The day of the knights' trials had finally arrived. Vivian stood before the entrance of the knights recruiting hall. She was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. She had trained hard for this day, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of doubt.
Crystal was standing by Vivian's side, her eyes filled with worry. "Are you sure you're ready for this?" she asked.
Vivian nodded. "I think so."
"I'll be rooting for you in the stands, I'm sorry I'll have to leave early." Crystal said.
Vivian smiled. "Thanks. I understand, good luck with your nursing training. I know you'll do great."
Gerald walked over to them with a large burlap sack in hand. "It's time to go," he said. "I'll take you to the knights' training grounds."
Vivian and Gerald waved goodbye to Crystal and Lynn as they headed towards the gates.
As they walked through the grand gates, the cacophony of the training grounds assaulted their senses. The clash of steel, the shouts of knights, and the thunderous footsteps of armored warriors filled the air.
"What a madhouse," Vivian muttered, her eyes wide with astonishment.
Gerald chuckled. "Welcome to the life of a knight."
When they entered, the courtyard was filled with knights of all ages and sizes. Some were practicing their swordsmanship, their movements sharp and precise while others abandoned their swords and exchanged fists and harsh words.
Vivian was dumbstruck but Gerald seemed to be unphased as he pointed out the registration table. A grizzled old knight sat behind the desk, his eyes scanning the crowd.
"Name?" he asked Vivian.
"Luke," she replied.
The knight looked at her slender frame. "You're young… and scrawny," he said.
"But I'm strong," Vivian replied confidently.
The knight grunted. "We'll see about that."
"Last name?" He replied disinterested.
"Ester." replied Gerald.
The knight looked up noticing Gerald for the first time and his eyes widened.
"Gerald? Gerald Ester? This man is kin to you?"
Vivian looked between the two men shocked that Gerald seemed to be recognized.
Gerald smiled and nodded. "He's my nephew. I've been training him for some time now to join."
The burly man stood with a smile and patted Gerald's back with so much vigor that if he weren't smiling you'd think he had intentions on popping the mans arm out of his socket.
"I'm glad to hear we'll have an Ester in our ranks! I'm half tempted to ask the commander to just pass him through!" he paused in thought and looked Vivian up and down with a smile "Though we still have to see what the boy is made of, hopefully he can compare to the legend himself."
He handed Vivian a wooden sword and pointed her towards the training grounds.
Gerald gave his thanks before he and Vivian made their way to the training grounds.
"Legend?" Vivian inquired.
"Eh don't think on it too hard, its just a lot the knights I've trained with when I had the intentions on joining a long time ago…. and I brought a few of the big ones down a peg." He smiled fondly. "Let's just get you set up to take down a few yourself."
There were several targets set up, as well as a number of other knights practicing their swordsmanship.
Vivian forgot about the bag he had until he plopped it down on the ground. Out of the bag he pulled a chest plate, helmet and steel leg armor. "Here, wear this. It's my old equipment but it should fit you."
Vivians heart swelled. She never thought someone who was once a stranger could be so kind and treat her almost as if she were a member of his family. She swallowed back her urge to cry and accepted the armor.
"I'll be in the stands cheering you on. Good luck!" Gerald patted her on the back and headed towards the stands.