The sun had barely risen over the sprawling stone towers of the Central Academy of Eldranor, casting the campus in a soft, golden light. The morning air was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of dew and the promise of a long day ahead. Students from all across the continent were already bustling through the wide corridors, many looking eager, some anxious. Today marked the beginning of their official lessons—a day filled with the weight of new expectations and the potential of what they could become.
Caelan Althar woke early, as was his custom. He sat on the edge of his bed, stretching his arms as he glanced around their shared dormitory room. Aldric was already gone, presumably down at the training grounds for some early morning sword practice, while Dorian lay sprawled out on his bed, still fast asleep, his blanket tangled around his legs.
Caelan sighed, amused at Dorian's carefreeness. But he couldn't shake the nerves building in his stomach. Today was the real start of their time at the academy. Everything leading up to this moment had been preparation; now, the journey would truly begin.
He dressed quickly and gave Dorian a light nudge. "Come on, Dorian. We don't want to be late on our first day."
Dorian groaned and cracked an eye open, grumbling under his breath as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. "You're far too chipper for this early in the morning, Caelan." But despite his complaint, he got up and began dressing, though at a noticeably slower pace.
Once they were both ready, they left their dormitory and made their way down to the main building, where the day's classes would take place.
The Central Academy of Eldranor was renowned across the continent, a place where the most talented and promising young minds came to hone their skills in preparation for their future roles. The institution was structured to accommodate students from various walks of life—rulers' successors, knights from noble families, aspiring scholars, and researchers all trained within its ancient stone walls.
Caelan and Dorian made their way through the large central courtyard, the heart of the academy's campus. Towering statues of ancient rulers and heroes lined the pathway, each one a testament to the legacies that had been forged here over centuries. Students bustled about, some heading to the training grounds, others to the library or the classrooms, each one intent on their purpose.
As they walked, Caelan couldn't help but take in the sheer variety of students surrounding them. There were other rulers' heirs like themselves, but also knights, noble children, and those who were here to become scholars or researchers.
The academy's curriculum was tailored to meet the needs of these diverse students, offering a wide range of subjects divided into core and elective courses. For someone like Caelan, destined to be a king, the core classes were compulsory. Every ruler's successor had to master the art of leadership, diplomacy, and governance. Subjects like Politics, Economics, and Management were essential, providing the knowledge necessary to maintain order in a kingdom. Alongside these theoretical lessons were practical skills like Swordsmanship, Horse Riding, and lessons in Military Tactics, ensuring that every ruler could defend their realm if the need arose.
Dorian, walking beside him, had chosen many of the same subjects. As the heir to the throne of Valenor, Dorian was expected to have a well-rounded education, encompassing not only the practical skills of a warrior but also the intellectual tools needed to navigate the complexities of ruling.
"Do you think these classes will be as boring as they sound?" Dorian asked, yawning as they crossed the courtyard.
Caelan chuckled. "Politics and economics are far from exciting, but they're necessary. And it's not all boring. We'll have combat training and lessons on ancient artifacts and tombs, which could be interesting."
Dorian raised an eyebrow. "Artifacts and tombs, huh? I guess you're excited about that?"
Caelan shrugged. "There's a lot of history buried in this world, and we can't afford to ignore it. Especially with the old relics being found more often."
Dorian rolled his eyes. "I'll leave the ancient stuff to you, then. I'll focus on not getting stabbed during swordplay."
Meanwhile, students like Aldric Calder, from knight families, followed a different path. Knights were given more extensive training in physical combat, strategy, and domain-related studies. While they were still required to learn some history and politics, their primary focus was on becoming masters of the battlefield. Aldric, for instance, would be spending much of his time honing his sword skills, learning about formations and tactics, and preparing to one day lead troops into battle. The pressure was high, as knights were expected to not only fight but also inspire loyalty in their men and serve their rulers without question.
And then there were the researchers. The academy prided itself on its research programs, where students could apply by presenting a unique theory or subject worth exploring. If their proposal was accepted, the academy would provide funding, space, and resources for them to conduct their research. The researchers were often some of the brightest minds, focusing on anything from ancient magic to engineering innovations, hoping to uncover the next great discovery.
For the rulers' heirs, knights, and researchers alike, the structure of the academy was designed to mold them into the leaders, warriors, and scholars of tomorrow.
As they reached the entrance to the Main Lecture Hall, Caelan paused, taking in the grandeur of the building. The archways were etched with the names of former students who had gone on to achieve greatness. It was both inspiring and daunting.
They stepped inside, joining the crowd of students as they moved toward the first lecture of the day.
The room was vast, with rows of wooden benches ascending toward the back. At the front stood a large board, and beside it, a map of the continent, which was covered in markings and annotations. A tall, stern-looking professor stood near the board, adjusting his spectacles and shuffling a stack of papers.
As Caelan and Dorian found their seats, they couldn't help but notice the glances being thrown their way. Whispers rippled through the classroom as the other students recognized them—the future rulers of two powerful kingdoms.
"Look, it's the princes," one student murmured, barely loud enough to be heard.
"Do you think they'll be any good at politics?" another whispered, smirking.
Caelan exchanged a look with Dorian, who merely rolled his eyes, clearly unfazed by the attention.
Before the buzz could escalate any further, the professor at the front cleared his throat loudly, commanding the room's attention. The students immediately quieted, their eyes turning forward.
"Welcome to your first day at the Central Academy of Eldranor," the professor began, his voice booming with authority. "I am Professor Harwood, and I will be your instructor in Continental Politics and Governance. This is one of the core subjects for any future ruler, knight, or noble who intends to hold any position of authority."
He paused, letting the gravity of his words settle over the room. "This academy has produced some of the greatest leaders and warriors in history. But make no mistake—many of those who enter here do not succeed. Only those who show true dedication and discipline will earn the right to graduate from this institution."
Caelan listened intently, knowing that these lessons would shape his future. The professor continued outlining the course objectives, explaining how they would delve into the complexities of alliances, trade, governance, and diplomacy. He also hinted at the challenges they would face, both academically and in the field, preparing them for the pressures of leadership.
As the lecture progressed, the door to the classroom suddenly creaked open, and all eyes turned toward the entrance. Two young women stepped into the room, clearly late.
The first girl had an air of quiet confidence about her. She was tall and graceful, with long, dark hair that cascaded down her back in loose waves. Her pale skin contrasted sharply with the dark green and silver attire she wore, which bore the sigil of a lesser-known noble house. Her eyes, a striking shade of violet, scanned the room quickly before she stepped forward, as if unfazed by the fact that all attention was now on her. Her calm demeanor suggested she was no stranger to the expectations placed on noble children.
The second girl, standing just behind her, seemed more reserved but no less striking. She was shorter, with reddish-brown hair tied back in a neat braid. Her sharp green eyes flicked nervously across the room as she followed her friend inside. Dressed in more subdued colors—muted browns and golds—her appearance was more modest, though her presence carried its own weight.
The professor's expression darkened at the interruption, his stern gaze falling on the two girls as they made their way toward the nearest empty seats. "Late on the first day?" he said coldly, his voice filled with disapproval. "I expect this will not become a habit."
The dark-haired girl nodded slightly; her expression unfazed. "It won't, Professor. My apologies."
The other girl merely offered a quick, embarrassed nod, her face flushing as she hurried to sit down.
Once they had taken their seats, Professor Harwood continued his lecture, though the atmosphere in the room had shifted slightly. Caelan noticed that several students were still watching the two girls with curiosity. He, too, found himself wondering who they were.
As the minutes ticked by, Caelan's attention returned to the lecture. The first day had only just begun, and already the academy was proving to be as challenging and unpredictable as he had expected.
And as he glanced at Dorian, then at the mysterious girls, he couldn't help but feel that their time here was about to become even more complicated.