The king took a long sip of wine. From what one of the servants had told him, he had been here for approximately two days, nearing the third rise of the sun. To him, that will prove it all to him. Whether or not his expectations and his suspensions hold true. He sensed it, he knows he did. That same feeling, that same look, surely he can not be mistaken. Who would have thought? That the very son from those two would end up meeting him, still wearing that pendant, the accursed pendant that had caused so much. And now their son was wearing it. He couldn't help it, this all brought a bright smile to his face.

"Is something amusing my lord?"

The wind was blistering, whistling along the lifeless branches and craggy cliffs. The trail was covered in snow, and if he stood still for too long, he too would be covered in white powder. But he didn't really mind it. He liked his wine cold. But he could not say the same fro his attendants. He has sat on the same rock, watching the entrance, lazily waiting for someone to stumble out half dead. His guards, flanking him either side, although stoic in form, secretly shivered even in their thick leathers and armor. His advisors, each one, was seemingly unbothered but had already become impatient. Novia, the Paladin of expeditions, had been pacing so much, a clear trail was left in her wake. The others watched her furrowed face, occasionally glancing at the dark cave. The question, or more closely scolding, came from her. She never likes waiting. Things tend to not happen that she wants to. So much time could be towards other, more important things. And while the others were complacent enough to simply wait, she was far more impatient than them.

"Pace yourself now," Lupurious told her, yawning. The moonlight settled in his blond hair, nearly illuminating it in the dark. "I would think you would use to this by now. We're witnessing the next generation, whatever that is worth. Can't wait to get more personnel."

"You're not the only one," Aurelius agreed. "More knights are needed east. And I bet you will need more explorers, no?"

"Of course I do," she told them. "But how much longer must it take. we could have stormed this place thrice before the next Sun. So why is the king smiling."

A small chuckled escaped his lips, and Novia resisted the urge to throw a large rock at him. He shifted his position to something a bit more comfortable, taking another sip from his cup. "Not a fair comparison, Novia. They are still new and have a lot to learn. But in time, some decent knights will be forged by your hands. Remember who currently holds the record?"

There was almost a collective sigh among them, as she finally settled beneath a tree. "We all know that you hold the record, my lord."

"And let's see if anyone breaks it," he looked back towards the exit. Really, none of the expected to see anyone walk out any time soon. The average time of completion is about five days. Still, he hung to the curled ends of his cloak, the wind still picking him as he stared with a knowing smile. Ever so often, Lupurious would unsheath the blade at his side, and run a single finger upon his edge to watch sparks suddenly explode with fascination rivaling a child. None of the mistook the magnitude of this trial really. They knew very well that many people have died already. Not a noble death in any means. There was no service done to honor this. The only reward is given to the living, who will become elite members of this society. As the Captains have, as the king has. At this point, it has almost become a right of passage to become a knight, to make a drastic or even noticeable difference. Knights will become leaders, protectors, warriors, and explorers for this empire, extending themselves into the unknown and conquer it. That meaning, which has been alive within them since the advent of the clans themselves. To survive this dungeon would no doubt be anything more than arduous, but it will forge the strongest of warriors.

And the footsteps that stepped out of this darkened tunnel, above the whistling wind, the rustling of branches and so on. The mud-stained snow was trembling now, as they all suddenly moved and looked back to the tunnel. The king's eyes were wide, despite the pain they endured, and a large small widened to near discomfort. The captains looked on in a mixture of curiosity and wonder. It was not yet sunrise, the moon still high in the sky, and the stars dotting the dark skies. The only thing that rivaled that darkness, was the very tunnel they stared, and the shadows approaching from a dim, nearly fluttering pale light lit by one sword. Held by a lone corn-haired knight, half carrying another in a shared hobbled step. And in his free hand, he held onto the silver rod, that had only traded hands once before. The hands that now spread on either side of the king as he chuckled.

Hearing this laughter made Lyse falter for a moment, looking at his comrades who graciously smiled like they reached an end to the joke. And for the first time since days before, they reached actual natural light. Even the pale bars of the half-moon seemed to warm their skin and muscles. And the waiting visage of the guards, captain, and the king were welcomed over the dreary conditions of the dungeon. They stopped only a few paces from the exit, taking in the fresh, chilly air in deep gulps. They smiled graciously as the king continued to chuckle, and claps his hands. He looked to the moon, and to them, locking eyes with Lyse as his hands fell to his side, but the smile remained.

"Congratulations," the king applauded, the captains taking up noble stances around him. "Those words must be the sweetest of sounds, unrivaled no? Five hours. Five entire hours. I would be in disbelief if I have not bared witness to this occasion."

It took a moment for Lyse to realize those words, then it dawned on him, as he looked back at his friends, his mouth wide as the realization hit each of them as well. The record, only the king had held previously, was now their own. Something so momentous was somehow their's. It was simultaneously unnerving and exciting. And the king, whom they would expect to be a bit upset, was just smiling, almost wickedly upon them.

"We are honored, your majesty," Lyse bowed his head as much as his sore neck would allow, and the king returned the gesture along with each of them.

"As you have every right to be," he replied. With a clap of his hands, two guards broke their formation around him, and then flanked the four of them. "They will escort you back to the barracks. The captains and company will come around when the trials are over. Then, your lives will be changed by the next choice you all shall make. And I am excited of what paths are laid before you for this kingdom of ours."

While the king's words appeared genuine, they seemed to target Lyse ears especially. He still remembers the brief, yet tense entire he had before. While the king was as joyous as a calf, he carried also a strict authority that made none question his words. Then there was also that sage of Lykos, Makyra, and her appearance around him. They all gave a bow to each of the captains, and the king who seemed to be exchanging glances and whispers, already between themselves with speculations and questions. Before they were twenty paces out, he heard the name Dagmyre from Lupurious.

The two sentinels that escorted them kept five steps away, basically leaving them to their own talk without disturbance. And while Edlund felt close to fainting, and Gray being carried by Elena, they all couldn't help but hold various forms of smiles. And the excitement they felt could not go unnoticed.

"Still can not believe we have actually made it," Lyse said in almost a whisper as if the wind would overhear their joy and retaliate. Edlund followed with a nod.

"To think we started in that small village," Edlund's voice was even lower than his own, and Lyse suspected he was holding back some powerful emotions but showed himself with a bright, almost sad smile. "We'll have to send letters back, you know. To your mother and our friends. Celebrations are in order."

"Celebrations are in order," Elena agreed, carrying Gray upon her shoulders. "We couldn't have made it without you Lyse. Your cunning is nothing I have seen before, even among some of the most seasoned of knights."

"You are . . . overvaluing my contributions," he said. "Everyone knows that a quarter-staff have superiority of a single sword. And you tossed me that spear."

"Didn't tell you how to use it, did I?" she said with an even larger smile. "And Dagmyre, this is something he and his family will never forget. He'll have to wait another six months for the trial. And you took his hand even."

"I kinda hope he never gets it back," Edlund nearly mused. "You know, to make his suffering funnier. He was a good knight I suppose, but just so arrogant. A stark contrast to our friend here."

He gave a weak tussle to Lyse's ashy blond locks and a smack to the cheek. Lyse smiled again and exchanged another glance with Elena, who held it for a bit longer than what was comfortable. He was really glad to of had someone like him along, and as much as she puts value upon him, he did so to her. He is not very strong or agile, only gifted with this keen eye and adequate sword skills. Elena could do just as much in his eyes, carrying it with quite a confidence that he admired. He settled that he is now obligated to buy her a drink at least once to show his gratitude.

As they crested over the mountain path to see the city of Silondras. Even in the dead of night, with forest and land seeming only a black see of life, the many torches and lights among the city were nearly mesmerizing as they draw near. The pain of the dungeon seemed to slowly melt away as they drew closer and closer, and their chatter turned still to admire the home they return to. Awaiting them were few knights, most settled into their room till the morning, where they expected a few of the newly appointed knights to return. But those who decided hopefully to stay outside the large inn house for the knights, grew still in their voices as well, seeing four figures flanked by sentinels. A mixture of disbelief and amazement. Almost immediately, as they reached the doors, they were hounded by the curious words of those around them.

"Wait, you actually made it out."

"You beat the king's record!"

"Who are you two?"

"From what family do you hail?"

"We hail from no family," Lyse told them as he attempted to move past them to the dining area, but the crowd seemed to only follow them inside, surrounding them as more and more questions pecked at them till they sat at a table. Elena was not spared, a bit more surrounding her to get answers about their apparent victory over the king. Many suspected the king to b upset, or perhaps disappointed. Some spoke of rumors of those who had broken the record before but were tossed into dungeons. This seemed more of joking gossip than actual suspicions. The king is well known to be a generous man, and as Lyse told him his words, they believed him. But they still were at wonder.

"Like a tale," one of them said. "A boy from a farm becoming a knight. One such as yourself hasn't been made in nearly a decade. All the nobles seem to swallow up those with a glimpse of talent."

"You must have made everyone back at your little village ecstatic."

"Ecstatic, once they hear the news," Edlund stood from his chair beside Lyse will a noticeable gunt. "I'm going to the Physicians for a quick patch up. hopefully, they will take extra care of those who survived life-threatening situations. You should probably check-in as well."

It was true that Lyse did not escape unscathed, with bruises and cuts to prove his trepidations. But for now, none of them were worrying to him. He simply wanted to rest now, and think of his next move. Now, he was a knight. A knight. He had to choose which cohort of knighthood he would follow, most certainly the ones that would allow for him to travel in search of his missing sister. And the only choice for him seemed to be to join the knights of explorations and research, governed by the foreign knight Novia of the Heavenly swords. Curiosity also pushed him towards this path. Not a whole lot is known of the escapade of those under Novia's command, besides the captain, city officials, and king himself. The explorers acted more like researchers, finding rare and mythical locations, objects and beasts, cataloging and reporting only to the king and Novia herself. And Novia doesn't just take any knight, but those of exceptional talents for sure.

His train of thought was interrupted when a mug of ale was placed on the table before him. The crowd had dispersed, but for the most part they seemed keen on their every movement, like a merchant watching every passerby. The generous hand belonged to Elena, who carried her own in her free hand and gave a polite, thankful smile. Lyse was a bit astonished she made the first move but took the drink graciously. It wasn't cold, in fact the back of his mouth stung for a moment before a minty flavor took control. But it was in fact welcomed, as he drunk a quarter of a cup before setting the cup back down.

"Trying to drink me under the table now?" Elena asked as she sat across from Lyse. "I will have to warn you, you will pass out before that will ever happen, I've drunk my father under stools before."

"Never been much for drinking anyway," Lyse told her in a low voice, almost embarrassed to even say it. "Funny, I was about to buy you a drink. I can't be any more grateful to you."

"Oh please," she waved her hand aside. "We all agreed that you were pretty essential. I doubt we would have been able to complete two of those challenges if not for you."

"Then at least grant me this toast perhaps," Lyse lifted his mug up, and immediately there was a noticeable shuffle as everyone lifted the nearest container in the air. He had not meant for his movements to be so noticeable, but now he was once again the center of attention, as every eye and ear was pointed to him. Elena let out a small chuckle as his worried eyes momentarily zipped across the room, and once again found purchase on her face. She gave him an encouraging smile. So he sighed and stood, carrying the most confident smirk he could muster, and lifting his wooden mug above his head.

"To the future then?" he shouted, more of a question to himself than others. "To our collective knighthood. May our days be as noble as our past has been honorable."

Lyse was a little proud that he could speak words that seemed so wise, and with confidence sludged down every drop of the bitter air as the air became brittle with cheers and hollers. As he fell back into his seat, the cup clamping against the table wood, he looked down at his hands with a furrowed brow. The ale was not very strong, but for some reason, he already felt so inebriated it was hard to focus his thoughts anymore. Elena drunk the last of her drink, finishing it with a satisfying sigh.

"Man, they sure did bring out the good stuff didn't they," she said, waving for the barmaid to bring another round, then looked to see Lyse clutching both hands around the cup and his balance sway. "Was I speaking too soon when I said you could handle a drink."

"I . . ." he tried to formulate a thought, but it wasn't coming. His speech was in small bursts as if a single sentence could send him toppling. "I . . . I had drinks . . . before . . . I"

Suddenly, his hand drifted to his necklace, which was now burning against the inside of his armor, the heat making his tense clench a bit. It was as if the effects of the drink was being forcefully intensified, the maddening state of drunkenness swallowing him whole. However, a moment later a cooler, temperate feel radiated, drowning out the buzzing in his head to calmness, and stillness. Two opposing forces battled in his mind, but ultimately the sober finally came to him. He finally settled and took a long breath while Elena watched him curiously.

"Some drink," he said as he accepted another from the barmaid. The words were a mix of embarrassment and frustration. He wishes to understand the limits of this pendant because its effects seemed so random and opposing. Elena read this mention written on his face as pointed to something else. "I bet you are pretty well known around these circles. A small-town guy like myself surely can not measure to the likes of you."

She swirled the ale in her cup, of what remained really as if the answer could be found in the light yellow liquid. "Everyone knows of my father," she submitted. "As the general of the tenth legion, probably the most respected regimen of Liontari, his kin are seen with wary, even as a child. There were a lot of arranged marriages because of this. If my father could be so powerful, then surely his child shall be even more incredible if he married correctly. My mother was a shieldmaiden and Paladin of her own legion in later years. And I now stand to inherit their throne of swords and songs."

"I dream of such things," Lyse sighed to this admittance, looking sadly down at his sword laying against his chair now. "At the very least did. Growing up in a village, a herder and farmer, you really don't get to have ambitions outside the acre of the lord who governs us. Who else to tend to the crops? I always dreamed of what the capital would be like at those naive ages."

"And did we deliver?" she asked with a cocked smile.

The barmaid refilled their drinks, and he immediately drunk a little more out of nervousness. "Most certainly. Almost outshining to some point. But I never thought that this was what will be the test that sent me on this path, that I would really be called a knight by those who are even ignorant of my name. And to meet someone like you-"

Lyse did not know why, but those last words made him feel that he had made a grave mistake. He nervously glanced back down at his cup and back up, expecting an offended and blushed to look, but she didn't seem to react at all to this awkwardness. Whether by will or not, he did not know or cared to find out. She did nod to this, taking in all he had said.

"I'm glad to of met someone like you as well," she told him. "I can tell you are very bright and earnest, two things crucial of knighthood. And I do wish our paths will cross more and more." She paused as if shocked by a sudden happening in the distance. Then she said, with curious interest. "What cohort will you be joining then?"

At first, the question appeared easy to answer but wasn't somehow. Like his answer would sway the entirety of his life. But he did answer in careful tones.

"I'm joining the explorer's cohort," he told her, and there was a noticeable shift in her stature as if being relieved of some burden that Lyse had not noticed before. She got up from the table, reaching into a pouch at her side and placing a silver coin on the table, an inch square silver piece with the symbol of the empire stamped on both sides. Payment for the meal, and then she grabbed her sword.

"We should rest for the morning," she told him. "I'm itching to feel an actual bed now."

Lyse smiled and nodded, standing up as well, unfortunately, unable to take the appropriate tip necessary. He strode around the table, while Elena was motionless watching him move, like a rabbit caught in a hawk's shadow. Then her face turned puzzled when he held out his hand with a gracious expression on his face.