Years passed, and the boy who had fled Ember Hollow became a young man hardened by survival. Shadow wandered from village to village, taking odd jobs and learning to fight from mercenaries who saw potential in his fierce determination.
One day, word reached him of the Iron Order, an elite group of knights sworn to protect the kingdom. They sought new recruits, and Shadow saw his chance.
The Iron Fortress was an imposing structure, its gray walls towering over the surrounding plains. Shadow arrived with little more than a rusty sword and a tattered cloak. He joined a line of hopefuls, each one larger and better equipped than he was.
The knight overseeing the trials, Sir Aldric, was a man with a grizzled beard and eyes like steel. He scanned the recruits, his gaze lingering on Shadow.
"You, boy," Sir Aldric said. "What makes you think you belong here?"
Shadow stepped forward, meeting the knight's gaze with unwavering resolve. "I've fought harder battles than you can imagine. Give me a chance, and I'll prove I'm worthy."
A smirk tugged at the corner of Sir Aldric's mouth. "Very well. Show me."
The trial was brutal. Shadow faced larger opponents in combat, endured grueling physical tests, and demonstrated his resourcefulness in challenges designed to test the mind as much as the body.
By the end of the day, many recruits had been sent home, but Shadow remained. Sir Aldric approached him, clapping a heavy hand on his shoulder.
"You've got fire in you, boy," he said. "From now on, you're a squire of the Iron Order. Don't make me regret it."
Shadow nodded, his heart swelling with pride. For the first time since the fall of Ember Hollow, he felt a spark of hope.