in Lucius Kane's blood.

My mind was given a brief day of rest when we were sent to train with Oda. She taught us how to close a wound on our body if no one was available to offer magical aid and how to construct life-saving medicine from the plants that we would encounter in Selediano and other nations on the continent. One flower she mentioned was an Ospina, a flower with red spiked petals that when crushed and given a good strain with water could help dispel most poisons.

Another brutal month passed by and the results of this pain were beginning to show. My body became lean and I felt as If I could lift a mountain. I could feel the power in my arms. Shael's physique is what stood out to us. We were all dressed lightly in blue ankled banded pants that were bagged at the thighs. We were all shirtless, besides Shael who wrapped a thick cloth tightly around her bosom. Her abdominal muscles were well-defined, along with her triceps which looked as if they were carved from marble. Our eyes couldn't help but go over her attractive and lean body.

"Is there something on me?" she asked angrily. Our eyes detoured in multiple directions before we could give her an answer. "Nothing on you, sorry!" I assured.

The awkward feeling was dismissed when Reinhold entered the field. "Let's get going he commanded. We walked through the forest for a couple of minutes before the burbles of a river were heard. As we got closer to the edge of the tree line the sound became even louder.

In the distance were mountains whose peaks were concealed in the clouds. The river was wide and the sound it made brought back memories that haunted me. I closed my eyes trying to get the fearful thoughts out of my head. We were led to a dock, where James and Oda sat in a boat. James was shirtless; his dark skin glowing in the sun.

Reinhold stood on the dock, with an impish smile on his face. I had an idea of what we were going to do here but I wanted to hear him say it, and say it he did. "Swim across to the other bank and then back," he commanded. We all looked at each other nervously.

Was this old man crazy?

"Have no fear, James is an excellent swimmer, he'll drag you out onto the safety of the bank, then you will try again."

My heart was racing at the thought of being swept away. "First up!" he said. Those words sent stabs of fear into my chest.

"Zarek! You will take the first attempt at crossing the river."

I almost fainted but regained my balance. I took reluctant steps to the edge, I breathed in and out rapidly before jumping in. I held my breath tightly in my throat as I slowly began to be carried away by the current. With the strength, I could muster I put one arm in front of the other slowly propelling myself to the surface. I kicked hard and rapidly allowing me more speed. I was soon reaching the surface but it became hard to breathe. I put my arm in front, resembling an arrow before separating my arms. I broke through the surface gasping for air as I found myself a couple of feet away from the dock.

I shook my head getting the water out of my eyes. Reinhold cupped his hands around his mouth, "What are you stopping for lad? keep swimming!"

I started to put one hand in front of the other propelling myself towards the other bank while slowly being swept away. My arms started to burn furiously as I tried to go forward. I turned my head to the left, I was almost close to the bend. From the direction of the dock, I heard Reinhold shout. "Go, and get him out!"

Oda and James didn't jump in the water, they ran along the bank rapidly. I poured magic into my arms to go against the current. The runes creeping up my arm made the water lightly glow. I was able to continue against the current while waiting for Oda and James.

James threw a rope toward me, but before it could hit the water, I caught it mid-air. I was dragged to the water towards the bank like a feather. James's hand grabbed the underneath of my arm before pulling me onto the bank.

My chest rose and fell as I caught my breath. James knelt beside me, "Hey kid, you alright?"

"Yes!" I assured him before replenishing my stamina. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet.

"Why didn't you replenish your stamina while you swimming?" He asked confused.

"Sorry sir, I panicked." He put his hands on my shoulders while his blue eyes pierced into mine. "Listen, kid, always keep a calm mind, you're gonna get yourself killed if you can't think rationally in dire situations."

He pats my shoulders and sent me back in the line. This trial went on for hours, sometimes we took breaks but we were made to swim across the river until it almost turned dark. After multiple failed attempts, I finally succeeded, hours after Roger, Klayden, and Shael made it. I lay on the bank feeling fulfilled; I almost cried.

More months went by and we honed our skills in combat and stealth, and Oda taught us how to make a poison that could stop a man's heart in one sip. My physique and strength became even stronger working with James and Filiebert. I could run a mile without even using magic thanks to Mitchell. My swordsmanship was excellent, while my companions would take breaks, I would continue training, and the thought of my goal motivated me. I was so good Shael, even roger had a hard time defeating me.

Six months later...

Six months flew by quickly. It was the 1st day of Winterwane today and We sat on the patio for hours, waiting for Reinhold to give us orders. We waited for hours but no one even showed. Klayden looked to the sun squinting his eyes before he then spoke. "What's taking them so long?" He asked annoyed.

Roger rubbed the side of his temples his rock-hard biceps tightening as he did so. "I'm going back inside I have a headache," Roger said furrowing his eyebrows.

"We might as well go with you," Shael supported.

I sat in the chair hearing their conversation but I wasn't paying attention to it. Staring into the forest at the end of the field was very pleasing. I sat there till I heard voices call out to me, I whipped my head around startled.

"Let's head inside!" Klayden shouted.

I got up from the chair which had scissored legs; it creaked as I did so. I walked towards the door wearily, so weary I couldn't help but stretch and yawn. We entered the backdoor and headed down the hallway toward Reinhold's study. Our feet thud against the hardwood floor as we walked.

Klayden grunted," I feel like I could throw a mountain right now," he said as he flexed.

Roger grinned and pat Klayden's back. "Is that so?!"

"Yeah! I could probably even beat you right now!" Klayden boasted.

We walked up the stairs and at the top was James moving quickly, when he saw us he stopped in his tracks and leaned over the wooden railings. "Thank goodness, you guy's saved me a trip. Anyway, get up here, Reinhold wants to see you!"

Something seemed off, James didn't have his bright smile today; his face looked mildly serious.

"What is it he wants?" Klayden inquired.

James's face had a moment of annoyance, instead of answering Klayden, he just waved his hand gesturing for us to hurry. We reached Reinhold's study, it was two massive doors with golden knobs, and it was opened with James waiting in the doorway.

We entered the room, it was cabinets upon cabinets filled with books. Over the cabinets, was a painting of the battle of the Xaequith gateway. Many soldiers side by side swords and spears at the ready, with mages outstretching their arms to kill the monsters. In the center of the room, was an oval-shaped table. At the end was Reinhold, overlooking a huge sheet of paper. Mitchell was at the other end with an angry look on his face. Oda and Filibert stood on the right side of the table and James stood on the opposite now rejoining them. All their expressions showed signs of anger and intense concentration.

Reinhold's gaze was now fixed on us. " Good! You all are finally here."

Oda and Filibert moved a little to create room for Shael and me; Roger and Klayden stood next to James. On the table was a massive map of Selediano. "What's this about?" I asked curiously.

"This is our war room, and you all are going to war!" He said while staring at all of us menacingly

Roger, Klayden, Shael, and, I all looked at each other shocked. "You mean to war...with the Coven of the Eternal Flame? I never knew we stopped fighting with them!" She asked confused.

"We didn't!" Reinhold retorted. "It just got even more intense, the village of Sarton was left in ruins. The adults were murdered ruthlessly, and the children were taken!"

Mitchell's eyebrows furrowed even more, and he looked ready to kill.

Reinhold unrollled a letter. "Our role is to find targets and get rid of them! Wait for further instructions." He said as he rest the scroll on the table, his eyebrows furrowed in thought. After ten minutes of waiting, he finally spoke. The atmosphere in the room was intense.

"I will now be giving you your assignments. Roger and Klayden! You wil be assigned to the city of Borgomera, your task... is assassinating a merchant by the name of...Nicholas Norman. He is a very notorious merchant and is suspected of supplying weapons to rebels. Kill him however you see fit, but whatever you do, don't get spotted.

Roger and Klayden looked at each other with fear intense on their faces. Reinhold was about to continue when Klayden cut him off. "Sir! Don't you think we should be given more training before we do anything so dangerous?" Klayden asked fearfully.

Reinhold hold slammed the paper onto the desk; his calm expression was now overtaken by anger. He stormed towards Klayden and Roger and held the two of them by their collars. " Listen to me and listen to me well, I had involvement in your training, and I have concluded that you are fit and ready for tasking. You two are very smart, and skilled individuals, you will complete this mission, and I will not tolerate anything less...do you two understand?!"

He let go of Roger and Klayden's shirt. Roger stamped his foot on the floor and stood at attention. "Yes sir! I will complete this mission!" He gave Roger a nod and fixed his eyes on Klayden. Klayden fixed his collar and stood at attention. "Yes sir! I will also complete this mission you have assigned me, to the best of my abilities."

Reinhold's angered expression calmed down. He nodded his head and continued. "Shael and Zarek! You two are headed to the city of Aquentia." He said as he pulled out a scroll. This scroll here has information in case you stupidly forget. You two will be given two platinum coins and twenty Seledianon gold marks." He said while putting a bag of coins on the table. Shael and I widened our eyes in surprise. That was enough money to last us a month.

"For two weeks, you will be keeping an eye on a tavern the enemy buyers frequently attend. Your objective is to capture and bring back the leader of this group who frequently acquires weapons from this tavern. If anything goes wrong...eliminate them!"

Shael and I stood at attention. "Yes sir!" We shouted.

My heart was beating fast, never in my life would I have thought I would be given a task as dangerous as this.

"Head to the armory and wait for Oda, dismissed!" We left the room, and my heart was still pounding away in my chest as I contemplated all the ways this mission could go bad or good.

We walked down the stairs in silence, when we reached the bottom, Shael stooped and gently smacked her face leaving two red handprints. "I'm so nervous."

Roger raised an eyebrow. "What is there to be nervous about? We have proven ourselves to be excellent. I'm looking forward to this, and Klayden, you better not get in my way."

"Get in your way?! Look, let's make a bet, whoever kills this Nicholas guy first has to give the winner half of their pay!"

Roger grinned. "Deal!"

These two seemed to be excited, I was excited as well but fear still lingered in my mind.

We were awaiting Oda in the armory for the past half-hour now. I was just about to go into the kitchen and relax when she burst through the door. She pulled back a curtain that hung behind the smithy. Our armor was finely laid out on the rack and was cleaned and recolored. My gold-reinforced breastplate was now silver. Black coats without the symbol of our order were hung separately on hooks. Oda took klaydens armor off the rack and took a chisel and a hammer from a drawer on the smithy. "Let's do this quickly, I have to get myself ready." She said as she started hammering.

Shael walked closer to her. "Where are you headed?

Oda didn't look up from hammering but she still answered. "Into the heart of the enemy's territory."

"Do you have any advice?" Shael inquired.

"Focus on the mission and all fear will leave your body, It worked the first time I joined, it might work for you guys too." Oda stopped hammering, "finished with this one, the mark of silence, this will stop the metallic noise from giving away your position. The mark was a shoe on a cloud, she quickly engraved the same marking on our armor. She was right, when I wore it, not a single sound came from it, even when the armor touched and scraped against each other.

Oda grabbed something from a case, a very stretchy band with red roses on them. "For you Zarek."

I took the stretchy band. "Thank you...but I'm not a mage.

Forgive me, if I'm being rude Zarek, but looking into your eyes is very unsettling, imagine how normal civilians would react.

I lightly chuckled.

It was now morning, and Shael and I wore civilian clothing. I wore the stretchy band Oda gave me around my eyes and surprisingly I could see very clearly. We kept our armor in a chest. A civilian transport carriage with a white cloth covering it was on the other side of the gate waiting for us. Roger and Klayden were fully armored with the black cloaks they received concealing it.

Roger and Klayden got on their horses ready to leave. Roger gave us his best wishes, "Good luck you two." Klayden gave a slight bow.

The two of them sped off through the gates, kicking up multiple pebbles. Shael and I looked on as they went farther. I looked at Shael in her blue long-sleeve tunic with flower designs and black pants that were covered at the bottom with black leather shoes with lacing. Her hair was simply brushed and combed making it silky and shiny. She was beautiful, I wore a black leather-front buckled shirt with black pants and boots.

"Are you ready?" I asked not able to contain my smile.

Shale sighed. "I'm ready as I'll ever be!" She said returning the smile. "Also! I can't help but notice, that rose band, you look handsome wearing it."

Her compliment made butterflies tumble around my stomach. Shael and I picked up our Chest and loaded it into the carriage, we sat on the benches inside. With a whip of his reigns, the carriage driver was off.