Spring had deepened into its prime, the air warm and fragrant with blooming wildflowers. The Whisperwood Forest stretched tall and vibrant, a lush expanse of green that bordered the bustling village. Days had passed since Rynar had taken his rare moment of rest, and life in the village had returned to its comforting rhythm.
But whispers of something greater had begun to ripple through the villagers—a rumor carried by merchants, a shadow on the horizon. The knights were coming.
---
The morning began with a flurry of activity. Villagers cleaned the square, swept dirt from their doorsteps, and prepared their best offerings—baskets of fruit, freshly baked bread, and jars of honey. Aldric moved from one group to the next, his staff tapping rhythmically against the cobblestones as he offered quiet words of encouragement.
At the edge of the square, Kael stood with Rynar, his arms crossed as he surveyed the preparations. Rynar leaned against a stack of barrels, his green eyes scanning the busy scene with quiet thoughtfulness.
"They're nervous," Rynar said after a moment, his voice low.
Kael nodded, his expression grim. "The knights don't come often, but when they do, it's not something anyone forgets. Their presence is... heavy."
"Are they dangerous?" Rynar asked.
Kael glanced at his son, a shadow crossing his face. "Dangerous? Yes. But not just because of their strength. They're servants of the system, Rynar. They enforce its laws and maintain its balance. They decide who fits... and who doesn't."
Rynar's gaze darkened slightly, but he said nothing.
"Stay out of their way," Kael added, his tone firm. "If they ask questions, answer simply. Don't give them a reason to look closer."
---
By midday, the village fell into a hushed stillness. The usual hum of chatter and laughter faded as the distant sound of hoofbeats reached their ears. The knights' approach was deliberate, their pace slow but unwavering, as if to announce their authority with every step.
The first figure came into view—a knight clad in gleaming silver armor that reflected the sunlight. The intricate sigils etched into the metal seemed to shimmer with a faint glow, marking them as emissaries of the system. Behind them followed three more knights, each distinct in appearance but united in their imposing presence.
Their leader dismounted first, removing their helm to reveal a sharp-featured woman with pale blonde hair pulled into a tight braid. Her piercing blue eyes swept over the villagers with an expression of practiced calm. She carried herself with the poise of someone accustomed to command.
"I am Knight-Commander Kaelith," she announced, her voice clear and authoritative. "We are here to assess your village for any with elemental affinity or exceptional potential. This is a routine visit. Cooperate, and we will be gone by sunset."
Her words hung in the air like a challenge, daring anyone to object. The villagers exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing. Aldric stepped forward, his staff steady in his hand.
"Welcome to Whisperwood, Knight-Commander," Aldric said, bowing slightly. "We are at your service."
Kaelith nodded curtly. "Prepare the square. We will begin shortly."
---
The villagers gathered quickly, forming a loose circle around the knights. Lyra stood near Aldric, her expression a mixture of nervousness and determination. Her hands fidgeted at her sides, but she kept her gaze steady, her fire affinity a quiet secret no longer.
Rynar stood near the back, his broad shoulders blending into the crowd. Kael's words echoed in his mind: Stay out of their way. He crossed his arms, watching as the knights moved with clinical precision.
One of the knights, a wiry man with dark hair and a scar across his cheek, carried a device shaped like a metallic orb. Its surface was etched with runes, and it pulsed faintly with light. He placed it on a stand in the center of the square.
"This is the Resonance Sphere," Kaelith explained, her voice carrying effortlessly. "It detects and measures elemental affinities. Step forward when your name is called."
The first few villagers approached hesitantly. Most had no affinity, the orb remaining dim and silent as they placed their hands on its surface. The knights dismissed them with polite indifference, their focus unwavering.
---
When Lyra's name was called, a murmur rippled through the crowd. She stepped forward, her braid swaying behind her as she moved. Her brown eyes flicked briefly to Aldric, who gave her a reassuring nod.
She placed her hands on the orb, her breath catching as it began to glow. The light started faintly, a soft amber hue that quickly brightened into a vibrant orange. The runes on the orb pulsed in response, their glow synchronizing with the flame flickering between Lyra's fingers.
The knights exchanged looks, their expressions neutral but intrigued. Kaelith stepped closer, her piercing gaze fixed on Lyra. "Fire affinity," she said, her tone even. "Controlled and focused. Tier-3 potential. Impressive."
Lyra exhaled slowly, her tension easing. "Thank you," she said softly.
Kaelith studied her for a moment longer before stepping back. "You have potential. If you wish to train beyond this village, the Dominion offers opportunities for those with talent."
The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Lyra nodded, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment. "I'll... consider it."
As Lyra stepped back into the crowd, her cheeks flushed with a mix of pride and relief, Rynar felt a strange tightness in his chest. He wasn't sure if it was pride, fear, or something else entirely.
The knights continued their evaluations, calling one name after another. Rynar remained still, his eyes fixed on the Resonance Sphere as it dimmed and brightened in turn.
But then, one of the knights—the wiry man with the scar—glanced in his direction. His dark eyes lingered on Rynar for a moment too long, narrowing slightly as if trying to place him.
Kaelith noticed the exchange and followed her subordinate's gaze. Her sharp eyes landed on Rynar, her brow arching slightly. "You," she said, her voice cutting through the murmurs. "Step forward."
---
The crowd fell silent, all eyes turning to Rynar. Kael stiffened, his jaw tightening as he shot his son a warning glance. Rynar's muscles tensed, his mind racing. Stay calm. Keep it simple.
He stepped forward slowly, the weight of the knights' attention pressing down on him. The Resonance Sphere glowed faintly as he approached, its runes flickering as if testing the air around him.
Kaelith's gaze bore into him, her voice low but commanding. "Who are you?"