Elrik's life took a dramatic turn after Anna's departure. He felt lost and uncertain about his future. However, his mother's enthusiasm was contagious when she shared the invitation from the castle for him to join the soldiers. She beamed with pride, envisioning her son working alongside the esteemed castle guards. Elrik wished Anna was there to share the news with, but he confided in his father instead.
His father's reaction was far from encouraging. A respected member of the community, he had always envisioned a different path for Elrik, one that didn't involve the dangers and hardships of a soldier's life. Elrik understood his father's concerns, but he felt an inexplicable pull towards the castle and its secrets.
Undeterred, Elrik arrived at the castle, eager to begin his training. As he joined the hundreds of new recruits, he was struck by the sheer scale of the operation. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone eager to prove themselves. Elrik took his place in line, awaiting his turn to receive his guard suit.
That's when he met Baldwin, a charismatic individual with a quick wit and a wealth of knowledge about the castle's history. Baldwin regaled Elrik with tales of the castle's grandeur, its secrets, and its legendary figures. His eyes sparkled as he spoke of Princess Sylvana, the second daughter of the king, describing her as the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.
Elrik listened, entranced, his imagination running wild with visions of the mysterious princess. He had never seen her, but Baldwin's words painted a vivid picture in his mind. As they reached the front of the line, Baldwin turned to Elrik and introduced himself, his smile warm and genuine. Elrik reciprocated, feeling an instant connection to this stranger who shared his passion for the castle's stories.
Together, they received their soldier dress, an imposing suit made of metal and bronze, adorned with the symbol of Sylvana. The iron javelin, with its dull edges, felt solid in Elrik's hand, a tangible representation of his new role. Baldwin nodded in approval, his eyes shining with excitement, as they both took their place among the trainees.
The training space buzzed with activity, soldiers honing their skills, and the sound of clashing steel echoed through the air. Elrik and Baldwin joined the fray, their movements awkward at first, but growing more confident with each passing moment. The training master's voice boomed through the hall, urging them to perfect their technique, to work together, and to become a formidable force.
As the days passed, Elrik found himself drawn to Baldwin's charismatic presence, his ability to weave tales that transported them to another time and place. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, touching on everything from the castle's ancient legends to their personal hopes and dreams. Elrik felt a sense of belonging, of being part of something greater than himself, with Baldwin by his side.
But amidst the camaraderie and shared purpose, Elrik couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Baldwin's stories, more to the castle's secrets, than met the eye. He sensed a hidden depth, a mysterious undercurrent that flowed beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered. And he was determined to explore it, to unravel the mysteries that shrouded the castle and its enigmatic princess.