The morning sun spilled across the village, casting a soft glow over the field where parents gathered to bid farewell to their children. Luca sat in the cart, clutching his bundle of belongings close, his gaze locked on his mother as the horses prepared to pull away. She stood with the other parents, a faint smile on her face despite the sadness in her eyes. Luca's heart ached, a knot forming in his chest. She had always been his greatest comfort, his guide and his friend, and now he would be leaving her behind.

His mother raised a hand in a small wave, and Luca returned it, forcing a brave smile. Around him, the other children whispered their own goodbyes, casting fleeting glances at the parents who stood in quiet support. They all knew this journey was an honour, a chance to serve in the city of Silverdeep, where powerful families trained children from the villages as maids and attendants. But that didn't make leaving easier.

The cart began to creak and jolt as it moved forward, and Luca kept his gaze fixed on his mother until she was just a blur in the distance. He swallowed, promising himself he would make her proud in Silverdeep, where a new life awaited him.

As they travelled, the village roads slowly transformed into open plains painted in hues of green and amber. Sunlight glinted off the morning dew clinging to the grass, and Luca's thoughts drifted from his sadness to the beauty unfolding before him. Small streams crisscrossed the path, winding their way through the fields, and birds darted overhead, their songs filling the air with an excited energy that matched his own mixed emotions.

Silverdeep was a place he had only heard about, a city of stone walls and grand towers, bustling streets, and noble families. Though he was nervous, Luca was determined to face it with courage.

After hours of traveling, the road began to smooth as they neared the outskirts of the city. Towering trees, their leaves a vibrant green, lined the way, and the air held the faint, fragrant scent of wildflowers.

As the cart climbed a hill, the grand walls of Silverdeep appeared in the distance, tall and proud, with banners waving from the ramparts. The closer they drew, the louder the hum of city life became, echoing with sounds Luca had never heard before, chiming bells and the distant clang of metal against metal.

In his heart, he knew he was stepping into a new world. And though he couldn't see his mother now, he held onto the memory of her smile, feeling her presence beside him as he prepared to face whatever lay beyond the gates of Silverdeep.

The cart clattered over the last stretch of the road, and soon the imposing walls of Silverdeep loomed above, adorned with banners bearing symbols Luca didn't yet recognize.

The city's gates were crafted from iron and wood, towering high with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and twisting vines, as though the city itself were alive and growing. As they passed through, Luca's eyes widened at the sight within.

Inside, Silverdeep was even grander than he had imagined. Buildings of stone and timber lined the cobbled streets, their walls embellished with carvings of wild beasts and ancient runes that hinted at the city's long history.

Street vendors called out to passers-by, their carts filled with colourful wares, jewels, spices, and fruits that Luca had never seen before. The air buzzed with the sounds of laughter and clinking metal, and an aroma of freshly made food drifted through the streets, mingling with the scent of herbs from hanging baskets outside the shops.

After weaving through several streets, the cart finally stopped at a large, sturdy stone building tucked along a quiet lane. The building was a rest house known as The Hearthkeep, a place reserved for children like Luca who had travelled from villages far and wide. Its walls were covered in ivy, and a sign above the door displayed the image of a warm, glowing fire.

Inside, the Hearthkeep was filled with the sound of excited murmurs and soft whispers. The main hall was spacious, lined with rows of wooden beds and long benches, where children from other villages were already settling in. Some looked around with the same wide-eyed wonder as Luca, while others appeared weary from their journey.

That evening, the children shared stories of their villages and their families. Some spoke of farms and fields, while others came from forests and mountain settlements. Luca listened, fascinated by the variety of lives they'd left behind, but his thoughts often drifted back to his mother and his village.

Morning dawned bright and early, and as the first light spilled through the windows of the Hearthkeep, new groups of children began arriving from the nearby villages. By midday, the rest house was filled, a diverse gathering of boys and girls who would soon begin their training in Silverdeep.

The children gathered in the main hall, waiting to hear which of Silverdeep's renowned families they would serve. A few of them exchanged excited whispers, but there was a nervous energy in the air. One of the boys, a tall, thin boy named Finn, turned to Luca.

"I wonder who'll get the Gaellen family," he whispered, a trace of awe in his voice. "They say they've got the grandest estate in the whole city."

Luca nodded, only half-listening as he took in the names of the four families. He, too, had heard rumours about them from the Hearthkeep caretakers. These families held considerable sway within Silverdeep, each was influential, though their power was modest compared to the capital's noble houses.

The four families were:

The Gaellen Family - Known for their large estate and fine craftsmanship. They were rumored to be generous yet strict with those who served them. The Morven Family - A lineage of scholars and scribes, they were respected for their knowledge and well-guarded family library. The Drakemore Family - Noted for their military background, they managed Silverdeep's security and trained many of the town's guards. The Lyrran Family - Wealthy merchants who held influence over Silverdeep's bustling trade and market affairs.

Luca felt a jolt when his name was called, along with a few others, and they were assigned to the Drakemore family. A gruff man dressed in dark leathers beckoned to them. He seemed accustomed to issuing commands, and his presence held an air of authority.

"Follow me," he said, his voice carrying over the excited whispers. The children fell silent, clutching their belongings as they filed out of the Hearthkeep, following him through Silverdeep's winding streets. Luca glanced at the others in his group, some of whom looked equally as apprehensive as he felt.

When they arrived at the Drakemore estate, they were led through iron gates into a wide, open courtyard. Stone walls surrounded them, tall and imposing, and the place had an air of discipline and order, fitting for a family known for its military roots.

The man stopped, his eyes surveying them briefly before he spoke. "You will remain here until summoned. Silence is expected," he said curtly. With that, he turned and disappeared through a doorway, leaving Luca and the others standing in the open ground, a mix of excitement, curiosity, and trepidation filling the quiet space around them.

Luca looked around at his companions, but no one dared to speak. Instead, they exchanged silent glances, all wondering what awaited them inside the walls of the Drakemore family's home.