Alaric:

Eventually, an old man named Mr. Flint answered. Mr. Flint tasked him with carrying pails of water from the local well to the house. Alaric agreed, content with earning a few coppers for his efforts.

For the night, he sought refuge on the ground, finding solace in his newfound wealth, albeit meager.

It amused him how a handful of coppers could provide more satisfaction than a royal duel ever could. It seemed absurd, given that he possessed only a small sum, not even enough to purchase peasant garb. Nonetheless, he lay on the floor, free from thorns that could torment his back, and hummed himself to sleep, murmuring his gratitude to the old man for offering him a place to rest.

A couple of weeks later, Alaric rose from his sleep as the golden rays of the morning sun gently filtered into the cozy cottage. Stretching his limbs, walked towards the village, his footsteps carried him down the cobbled path, each one sounding with a sense of purpose.

Alaric’s goal was clear: he needed to earn enough coin to afford the exorbitant entry fee that granted passage into the prestigious “noble” district of Goldacre.

Three gold coins— seemingly a small fortune with his pay—stood as the barrier between the revenge he stood for.

“At it again, Alec?” one of the villagers that he had made friends with, asked with a grin.

Alaric nodded, smiling back. “Just a bit more to go.”

He and his friends chuckled and walked away, one of them saying, “He’s persistent, I’ll give him that.”

Approaching the next cottage door, Alaric raised his hand and knocked, his knuckles rapping against the wood with a sense of anticipation. He knew that behind this door lay an opportunity, a chance to undertake another menial task that would push him closer to his goal.

He had resolved to work diligently, to leave no stone unturned until he could amass the necessary funds to get there. As he awaited a response, Alaric’s mind wandered, picturing the academy in the district. He had to get there somehow, had to become a student and make sure he could beat the trials of that area. He hadn’t fought in the deadly trial before, mainly because it was a death match, but he now had to do it without being spotted, which was even harder.

Furthermore, he couldn’t think of that yet. Even with all the suffering ahead, Alaric’s spirit remained unyielding. Out of everything that had been drilled into him since childhood, Alaric would never give up, even if the Gods came for his death.

With each knock on a door, and every task completed, he believed that he could understand the reasons behind the disappearances of so many people, and how the assassins and cultists were allowed to roam in the Kingdom. If he didn’t stay low, the Kingdom’s guard itself would kill him, which was even more confusing. He had so many questions, but no answers. Until he found someone in a powerful position that he could trust, he couldn’t do anything at all.

He had also gained a positive reputation in the past few days. Most residents had trusted him to return back with their items, or clean their house. With the Moon festival in two days, he had also kept up decorations and had somehow convinced the village leader to let him set-up some of the festivities.

The door creaked open, revealing a kind-faced elderly woman who regarded Alaric with curiosity. He greeted her politely and gave his spiel on how the Riders kidnapped him. It was a lie, but did he have any other choice? Not really.

The woman lowered her glasses and exclaimed, “Are you Alec?”

He nodded, trying to maintain his composure.

She laughed heartily, her eyes twinkling. “Well, if you are, I’d be willing to double the coppers if you could accompany someone to the Lutrian Moon festival.”

Turning back into the house, she called out, “Luna, come here!”

A girl emerged, around his age. Alaric instantly recognized her as one of the villagers who had helped him many times without him having to ask.

The elderly woman patted her on the back hard, nearly making her stumble. “Go on, dear, don’t be shy.”

Alaric stared blankly as the girl stammered, “I-I was wondering if you’d… like to go to the festival with me?”

Alaric considered saying no, but then the old woman held up one silver coin, gleaming in the light. He knew he couldn’t waste this chance. Taking her hands, he artificially smiled and said, “I’d be honored to go with you.”

One silver was worth 10 coppers. That was a whole days' work.

As he prepared to start the tasks the old woman had left for him, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something eerily familiar about the girl's face.

Alaric embarked on another day of toil and sweat. “Only three more days”, he told himself, “Only three more.”

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Katherine:

The star child opened her mouth and closed it. And then she took her eyes off of Katherine and spoke,

“Well, those, this." It stuttered. "Well, an unexpected occurrence." The child said. “I can tell you something, though. Your soul energy is very high. The Void Spear wasn’t supposed to available for mortal use during the trial, but you were able to wield it, let alone materialize it.”

Katherine hurriedly offered her apology.

“No worries. You lack understanding. However, I haven't witnessed cases like yours in even long-forgotten times, ones lost in the shadows."

The star-child took a long, deep breath. "At all costs, live your life in isolation. Don't seek items, like the Spear of Sorrows, the Void Spear. It can only... only kill you faster.”

The child tilted her head, appearing lost in deep contemplation. “Weapons have souls, just like humans. Lutrians have very specific and powerful connections to the Arcane Realm, so stay far, very far away and live your life in peace! Yes, peace!”

She nodded. “So, don't look for this Void Spear...”

“Yes. I'm very trustworthy, Katherine. ”

Those words went into one ear and out the other. If this being was the so-called Raven, her inner voice screamed at her to listen to the voice that had played in her head and find the Void Spear, one of the legendary weapons that no one had found in the countless years of Lutrian history. But how would that be possible? Unless...

But she would need to figure out the star-child's motives first. “Why are you helping me?” She asked.

The child looked at her more seriously. “You passed the classic Aiyimorean trial, a ritual etched into the history of the world itself. It’s better if I give you some personal guidance for your journey. Time may kill me, however, for I am already far too late.”

The child laughed, its voice resonating like a captivating melody.

The princess couldn’t believe it. “You cannot die; you look so young!” Katherine protested.

The child replied, “I am older than the parents of the stars themselves. I am the manifestation born from their dreams, and my dreams, have given birth to the very air you breathe at this moment.”

Katherine spoke up, seeing an opportunity, “Oh? That’s how you know my name, yet I do not know yours?”

The child trilled, “True. Ah, my name! I can only utter it once. Oh well, don’t worry about that, it can’t do harm right now. My name, little one, is Raven. Good night, my child.”

The small figure approached Katherine, gently tapping her finger against her forehead.

Katherine found herself immobilized, unable to move. She watched as a single droplet of water fell from the sky, swirling mist encapsulated within its folds. Upon the drop touching her forehead, waves of nausea engulfed her, and her vision blurred. The final image etched into Katherine's mind was Raven disappearing into thin air.

As she awoke in the nurse's room, a familiar ringing accompanied her return to consciousness. A gruff voice shattered the silence.

“Is she up?”

Her father's voice was unmistakable. Trying to get up from the bed with her vision still unclear, Katherine accidentally bumped into something and fell back onto the mattress. She heard the nurse scold her father for endangering her safety as he was hurriedly escorted out. Despite the nurse's comforting words, Katherine struggled to fully grasp the situation, feeling mentally drained, as if she had been lost in a dream for days.

She hoped this disorientation would fade soon, confident she'd recover within the hour. The residue of the strange energy still lingered within her. Moreover, the throbbing pain in her head forced her to grip herself tightly.

After enduring several painful minutes, the mental fog gradually lifted. Katherine attempted to stand, but her legs felt feeble and unstable. The nurse advised her to stay in bed, mentioning the King wished to discuss important matters whenever she felt ready.

Katherine nodded politely, waiting for the Arbitrator's return. Rubbing her eyes, she found her father standing there. Instead of asking about her well-being, he immediately inquired about her success in the trial.

It saddened her to realize he was solely concerned about the crown. Katherine acknowledged her failure, yet in some peculiar way, she also felt a sense of accomplishment.

However, the events that followed were convoluted and filled with uncertainty. She decided to fabricate a lie, unaware of the regret it would bring.

“Father, I did pass,” she uttered weakly.

A calm smile graced his face, and his wrinkles seemed to soften.

“Daughter, what discipline did you attain?”

Katherine extended a feeble hand.

“I did pass, but the spirit informed me that I’m an anomaly. My magic is intertwined with weapons. I must travel far away, which will activate my discipline.”

Her father appeared puzzled. “What spirit?”

“You didn’t encounter a spirit after completing the trial?”

“There was no spirit. Once the trial concluded, I was promptly expelled, and I had received The Veil."

Katherine looked at him in confusion.

“I don’t understand what you mean… My experience was different.”

He placed his regal hand on the bedpost. “Yet, this is the same for all generations, Katherine. I find it hard to believe you. Nevertheless, since you passed, you yearn to explore the outside world to discover your powers. You may go on. As for the issue of Aiyimorea… do not concern yourself. Your father will handle it. We shall not falter as long as the Kingdom stands strong.”

He laughed, though his laughter seemed tinged with pain. Giving her a gentle kiss on the head, he departed abruptly, leaving Katherine bewildered. He had never done that before.

She had faced rejection since childhood merely because of her gender. Being the sole woman born into her family in the last two centuries had cast her in an unwelcoming light. The previous woman born to the royal family had met a tragic fate, and Katherine hoped she wouldn’t be next. Her father's inability to have more children had added strain to his position, possibly fueling his initial disdain for her. Yet, his sudden behavior change raised suspicions. Something felt off.

A week passed without any incidents, calming her nerves, and allowing Katherine to finally relax and enjoy a few hours of much-needed sleep. Little did she know it would be her last peaceful rest for quite some time.