As the cabinet members continued to scrutinize Erian, Lord Stormwind declared, "to silence any doubts, I propose a test to prove this young man's worth. A test, one that will reveal his true potential and destiny."
Lady Nightshade raised an eyebrow. "a test, you say? What kind of test could possibly determine his fitness for the throne?"
Lord Stormwind smiled. "It's an ancient ritual, passed down through generations, designed to test a candidate's courage, wisdom, and strength."
Erian's eyes widened, intrigued. "Ancient ritual? I have never heard of it."
Lord Stormwind nodded. "Few have, it's an ancient tradition but has been forgotten by many since the gods no longer speak to us, but I believe that it's the only way to determine your worth, Erian."
The cabinet members exchanged skeptical glances, but Lord Stormwind's enthusiasm was infectious. "Summon the villagers," he commanded. "Let is present our candidates and reveal the nature of the challenge."
They agreed to proceed with the trial, and the villagers was summoned to gather at the ancient temple on the outskirts of the kingdom.
The sun rose on the day of the trial, the villagers gathered before the temple, their faces filled with a mix of curiosity and excitement. Erian, Ryker and other two men stood before the royal cabinet members and the people, their hearts pounding with anticipation.
"The ancient ritual is performed on anyone who passed a great test, not with strength or might but with wisdom," Lord Stormwind explained. "The test will push you to your limits, but if you succeed, you will prove yourself worthy of whatever position you are to assume."
Turning to the face the people, Lord Stormwind introduced the four candidates. "Erian, Thorne Blackforged, Ryker Maya, and Arin the sage will embark on a journey to conquer the giant kingdom of Kragnir. Not with swords and shields, but with strategy and cunning."
The villagers gasped, impressed by the magnitude of the challenge. Kragnir is a vast and powerful kingdom, known for its impenetrable defenses, their loyalty to the their king, for without their king, they can't function and their treacherous politics.
Erian, a young man, wore his leather armor, adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer in the light. He is the royal candidate for the throne. Thorne Blackforged, a candidate to assume the position of a general, wore his black plate armor. Ryker Maya, a Kaleeki, from the Zora clan with emerald blood running in her veins, wore her flowing cloak made of leaves and vines, she is to be the leader of the Kaleeki who have been trained under the leadership of Lady Nightshade, with little knowledge about the traditions and ways of the gods, she is ready.
Arin the sage wore his embroidered robes, his eyes piercing with intellect. He will join the royal cabinet members as a young minister. All were victims of war of the gods, they have lost their families; either sister or brother or parents.
"They will navigate treacherous landscapes, forge alliances, and outmaneuver their does, ' Lord Stormwind explained further. "The Kragnirs will be nothing without their king, they protect their king more than their lives, so it will be very difficult but kill the king of Kragnir kingdom and come back successfully, without the leading of the gods, if you all come back alive, then you are qualified. Let us send them off with our blessings and our hopes for their success."
With that, the people cheered, and blessed them. The four candidates were sent without weapons, only food and water to sustain them for some days with horses were given to them.
It was three days journey as they rode on horses, on getting close to the giant kingdom, they camped about five hundred feet away, their attire were enough to tell which kingdom they came from, so how would they go to Kragnir?
Thorne Blackforged set up the camp with Erian, while Ryker Maya brought their provisions and wines inside the tents, Arin the sage gathered the firewoods to make fire.
They finished in an hour and sat outside the tent. As they sat around the crackling fire, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames, the weight of their challenge settled upon them. Thorne Blackforged, his deep voice laced with concern, spoke up, "Friends, we've come a long way, but the real test lies ahead. How do we plan to breach the walls of Kragnir?"
Erian's brow furrowed, his eyes scanning the darkness beyond the firelight. "We can't just walk in, not with our attire screaming our identities as Eridorians."
Ryker Maya's gaze drifted to her emerald cloak, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns. "Our garb is a symbol of our heritage, but also a liability in this case."
Arin the Sage nodded thoughtfully, his eyes fixed on the stars above. "Kragnir's attire is said to be black as coal, with silver embroidery that shines like the night sky. We'll need to acquire those garments if we hope to blend in."
Thorne's massive hand clenched into a fist. "Where do we find such attire? The marketplaces of Kragnir are not open to outsiders, especially not those from Eridoria."
Erian's voice was laced with frustration. "We can't just sit here, waiting for a miracle. We need a plan, and fast."
Maya's eyes locked onto Erian's, her voice steady. "We must be courageous, friends. We've come too far to turn back now."
Arin's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "I might have an idea, friends. A rumor speaks of a secret market, hidden in the shadows of Kragnir's walls. It's a risky proposition, but if we're lucky..."
Thorne's face lit up with a fierce grin. "Then let's take that risk, and may the gods be with us."
As they spoke, the fire crackled and spat, casting eerie shadows on the surrounding trees. The darkness seemed to press in, a reminder of the dangers that lay ahead. Some of them couldn't help but wonder if they were marching towards their own demise, their fears whispering in the wind.
Yet, in the face of uncertainty, they found solace in each other's company, their determination kindling a flame of hope that refused to be extinguished. United in their quest, they steeled themselves for the trials to come, ready to face whatever lay beyond the walls of Kragnir.
For seven nights, they observed the people of Kragnir kingdom, studying their movements, and learning their patterns. They watched as the soldiers changed shifts, as the merchants haggled over prices, and as the citizens went about their daily lives.
"It's time to put our plan into action," Thorne said, his voice low and urgent. "We need to get into that market, and we need to do it without being detected."
"But how?" Maya asked, her eyes scanning the surrounding area. "The guards are vigilant, and the market is heavily fortified."
Arin smiled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Leave that to me, my friends. I've been watching the soldiers, and I think I can help us blend in."
They followed Arin's gaze to a group of soldiers walking patrol. "We need to take out those soldiers," Arin said, his voice cold and calculating. "And we need to do it quickly and quietly."
Thorne nodded, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Let's do it."
They waited until nightfall, then crept out of their hiding place, moving silently towards the soldiers. The fight was brief and brutal, the soldiers falling to the ground with barely a sound.
"Quickly, let's get their attire," Arin said, his voice urgent. "We need to get into the market before dawn."
They stripped the soldiers of their black and silver uniforms, donning them quickly. Maya adjusted her cloak, making sure it was securely fastened. "I feel like a traitor," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"We're not traitors," Thorne said, his voice firm. "We're warriors, fighting for our kingdom. And we'll do whatever it takes to win."
With their new attire, they made their way to the market, blending in with the other soldiers. No one gave them a second glance as they joined the ranks of Kragnir's army.
"We did it," Erian said, his voice barely containing his excitement. "We're inside."
"But for how long?" Maya asked, her eyes scanning the surrounding area. "We need to be careful, we're not out of danger yet."
Thorne's face was grim. "We'll be careful, but we need to move quickly. We have a kingdom to conquer."