I sat across from Lord Ashford, the room filled with an air of formality that made me feel slightly out of place. His gaze was sharp, studying me with an intensity that suggested he could see straight through any façade I might put up. I took a deep breath, meeting his eyes as confidently as I could.
"So, Adrian," he began, leaning back in his chair. "Tell me a bit about yourself. I need to know what talents and skills you have before I can place you anywhere."
"Well," I started, choosing my words carefully, "I grew up in London. Lived there my entire life. I worked in a restaurant with my grandfather. It wasn't much, but I learned to cook, serve customers, and manage things… you know, basic restaurant skills."
Lord Ashford nodded, but there was a slight narrowing of his eyes, as if waiting for more. I hesitated, then decided to go for it.
"I'm interested in the Royal Knights," I admitted quickly. "The Ogygian Royal Knights, to be specific. I'd like to become one. I don't know if I will have any specific talent for any specific branch but I'll train to become a great knight."
That seemed to get his attention. He raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity replacing his stern expression. "The Royal Knights, you say? That's no small ambition for an outsider like yourself." He leaned forward, fingers steepled. "Do you even know what that entails? The Knights are divided into seven branches, each with its own specialty and purpose."
I nodded, sitting up straighter. "No, sir. I don't know much, but I want to learn."
"Let me educate you, then," he said with a slight smirk. "There are the Sky Legion, or the Ogygian Air Guard—they are the knights of the sky. They are trained in air combat, riding their steeds into battle with speed, agility and bravery that gave them the nickname Pegasus Knights"
He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. "Then you have the Imperial. They are the backbone of the Royal Knights, the Imperial specializes in conventional warfare, sieges, and fortifications. Whether defending strongholds or leading assaults, they form the core force of Ogygia's military might. Their tactics and strategies have made them legendary across the land.
Triton's Fleet, on the other hand, are the commanders of the seas, Triton's Fleet controls Ogygia's naval power. Their warships and aquatic mounts secure trade routes, launch seaborne raids, and patrol the vast coastal territories. With a mastery over both ship-to-ship combat and amphibious operations, they embody maritime supremacy."
I listened intently, as he took out a stack of folders laying each one down as he explained the different branches. Each folder had a different symbol etched into the folder's front.
"The Arcane Knights," he went on, "are masters of arcane combat, infusing their weapons with runes and mastering every spell they can get their hands on. Then there is the Titan Guard, they are an elite force specializing in handling large-scale threats, such as giants, dragons, and other monstrous beings. Equipped with powerful siege weaponry, massive war machines, and enhanced armor, they are Ogygia's answer to any titanic threat that ordinary knights cannot overcome."
I blinked, amazed at the sheer diversity of these branches. But he wasn't finished yet.
"The Nightshade Legion are exactly what they sound like," he continued, his voice dropping slightly. "They operate as Ogygia's most secretive and deadly force, specializing in gathering intelligence, eliminating high-value targets, and executing covert missions that no other branch can accomplish. They are known as the "Nightshade Legion" because their presence is like a poison in the dark, unseen and lethal, ensuring that threats to the kingdom are snuffed out before they even emerge.."
He paused again, and I sensed a change in his tone, a faint hint of disdain as he moved on to the last group.
"And finally, there's the Vanguard, the Knightmare of Ogygia's Military. To be frank, nobody likes them." He sighed, shaking his head slightly. "They're a mess, really. Disorganized, ineffective… they haven't accomplished anything noteworthy ever since they were made a branch in the army. No one knows what to do with them, and most of the time, they're seen as a dumping ground for those who can't make the cut elsewhere. They are the Black Sheep of the Knight Corps"
"Why even have them, then?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"Well, someone has to take on the missions that no one else wants. It's not like we can send the elite forces into every crazy situation. The Knightmare Corps just... seems to make things work out, eventually. Plus, they're good for morale—like comic relief in battle. Who else would keep things interesting?"
I nodded slowly, taking it all in. The idea of becoming one of these knights seemed even more daunting now, each one unique in their role and duty. I already had some picked out that looked interesting, so I looked at the four folders in my hand.
Lord Ashford leaned forward, a thoughtful expression on his face. "So, Adrian, which group do you plan to join? I've seen some potential in you."
I looked at the four folders laid out on his desk, each representing a division that intrigued me: Nightshade, the enigmatic assassins; the Pegasus Riders, soaring through the skies; the Imperials, proud and noble; and the Arcane, wielders of magic. Each option shimmered with promise, calling to different aspects of who I was.
But as I weighed my options, something out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. A folder slid across the desk toward me, and my heart sank. It was Vanguard, why them, from all the great groups. I glanced up, but Lord Ashford didn't seem to notice; his attention was still on me.
Then I heard it—the voice of Khaelus whispering in my mind, commanding yet firm. "The Vanguard is where I want you to go."
I sighed, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me.
"Is something wrong?" Lord Ashford asked, his brow furrowing as he noticed my hesitation.
I took a deep breath, setting aside the four appealing folders and grabbing the one for the Vanguard. As I opened it, a wave of disappointment washed over me. The information laid out before me was disheartening. Lord Ashford was right this branch was practically a joke, filled with misfits and underachievers. It was the place where dreams went to die.
Mentally, I asked Khaelus if he was sure about this choice, and his reply was resolute. "Yes."
With a resigned nod, I closed the folder and looked at Lord Ashford. "I've made my choice. I'll join Vanguard."
The look of surprise on his face was almost comical. "The Vanguard? Are you sure? Did you not hear what I had just said about them? Why don't you join the Imperials or the Pegasus Knights, I think you'll even do great as an Arcane Knight"
"I'm sure," I replied, my voice steady despite the uncertainty churning inside me. Lord Ashford really seemed to not want me to join the Vanguard.
Lord Ashford shrugged with a low sigh. "Very well. I'll make the necessary arrangements." He reached for a fountain pen and began writing a letter. "You're to report to the Vanguard Captain tomorrow morning at 9 AM. Here." He handed me the letter, sealing my fate with a flick of his wrist.
I took the letter, nodding as I bowed slightly. "Thank you, Lord Ashford." As I stepped out of the room, I could hear him muttering under his breath, wishing me luck
☉☉☉
As I settled into my seat at the inn, the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, a comforting reminder that even in a world full of uncertainties, some things remained the same. Ariston and his wife, Helena, bustled around the dining area, ensuring every patron felt welcome. As they approached my table, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth from their presence.
"How did it go?" Ariston asked, leaning against the edge of the table with a curious look in his eyes.
I took a bite of my food, the flavors mingling pleasantly in my mouth before I replied. "Well, it was… unexpected." I recounted my meeting with Lord Ashford, how I'd chosen to join the Vanguard, and how the lord's reaction had been filled with disbelief.
Helena's eyes widened, her hand covering her mouth in surprise. "The Vanguard? Are you sure about that? They're not exactly known for their honor."
"I know," I said, pushing my food around on the plate. "But I think they need someone to remind them of what it means to be a knight. Plus, it feels like it's where I'm supposed to be."
Ariston exchanged glances with Helena, the concern in their eyes evident. "Well, we wish you luck with it," Ariston said, clapping a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "It won't be easy, but you have the spirit to make it work."
"Thanks," I replied, though doubt still loomed in the back of my mind. I continued to absentmindedly poke at my meal, lost in thought about what lay ahead.
"Do you know anything about the Vanguard Captain?" I asked, looking up from my plate.
Ariston sighed, glancing at Helena. "Ah, that's a tale and a half. Alexander Kraven a wild one, brash and violent, with a short temper to boot. Rumor has it he once punched a hole through that wall." He gestured to a section of the inn where a large, charred hole marred the otherwise rustic decor.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I didn't notice it earlier. What happened?"
Helena chimed in, her voice laced with both amusement and disbelief. "Well, it was during the Festival of the Golden Dawn. Apparently, one of the recruits made the mistake of grabbing some food off his plate. The Captain didn't take it well. In a fit of rage, he punched the poor guy through the wall, and the next thing we knew, we had a lovely new hole in our inn. Gonna cost a few Gold Ardents to fix it."
"Wow," I muttered, staring at the gaping blackened hole, trying to imagine the scene. "Sounds intense."
"The rumors don't end there," Ariston continued, lowering his voice as if to share a secret. "Some say he's the Falor of Ares, or maybe even Tyr. Others whisper it could be Shango, but nobody really knows. He's secretive about who his Patron Celestial is, which only adds to the intrigue."
I looked back at the hole wondering of the kind of man I was going to meet.
☉☉☉
The morning sun barely peeked through the clouds as I rolled out of bed, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. Today was the day I would report to the Vanguard headquarters and begin my journey as a knight. I dressed quickly, donning the simple clothes I had, and grabbed the letter from Lord Ashford, clutching it tightly as I made my way through the quiet village.
As I approached the headquarters, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. The building loomed before me, rundown and battered, its paint peeling and the windows grimy. I knocked on the door, and the response I received was a cacophony of shouting and clattering sounds from within. It sounded like a full-on brawl.
After what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open, revealing a girl who looked like she'd just rolled out of bed. She wore an oversized shirt that hung off one shoulder, black ripped pants, and combat boots, her hair pulled into an unkempt over-the-shoulder braid. Dark bags under her eyes hinted that sleep was a rare luxury for her. In one hand, she clutched a chipped sword, and her expression was one of annoyance as she eyed me up and down.
"What do you want?" she snapped rudely, the sword resting at her side.
"I'm here to join the Vanguard," I explained, trying to keep my tone steady. "I have a letter from Lord Ashford for the Captain."
"Fine, come in." She let out an exasperated sigh, stepping aside to let me in as she put her sword back into its sheath as she turned to head back into the house and yelled. "Captain, there is someone here for you!"
As I stepped inside, the noise was even louder, filled with laughter and shouts. I glanced around and saw a mismatched group of five guys. Two of them were twins, identical in stature with mischievous grins plastered on their faces. Another guy looked like a sumo wrestler, all he had on were some chausses and Vambraces, the guy was stuffing his face with some food.
A dwarf stood nearby, arms crossed as he held a large half ax and hammer in one hand. The guy was wearing a viking style armor, and had a thick beard and his hair was like a mane, messy with several rings in it.
The last guy, I believe he was, was wearing a full suit of black plate armor. The metal looked heavy, each piece fitting together seamlessly like he had been forged inside it. I could make out the hilt of a greatsword strapped to his back, the weapon so massive that I wondered how he could even draw it, let alone swing it.
Before I could reach for my necklace, I saw a large man strode into the room as he looked over to me. He had the rugged look of a thug, muscles bulging beneath his torn shirt, scars lining his arms, his long black hair was tied back in a rough ponytail. His piercing blue eyes narrowed as he approached, as he scratched his goatee. "What do you want?" he growled.
I handed him the letter, and he yanked it from my hand, tearing it open with an annoyed grunt. As he read, I could see the irritation grow on his face. "Great," he groaned, before bellowing to the others, "We've got a new member! Come introduce yourselves"
I shifted nervously, scanning the room for the other Vanguard Knights I'd imagined. "Where are the rest of the Vanguard Knights?" I asked, half-expecting to see a bustling squad ready for training.
The armored knight scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're looking at all that's left," he replied, gesturing to the ragtag group surrounding me. "I'm Kane, I am sort of the second in command here."
He then introduced the others one by one: the twins, Ethan and Evan, the heavy set guy who went by Samson, the girl with the sword—Calypso—who looked less than pleased, and the dwarf known as Tink. The Captain just stood there cleaning his ear with his finger as he waited.
"Adrian," I introduced myself, trying to mask my disappointment.
Kraven looked around, his gaze landing on Calypso. "Alright, Calypso, it's your lucky day. You'll be training our new recruit, teaching him what it means to be a Vanguard, as of now he is your squire."
Calypso groaned loudly, rolling her eyes as the others exchanged disappointed glances. "Great, just what I wanted," she muttered, clearly annoyed at the thought of being stuck with me.
"Welcome to the Vanguard," Kane said with a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You'll need all the luck you can get."