The sun was setting over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and red.
A teenager with dark brown hair and piercing blue eyes mature beyond his years sat by the window, his sword in hand, wiping the blade with a piece of cloth.
A child was sitting beside him, and looking at her, it was obvious she was his sister. She looked at the teenager with her crystal blue eyes, filled with admiration.
"Brother, when I grow up, will I be as strong as you?" she asked, her voice filled with hope and wonder.
The Teenager, William paused for a moment, contemplating his response. He couldn't deny that Charlotte had a natural talent for swordsmanship, even at her young age. He couldn't help but feel proud of her, but he also knew that strength wasn't just about physical prowess.
"Yes," he finally said, turning to look at her.
Her countenance alighted with a radiant, childlike grin. Her eyes gleamed with the hope and delight that she too could one day embody the same strength and valor as he.
William's heart ached with the memory of that moment when Charlotte's once-joyful smile twisted into a look of disgust and anger.
"I hate you! I never want to be someone like you! I'll choose the magic class at the academy! Let's see how you'll stop me!" Charlotte screamed as she looked at him.
William gazed upon her countenance, searching for the fleeting moments that once filled her eyes with admiration and wonder.
His heart ached as he pondered where their bond had faltered and why her once-dazzling spirit had dimmed.
At the age of 18, William was recruited into the Silver Knights, and at the time, Charlotte was only 13 years old.
He was unable to spend much time with her because he was constantly on duty, serving the Order.
His time spent with the Knights left him with limited social skills, making it difficult for him to communicate effectively with his younger sister when he returned home.
Her response was a blow to William's heart. All those years spent apart, all those missed moments of bonding, and now it seemed like they were strangers.
He had hoped that she would follow in his footsteps and pursue swordsmanship, but it was clear that his absence had left a deep chasm between them.
He felt a sense of melancholy wash over him as he realized that he could never truly make up for the lost time.
______
"Captain William, do you need some coffee?" asked a burly man, snapping William out of his thoughts.
The man was Garrick Ironheart, the Vice-captain of the Silver Knights. Garrick, a noble from the outskirts of the kingdom, known for his impressive stature and strength. Rumors had it that he grew up in the jungle, where he learned to hunt and survive by eating wild animals from a very young age, ultimately resulting in his impressive physique.
William nodded in response, and Garrick poured coffee from the flask he held in his hand into a cup and handed it to William. Feeling soothed by its warmth in the cold weather, William took a sip.
"Heat-retaining magic used to store coffee... mages are amazing!" Garrick exclaimed, pouring himself a cup.
William gazed up at the night sky, taking in the brightness of the moon. Suddenly, he asked Garrick, "When do you think the letter will arrive?"
Garrick took a sip of his coffee before answering. "Our messenger doves are among the fastest in the land. I am confident the letter will arrive tomorrow morning," he replied reassuringly.
William nodded. The letter contained important information about the state of affairs in the capital and instructions from the headmaster, Claire, regarding Charlotte's classes. He hoped that his sister wouldn't react as violently as she did when he first broached the subject of attending the academy.
Garrick then asked, "Have you met Lady Isadora yet, Captain?"
William shook his head and replied, "No, I haven't."
Garrick expressed his disappointment, "Ah, that's a shame! I heard she's quite the beauty."
William's expression changed slightly, and he warned Garrick to watch his words.
"Be careful what you say, Vice-Captain. Remember, she is the fiancée of Crown Prince Alexander Arden."
"I-I'm just joking, Captain," Garrick hastily explained.
William shook his head, wondering when Garrick would learn to rein in his loose tongue.
Suddenly, William felt a stirring within him. He could sense a barely perceptible wave of energy emanating from a concealed alleyway near the academy.
Despite its subtlety, William was able to discern it clearly, and without hesitation, he rose to his feet.
"Let's go!" he said as he started running towards the location.
Garrick noticed the urgency in his captain's face and didn't waste any time. He grabbed his 6-foot broadsword and ran after William.